Nobu's tables often fill up with celebs.
photo: Courtesy of Nobu
If you enjoy a side of star-gazing with your meal, here are some restaurants to put on your must-dine list for the next time you're in London. After all, celebrities, like everybody else, need to eat sometime. Or at least pretend to. And the food at these places isn't anything to scoff at either.
33 Dover St., W1; 020-7499 3033
This Mayfair hot spot is a favorite of London’s rock royalty for the jazzed-up American menu and funky diner atmosphere. Mick and Jade Jagger, P. Diddy and Kate Moss are all fans.
99 Kensington High St., W8; 020-7368 3993
Richard Branson’s restaurant at the Roof Gardens in Kensington is drawing a young and hip crowd including Kelly Osborne, Christian Slater and Meg Matthews. Visit the affiliated nightclub downstairs for extra star-spotting opportunities.
2 Farmer St., W8; 020-7727 7528
A revamp at this recently reopened old-time Notting Hill fish 'n' chip shop is pulling in a celeb-heavy clientele. Meryl Streep, Joan Collins, Jerry Springer, Brian Ferry, Justin Timberlake and Mariella Forstrup have all been to get their chip fix.
1-5 West St., WC2; 020-7836 4751
A gaggle of paparazzi is always hanging outside the door and a celebrity sighting is almost guaranteed at this Theatreland mainstay. Loved by luvvies, it also draws the A-list including the Beckhams, Tom Hanks, Ricky Gervais, Elton John and Tom Cruise.
28-32 St. Martin's Ct., WC2; 020-7240 2565
Like her little sister, The Ivy, this peerless seafood restaurant is a celeb favourite. Customers include Brad Pitt, Pierce Brosnan, Orlando Bloom, Sienna Miller, George Clooney, Rupert Everett, Kirsten Dunst and Daniel Craig.
Haymarket and Suffolk Pl., SW1; 020-7930 9020
Madonna, Dame Judi Dench and Halle Berry have all visited this trendy Indian restaurant in Haymarket. The buzzing club atmosphere makes it the perfect venue for star-studded aftershow parties.
19 Old Park Ln., W1; 020-7447 4747
After 10 years, Nobu Matsuhisa’s sizzling Old Park Lane restaurant is still rammed with A-through-C-list celebs. The client list reads like a Hollywood who’s who with Brad and Angelina, Matt Damon, Kate Hudson and Bruce Willis all spotted here.
– Eleanor Smallwood