Grab a Late-Night Bite in Beverly Hills

As you might imagine, Beverly Hills is positively cooking with fancy restaurants. But the city boasts also a number of late-night establishments that serve fine food in casual surroundings at reasonable costs. Because prices vary widely, you may want to check around for the place that fits your budget.

Some of Beverly Hills’ finer restaurants are well worth a drive from anywhere in the Los Angeles area; the numerous cafes, bistros and ristorantes specializing in various ethnic cuisines are especially reputable. So, if you are out late after an evening at the theater or concert hall, try one of the following nightspots for refreshments. But bear in mind that Beverly Hills rigidly enforces rules about smoking and nonsmoking sections in all public eateries.

Jacopo’s Pizzeria, 490 N. Beverly Drive, (213) 858-6446. Open Fridays and Saturdays until 2 a.m., weekdays until midnight. Garage parking in back; no reservations accepted except for very large parties.

Jacopo’s has been making New York-style pizza for almost 20 years, in addition to pastas and an assortment of other Italian dishes. Beginning this weekend, Friday and Saturday nights from 11 p.m. until closing, they will offer all-you-can-eat baby back ribs for $10.95 (includes potato salad, cole slaw, dinner rolls). Beer and wine.

Bistango, 133 N. La Cienega Blvd., (213) 652-7788. Open Fridays and Saturdays until 1 a.m., weekdays till 10:30 p.m. Valet parking; reservations recommended for dinner.

This intimate bistro takes pride in its fresh pastas--particularly recommended is the tricolored seafood linguine, served in a sauce of fresh tomato and tarragon. There is piano entertainment nightly until closing. Full cocktail bar.

Homer & Edy’s Bistro, 2839 S. Robertson Blvd., (213) 559-5102. Open daily until 1 a.m., although the kitchen closes for full meals at 11 p.m. Valet parking; reservations recommended for dinner.

A casual, home-style bistro, Homer & Edy’s specializes in Cajun and Creole cooking. Edy is likely to recommend seafood gumbo and, for dessert, fresh pecan pie. If you come in late on Friday or Saturday nights, you might want to try the special drink of the house, Edy’s Creole Cocktail, known around the bar as “the love potion,” while you listen to live jazz music. Full cocktail bar.

La Masia, “An Old Spain Country House,” 9077 Santa Monica Blvd., (213) 273-7066. Open Fridays and Saturdays until 1 a.m., weekdays until midnight (closed Mondays). Valet parking; reservations recommended. Men are asked to wear dinner jackets after 9 p.m. (ties not necessary).

All sorts of traditional Spanish fare is served here. But the chef is especially proud of his paella, prepared with assorted seafood, fresh poultry and chorizo-- a Spanish sausage--and served over saffron rice. Full cocktail bar.

The Bistro Garden, 176 N. Canon Drive, (213) 550-3900. Kitchen open nightly until 11, but will remain open as long as customers are dining. Valet parking; reservations preferred.

The Bistro Garden is a large and popular restaurant, replete with private dining rooms, gardens and a cozy, dark bar. Very romantic. The specialty of the house is chocolate souffle. But, for a late-night entree, you may want to try the broiled shrimp in mustard sauce. Full cocktail bar.