Eat · Iconic and old New York · 2026
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.
- Tribeca GrillRestaurant · TribecaThe joint is best known for upscale American cuisine and swanky ambiance, not to mention a top-notch wine list.
- NobuRestaurant · TribecaSeems like nobody can resist Nobu’s signature black cod with miso.
- Locanda VerdeRestaurant · TribecaLaconda Verde is also home to some of the best brunch in Tribeca.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Tiny’s and the Bar UpstairsRestaurant · TribecaThe celebrity-owned restaurant is often considered one of the cutest restaurants in NYC.
- 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.
- Jac’s on BondBar · NoHoPolished but still casual, Jac’s on Bond is a perfect first date spot.
- Carlo’s BakeryBakery · Garment District
- 1
Tribeca Grill
Restaurant · Tribeca
The joint is best known for upscale American cuisine and swanky ambiance, not to mention a top-notch wine list.
- 2
Nobu
Restaurant · Tribeca
Seems like nobody can resist Nobu’s signature black cod with miso.
- 3
Locanda Verde
Restaurant · Tribeca
Laconda Verde is also home to some of the best brunch in Tribeca.
- 4
Scarlet Lounge
Bar · Upper West Side
The 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 Cafe
Cafe · Tribeca
The 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 Bar
Restaurant · West Village · 89 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
Pair 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 Trattoria
Restaurant · Upper West Side · 70 W 68th St, New York, NY 10023
Although 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 Upstairs
Restaurant · Tribeca · 135 W Broadway, New York, NY 10013
The celebrity-owned restaurant is often considered one of the cutest restaurants in NYC.
- 9
Jack’s Wife Freda
Restaurant · Multiple locations · Multiple locations
Now 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 Bond
Bar · NoHo · 26 Bond St, New York, NY 10012
Polished but still casual, Jac’s on Bond is a perfect first date spot.
- 11
Carlo’s Bakery
Bakery · Garment District · 625 8th Ave, New York, NY 10018
Buddy’s hands-on approach, innovative baking techniques, and charismatic personality have contributed to the bakery’s continued success which makes this one of the most popular celebrity-owned spots in NYC.
Celebrity-owned restaurants worth the detour, 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.