I’ve lived in Los Angeles and San Francisco and unless you consider a Giant’s baseball player (ok my dad probably would) or Sheryl Sandberg a celebrity: you’re not going to find yourself eating next to one in SF.

Los Angeles is where almost all Hollywood celebrities live and if it’s not their permanent residence they most certainly spend quite a bit of time there. I have been to several restaurants that are popular haunts of the celebrity kind. Either they all got the memo that these are the hot spots in town or they genuinely like the food. Either way, you’re bound to see one dining at any one of these restaurants.

Here is where to eat in Los Angeles to see a celebrity:

Nobu, Malibu

This place is practically the Kardashians second home. (No not the one they rented in Malibu so they could go on a vacation from Calabasas during Covid…). If you watch their show or follow them on social media, they eat a lot of meals at Nobu. I have personally seen Adam Sandler there and know that many celerities love this place. It’s right across from the Soho House in Malibu, where a lot of celerities go as well.

Nat n’ Al’s, Beverly Hills

This is a personal favorite of mine. My parents took me here when I was in high school, since we were going to the Rose Bowl that year. That time I spotted Selma Blair (clearly a 90’s icon, so I knew who she was and even got to take a pic with her). On another visit in 2013 I saw Lisa Kudrow. This place is a mainstay in Beverly Hills and many celebrities lunch there.

Equinox Earth Bar, West Hollywood

So this was my gym when I lived in LA and it not only was filled with celebs working out but after their work outs you could find them at Earth Bar — because they need their smoothies! I saw Gary Janetti there — the alter ego to Prince George on Instagram. I’ve chatted with Andy Cohen, seen Ricky Martin, Jodie Foster and a few of the Vanderpump Rules cast there. I even shared an elevator with Will Ferrel on the way to the gym. This gym is a scene! The real estate office from the Netflix show: Selling Sunset is literally around the corner, so if you’re a fan of that show you probably will spot some of them.

Terroni’s, Fairfax District

A favorite of Meghan Markle’s, this Toronto based restaurant brought its digs to LA and the celebrities came running! Lea Michele had a large dinner party there one night I was there and one of her guest was Jamie Lynn Sigler. The food here is divine, so I recommend going for the food and ambiance.

Craig’s, West Hollywood

The one time I ate here I didn’t see any celebrities but it is a hot spot, many celebrities dine here — it’s in the heart of West Hollywood and paparazzi are generally just camped out there on the hunch they’ll get a good photo. I saw on Instagram that Lizzo was seen there just a few nights ago!

Honorable mention: Erewhon market is now the most popular market in LA because the Tik Tok celebrities have put it on the map (I can say I knew the market when…). Also, Alfred Coffee which always was a hot spot but now even more so.

Planning a trip to LA and hoping to run into a celeb or two? Try these restaurants above and you’ll be sure to end up dining near one!

Dress up for an LA Night: