10 Celebrity-Owned Restaurants in New York City Worth the Detour (2026 Guide)

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.

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Celebrity-Owned Restaurants in NYC

Table of Contents. Restaurants Celebrities Own in NYC

Table of contents. Restaurants in NYC Owned by Famous People

Celebrity-Owned Restaurants in NYC
Restaurants Owned by Celebrities in NYC (Post Summary)
Restaurants in NYC Owned By Famous People (Map)

Pigeon sitting on the roof the Tribeca Grill Exterior

Owned by Robert De Niro. Laconda Verde, Nobu & Tribeca Grill

Robert De Niro probably needs to introduction. The famous actor has a big presence in the city’s dining scene. He’s responsible for several celebrity-owned restaurants in NYC, most famously the Tribeca Grill, which opened in 1990. The joint is best known for upscale American cuisine and swanky ambiance, not to mention a top-notch wine list.

But the party doesn’t stop there. De Niro also co-owns Nobu, a popular Japanese restaurant locals can’t get enough of, the restaurant is a hotbed for celebrity sightings. Seems like nobody can resist Nobu’s signature black cod with miso.

Additionally, the Oscar winner has a stake in the Greenwich Hotel, which is home to Locanda Verde, a charming Italian restaurant. Needless to say, there’s no shortage of De Niro-owned restaurants to dine at while visiting NYC.

Locals Tip. Laconda Verde is also home to some of the best brunch in Tribeca.

Owned by Michael Imperioli. Scarlet Lounge

Michael Imperioli, best known as Christopher from The Sopranos, opened Scarlet Lounge on the Upper West Side as a laid-back neighborhood bar with solid Italian small plates. 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.

If you’re a fan of Sopranos, you might better know Michael Imperioli as Christopher Moltisanti, Tony’s reckless nephew who constantly kept us on our toes. Imperioli recently opened up a ritzy cocktail bar on the Upper West Side, alongside his wife. Opened in 2023, this one of the newest celebrity-owned restaurants in New York City.

The Scarlet Lounge offers exciting cocktails in a warm atmosphere adorned with red and gold accents throughout. Fans of Imperioli can expect playful drinks like the White Lotus (a nod to his role as Dominic Di Grasso in season 2) and the Scarlet Letter (a tribute to the bar’s name).

With an intimate and alluring ambiance, the lounge pays meticulous attention to detail, evident in features such as the city skyline mural and wall decals. When it comes to food, you can’t go wrong ordering lamb chop lollipops and truffle fries. While the food is excellent, the real highlight is the drinks.

Friends sitting at a table enjoying coffee at Hugh Jackman's Celebrity owned coffee shop, the Laughing Man cafe in Tibeca

Owned by Hugh Jackman. Laughing Man Cafe

Hugh Jackman’s Laughing Man Cafe in Tribeca is a coffee shop with a mission, donating 100% of its profits to the Laughing Man Foundation which supports coffee farming communities worldwide. The coffee itself is genuinely excellent, the pastries are fresh, and the space has a warm, neighborhood feel that makes you want to linger.

Hugh Jackman co-founded the Laughing Man Cafe back in 2011. Named after a brand of tea from Jackman’s native Australia, the cafe strives to support coffee farmers and community development projects worldwide. Jackman’s involvement in the cafe was inspired by a trip to Ethiopia where he met a coffee farmer named Dukale.

Since then, Jackman has opened one of the best coffee shops in Tribeca while trying to address a larger issue. A portion of the proceeds. Goes towards programs aimed at building a sustainable life for farmers and their families, making it more than just a celebrity-owned restaurant in NYC. This coffee shop is where your money goes towards a bigger cause, so you can feel good about supporting it.

Local tip. Here’s something most visitors don’t know. the best time to visit is right when they open.

Owned by Zach Braff. Mermaid Oyster Bar

Website. Mermaid Oyster Bar
Address. 89 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012

Zach Braff partnered with a childhood friend-turned-chef to open Mermaid Oyster Bar, one of NYC’s top happy hour spots. Braff gained fame through his role on “Scrubs,” but he’s also known for being a writer and director.

The celebrity-owned restaurant focuses on fresh seafood dishes. Located in the West Village, the joint is seldom empty. The headliner is the $1.25 oyster special on happy hour (minimum order of 6). 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.

Owned by Lady Gaga’s Family. Joanne Trattoria

Website.Joanne Trattoria
Address. 70 W 68th St, New York, NY 10023

Lady Gaga’s family owns Joanne Trattoria, an Italian restaurant located on the Upper West Side. Named after her late aunt, the restaurant is inspired by Gaga’s family recipes and Italian heritage.

While Lady Gaga has mentioned the restaurant interviews (and has been spotted dinning inside), her involvement seems to be more of a personal connection and endorsement rather than direct ownership or management.

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.

Exterior shot of Tinys Upstairs Bar Tribeca with a pink bow on the outside of the building

Unpopular opinion. Unpopular opinion. the best food in NYC is found at the places with zero Instagram presence.

Owned by Henrik Lundqvist. Tiny’s and the Bar Upstairs

Website.Tiny’s and the Bar Upstairs
Address. 135 W Broadway, New York, NY 10013

Henrik Lundqvist, the former NHL goaltender, and his wife, Therese, are the owners of Tiny’s and the Bar Upstairs. The celebrity-owned restaurant is often considered one of the cutest restaurants in NYC.

Lundqvist’s involvement extends beyond ownership; he’s been actively engaged in the restaurant’s operations and has contributed to its success. Tiny’s and the Bar Upstairs is known for American fare, including brunch, lunch, and dinner options, as well as its charming ambiance.

people enjoying lunch at Jack's Wife Freda in the West Village outside on yellow tables

Co-Owned by Piper Perabo. Jack’s Wife Freda

Website.Jack’s Wife Freda
Address. Multiple locations

Jack’s Wife Freda is a popular NYC restaurant known for its cozy atmosphere and Mediterranean-inspired menu. Founded by Dean and Maya Jankelowitz, the restaurant pays tribute to Dean’s grandparents, Jack and Freda.

And while those names might not sound familiar, the reason Jack’s Wife Freda made our list of celebrity-owned restaurants in NYC is thanks to co-owner Piper Perabo. Perabo is best known for roles as Annie Walker in Covert Affairs and Violet Sanford in Coyote Ugly.

Perabo befriended the Jankelowitz, who had previous restaurant experience, Maya was the maître d’ of Balthazars and Dean was the maître d’ of Schiller’s. When they shared their plans to start their own venture, Perabo was eager to join them.

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.

Owned by Nicholas Braun. Jac’s on Bond

Website. Jac’s on Bond
Address. 26 Bond St, New York, NY 10012

You might know Nicholas Braun as cousin Greg from Succession. However, the staff at Jac’s on Bond in NoHo call him “boss.” The intimate cocktail bar has a sophisticated vibe, with plush velvet booths and rustic cellar-esque stonework. Polished but still casual, Jac’s on Bond is a perfect first date spot.

There’s a lot of standing room (there’s even a pool table!), but only a few tables available for those who want a meal. Speaking of which, this popular celebrity. I strongly recommend making reservations ahead of time, especially on the weekends when the subterranean bar swells with locals.

Owned by Buddy Valastro. Carlo’s Bakery

Website. Carlo’s Bakery
Address. 625 8th Ave, New York, NY 10018

Buddy Valastro, the famous baker and star of TLC’s “Cake Boss,” is closely involved with Carlo’s Bakery. As the owner and face of the celebrity-owned bakery, Buddy has brought his family’s baking legacy to the forefront, creating a beloved institution known for its incredible cakes, pastries, and other sweet treats.

Carlo’s Bakery, originally established by Buddy’s father, has expanded from its flagship location in Hoboken, New Jersey, to include multiple locations across the country. 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.

Restaurants Owned by Celebrities in NYC (Post Summary)

Laconda Verde
Nobu
Scarlet
Laughing Man Cafe
Mermaid Oyster Bar
Joanne Trattoria
Tiny’s and the Bar Upstairs
Jack’s Wife Freda
Jac’s on Bond
Carlo’s Bakery

Restaurants in NYC Owned By Famous People (Map)

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What is the best Celebrity-Owned Restaurants in New York City Worth the Detour?

How were these Celebrity-Owned Restaurants spots chosen?

Every spot on this list was personally visited and reviewed by our team of NYC locals. We evaluate based on quality, atmosphere, and value.

And there you have it, a list of celebrity-owned restaurants in New York City, if you think we missed a spot leave it in the comments below!

Cheers.

While you’re here, you might enjoy my 17 Best New York City Cafes (Serving Great Coffee in NYC). one of my personal favorites to write.

I want to hear from you. What’s the most underrated food spot in NYC that you think more people need to know about?

Final Thoughts

That wraps up our guide to Celebrity-Owned Restaurants in New York City Worth the Detour. Drop a comment below and let us know! Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these celebrity-owned restaurants NYC options won’t disappoint.

Exploring the neighborhood? Check out our guide to things to do in Upper West Side for more local recommendations.

That’s My List

New York City Worth the Detour has so many great options for 10 Celebrity-Owned Restaurants in New York City Worth the Detour that narrowing it down was genuinely hard.

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