Los Angeles might be home to Hollywood, but New York City doesn't slouch when it comes to celebrity residents. If you're looking to spot a famous face, your best bet may be to dine at one of the city's many celebrity-owned restaurants. From revered actors to popular musicians, a bevy of celebrities have waded into New York's competitive restaurant scene.
A cornerstone of the downtown culinary scene that was founded two decades ago, Tribeca Grill is jointly owned by Oscar-winner Robert De Niro (who also co-owns Japanese hot spot Nobu) and restaurateur Drew Nieporent, but the star power doesn't stop there. Among the investors are Sean Penn, Ed Harris, Russell Simmons and Harvey and Bob Weinstein. The restaurant is housed in a historic 1905 warehouse that also is home to De Niro's film company, Tribeca Productions, and the Weinstein Company. In addition to hearty entrees such as pan-roasted trout, braised lamb shank and duck breast, the menu, as of 2010, includes 1,900 wine selections.
Tribeca Grill
375 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10013
(212) 941-3900
myriadrestaurantgroup.com/tribecagrill/
This 10-year-old Korean restaurant, located in the West Village, so impressed director Quentin Tarantino that he decided to sign on as a co-owner. Diners can grill their own Korean barbecue meats family style or opt for individual entrees such as black cod or sauteed squid. The movie posters featured on the menus remind customers of the restaurant's Hollywood connection.
Do Hwa
55 Carmine Street
New York, NY 10014
(212) 414-1224
dohwanyc.com
Not surprisingly, Justin Timberlake's New York restaurant serves up Southern cooking, with an emphasis on barbecue. Traditional comfort foods on the menu include spare ribs, fried chicken, mac 'n' cheese and cornbread. In 2008, the popular Upper East Side eatery was visited by Nelly Furtado, Kid Rock, Timbaland, Brett Michaels, Jason Giambi, Leonardo Dicaprio and Chace Crawford, among a host of other famous folks.
Southern Hospitality BBQ & Bar
1460 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10075
(212) 249-1001
southernhospitalitybbq.com
Located next to Madison Square Park, the New York branch of rapper Jay-Z's 40/40 Club is an up-scale sports bar and lounge serving the kinds of foods people crave when watching a game. Guests who meet the dress code (no sneakers, jerseys or baseball caps) can enjoy their mozzarella sticks, pizza, burgers and quesadillas in the main area or in one of the VIP rooms. For a decadent dessert, try the deep-fried Twinkie or Snickers.
The 40/40 Club
6 West 25th Street
New York, NY 10010
(212) 832-4040
the4040club.com
