Hollywood: favorite restaurants of stars and celebrities

Hollywood: favorite restaurants of stars and celebrities

June 11, 2025

Hollywood has always been synonymous with glamour, fame and an exclusive lifestyle. So it's no surprise that it's home to some of the most unique and popular restaurants among celebrities. In this article, we will take you on a culinary journey in the footsteps of the stars, discovering places where Hollywood's elite savor delicious dishes and enjoy an unforgettable atmosphere. From iconic establishments with long-standing traditions to modern hotspots, explore restaurants that are not only temples of good taste, but also the stage on which the social lives of the silver screen's brightest stars play out.

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Legendary Hollywood restaurants

Start our culinary journey by visiting two true Hollywood legends - Spago and Polo Lounge. These restaurants have not only stood the test of time, but continue to attract the biggest stars and foodies from around the world.

Spago, the iconic restaurant founded by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, has for years been synonymous with refined cuisine and a meeting place for Hollywood elites. Located in the heart of Beverly Hills, it offers guests an unforgettable dining experience in an elegant yet cozy atmosphere. Spago's menu, based on seasonal ingredients of the highest quality, combines elements of California and international cuisine. Guests can indulge in such specialties as smoked salmon pizza and bluefin tuna, while sipping on exquisite wines from an extensive wine list.

The atmosphere at Spago is unique - elegant, but not pretentious. Guests can often meet celebrities here, and even Wolfgang Puck himself, who regularly visits his flagship restaurant. Prices at Spago are high, reflecting the quality of the dishes served and the prestige of the establishment, but for many this is a small price to pay for the opportunity to experience true Hollywood magic.

The Polo Lounge, on the other hand, located in the legendary Beverly Hills Hotel, is a true Hollywood icon. This restaurant, in operation since 1941, has witnessed countless business meetings, romantic dates and lavish celebrations of movie stars. Famous for its elegant decor in shades of green and pink and distinctive striped awnings, the Polo Lounge offers both classic American dishes and sophisticated international specialties.

Polo Lounge's menu changes seasonally, but you can always find such delicacies as the famous Tortilla Soup or McCarthy Salad - a salad named after the famous polo player, which has been consistently on the menu since the 1960s. The restaurant is also famous for its gourmet breakfasts and legendary Sunday brunch.

The atmosphere at the Polo Lounge is extremely elegant, yet full of Hollywood charm. Guests can choose between sitting in the cozy interior or enjoying a meal on the famous patio, surrounded by lush vegetation. Prices at the Polo Lounge are high, but guests pay not only for the delicious food, but also for the opportunity to feel part of a Hollywood legend.

Both Spago and Polo Lounge offer an unforgettable dining experience, combining excellent cuisine with a unique atmosphere and history. Although both restaurants are among the most expensive in Los Angeles, for many visitors they are a must-visit in the city, offering a chance to encounter the true spirit of Hollywood.

Contemporary celebrity hotspots

While legendary Hollywood restaurants continue to attract celebrities, a new generation of celebrities has their own favorite, more contemporary spots. Two restaurants that have gained status as true hotspots in recent years are Craig's and The Nice Guy.

Craig's, which opened in 2011, has quickly become one of the favorite hangouts of Hollywood celebrities. Founded by Craig Susser, former manager of the famous Dan Tana's restaurant, Craig's combines the ambience of a classic American steakhouse with modern, elegant decor. The menu offers a wide variety of dishes, from traditional steaks and seafood to vegan options, making the restaurant popular among celebrities with different food preferences.

The atmosphere at Craig's is energetic and lively. The interior, decorated in warm tones with elegant leather booths, creates an ideal environment for both business meetings and romantic dinners. Guests can often meet famous faces from the world of film, music or fashion here. Craig's is also famous for its excellent cocktails and extensive wine list.

Prices at Craig's are high, but do not stand out significantly from other upscale restaurants in the area. However, it is worth remembering that booking a table can be difficult, especially on weekends, due to the restaurant's immense popularity with celebrities.

The Nice Guy, on the other hand, is a newer addition to the Hollywood culinary map, which has quickly gained status as one of the most exclusive and hard-to-find establishments in the city. Opened in 2014, the restaurant is attracting a younger generation of celebrities, offering a combination of refined Italian-American cuisine and an upscale club atmosphere.

The 70s-inspired interior of The Nice Guy, with dark wood, soft lighting and luxurious details, creates an intimate and exclusive atmosphere. The menu, while not as extensive as at Craig's, offers carefully selected dishes, including wood-fired oven pizzas, pastas and cocktails.

The Nice Guy is known for its strict admission and reservation policy, which adds to its appeal to celebrities seeking privacy. Prices are high, but guests pay not only for the food, but more importantly for the unique atmosphere and the chance to meet celebrities.

Both Craig's and The Nice Guy offer a completely different experience than classic Hollywood restaurants. They focus on creating an exclusive, intimate atmosphere that attracts a younger generation of celebrities. Although both restaurants are difficult to access for the average tourist, just being able to see celebrities walking in or out can be an exciting experience for Hollywood fans.

Culinary gems with a Hollywood twist

At the end of our culinary tour of Hollywood, it's worth noting a place that, while perhaps not as exclusive as the previously mentioned restaurants, certainly deserves attention for its atmosphere and popularity among celebrities. We are talking about Cecconi's, an elegant Italian restaurant located in West Hollywood.

Part of the international restaurant chain owned by the Soho House Group, Cecconi's offers guests authentic Italian cuisine in a stylish, modern setting. The restaurant is known for its excellent dishes prepared with the freshest seasonal ingredients, as well as its impressive wine and cocktail list.

Cecconi's interior combines elements of classic elegance with modern touches. The distinctive black and white marble floors, comfortable leather booths and stylish lighting create an atmosphere of luxury and sophistication. The restaurant also offers a charming patio, ideal for dinners on warm evenings.

Cecconi's menu abounds with classic Italian dishes, such as handmade pastas, wood-fired oven pizzas and fresh seafood. Specialties such as black lobster pasta and classic veal osso buco are particularly recommended. The restaurant is also famous for its excellent appetizers and desserts.

Cecconi's is a popular meeting place among Hollywood's elite, especially at lunchtime and during the famous 'happy hours.' Guests can often meet famous faces from the world of film, television and music here. Prices at Cecconi's are high, but slightly lower than at Hollywood's most exclusive restaurants, making it more accessible to a wider audience.

Comparing Cecconi's with the previously discussed restaurants, one can see that it offers a slightly more casual atmosphere than Spago or Polo Lounge, while maintaining a high level of elegance and quality cuisine. Unlike Craig's or The Nice Guy, Cecconi's is more easily accessible for reservations, making it an attractive option for tourists looking to experience a bit of Hollywood glamour.

To sum up our culinary journey through Hollywood, it's worth noting that each of the restaurants discussed offers a unique experience. From legendary establishments like Spago and Polo Lounge, to contemporary hotspots like Craig's and The Nice Guy, to sleeker but more accessible spots like Cecconi's, all of these restaurants make up Hollywood's rich and diverse culinary scene.

When going to any of these restaurants, there are a few practical tips to keep in mind. First, reservations are almost always necessary, and for the most popular places, it's a good idea to make them well in advance. Second, be prepared for high prices - eating at the favorite restaurants of celebrities is a luxury you have to pay for. Finally, be sure to dress appropriately - most of these places have a dress code that must be respected.

Whether you manage to meet a celebrity or not, a visit to these restaurants is a chance to experience a true taste of Hollywood - not only culinary, but also that associated with the atmosphere, style and unique charm of the Dream Factory.

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