When it comes to this column, I welcome all the advice that I can get.

The expression of my opinions has greatly benefitted from the advice of long time Beverly Vista English teacher Merle Bauer who has advised that “less is more”. This has resulted in shorter, tighter columns.

Recently, Ron Demeter gave me two suggestions: 1) add some humor; and 2) people like lists. Generally it is my intention to write about serious subjects where, try as I might, humor doesn’t fit. But the list idea is a very good one.

That leads me to this list of Beverly Hills restaurants where it is possible to have lunch (salad or sandwich plus a drink) for under $25, not including tax and tip..

Actually, two lists: my top ten personal favorites ; and ten places that I would like to try.

Please note: these lists are by no means comprehensive so I hope that no one takes offense because they are not included or, for that matter, included or inaccurately described. Further, I have intentionally not included chains or fast food spots. As you likely would figure out, these are listed alphabetically.

Ten Personal Favorites:

Beverliz Cafe 308 S. Beverly Drive – this family operated place has an extensive menu. I generally go for one of their salads and the bottomless lemonade. I was introduced to this hidden gem by Judie Fenton several years ago and have visited it often with Josh Gross, Gary Ross, Julian Gold and John Mirisch (not all at the same time), and others.

Blasteran 272 S. La Cienega – describes itself as offering New American Cuisine with an Indonesian flavor; plenty of salad and sandwich options within our budget but if you want to splurge, consider the Blasteran Burger. This is a favorite of Anne Ostroff.

Euro Cafe 427 N. Canon – this is located in a courtyard just past Carroll & Co. Coffee, bakery goods and excellent sandwiches. I was introduced to this hideaway by Courier Editor Ana Figueroa (who likely did not want to be seen with me).

Factor’s 9420 W. Pico – OK, this is one block out of Beverly Hills so I must be a bit flexible; this is a classic deli with a huge dining room and huge menu; great pastrami; I love the demographic as it is one place that I can go and be certain that I will not be the oldest person in the joint. To be certain of this, I often take my elderly friend, Eliot Finkel. For a spark of youth, I have been there with Harvey Englander and Andy Licht.

Mickey Fine Pharmacy and Grill 433 N. Roxbury – this is not to be confused with the Mickey Fine Pharmacy on Camden which does not have a “grill”: This one offers burgers, sandwiches, salads and a wide variety of milkshakes. I met Beverly Hills activist Frances Bilak for the first time there.

Guisado’s 120 S. Linden – you have to know what you are looking for to find this small place behind a large parking lot that faces Linden Drive; all tacos, all the time; very reasonably priced. Bob Wunderlich introduced me to this house of tacos.

Kelly’s Coffee & Fudge Factory 444 N. Rexford (inside the Library) – salads, sandwiches, variety of coffees and lots of homemade fudge; an ideal stop when you are going to City Hall or to check out a book. When I am rushing to City Hall, I stop for the hot chocolate (hold the whipped cream) to go.

Kiyono 255 S. Beverly – This is my favorite sushi place in Los Angeles. The owner Kaz is always there. The fact that it is named after Kaz’s mother-in-law tells you that this is a family place. Reasonable lunch specials. Also a favorite of Ron Demeter’s parents, Dan and Myra Demeter.

Leora’s 9346 Civic Center Drive – truly a hidden gem located behind the Live Nation and UTA buildings; close to the intersection of 3d street and Civic Center Way; pastries, salads, sandwiches and matcha.

The Nosh 9689 Santa Monica Blvd – a deli with all the classic deli sandwiches and a wide variety of bagels; hangout of at least one Beverly Hills Mayor.

Urth Caffe 267 S. Beverly – a very serious coffee house with sandwiches, salads and a wide variety of irresistible pastries. I met for the first time my now good friends Alan Block and Howard Fisher there. I have also discussed important matters of state there with Lori Gordon and Wendy Nystrom.

Places that I would like to try:

Brighton Cafe 9600 Brighton – extensive menu; very popular; open since 1930 which tells you something.

Continental Kitchen 8300 Wilshire – nice space and offers all-day breakfast, burgers, salads, wraps and kabobs; also open to 9p so beer and wine are available.

Cafe Cinema 291 S. La Cienega – salads and sandwiches across the street from La Cienega Park.

Judi’s Deli (when re-opened) 433 N. Bedford – extensive, reasonably priced deli menu; temporarily closed due to fire; watch for reopening.

Il Tramezzino 454 N. Canon – this Italian cafe has been open in Beverly Hills since 1991 and offers a large variety of reasonably priced salads and paninis. Nice outdoor seating.

Joe’s Pizza 9527 Santa Monica – NY thin-crust pizza; large selection of calzones, pizza by the slice, salads; indoor and outdoor seating. Next door to Lorenzo California.

La Ong 9632 Santa Monica – Thai restaurant named after the chef’s grandmother; extensive menu in a beautiful setting.

Lorenzo California 9529 Santa Monica – Florentine Italian sandwich shop next door to Joe’s Pizza; indoor and outdoor seating.

Sweet Beverly 240 N. Beverly/235 N. Canon (Inside Beverly Gardens park – accessible from both streets) – large selection of sandwiches, salads, wraps and coffee and soft drinks; beautiful location with lots of outdoor seating.

Wrapstar 9533 Santa Monica – large selection of (you guessed it) wraps. Just west of Joe’s Pizza and Lorenzo California – a new restaurant row?

One final note: In 1965 I visited Europe for the first time, armed with Arthur Frommer’s then sort of current “Europe on $5 a day.” That budget is no longer possible if you have to pay for food, lodging, transportation and the like. My guess is that in a few years time, lunch in Beverly Hills for under $25 will no longer be possible.

So, get it while you can.

Peter Ostroff is a retired attorney and former Beverly Hills Planning Commissioner.