Where Tom Hanks and other A-listers love to dine
Wine and dine like the rich and famous

Buddha Bar – Dubai

The Japanese, Thai and Chinese cuisine at Buddha Bar has drawn in A-list stars from around the globe including Will Smith, David Beckham and Kareena Kapoor. Presentation is said to be excellent and the choice of sushi rolls is impressive, including the Rainbow Maki sushi roll, which features Alaskan king crab, maguro, hamachi, shiso leaf, cucumber and wasabi tobiko.
Scott’s – Mayfair, London

With a history of serving the finest fish for over 150 years, Scott’s brings a lot of special offerings to the table. The centerpiece of the restaurant is a grand oyster bar where customers sip flutes of Gaston Chiquet until they flop. Scott’s has many A-list fans from actors to former US presidents and media moguls including Johnny Depp, Kevin Spacey and Bill Clinton.
Cecconi’s – West Hollywood

Loved for its glamorous, laid back atmosphere, Cecconi’s in West Hollywood has become a popular celebrity hangout. Owned by the Soho House Group, celebs are drawn by the delicious Italian tapas and bright and sunny patio where they can enjoy their food al fresco. If you head over for a spot of lunch you could be dining near the likes of Ellen DeGeneres and Gwen Stefani. A spaghetti dish with lobster, chili, saffron and basil would set you back $42 (£32).
Hakkasan Mayfair – London

Think high-end Chinese with interiors so dark even the staff won’t know who you are. Celebs spotted dining in this West London hotspot include Kanye West, Will Smith and Rihanna. They go for the atmosphere, but stay for the luxurious dim sum. One of the most expensive dishes on the menu is Hakkasan's signature Peking duck with Beluga caviar for $360 (£274), however the stir-fry turbot (pictured) featuring umami-rich black truffle and earthy baby broccoli sounds devine.
Craig’s – West Hollywood

Since opening in 2011, Craig’s has attracted the celebrity elite from the likes of Chrissy Teigen, John Legend and Rosie Huntington Whiteley to name a few. Kim Kardashian also claims its her favorite restaurant. Craig’s is so popular among the A-list crowd, paparazzi often hang around outside in the hope of getting a good photo-op. Diners can enjoy a fullsome cioppino stew made with shrimp, scallops, whitefish, clams, mussels and calamari in a spicy red garlic broth for $49 (£37).
Catalina – Sydney

If you’re looking to enjoy a gourmet meal in the sun, Catalina promises to impress. The marina restaurant is said to have welcomed more celebrities than any other Sydney venue including Leonardo Di Caprio, Al Pacino and Katy Perry. Seafood-lovers will be hard-pressed to be anything less than mesmerized by the dishes. Think Mt Cook Saikou salmon, seasonal peas, pickled shallots, San Daniele proscuitto and baby cos leaves for $36 (AU$49/£27).
Il Mulino – New York

It gained worldwide fame after Drake mentioned it in his song Pound Cake, but Il Mulino has long been a popular eatery for the rich and famous. Offering popular Italian dishes, the restaurant has served the likes of Vince Vaughn, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. The most extravagant Il Mulino menu item is the prime aged New York strip costing $72 (£54).
Sketch – London

A drawcard for A-listers, Sketch brings together five unique drinking and dining experiences in the hub of Mayfair, London. Each rabbit-hole like area has elaborately-themed decor that sets the perfect backdrop for the three Michelin-starred restaurant. The Alice in Wonderland-style venue attracts celebrities including Jessica Alba, Taylor Swift and Elton John. A tasting menu at the most popular Sketch venue, the Lecture Room and Library, sets guests back $157 (£120).
Crossroads Kitchen – Los Angeles

One of the popular spots to find the rich and famous in West Hollywood is Crossroads Kitchen, where patrons are served gourmet vegan dishes. The first plant-based restaurant in town has seen the likes of Paul McCartney, Jay Z, Beyonce, Ellen DeGeneres, Tobey Maguire and Jane Fonda. The Impossible Burger, served with the house sauce and truffle fries, will set diners $16 (£12).
Mr. Wong – Sydney

There’s no couple more sought after by paparazzi these days than Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. While in Sydney, Australia after Kanye’s Yeezus show, the power couple were spotted at Mr. Wong having lunch. The restaurant pays tribute to classic Chinese influences in a contemporary style and is the largest restaurant in the northern end of the Sydney center. The most expensive item on the food menu is the banquet meal for $109 (AU$148/£83) per person.
La Pergola – Rome

As the only three Michelin starred restaurant in Rome, La Pergola is a hotspot for celebrities and politicians. Former American first lady Michelle Obama enjoyed the fagottelli La Pergola ($47 (£38)) so much that she asked for German chef Heinz Beck’s (pictured) recipe. For those who enjoy trying a variety of dishes there’s a nine-course gourmet menu on offer for $261 (€225/£199).
Cafe Caprice – Cape Town

After starring in the High School Musical movies, Zac Efron was seen at Cafe Caprice, which fellow actor Leonardo DiCaprio also frequents. The ‘it’ spot, on what’s known as the 'little Ibiza of Cape Town,' has also hosted world famous DJ Dorfmeister who took to the decks at the sundowner bar. A popular menu item is the Caprice Burger, which is a beef patty topped with homemade barbecue sauce and beer battered onion rings that costs just $5 (ZAR68/£3).
Caramel Restaurant and Lounge – Dubai

As an export from Las Vegas, Caramel attracts big names like Hugh Grant when they’re in town. It’s a low-lit, trendy place where the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) crowd mingle. Menu items are creative like the marinated Kobe beef tacos with Waygu beef and an aubergine/raisin puree.
Fogo de Chao steakhouse – Rio de Janeiro

While in Brazil for the 2016 Olympics, Ryan Seacrest’s favorite place to grab a bite to eat was Fogo de Chao steakhouse. Accompanied by Brazilian beauties Alessandra Ambrosio and Adriana Lima, Seacrest confessed on Snapchat that the pair were trying to put him in a food coma. We wonder if hte meal wrapped up with the decadent papaya cream served alongside vanilla ice cream and topped with black currant liqueur.
Blue Duck Tavern – Washington

Despite the US capital brimming with political elite, government leaders aren't the only guests of this Georgetown venue. Blue Duck Tavern is known for rustic American cuisine made with seasonal, local ingredients. Famous diners include Ben Affleck, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Hanks and Oprah. It was the spot where US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle celebrated their 17th wedding anniversary. The wood ove-fired butcher's cut steak is a favourite, as is the wood oven-roasted whole fish ($46 (£35)).
Chiltern Firehouse – London

Big names like Chris Rock, Lindsey Lohan, Bradley Cooper and former UK Prime Minister David Cameron have dined at the Chiltern Firehouse brasserie in London’s Marylebone. The restaurant showcases contemporary dishes with an underlying American accent. Michelin-starred chef Nuno Mendes draws on his career split between the US and Europe to create a seasonal menu. A decadent dish served at Chiltern Firehouse is the roasted turbot with baby artichokes, seaweed and black truffle $63 (£48).
Nobu – Melbourne

It seems the world’s best tennis stars enjoy Japanese cuisine, with Roger Federer and Serena Williams taking time out of their busy schedules during the Australian Open to dine at Nobu. Located within the Crown Towers Melbourne, Nobu overlooks the Yarra river and offers substantial meals to satisfy the most athletic of appetites. The signature dish, and one not to be missed, is the black cod miso.
Pierluigi – Rome

Considered one of Rome's most iconic restaurants and regularly frequented by celebrities, Pierluigi has previously catered to Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Kourtney Kardashian and Nicole Richie on their respective holidays with their partners this year. It’s an upscale restaurant with the finest seafood in Rome, prepared by chef David Cianetti. One unusual menu item is the pasta with baby squid, pea ragout and fresh burrata cheese $27 (€23/£20).
Beluga – Cape Town

Former girlfriend of Prince Harry, Chelsy Davy chose to celebrate her 21st in Beluga’s private wine cellar. Samuel L. Jackson and Bill Clinton are some of the other big names who have indulged in the fine dining experience at this Cape Town restaurant. Offering a modern South African menu with an Asian twist, Beluga’s Springbok carpaccio with basil pesto, baby leaves and parmesan crisp holds its own for a mere $7 (ZAR95/£5).
Cavalli Club – Dubai
This flashy Italian restaurant and club is decked out with crystal chandeliers and zebra-printed seats. Located at the Fairmont Hotel, Cavalli has hosted Jennifer Lopez, Chris Brown and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler. The resounding showstopper on the menu is the salt crusted sea bass with salmoriglio sauce, a table-side preparation for two.
75 Main – New York

Frequent diners to 75 Main include Jodie Foster, American Vice President Joe Biden, Howard Stern, Paris Hilton, Kelly Ripa and Sarah Jessica Parker. A-listers basque in the hand-made pasta dishes, extensive wine list and state-of-the art lounge. One of the most lavish dishes is the blue crab-crusted halibut with asparagus and lemon horseradish butter $41 (£27).
Harry's Bar – Venice

A popular celebrity hangout, particularly when the Venice Film Festival rolls out, Harry’s Bar is a national landmark as declared by the Italian Ministry for Cultural Affairs. Actor, comedian, filmmaker, playwright and musician Woody Allen always visits when he’s in town, as do leading ladies Nicole Kidman (pictured) and Helen Hunt. Have the full Venetian experience with the traditional Calf’s liver à la Veneziana.
Casa Lucio – Madrid

No other restaurant in Spain attracts the rich and famous like Casa Lucio in Madrid. The former King of Spain Juan Carlos, Bill Clinton, Penélope Cruz and Morgan Freeman (pictured) are among the most common A-lister diners. The restaurant serves the likes of sliced cured pork loin ($26 (£21)) from its coal-fired oven.
Toko – Dubai

Sydney export Toko now holds its own as a celebrity hotspot in the Vida Downtown Dubai hotel. Will Smith and his sons Jaden and Trey have been guests at the Japanese restaurant, as has socialite Kim Kardashian. It encompasses Zen, with an outdoor garden area that flows from the dark interior and open-plan kitchen. Dishes like the salmon roe gunkan sushi with quail yolk and chive are designed to be shared $14 (AED52/£11).
Kanda Matsuya – Tokyo

This three Michelin-starred traditional Japanese restaurant hosted Tom Hanks (pictured) while he was in Tokyo promoting his new movie, Sully. The A-lister enjoyed the experience at the old-style eatery so much that he tweeted a photo of himself with locals who he referred to as his ‘crew’. Tiny Kanda Matsuya only has eight seats along a wooden counter where patrons can indulge in a variety of Japanese delicacies.
Hoku’s restaurant – Hawaii

As it’s a popular vacation destination for A-listers, Hawaii’s restaurants are frequented by the world’s rich and famous. While staying at the Kahala Hotel and Resort, actors Adam Sandler, Sandra Bullock and Drew Barrymore choose to dine at its Hoku’s restaurant. The quick-smoked Colorado lamb rack served with piquillo peppar hummus, eggplant, heirloom tomato and pomegranite-mint gastrique for $68 (£54) is a meal fit for a star.
Fig and Olive – West Hollywood

The 8,000 square foot open-concept restaurant is like a red carpet, packed with celebrities including Robert Downey Jr., Halle Berry, Johnny Depp, Jennifer Aniston, Elizabeth Banks, Ryan Gosling, Sir Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen. The Mediterranean atmosphere at Fig and Olive is amplified with a loft ceiling and a tree in the centre of the dining area. It’s signature dish is the balsamic-glazed short rib with crispy polenta, frisée salad, smoked bacon in a sherry vinaigrette ($36 (£27)).
Tao Asian Bistro – Las Vegas

The Tao Asian Bistro is a place to escape the casinos and grab a discerning bite between games of blackjack. Recorded as the highest-grossing restaurant in the US in 2016, it offers a grilled 12 ounce kobe ribeye with yuzu cilantro butter. The Asian fusion cuisine attracts celebrities such as Amy Adams, Taylor Swift, Bradley Cooper, Nick Jonas and Wiz Khalifa.
The Ivy – Los Angeles

As a classic celebrity haunt, The Ivy is one place where it’s almost certain you’ll spot a star. Clientele include David and Victoria Beckham, Tom Cruise, Reese Witherspoon and Demi Moore. The Ivy has served authentic American, Italian and regional dishes in a romantic atmosphere on The Shore in Santa Monica since 1983. Reflecting the LA vibe, The Ivy serves up a 1.5lb fresh wild Maine lobster with scrambled eggs, bell pepper, onions, bacon and three cheeses for brunch.
Bondi Icebergs – Sydney

On her tour Down Under in 2011, Oprah Winfrey famously dropped into Bondi Icebergs, an Italian dining experience overlooking the ocean. The restaurant has not only attracted daytime TV royalty but in fact actual royalty with Prince Charles stopping by several times over the years. The beachside icon boasts a selection of fresh seafood, with its famous seafood platter for two with hot and cold dishes costing $63 (AUD85/£48).
South City Kitchen – Atlanta

Celebrity sightings in Georgia’s capital city are rising after an influx of film industry jobs in the area. With locations in Midtown, Buckhead and Vinings, South City Kitchen serves its modern take on traditional southern food to the likes of Melissa McCarthy, Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, Tom Hanks and Ben Affleck. The Midtown joint dishes up southern plates including New Orleans BBQ shrimp served with french bread and black pepper butter sauce for the table $45 (£34).
Hub 51 – Chicago

Hollywood power couple, Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, are among the famous guests at Hub 51. Reportedly the couple’s favorite thing to order is Martha’s special occasion carrot cake with three layers and cream cheese frosting for $8.95 (£6.80). Serving a variety of dishes from sushi and tacos to sandwiches and burgers, Hub 51 has also played host to the likes of Jessica Simpson and Lindsay Lohan.
Caviar Kaspia – Paris

In operation for more than 90 years, Caviar Kaspia has survived the test of time. The intimate spot attracts fashion designer Valentino Garavani, Mischa Barton and Dita Von Teese. As the name suggests, the restaurant serves an assortment of caviars as well as smoked fish plates and the much-coveted Norwegian salmon. The priciest menu item on offer for $855 (€735/£650) is a case of three different types of caviar including Ossetra Reserve Caviar, Ossetra Selection Caviar and Royal Beluga Caviar.
Gil’s – Dubrovnik
Waterfront dining at its finest in Croatia can be found at Gil’s, a French restaurant serving fusion dishes. With around four waitstaff assigned to each table, every patron is meant to feel as though they’re a VIP, such as frequent diners, Tom Cruise and Owen Wilson. At Gil’s, guests can enjoy items such as the lamb and truffle sausage with creamy polenta $173 (HKR110/£132).
Antica Pesa – Rome

In operation for about 100 years, this landmark Roman dining experiences serves popstar and silver screen royalty when they’re in town. With guests like Madonna and Robert De Niro, the venue is a magnet for paparazzi. Run by Pietro Panella with sons Simone and Francesco, Antica Pesa produces a lavander-crusted rack of lamb with purea peas, roman salad and wild strawberries for $33 (€28/£25).
Mamo Le Michelangelo – Antibes

A drawcard for the rich and famous, especially during the Cannes Film Festival, Mamo Le Michelangelo has catered to Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert Pattinson and Rihanna. Located in the French Riviera, Mamo boasts Provencal/Italian cuisine including the hamburger with foie gras and fresh truffle $54 (€46/£41)
Casa Vega – California

The family-owned Mexican joint has been a hotspot in LA for spotting celebrities for more than five decades. The authentic restaurant draws in the rich and famous, including Mila Kunis, Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, Nicole Richie and Avril Lavigne. Owner Christina Vega Fowler insists Casa Vega attracts A-listers because it offers anonymity with very dim lighting. Casa Vega serves up items like the supreme Vega combo with beef and chicken taquitos, black bean taquitos and mini chimis.
Cut at 45 Park Lane – London

The level of exclusivity typical of Mayfair restaurants is heightened at Wolfgang Puck’s Cut at 45 Park Lane. It’s known as one of the best steak restaurants in London and exudes quality, having previously drawn in guests like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Lux living is epitomized by the 6 ounce Japanese Wagyu Kyushu filet Mignon steak for $189 (£144).
Sonsie – Boston

Award-winning chef Bill Poirier has tantalized the taste buds of actors, actresses, sports stars and supermodels. From Jon Hamm and Katie Holmes to Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and his supermodel wife Gisele Bündchen, Sonsie is a favorite amongst big names who visit the big New England city. A standout brunch menu item is the baked, stuffed French toast with nutella, banana, whipped cream for $14 (£11).
Cristal Room Baccarat – Paris

Baccarat is where David Beckham took wife Victoria to celebrate his achievement of playing his 100th international match for the England soccer team. It’s a place to wine and dine in style with one of the most expensive menu items being the red mullet cooked in orange-flavored bouillabaisse, served with Charlotte potatoes in a saffron sauce.
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