Unearth The Voyage
When your favorite stars aren’t on stage or screen, some of them are busy running amazing restaurants across America. From burger joints to fancy Italian spots, these celebrity-owned eateries offer more than just good food—they give you a taste of the personalities behind them. Whether it’s a charity-focused café or a beachside sushi bar, each place has its own story and flavor that makes it worth visiting.
JBJ Soul Kitchen (Red Bank, NJ) – Jon Bon Jovi
Jon Bon Jovi and his wife opened this restaurant with a mission that goes way beyond serving tasty meals. JBJ Soul Kitchen operates on a pay-what-you-can model, meaning guests can volunteer their time if they can’t afford to pay. This approach helps fight food insecurity while maintaining dignity for everyone who walks through the door.
The menu features fresh, healthy dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Reviews consistently rank it among the best celebrity restaurants in the country. What makes it truly special is how it combines great food with genuine community impact, proving that restaurants can be forces for good while still delivering an excellent dining experience.
Wahlburgers (Various U.S. Locations) – Mark Wahlberg & Brothers
Mark Wahlberg teamed up with his brothers Donnie and Paul to create a burger chain that feels like family. Wahlburgers has expanded across the United States, bringing Boston-style comfort food to hungry fans everywhere. The casual atmosphere makes it perfect for grabbing a bite with friends or family.
Each location serves up creative burger combinations alongside classic favorites and crispy fries. Paul Wahlberg, a trained chef, designed the menu to balance quality with accessibility. The celebrity brand status definitely draws crowds, but the food keeps people coming back. Their reality TV show gave fans an inside look at the family dynamic, making each visit feel more personal and connected to the Wahlberg story.
Nobu Malibu (Malibu, CA) – Robert De Niro
Robert De Niro co-founded Nobu alongside legendary chef Nobu Matsuhisa, creating one of the most famous restaurant brands worldwide. The Malibu location sits right on the beach, offering stunning Pacific Ocean views alongside incredible Japanese-fusion cuisine. Celebrities and food lovers flock here for the unique blend of traditional Japanese techniques with Peruvian influences.
Signature dishes like black cod miso have become iconic in the culinary world. The sleek, modern design creates an atmosphere that’s both sophisticated and relaxed. Reservations can be tough to snag, but the experience is absolutely worth the effort. From the fresh sushi to the impeccable service, every detail reflects the high standards that made Nobu a global phenomenon.
Joanne Trattoria (New York, NY) – Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga’s family opened this charming Italian spot on the Upper West Side, naming it after her father’s mother. Joanne Trattoria serves traditional Italian-American dishes that connect directly to Gaga’s heritage and childhood memories. The cozy atmosphere feels more like a neighborhood favorite than a celebrity hotspot, which is exactly what makes it special.
Homemade pasta, classic marinara sauces, and generous portions define the menu here. While Lady Gaga herself doesn’t run the day-to-day operations, her family’s presence is felt throughout. The restaurant honors Italian cooking traditions without pretension or fuss. Locals and tourists alike appreciate the authentic flavors and the welcoming vibe that makes everyone feel like family at the table.
The Polo Bar (New York, NY) – Ralph Lauren
Fashion icon Ralph Lauren brought his signature style to the restaurant world with The Polo Bar in midtown Manhattan. Everything about this place screams elegance, from the rich leather booths to the equestrian-themed artwork covering the walls. The menu focuses on elevated American classics prepared with premium ingredients and expert technique.
Steaks, lobster, and seasonal vegetables are prepared to perfection in the gleaming kitchen. Getting a reservation here requires planning ahead, as the intimate space fills up quickly with fashion industry insiders and food enthusiasts. The attention to detail matches what you’d expect from the Ralph Lauren brand. Every element works together to create a dining experience that feels both timeless and thoroughly modern.
Tagine Beverly Hills (Los Angeles, CA) – Ryan Gosling
Ryan Gosling partnered with Chef Ben Benameu to bring authentic Moroccan flavors to Beverly Hills. Tagine offers an exotic dining experience that transports guests straight to North Africa through carefully crafted dishes and stunning décor. The restaurant’s name refers to the traditional clay cooking vessel used for slow-cooked stews.
Spices, preserved lemons, and tender meats define the menu’s bold flavors. The intimate setting attracts celebrities looking for privacy and food lovers seeking something different from typical LA dining. Moroccan lanterns cast warm light across the dining room, creating a romantic and mysterious atmosphere. Each dish tells a story of tradition and craftsmanship, making dinner here feel like a cultural adventure rather than just another meal out.
Nic & Norman’s (Senoia, GA) – Norman Reedus
Norman Reedus from The Walking Dead co-owns this Southern comfort food spot in the small town where the show filmed for years. Nic & Norman’s became a gathering place for cast, crew, and fans visiting the iconic filming locations nearby. The menu celebrates classic Southern cooking with fried chicken, mac and cheese, and other regional favorites.
Walking Dead memorabilia decorates the walls, giving fans plenty to look at between bites. The laid-back vibe reflects Norman’s personality perfectly—no pretension, just good food and good times. Locals appreciate having a quality restaurant in their small town, while tourists love the connection to their favorite show. It’s proof that celebrity restaurants work best when they genuinely connect to their communities and owners’ passions.
Mom’s Spaghetti (Detroit, MI) – Eminem
Eminem turned a lyric from his song Lose Yourself into an actual restaurant in his hometown of Detroit. Mom’s Spaghetti keeps things simple with a focused menu built around—you guessed it—spaghetti. The no-frills approach matches the rapper’s authentic, unpretentious image perfectly.
Pasta comes served in Chinese takeout containers, adding to the casual, almost ironic vibe. Despite the humble presentation, the food delivers on flavor and satisfaction. Fans make pilgrimages to this spot to connect with Eminem’s Detroit roots. The restaurant sits in a historic building downtown, helping revitalize the neighborhood. It proves you don’t need fancy décor or complicated menus to create something people genuinely love and remember. Sometimes simplicity and authenticity win out over everything else.
1000 North (Jupiter, FL) – Michael Jordan
Basketball legend Michael Jordan opened this upscale restaurant overlooking the water in Jupiter, Florida. The location offers stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway, making it perfect for special occasions or impressive date nights. The menu features premium steaks, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list curated for serious enthusiasts.
Jordan’s competitive excellence translates into every aspect of the dining experience here. The service is polished and professional without feeling stuffy. Sports memorabilia tastefully incorporated throughout reminds guests of Jordan’s legendary career. The outdoor patio area becomes especially popular during Florida’s beautiful winter months. Whether you’re a basketball fan or just appreciate fine dining, 1000 North delivers an experience worthy of its famous owner’s reputation for excellence and attention to detail.
Pebble Bar (New York, NY) – Nicholas Braun
Succession star Nicholas Braun recently opened this stylish bar-restaurant in New York City. Pebble Bar quickly became a hot spot for the city’s creative crowd, drawn by the thoughtful interior design and carefully crafted cocktails. The space feels intimate yet energetic, perfect for after-work drinks or late-night conversations.
The menu balances small plates meant for sharing with more substantial entrées for hungry diners. Braun’s involvement in the design process shows in every carefully chosen detail, from the lighting fixtures to the bar stools. The cocktail program emphasizes seasonal ingredients and creative combinations that surprise and delight. Unlike massive celebrity ventures, Pebble Bar maintains a neighborhood feel despite its famous co-owner. It’s become exactly what NYC needs—another quality spot that prioritizes atmosphere and quality over hype.
RPM Italian (Chicago, IL) – Bill & Giuliana Rancic
Reality TV personalities Bill and Giuliana Rancic partnered with the Melman family to create RPM Italian in Chicago. This upscale spot brings modern Italian dining to the city’s vibrant River North neighborhood. The sleek design and open kitchen create energy and excitement that matches the bold flavors coming from the kitchen.
Fresh pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and creative antipasti define the menu here. The wine list focuses heavily on Italian regions, offering both familiar favorites and exciting discoveries. Service strikes the perfect balance between attentive and relaxed. The Rancics’ entertainment industry background shows in how well the restaurant manages to feel both special-occasion-worthy and welcoming. High ratings from critics and diners alike prove that celebrity backing worked perfectly when combined with culinary excellence and smart hospitality.
Laughing Man Café (Multiple Locations) – Hugh Jackman
Hugh Jackman founded Laughing Man Café with a mission extending far beyond serving great coffee. The café donates 100% of its profits to support education, community development, and social entrepreneurship programs worldwide. What started as a chance encounter with a coffee farmer in Ethiopia became a full-fledged social enterprise.
The coffee itself is ethically sourced and expertly roasted, ensuring quality matches the noble mission. Light food options like pastries and sandwiches complement the beverage program. The New York City location has become a favorite among locals who appreciate businesses that give back. Jackman’s genuine commitment to making a difference shines through in every cup. It’s refreshing to see a celebrity use their platform to create something that helps communities globally while still delivering an excellent product.
Mermaid Oyster Bar (New York, NY) – Zach Braff
Actor Zach Braff co-owns this charming seafood spot that brings coastal vibes to New York City. Mermaid Oyster Bar specializes in fresh oysters, lobster rolls, and other New England-style seafood favorites. The nautical-themed décor creates a relaxed, beachy atmosphere that makes you forget you’re in the middle of Manhattan.
The oyster selection changes regularly based on what’s freshest and most interesting from various coastal regions. Knowledgeable staff can guide you through the options, explaining the subtle flavor differences between varieties. The lobster roll has achieved near-legendary status among seafood lovers in the city. Braff’s involvement adds celebrity appeal, but the quality seafood keeps regulars coming back week after week. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best restaurants focus on doing a few things exceptionally well.
Cafe Zoetrope (San Francisco, CA) – Francis Ford Coppola
Legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola brought his passion for Italian food and wine to San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood. Cafe Zoetrope serves organic Italian cuisine alongside wines from Coppola’s own vineyards in Napa Valley. The space doubles as a gallery showcasing film memorabilia from the director’s incredible career.
Fresh pasta dishes honor traditional Italian recipes while highlighting California’s amazing produce. The wine list naturally features Coppola wines, giving guests a chance to taste the same passion that goes into his filmmaking. The café occupies a historic building in one of San Francisco’s most charming neighborhoods. Movie buffs and food lovers alike find something to appreciate here. It’s a place where art, food, and wine intersect beautifully, creating an experience that engages multiple senses simultaneously.
Chicken + Beer (Atlanta, GA) – Ludacris
Rapper and actor Ludacris opened Chicken + Beer in Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, proving that airport dining doesn’t have to be boring. The restaurant’s name perfectly captures its straightforward concept—delicious chicken prepared various ways paired with craft beers. Despite the airport location, the quality rivals standalone restaurants in the city.
Southern-fried chicken, chicken and waffles, and creative chicken sandwiches dominate the menu. The beer selection features local Atlanta breweries alongside national favorites. Travelers appreciate having a legitimate dining option that reflects Atlanta’s food culture. Ludacris’s personality comes through in the energetic atmosphere and bold flavors. The success of Chicken + Beer has inspired other celebrities to rethink what airport dining can be. It’s become a destination worth arriving early for, which is high praise for any airport establishment.
Little Pine (Los Angeles, CA) – Moby
Musician Moby opened Little Pine as a fully vegan fine-dining restaurant in Los Angeles. All profits go to animal welfare organizations, making every meal here support a cause Moby deeply believes in. The Mediterranean-inspired menu proves that plant-based dining can be sophisticated, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.
Creative vegetable preparations and house-made pastas showcase the chef’s skills and imagination. Even dedicated meat-eaters often leave impressed by the flavors and textures achieved without animal products. The cozy, romantic atmosphere makes it perfect for date nights or special celebrations. Moby occasionally stops by, though the restaurant succeeds entirely on its own merits. Strong reviews from critics and customers alike demonstrate that vegan restaurants can compete at the highest culinary levels when executed with this much care and skill.
The 40/40 Club (New York, NY) – Jay-Z
Hip-hop mogul Jay-Z created The 40/40 Club as an upscale sports bar that redefined what sports viewing venues could be. Located in Manhattan, this spot combines luxury with the excitement of watching games on massive screens throughout the space. The name references the exclusive baseball achievement of 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a single season.
The menu goes far beyond typical bar food, offering steaks, seafood, and creative appetizers alongside craft cocktails. VIP areas provide privacy for celebrities and high-rollers who want a more exclusive experience. The club attracts athletes, entertainers, and business professionals who appreciate quality in every detail. Jay-Z’s business acumen shows in how well the concept balances accessibility with luxury. It’s become a blueprint for how celebrity sports bars can succeed.
SPiN (Multiple Locations) – Susan Sarandon
Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon co-founded SPiN, a ping pong social club that combines competitive table tennis with food, drinks, and nightlife. Locations in New York and Chicago have become popular spots for corporate events, date nights, and friendly competitions. The concept brilliantly taps into nostalgia while feeling completely modern and fresh.
Professional-grade tables fill the space, available for rental by the hour. The bar serves craft cocktails and local beers perfect for sipping between matches. Food options range from shareable appetizers to full meals. Sarandon’s passion for ping pong inspired the whole venture, and her involvement helped attract attention early on. The club has hosted celebrity tournaments and charity events that raise money for good causes. It’s proof that restaurants and entertainment venues can successfully merge when the concept is strong.
Walton’s Fancy & Staple (Austin, TX) – Sandra Bullock
Sandra Bullock owns this delightful bakery, deli, and coffee shop in Austin, Texas. Walton’s Fancy & Staple offers Southern comfort food, fresh-baked goods, and specialty coffee in a warm, welcoming environment. The name pays homage to Bullock’s love of traditional general stores and community gathering places.
Breakfast tacos, sandwiches, and incredible pastries keep locals coming back daily. The flower shop inside adds unexpected charm and makes it easy to grab a bouquet along with your lunch. Bullock wanted to create a space that serves the neighborhood rather than just trading on her celebrity. The genuine community feel shows that approach worked perfectly. Austin residents consider it a beloved local spot that happens to have a famous owner rather than a tourist attraction. That’s exactly the kind of success that matters most.
Saints and Sinners (New Orleans, LA) – Channing Tatum
Channing Tatum opened Saints and Sinners to capture the wild, joyful spirit of New Orleans nightlife. The bar and restaurant serves Creole and Cajun classics alongside creative cocktails that pack a punch. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, it fits perfectly into the neighborhood’s legendary party scene.
Gumbo, jambalaya, and po’ boys satisfy hungry guests looking for authentic Louisiana flavors. The bar program emphasizes rum-based cocktails and frozen drinks perfect for the city’s hot, humid climate. Live music frequently fills the space with the sounds that make New Orleans special. Tatum’s love for the city shines through in every detail, from the décor to the menu choices. It’s become a favorite among both tourists seeking authentic experiences and locals who appreciate another quality option in their beloved city’s dining scene.
Trejo’s Tacos (Los Angeles, CA) – Danny Trejo
Actor Danny Trejo has built a mini empire around Trejo’s Tacos, bringing authentic Mexican street food to Los Angeles. What started as a single location has expanded across Southern California thanks to bold flavors and genuine community connection. Trejo’s personal story of redemption and success makes the restaurants feel even more meaningful and inspiring.
Tacos feature creative fillings alongside traditional options, all prepared with fresh ingredients and careful attention. Vegan and vegetarian options ensure everyone can find something delicious to eat. The casual atmosphere welcomes families, students, and everyone in between. Trejo frequently visits his restaurants, taking photos with fans and checking that quality stays high. His restaurants prove that celebrity ventures work best when they reflect the owner’s authentic background and values rather than just capitalizing on fame.
