10 Ultimate Celebrity Restaurants on the Upper West Side

Celebrity sightings are inherently unpredictable, and there is no guaranteed formula for encountering a celebrity at a restaurant. If you’re hoping for a celebrity sighting, choosing a popular spot in a celebrity-heavy location may increase your chances; at the end of the day, it’s still a matter of luck. Some celebrities actively share their whereabouts on social media, while others prefer to keep a low profile. If you’re looking to cross paths with some of the more notable personalities on the Upper West Side, read on to get a heads-up on recent sightings.

Photo: Fabio Lovino/HBO

The Leopard at des Artistes

The Leopard at des Artistes, the upscale Italian restaurant located at the same address as the former Upper West Side Café des Artistes, is a favorite celebrity dining spot. Luminaries such as Hollywood legends Steven Spielberg, Daniel Craig, Howard Stern, and Steve Martin reportedly dine here. Located at 1 W. 67th Street (between Central Park West & Columbus Avenue).

Gennaro

An Upper West Side mainstay for the past 25 years, its authentic Italian food draws some famous names. A favorite of Joy Behar who as referred to Gennaro’s as her number one favorite Italian restaurant. “You can’t beat Gennaro’s for great Italian food on Amsterdam and 92nd. They’re the best. It’s like eating in Italy, really”. 655 Amsterdam Avenue (located between 92nd & 93rd Streets).

Tatiana

A welcome addition to the Lincoln Center complex, Tatiana makes an excellent place to dine before a performance. It is located on the first floor of the David Geffen Hall. Tatiana is said to be a favorite of Michael Strahan when he is out on the town entertaining people. “This restaurant has such a great mix of cultures. You’re looking at Lincoln Center while listening to hip-hop music and enjoying the ambiance. And the food is fantastic”. (Michael Strahan)

Sushi of Gari

Fred Armisen has several favorite restaurants in NY, among them the Upper West Side’s Sushi of Gari. “You know how, with some restaurants, you really just love a place? That’s how I feel about Gari. Obviously, the food is excellent, but it’s such a great place – everyone is so friendly, and they always remember me. I love sitting at the bar by myself and getting the omakase.” (Eater New York) Located at 370 Columbus Ave. (between 77th & 78th Streets).

Marea

Bobby Flay, the star of Food Network and the proprietor of restaurants in 19 locations across 11 states has noted that Marea is his favorite UWS restaurant. Marea continues to feature regularly in ‘the best of’ lists: best Italian (Eater, May 2022), best pasta (Manhattan Digest, 2017), best seafood (Grub Street, 2019 ), best business lunch (Hollywood Reporter, 2022), as well as on lists of the 50 Best: Best of America ( Business Insider, 2017) and Best of  NY (Zagat). Located at 240 Central Park South.

Mama’s Too

And sometimes, it doesn’t have to be a white tablecloth restaurant, or anywhere super fancy. A spot that is beloved by hordes of college students, locals, and tourists alike, this pizza joint also has the endorsement of Jessica Seinfeld, author, and wife of Jerry: “Everything is perfect at Mama’s Too!. The crunch of the crust, the just-right tomato sauce, the smart Upper West Side crowd, with Frank, the owner, at the helm.” Located at 2671 Broadway (between 105th & 106th Streets), this pizza spot will sate your inner pizza beast each day from noon to 11 pm.

Joanne Trattoria

If you stop by Joanne Trattoria one evening for a family dinner, you just might find owners Joe and Cynthia having an Italian dinner with their daughter Stefani (better known these days as Lady Gaga, also part owner of the restaurant). They look to serve “authentic family-inspired Italian dishes in a convivial atmosphere……as you dine on traditional favorites like our famous meatballs or lasagna”. Located at 70 W. 68th Street (between Central Park West & Columbus Avenue).

Osteria Accademia

Michael Imperioli, star of hit shows “The Sopranos”, Goodfellas” and “White Lotus”, has added Osteria Accademia to his best restaurant list for a good reason. “Each dish on the menu comprises fresh, house-made pasta and imported Italian ingredients, each representing a different region of Italy”.  Italian-American restaurant with all the classics, in an intimate setting. Located at 646 Amsterdam Ave. (between 91^st & 92^nd Street).

Barney Greengrass

Barney Greengrass was one of Anthony Bourdain’s first televised New York restaurant recommendations. Bourdain paid a visit to this Jewish deli, which is located in what used to be his neighborhood. “The Sturgeon King” is a New York tradition since it first opened in 1908. This restaurant and Jewish deli happily live up to its reputation as “One of America’s Favorite Neighborhood Restaurants”. Located at 541 Amsterdam Avenue (between 86th & 87th Street).

Sugar Bar

The Sugar Bar was opened in 1996 by songwriters and performers, Ashford & Simpson, the duo behind the hit songs “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody”s Hand)”. A hot spot for such celebrities as Stevie Wonder, Freddie Jackson, Whoopi Goldberg, Alicia Keys, and Quincy Adams to name a few. Located at 254 W. 72nd Street (between Broadway and West End)