Want to Spot a Celebrity? Here Are 10 Restaurants Where You Can Find Them
Dining With Celebs Just Got Lot Easier
If you've ever hoped to spot a celebrity in their natural habitat, you might want to reconsider your search strategy. While visiting film sets or attending red-carpet events offers better odds, don't overlook the local bistros in Los Angeles and London. Many restaurants worldwide have earned recognition for being favorites of actors, directors, supermodels, and influencers, solidifying their status as hubs of global celebrity culture. From Aspen's snowy peaks to Mumbai's lively seaside, let's delve into some of the most celebrity-frequented restaurants, where encountering a star is all part of the dining experience.
1. Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro
Built in 1923, this Brazilian marvel has become an integral part of Rio De Janeiro's skyline, particularly along the celebrated Copacabana beach. The art-deco-style hotel offers 243 rooms, including 127 suites, and three dining options. Designed by French architect Joseph Gire, it's one of the world's most luxurious properties, offering stunning ocean views and opulent features like marble bathrooms. Whether dining at Pergula, the Michelin-starred Mee restaurant, or enjoying cocktails at Ristorante Hotel Cipriani, you might just spot Hollywood's elite. Celebrities like Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Halle Berry, Lana Del Rey, and Will Smith are among its regular guests. For a touch of star power in Rio, head to the historic Copacabana Palace.
2. Nobu, Malibu
Nobu is an iconic celebrity hotspot that originated on La Cienega Blvd in 1987. This Japanese restaurant has since expanded to 40 locations worldwide, from Milan to Cape Town and Dubai. However, it's the seaside Malibu location that attracts the biggest names. Known for its delicious black cod with miso, sushi, and squid pasta, Nobu counts Kardashian-Jenners, Leonardo DiCaprio, Hailey Bieber, Bella and Gigi Hadid, Kaia Gerber, Demi Lovato, and Jaden Smith among its regulars. Securing a reservation here is nearly impossible for the average person, so your best shot at spotting celebrities is waiting outside the glamorous valet drop-off.
3. Vertigo and Moon Bar, Banyan Tree Hotel, Bangkok
Blackpink, known for its devoted fan base, often creates a buzz at the eateries they visit. While they appreciate budget-friendly spots like Palanchai BBQ and Cafe Thieves and Bar in Bangkok, one of their standout choices is the Banyan Tree's rooftop bar. Located on the 61st floor, this spot offers some of the city's best views, making it perfect for a sunset drink or dinner. The open-air setting, tall island bar, and modern glass design create a chic atmosphere suitable for globe-trotting celebrities like Blackpink. During their visit to Bangkok, the group unwound at the Vertigo and Moon Bar. Lisa, Jisoo, Rosé, and Jennie, dressed casually, took photos against the stunning city skyline. If you're looking for celebrity-frequented restaurants in Bangkok, this is the place to be.
4. Ajax Tavern, Aspen
Aspen's snowy slopes draw celebrities year after year, and they seek equally satisfying meals after their active adventures. Ajax Tavern, located next to the 5-star Little Nell hotel, is a cozy spot known for its truffle fries topped with Grana Padano and its locally sourced wagyu beef, served in various delightful forms including burgers, sandwiches, and tartare. Prominent names like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Orlando Bloom, Demi Lovato, and Katy Perry, and stars from "The Bachelor" like Matt James and Rachel Kirkconnell have reportedly frequented this quaint slope-side restaurant.
5. Soho House, Mumbai
If you're eager to spot Bollywood's A-listers like Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Akshay Kumar, and Anil Kapoor, look no further than Juhu's newest international hotspot, Soho House Mumbai. While taking in the breathtaking seaside view, guests can savor North Italian delicacies at Cecconi's or indulge in modern Japanese dishes at Pen Yen. As part of the global Soho House franchise, this 2018 wonder has become a magnet for Mumbai's elite. Established Indian celebrities like Shilpa Shetty, Twinkle Khanna, and Malaika Arora are regulars, and newer stars like Ananya Panday, Alaya F, and Ishaan Khatter have also been spotted at this exclusive club.
6. The Chiltern Firehouse, London
The decommissioned Manchester Station fire station in Marylebone has become a significant pop culture attraction. Chiltern Firehouse, celebrated for its fiery red brick design, owes much of its success to its meticulously curated menu by Chef Richard Foster. The establishment is associated with hotelier André Balazs, known for iconic properties like LA's Chateau Marmont and New York's The Mercer Hotel. Chiltern Firehouse has earned a reputation as one of the most sought-after celebrity-frequented restaurants. Its Victorian-style interiors have hosted supermodels, actors, and artists seeking respite from the media glare. High-profile names such as Lindsay Lohan, Rita Ora, Uma Thurman, and Kristen Dunst have been spotted there, along with London's elite, including the Beckham family. According to the UK's Evening Standard, you might even find yourself mingling with Gwyneth Paltrow and Harry Styles at the bar.
7. Ray’s and Carbone, New York
No list of celebrity-frequented restaurants worldwide is complete without mentioning New York City. It's always been a hotspot for stars who have their favorite hangout spots. Pop culture icons like Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, Drake, and Jennifer Lopez consider Carbone in Greenwich Village their second home. This Italian-American restaurant, opened in 2013, is famous for its signature spicy rigatoni and boasts a classic, Sopranos-inspired decor. Even global celebrities like Adele, the Kardashians, the Biebers, and the Beckhams have dined here. Meanwhile, Ray's in the Lower East Side, co-owned by American actor Justin Theroux, is a dive bar favored by Dua Lipa and Lady Gaga. For a star-studded New York experience, these two spots are top recommendations.
8. Geumdwaeji Sikdang, Seoul
For a BTS-approved dining experience in Seoul, head to this Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant in Sindang-dong, beloved by Jungkook and Jimin. While the K-pop stars praise Yoojung Ssambap at the less fancy Yoojung Sikdang (as seen on Rookie King), the flower pork neck, charred to perfection over coal briquettes, is a dish few South Korean celebrities can resist. This traditional eatery provides signature cast-iron grills for a unique gastronomic adventure and offers a charming balcony-side seating area. Endorsed by BTS and adorned with their autographed menu, Geumdwaeji Sikdang is a must-visit for ARMY members and K-pop enthusiasts alike.
9. Born & Bred, Seoul
Born & Bred, a reinvented butcher's shop in Seoul's Majang Meat Market area, swiftly gained prominence since its 2015 debut. Founded by beef enthusiast Jung Sang-won, the restaurant is renowned for its hanwoo-style beef, offering an array of dishes including inventive takes on classics like the katsu sando and Philly cheesesteak. While Born & Bred earned recognition from food critics with a spot on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list, it truly caught the spotlight when K-pop stars like Blackpink's Lisa and Jisoo, along with Bigbang's Taeyang, were seen enjoying their time at this trendy establishment. Amidst the restaurant's contemporary interiors, the trio posed with the owner, showcasing their relaxed style and relishing their private moment away from the public eye.
10. Bastian, Mumbai
Located in the bustling streets of Bandra West, the highly Instagrammable Bastian has long been a favorite among Mumbai's affluent seafood connoisseurs and is also a renowned celebrity hotspot. You can expect paparazzi waiting at the door, hoping for an exclusive encounter with an exciting A-list celebrity. Owned by actress Shilpa Shetty, this Grecian-style bistro is famous for its delectable charred octopus, pan-seared scallops, and sautéed calamari, earning the admiration of Bollywood stars such as Shahid Kapoor, Janhvi Kapoor, Malaika Arora, and Ananya Panday.