Maude

Maude is a Beverly Hills restaurant known for Chef Curtis Stone's ingredient-driven tasting menu. Named after Stone's grandmother and culinary mentor, this Beverly Hills restaurant seats just 25 guests around an open kitchen. Maude has established itself as a distinctive Los Angeles fine dining address through Stone's approach to seasonal cuisine. The Australian-born chef conceived Maude as his creative laboratory, where monthly ingredient themes once guided nine-course menus through California's seasonal bounty.

The restaurant earned critical acclaim by eliminating traditional menu choices, instead inviting guests to trust Stone's culinary vision completely. The cuisine at Maude represents contemporary Californian cooking, where global influences merge with locally sourced ingredients. Signature preparations like the Butter Poached Lobster with black truffle and pearl onions showcase Stone's technical precision, while the theatrical Canard à la Presse, pressed tableside and presented in two services, demonstrates his flair for culinary drama. Each dish reflects Stone's philosophy of turning comfort food into polished plates, from bacon and eggs raviolo with duck egg to scallop crudo adorned with caviar and nasturtium flowers.

Designed by Bishop Pass, Maude's 1,500-square-foot space blends midcentury modern aesthetics with vintage touches, including heirloom plates from Stone's grandmother. The open kitchen concept fosters transparency between chef and diner, while the wine loft houses 125 selections. Wine Director Ben Aviram's program emphasizes pleasure over pretension, offering thoughtful pairings that complement Stone's seasonal narratives without overwhelming the culinary focus. Service at Maude balances polished formality with approachable warmth.

The restaurant's small scale ensures personalized attention, while the menu-less format shapes the experience. This intimate setting, combined with Stone's commitment to seasonal ingredients and nostalgic flavors, creates an experience that feels both exclusive and welcoming. Maude is closed permanently, so reservations are no longer available. The restaurant's final chapter marked the end of Stone's ingredient-driven artistry in this dining room.