New York Dearest
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The Best of New York · Eat · Iconic and old New York

Celebrity-owned restaurants worth the detour.

In my order, from my own visits, updated September 2026. 11 places.

I’ll be honest with you. Most celebrity-owned restaurants in New York City are banking on the name alone, and you can taste the difference between a vanity project and a place where someone actually cares about the food. But a handful of them genuinely surprised me, and a few have become regular spots in my rotation. Here’s my take on which ones are worth your time and your money.

One of the most common questions I get from out-of-town visitors relates to celebrity-owned restaurants in New York City. Seems like everyone’s eager to eat.

Antonina PattizI went to every one · how I decide

Celebrity-owned restaurants worth the detour, 2026

  1. Tribeca GrillRestaurant · TribecaThe joint is best known for upscale American cuisine and swanky ambiance, not to mention a top-notch wine list.
  2. NobuRestaurant · TribecaSeems like nobody can resist Nobu’s signature black cod with miso.
  3. Locanda VerdeRestaurant · TribecaLaconda Verde is also home to some of the best brunch in Tribeca.
  4. Scarlet LoungeBar · Upper West SideThe vibe is unpretentious and the cocktails are well-crafted, which makes it feel more like a genuine passion project than a celebrity cash grab.
  5. Laughing Man CafeCafe · TribecaThe coffee itself is genuinely excellent, the pastries are fresh, and the space has a warm, neighborhood feel that makes you want to linger.
  6. Mermaid Oyster BarRestaurant · West VillagePair the $6 happy hour beer with the salmon tartare and you’ll see why locals consider this one of the best celebrity-owned restaurants in NYC.
  7. Joanne TrattoriaRestaurant · Upper West SideAlthough not officially a celebrity-owned restaurant in New York City, its familial connection to Lady Gaga makes it a natural addition to our list.
  8. Tiny’s and the Bar UpstairsRestaurant · TribecaThe celebrity-owned restaurant is often considered one of the cutest restaurants in NYC.
  9. Jack’s Wife FredaRestaurant · Multiple locationsNow almost a decade later with five locations, Jack’s Wife Freda has grown to be an incredible success, attracting locals and visitors seeking delicious meals in a welcoming setting.
  10. Jac’s on BondBar · NoHoPolished but still casual, Jac’s on Bond is a perfect first date spot.
  11. Carlo’s BakeryBakery · Garment District

On the map

Where they are.

6 neighborhoods, Tribeca and Upper West Side most of all.

Tribeca

Upper West Side

Garment District

Multiple locations

NoHo

West Village

Celebrity-owned restaurants worth the detour, 2026

The seal

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Celebrity-owned restaurants worth the detour, New York Dearest, 2026

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Celebrity-owned restaurants worth the detour, New York Dearest, 2026

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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 10 Celebrity-Owned Restaurants in New York City Worth the Detour.