Dining out is a daily occurrence for celebrities and you can bet most restaurants they favor are in exclusive hotels and members clubs in and around Los Angeles and New York. However, not all their top choices are triple Michelin-starred venues. If you fancy dining among the stars and trying a taste of how the other half live, read on. From affordable lunchtime barbecue pit stops to once-in-a-lifetime beachfront bars, we've found the best restaurants in the USA to spot a celeb.
Plant-based Mexican restaurant Gracias Madre in West Hollywood is a hot spot for celeb watching. Megan Markle recently chose to host her International Women's Day lunch here, while other celebrity diners include Selena Gomez (pictured), TV host Ellen DeGeneres, actress Amanda Seyfried and Golden Globe winner Jessica Chastain. The restaurant boasts a sunny patio, Instagrammable drinks and tempting plates of truffle cheese and guacamole tortillas and has been drawing in a famous crowd since its opening in 2014.
Ocean Drive’s Prime 112, located in Browns Hotel, is a chef driven boutique steakhouse and seafood restaurant beloved of celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, British TV personality Simon Cowell and the Kardashians when they're in Miami. The menu includes dishes such as Japanese Kobe, fried chicken and waffles, and lobster mac 'n' cheese. When the Kardashians' friend and reality TV star Jonathan Cheban visited, he tucked into the jumbo shrimp cocktail and caviar selection (pictured).
People line up down the street for hours to try the tasty brisket, pulled pork and smoked meat at Franklin Barbecue in Austin. It has sold out every day since it was established in 2009 and is a magnet for all those visiting the area but even actor Bill Murray and rap artist Kanye West had to join the line when in town. Only two people have been allowed to skip to the front: former president Barack Obama and British chef Gordon Ramsay (pictured with his plate of barbecued meats).
Housed in a former historic toy factory, The Palm is a family-owned fine-dining restaurant in downtown LA’s South Park and a popular hangout for celebrities. At the Italian-influenced restaurant you can order prime steaks, whole lobster and specialty plates including Tuscan chargrilled octopus and linguine with white clam sauce. Established in 1926, the restaurant regularly hosts NBA, NFL and NHL sporting stars as well as regular Courteney Cox (pictured) and her Friends co-star Lisa Kudrow.
If you’re in Philadelphia, head to Asian fusion restaurant Buddakan for a chance of seeing the likes of Robert Di Niro, Mick Jagger, and Oprah Winfrey. Kendall Jenner (pictured) and former NBA boyfriend Ben Simmons also dined here when they visited Philly. Gold interiors, a giant buddha and indoor waterfall provide the perfect backdrop for feasting on edamame dumplings, char siu pork buns, Kobe beef satay, while celeb spotting.
Urth Caffé is an organic coffee shop and brunch spot with several locations, but the Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood, branch is the one for spotting famous faces. Reports suggest it’s possible you might bump into reality TV stars Kylie and Kendall Jenner, model Hailey Bieber (pictured), actresses Katie Holmes and Amanda Seyfried or singer Lana Del Rey.
An absolute haven for A-listers, high-end sushi restaurant Zuma is frequented by the likes of the Beckhams (pictured), Gwyneth Paltrow, Will Smith, and Drake. Set in the luxury EPIC hotel, it has chic, minimalist decor and views of the Miami River. The menu features the likes of sashimi, black cod dumplings, crispy fried squid, and seared beef from chef Rainer Becker’s kitchen.
Studio City’s health-focused Hugo’s is the go-to destination on Riverside Drive for celebs wanting vegan food such as almond pancakes and huevos rancheros for breakfast, and vegan mac ‘n’ cheese, tofu stir-fries and turkey meatloaf for lunch and dinner. It’s a favorite of vegan country musician Miley Cyrus and actress Ashley Tisdale, while former couple Kim Kardashian and Kanye West (pictured) visited the former Agoura Hills branch.
Club meets restaurant TAO has two locations, one in uptown and one in downtown New York. At both, the possibility of bumping into someone famous – no matter what night of the week – is highly likely. Well-known diners include former One Direction singer Harry Styles, rapper Flo Rida, and husband and wife Beyoncé and Jay-Z (pictured) when they’re in town. Spot them sipping cocktails with names such as 5-Spice Cherry Manhattan and Mango Chili Martini while they enjoy delicious dim sum.
In downtown Austin the Driskill Hotel, dating back to 1886, houses an old-world Texan bar with low lighting, rustic leather chairs and cowhide bar stools. A host of well-known people including politicians, musicians, and actors have all been spotted enjoying whiskey cocktails and plates of smoked wings, ribs, bacon, jalapeños, and cornbread. But beware – Eurythmics' Annie Lennox claims she encountered a ghost here, as reported by The Austin Chronicle.
Madeo Ristorante has been serving gourmet Italian food and wine for over 35 years. The upmarket restaurant is known for its high-profile clientele with past guests including singer Taylor Swift who has a home nearby, model Bella Hadid and actress Emma Roberts. English actor Hugh Grant was spotted here with his wife Anna Eberstein (pictured) when he was in LA to present a Golden Globe in 2018. Menu highlights include Parmesan eggplant, spaghetti Bolognese, and burrata.
Michelin-starred fine dining Indian restaurant Tamarind Tribeca has a glamorous, spacious dining room that makes private conversations at tables possible. It’s a favorite with businessmen, actor Robert De Niro and comedian Mindy Kaling (pictured). The menu features dishes such as prawns in coconut sauce with mustard, cumin, curry leaves, and coriander, chicken in saffron cashew sauce, and baby goat in cardamom.
Owned by reality TV couple Bill and Giuliana Rancic, RPM Steak in Chicago’s River North is a local hideout for celebrities. Past guests include former President Barak Obama, singer Ashlee Simpson Ross and husband Evan Ross, and Seinfeld co-creator Larry David and actor Greg Kinnear (pictured). The latter duo is reported to have eaten several salads, seafood appetizers, NY strip steaks, Japanese wagyu, ribeye, cod, halibut, corn, the Millionaire's Potato (consisting of fontina and black truffle), and many desserts.
Toscana in Brentwood, Los Angeles is an Italian trattoria with a club vibe. Menu highlights include salmon carpaccio, thin-crust pizza, and filet mignon with porcini mushrooms and the place is a favorite with local celebrities. Taylor Swift is said to be a fan – on a night out the singer reportedly ordered burrata, gnocchi pesto, tagliolini tartufo, and white wine. Other celebrity visitors inlcude actor Michael Keaton and American Idol star Katharine McPhee.
Brimming with steak lovers day and night, Benjamin Steak House near Grand Central, New York is also beloved by celebrities. Head here for steak that’s dry-aged in the restaurant’s own ageing box, Benjamin fries with blue cheese, and lobster tails. Famous faces who have visited include actor Zac Efron, music industry exec Clive Davis, Jamie Foxx, Whoopi Goldberg, and Bill Murray (pictured).
Harp & Crown is an ornate West Philadelphia restaurant with high ceilings, chandeliers, a speakeasy, and bowling alley. Its surroundings were the setting for Canadian rapper Drake (pictured), NBA player Ben Simmons, and musicians Meek Mill and Migos’ boys' night after a Drake concert in September 2018. The group reportedly indulged in 1942 tequila, mac ‘n’ cheese, pizza, and meatballs.
Iconic restaurant The Grill in the Seagram Building, New York was New York Times food critic Pete Wells’ favorite place to eat in 2017. Naturally, celebrities then flocked to this glamorous spot with a strict dress code. Menu highlights include lobster à la Newberg, curried triple lamb chops, and whole grilled young chicken. Couple Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom are fans.
Located in Philadelphia’s bustling Rittenhouse Square is British gastropub The Dandelion. Its menu features classics such as devilled eggs, rabbit pie, shepherd's pie, cider steamed mussels and Welsh rarebit. A Star is Born actor Bradley Cooper has visited and apparently feasted on fish and chips, mussels, and homemade ricotta.
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The Southern outpost of sleek New York steakhouse STK is the spot to see A-listers when they're filming in Atlanta. Arnold Schwarzenegger dined here during Sabotage, Denzel Washington when he was in Flight, and Kim Kardashian and NeNe Leakes during Drop Dead Diva. Chris Pratt (pictured) and Katherine Schwarzenegger dined on steak Oscar, jalapeño cheddar grits with roasted cauliflower, and blue iceberg salad when they visited.
Sprawling Michael Angelo’s Bakery on Broadview Heights, Cleveland is an unlikely combination of an old-fashioned bakery and winery, and also a celeb hangout. Fresh pastries, chocolates and made-to-order cakes make it a favorite with the locals. One of which is Khloe Kardashian, who once bought a birthday cake from Michael Angelo’s Bakery.
It’s very difficult to get a table at Catch LA unless you're wealthy or famous, so if you manage it celeb sightings are a sure thing. On the plant-filled rooftop terrace with stunning views above Melrose Avenue, heiress Paris Hilton (pictured), singer Mariah Carey, and models Kate Upton and Sofia Richie are regulars. Spot them sipping cocktails and ordering dishes like crispy cauliflower or sweet potato gnocchi off the vegan menu.
Long-time hangout for the rich and famous since 1927, Chateau Marmont on Sunset Boulevard has a rock and roll past. Its clientele includes musicians Pink Floyd, Billy Idol and Britney Spears, Pirates of the Caribbean actor Johnny Depp and English model Kate Moss. Mean Girls actress Lindsay Lohan (pictured) famously lived in the hotel for two-and-a-half years. Keep your eye out at the hotel restaurant and be sure to order the famous Chateau beef burger and truffle Parmesan fries.
When in Palm Desert, Mastro’s Steakhouse is a must-visit. Jamie Foxx and his friends stopped here during Coachella one year, and the restaurant serves so much more than steak and chops. The actor and musician was said to have enjoyed salads, crab, chicken, salmon, steak, bacon, ahi tuna, and a dessert platter. The restaurant, which has a 'strict upscale dress code', also has a rooftop bar and lounge with a great cocktail list.
Modern Japanese restaurant Umi has chic, airy interiors and serves some of the area’s best sushi. Top dishes include shrimp tempura with ponzu, grilled cod in miso, and yellowtail sashimi with sliced jalapeño. The food alone makes it worth a visit, however, its proximity to St. Regis Atlanta makes it a magnet for celebrities including actresses Jennifer Aniston and Jennifer Lawrence (pictured). When the latter was a guest, she is said to have ordered the Miyazaki beef steak.
Located in Washington Harbor, Fiola Mare is inspired by the Italian coastline and the beautiful restaurant draws in a celebrity crowd. It specializes in seafood dishes such as Maine lobster, Rhode Island calamari, and Adriatic mixed grilled seafood. The impressive salt crusted branzino and Fisherman’s style Spanish turbot are carved tableside. Former president Barack Obama celebrated his 55th birthday with wife Michelle in the Georgetown restaurant in 2016, while Joe and Jill Biden, Oprah Winfrey, and Ivanka Trump have also visited.
Intimate supper club 4 Charles Prime Rib is tucked away in charming West Village and is a favorite celebrity haunt. Visit for its strong cocktails; slow roasted, salt crusted prime rib of beef, and cozy, dimly lit vintage interiors. Actress Gwyneth Paltrow (pictured) and model Gigi Hadid are fans. The restaurant serves the latter’s favorite American cheeseburger which comes with a choice of bacon and egg.
New York’s over the top burger joint Black Tap is a guilty pleasure for celebrities. The Michelin Guide says singers The Weeknd (pictured) and Joe Jonas, and actresses Kate Hudson and Katie Holmes are just a few of the A-list clientele flocking to try the Crazy Shakes and award-winning burgers. Top choices include The Pizza Burger topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and shaved Parmesan and The Cake Shake. This is a cake batter milkshake topped with a cake slice, whipped cream, rainbow sprinkles and a cherry.
All Nobu locations draw in an A-list crowd and its Malibu beachfront venue is no different. It's attracted the likes of actress Dakota Johnson, actors Bradley Cooper and Leonardo DiCaprio (pictured), and Kourtney Kardashian – all seeking lunch overlooking the ocean. On the menu is beautifully crafted Japanese and Californian dishes like lobster sweet and sour, prime tenderloin with miso ponzu, and crispy shiitake salad.
Set in the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel on Sunset Boulevard, The Polo Lounge guarantees celeb sightings. Back in the day the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor and Clark Gable ate in the chic, green-hued dining room. These days, Gwyneth Paltrow, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Rock, and Taylor Swift are fans of the menu including delicious Italian dishes such as chicken Parmesan, linguine alle vongole, and filet mignon.