L’Ermitage unveils restaurant designs by Champalimaud
L’Ermitage has unveiled a new signature restaurant, Costa Covo Osteria, and soon to debut lobby lounge, Alcova.
The Beverly Hills hotel, that’s name means ‘hideaway’ is situated on a discreet residential street just a stone’s throw away from the heart of the city. Established in 1975, L’Ermitage has recently earned Two-Key Status by MICHELIN Guide.
Helmed by Executive Chef Todd Matthews and designed by New York-based studio Champalimaud Design, the debut of Costa Covo and Alcova are a part of the hotel’s refurbishment, which will also include a new rooftop pool experience and new bar and restaurant, Poza, both set to open in early 2025.
“We’re excited to welcome our guests and local community to experience what we’ve been working on behind the scenes here at L’Ermitage,” says Matthews. “At Costa Covo, we’ve focused on drawing a spotlight on the fresh, vibrant ingredients home to the Southern California region in a coastal Italian lens, while Alcova is where you can wind down with a cocktail in hand over shared plates. For us, we hope to create more than a meal, where people can connect and relax in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.”
Located on the left-hand side of the hotel’s newly redesigned lobby space, Costa Covo offers a refreshingly simple take on coastal Italian cuisine with subtle hints to the shared bounty of the Mediterranean Sea. Italian plates with classic and seasonally inspired ingredients range from market-fresh crudo and perfectly prepared cuts of beef to artisanal desserts.
The menu highlights Matthew’s passion for handmade pasta, featuring creations such as the Grano Arso Orecchiette in garlic sauce with shishito peppers, bottarga and pangrattato and the Tagliolini al Limone with preserved lemon, Parmigiano Reggiano topped with caviar for a refined touch. Curated to complement this menu, the restaurant’s wine list features a thoughtful selection of sparkling, crisp whites and full-bodied reds as well as signature cocktails.
The restaurant itself blends European elegance with California modernism. Drawing inspiration from art director Cedric Gibbons, Costa Covo pays homage to Hollywood’s golden age with silver leaf coffered ceilings, fluted pilasters and bespoke bar chairs.
A striking landscape photograph by Amir Zaki joins a ceramic commission by Roger Herman to bring contemporary character into the space. Rich accents of velvet persimmon are enhanced by textures of lacquer and onyx, adding layers of warmth, while furniture inspired by Jean-Michel Frank and Gio Ponti is complemented by soft, residential-style lighting. For an alfresco dining option, Costa Covo also features an intimate outdoor seating space surrounded by lush greenery.
Situated on the right-hand side of L’Ermitage’s lobby space lies the hotel’s new lounge, Alcova, which will offer a more intimate escape accommodating just 16 guests.
With creative direction led by Matthews, at Alcova, guests and locals can savour specialty drinks and small plates such as Sterling Osetra Caviar with Potato Chips and Whipped Crème Fraiche; Pecorino Toast with Whipped Ricotta and Truffle Honey and Arancini filled with Smoked Mozzarella and San Marzano tomatoes.
The experience is completed with a custom Negroni trolley that will serve specialty cocktails tableside. Alcova transitions from a comfortable living room in the afternoon, to a candlelit lounge in the evening, where a custom fireplace sets a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Its design features green velvet sofas inspired by Jean-Michel Frank, 1940s walnut and leather armchairs and walnut flooring. A yin and yang wall provides an element of privacy, while a curved alcove showcases a glazed ceramic piece by California artist David Hicks, adding a focal point to the room.
“We approached the design for L’Ermitage Beverly Hills with a vision of creating a series of intimate, stylish spaces that embody the property’s residential feel, perfect for both entertaining and fine dining, while showcasing a thoughtfully curated art collection,” says Ed Bakos, Partner and CEO of Champalimaud Design. “Inspired by the elegance of the 1920s and 30s, we chose sumptuous materials and refined proportions that balance comfort with craftsmanship, emphasising simplicity and sophistication.”
