7 celebrity-owned restaurants in LA to try now

I’ve lived in Los Angeles for over 25 years, so I’ve had plenty of time to practice my celebrity poker face. That is, I can hide my excitement after spotting almost any famous person drinking or dining at one of LA’s hotspots. But now instead of just being regulars, more and more big-name actors and musicians are running the show. Call it a constellation of movie stars and Michelin stars, if you will.

From a community-minded café by Issa Rae to a beachfront Japanese restaurant from Robert DeNiro, there’s a line-up of incredible eateries to choose from. And don’t worry, they’re not just banking off the celebrity Kenergy. The food is genuinely good and there are some killer drinks to boot. So, while you might not run into any red carpet regulars, I promise your meal will still be worth it.

Behind Tagine’s lime green door lies a cozy, intimate Moroccan restaurant with plush banquettes and friendly service. Whether you splurge on the whole tasting menu or order á la carte, bold, complex, and comforting flavors are in store—from the house mezze platter to the namesake stew with fish, chicken, or vegetables.

Though the couscous is a popular pick, I highly recommend the lamb chops that melt in your mouth. I also enjoy the chicken bastilla, a crispy, sugar- and cinnamon-dusted pastry shell stuffed with a surprisingly savory mix of meat, egg, and spices.

You can always count on a lively atmosphere at Hilltop Coffee and Kitchen, a community-driven space with a mission to serve the locals around it. It’s got all the different drinks you could ever want, including specialty coffee, matcha, lemonades, blended and seasonal drinks. If you’re not looking for a buzz, check out the delicious non-caffeinated options.

Hungry? Go for the “bangin’ breakfast burrito” with scrambled eggs, black beans, cheddar, hash browns, peppers and onions or the breakfast sandwich, which is like a BEC with fried egg and spicy mayo at the center. The brunch menu also has salads, açai bowls, and crunchy toasts with toppings called “drop tops.” Just make sure to save room for dessert—you won’t want to miss the nutella-filled beignets.

I wouldn’t blame you if you blew right past Olivia Restaurant without realizing it. Located in a nondescript Koreatown strip mall, it’s easy to overlook. But, step inside and you’ll find a stylish dining room and veggie-centric dishes. Start with some shared plates: the fried olives, “crispy chicken,” and little gem caesar salad are to die for. If you’re in a pasta mood, get the cavatelli with mushroom, lentil bolognese, sun dried tomato, and parmesan.

Pizzas tend to be the centerpiece, with plenty of dairy-free selections, too. The real star of the show is the spicy kimchi pizza, made with gruyere, Beemster gouda, and jalapeño—because you are in Koreatown, after all.

Sure, there are dozens of Nobu restaurants around the world. But none of them compares to the outpost in Malibu, where a chic crowd eats on an outdoor terrace overlooking the Pacific Ocean. While you may see a celebrity here, the people-watching will be fascinating no matter what. Trust me.

You could always tuck into a few bites of traditional nigiri (sushi), sashimi (cut fish) or maki (hand roll), but at Nobu, it’s really about Chef Matsuhisa’s creations. Miso-marinated black cod has reached legendary status here, so you’ll want to try that first. Rock shrimp tempura is always the ticket or jump for the yellowtail sashimi with slices of jalapeño on top—it’s a Nobu signature dish.

Truth be told, it’s hard not to find something to your liking at Trejo’s Tacos, given the menu is absolutely massive, with a dozen different tacos and burritos to choose from. The tender carnitas taco is a fan favorite, as is the juicy mushroom asada burrito. If you need some spice in your life, go for the chicken tinga. Vegetarians should also look for the jackfruit and cauliflower options. Want a Spanish rice bowl or combo plate? It’s got that too. And they can make practically anything into a quesadilla.

Sure, Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker is a big draw, but plenty of celebrity clients and avid food-lovers flock to Crossroads Kitchen just to taste Chef Tal Ronnen’s plant-based plates. The Mediterranean restaurant has five- and seven-course tasting menus that are well worth the splurge. If you go a la carte, start with the stuffed zucchini blossoms. The salads, both seasonal and the trusty kale caesar, are always a hit, too.

But, the pastas are really where it’s at. I love the spicy rigatoni vodka and the lasagna bolognese with Impossible meats (did I mention, the whole place is vegan?). For the mains, you can’t go wrong with the eggplant short rib and grilled lion’s mane steak.

Jay Z has his fingerprints all over Mr. T. In the heart of Hollywood, this brand new bistro features industrial furnishings, neon pink signage, and a ‘90s hip hop soundtrack, of course. Asian and Mediterranean street food is made using French techniques, as the restaurant is inspired by Paris’s alluring Marais district.

You’ll be charmed by dishes such as the bright pasta al limone and the chicken diane. But prepare to be impressed by the more daring takes, such as the lumpia with chicken and blue prawn mousse, steak tartare larb style, and Cantonese branzino with scallion, soy espagnole sauce, and trout roe.