West Hollywood is the natural habitat of celebrities, influencers and reality stars. Wherever you go, from Starbucks to the local dog park, a famous face is likely to be lurking nearby. Better still, with a diverse melting pot of cultures, the area is brimming with delicious spots for long lunching or feasting anytime of day or night.
Here’s seven of the most popular West Hollywood restaurants where you're bound to spot a celeb or two.
Gracias Madre
8905 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood
Image credit: Gracies Madres | Instagram
The 100% plant based menu served at Gracias Madre—which relies on whole food ingredients instead of processed meat substitutes—has made it a regular destination for health conscious stars like Willow Smith, Jessica Alba and Selena Gomez. Even Megan Markle hosted her International Women’s Day lunch here last year. Guests can choose from a vibrant selection of South American and Mexican dishes that feature mushrooms, jackfruit and loads of spicy chipotle pepper. But if lentil tacos don’t get you excited, the wall of tequila and mezcal might.
Catch LA
8715 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood
Image credit: Catch | Website
This glitzy rooftop restaurant, which is part of the international Catch franchise, attracts a revolving door of A-listers including David Beckham, Kendall Jenner and Mariah Carey. It’s also a favourite destination for reality stars hoping to be seen by the paparazzi. It’s hard to say if anyone actually comes here to eat, as opposed to showing off their latest love interest. But they should, because Catch’s extensive menu of seafood, which is served in raw, rolled, grilled and fried formats, is reason enough to make a visit.
Dan Tana’s
9071 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood
At the edge of the West Hollywood border, just before you cross over to the lush, manicured lawns of Beverly Hills, sits Dan Tana’s—a little Italian restaurant that’s surprisingly homely for a celebrity hotspot. It’s been there for decades, which explains why it’s decorated like your nanna’s living room. But that’s also why the locals love it. Dishes are named here in honour of their most famed guests, such as the Nicky Hilton chopped salad and the George Clooney veal cutlet, and for some reason, spaghetti marinara comes with everything whether you want it or not.
The Ivy
113 N Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles
Image credit: The Ivy Restaurants | Website
You’d easily mistake The Ivy for an English country cottage if it weren’t for the tables of chattering diner, clinking sounds of cutlery and lunchtime martinis. Amongst the mounds of floral cushions and excessive bouquets of roses you’ll spot Hollywood execs wrangling business deals; actors catching up with their agents for lunch; and TikTok fitness influencers who order their Caesar salads without any of the dressing or good bits. This is the kind of laid back glam that West Hollywood restaurants—and the city in general—is known for. Even Lady Gaga has been spotted here on a casual afternoon, sashaying past the white picket fence makeup-free, but wearing shimmering platforms, hot pants and an enormous faux fur coat. True story.
Craig’s
8826 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood
Image credit: Craig's | Instagram
Don’t expect groundbreaking feats of gastronomy at Craig’s; while the restaurant’s American-style menu covers crowd pleasers like meatballs, buffalo chicken pizza, steaks and salads, it’s far better known for its reputation as the place to be seen. In fact, the menu’s simplicity could be a strategic move on their part; it means everyone can focus on looking glamorous and taking Instagram selfies without getting too distracted by the food. If you ever see a TMZ van parked out front of the venue on Melrose Ave, go inside. And have your camera phone ready.
Rocco’s
8900 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood
Owned by former N*SYNC noughties heartthrob Lance Bass, Rocco’s is a pumping restaurant, bar and nightclub at the epicentre of West Hollywood’s LGBTQ community. It’s a renowned afterparty spot and celebrity magnet, especially during the Pride Festival and awards season. Ru Paul screenings, karaoke sessions and drag performances fill the venue throughout the week, and by Saturday afternoon, punters spill out from the outdoor patio and into the rollicking Santa Monica Blvd strip below.
Chateau Marmont
8221 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles
Image credit: Chateau Marmont | Instagram
Reservations are essential at Chateau Marmont’s restaurant, and with good reason: they take the privacy of their guests very seriously. Situated along Sunset Strip at the base of the Hollywood Hills, the hotel is so well known for celebrity sightings and scandals, it requires a round-the-clock security detail just to keep the paparazzi at bay. Lindsay Lohan was famously banned from the premises after racking up a $46,000 USD bill—so you won’t see her here. But everyone else is fair game.
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