Bad Roman Brings Bold Italian Glamour and High-Energy Dining to Beverly Hills

Bad Roman, the newest Italian restaurant arrival on North Canon Drive in Beverly Hills, is serving playful Italian American cuisine inside a dining room where the over-the-top design is every bit as memorable as the food.

Created by New York's Quality Branded Hospitality Group, Bad Roman marks the company's first West Coast venture, transforming the former Palm Steakhouse location into one of Beverly Hills' liveliest and glamorous new dining destinations.

Designed by GRT Architects, the restaurant is theatrical without being overwhelming. Velvet banquettes, bold patterns, sculptural greyhound statues, snake-shaped door handles and warm brass lighting create a space that is both elegant supper club and contemporary art installation. Soft neon accents glow throughout the dining room, making it suited for date nights as well as celebratory dinners with friends.

Bad Roman doesn't take itself too seriously, and that playful attitude carries through the menu. Under the direction of Chef Partner Craig Koketsu and Executive Chef Clint Ives, the kitchen reimagines familiar Italian American favorites with unexpected twists. The result is comfort food elevated with luxury ingredients and creative presentations.

The meal is best experienced family-style, beginning with several dishes for the table. The Roasted Garlic Babka is a standout, arriving warm with layers that pull apart while delivering rich roasted garlic flavor. The 'Roni Cups n' Ranch transforms pepperoni pizza into an appetizer, pairing crisp pepperoni cups with a creamy ranch dip.

Seafood lovers will be impressed by the Shellfish Tower, a lavish presentation of Maine lobster, oysters, king crab, shrimp, tuna crudo and Osetra caviar. Lighter options such as the Montauk Fluke with market giardiniera and toasted sesame or the Peekytoe Crab Luigi showcase fresh coastal flavors.

Pasta is where Bad Roman truly shines. Every variety is made fresh. The Spicy Lobster Campanelle delivers big chunks of lobster tossed in a Calabrian chili sauce that offers gentle heat without overpowering the sweetness of the seafood. The Penne Luongo, finished with black truffle and cacio e pepe, is also decadent with rich, earthy flavor.

For heartier appetites, the Filetto paired with a cacio e pepe raviolo offers an elegant take on steak and pasta, while the Candied Ribs provide a fusion of sweet caramelization and savory richness. The Roasted Branzino, finished with salsa verde, offers a lighter satisfying entrée. Desserts are also stunning and include a blood orange sorbet with whipped zabaglione, tiramisu ice cream cake, caramelized chocolate tart and a beautiful lemon cheesecake.

With its bold personality, imaginative menu and lively atmosphere, Bad Roman injects fresh excitement into Beverly Hills' restaurant scene. Equal parts stylish, playful and delicious, it's a destination where Italian comfort food gets a glamorous makeover.