It can be a buzz to spot a famous face while you’re away on holidays or traveling for business, especially if you find yourself unexpectedly at the same restaurant as your favorite star. A good night out can be even more fun if you happen to see a celeb you’ve always admired or lusted after! If you’re planning to visit Sydney anytime soon, it’s quite possible you might spot a celeb while you’re in town out for Sydney Dining, especially considering the number of films being made in the city, the regular premieres being hosted and the abundance of big-name concerts put on throughout the year. Whether you’re keen to spot a celebrity or just want to dine at celebrity-worthy restaurants in Sydney, read on for five fab restaurants to add to your itinerary on your next visit. Liveried waiters in bow ties and crisp white shirts are on hand to cater to every diner’s needs, while the location provides uninterrupted, panoramic views of one of the world’s most iconic beaches.
Otto Ristorante
Otto has been serving up high-quality meals to a crowd of famous faces since 2000. Located on Cowper Wharf in inner-city Woolloomooloo, Otto Ristorante has had a slew of high-profile owners and chefs over the years, with names including Maurice Terzini, James Kidman and current head chef Richard Ptacnik. The high-end Italian menu has helped the restaurant to pick up a score of food awards over the years, while the comprehensive wine list has also been commended. Visitors should try to be seated on the al fresco terrace where they can enjoy the prime water and city skyline views. Famous faces spotted at Otto over the years include former President Bill Clinton, Tom Cruise, Dennis Hopper, LeAnn Rimes, Sam Neill, John Laws and Jennifer Love Hewitt.
Chiswick Restaurant
Another popular dining spot with the stars is Chiswick, a restaurant run by renowned Australian chefs Matt Moran and Peter Sullivan. The casual-dining venue is located in trendy Woollahra and features a seasonal menu designed to be shared. Much of the produce for the meals whipped up at Chiswick are grown right on site in the 150-square metre kitchen garden. The restaurant is designed to feel warm and homey, to reflect the simplicity of the fresh produce used according to the passing of seasons. The fit-out of the establishment has created a light-filled space featuring a large communal table as well as shaded outdoor seating for those beautiful sunny days. Celebs who have dined at Chiswick in the past include Ellen DeGeneres, Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, Miranda Kerr and J.J. Abrams.
Icebergs Dining Room and Bar
Bondi Beach institution Icebergs Dining Room and Bar turns 12 this year and provides patrons with everything one might ask for: top-notch Italian–Modern Australian cuisine, an impressive wine list, impeccable service and stunning views. Housed in a landmark ocean-front building in South Bondi and situated above a swimming pool, Icebergs provides glamour and style in spades. Reservations are a must, so if you’re in the area with time to spare, browse one of Bondi’s many boutique shops or unique local markets, before your dining experience. Stars that have eaten at this high-profile venue over the years include Pink, Oprah, Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon, Jack Nicholson, Owen Wilson, Keith Urban, Portia de Rossi, Sienna Miller and Gordon Ramsay. Nicole Kidman even chose to celebrate her 40th birthday at the restaurant.
Beppi’s Restaurant
Another well-regarded Italian restaurant, Beppi’s was established back in 1956 and is still owned and run by the same family today (a record for a restaurant in Australia). Since it opened, the popular East Sydney establishment has won more than 40 awards for food and service. Lauded by Pink as having provided her with one of the best meals of her life, and dishing up, according to Rihanna, the best food in Australia, Beppi’s has a long-standing reputation with celebs. Other stars who have dined at the venue include Frank Sinatra, Shirley Bassey, Neil Armstrong, Geoffrey Rush and Rob Thomas.
Bill’s
Owned by one of Australia’s first celebrity chefs, Bill Granger, Bills has been wowing patrons for over 20 years in the popular tourist destination of Darlinghurst. Opened by Granger in 1993 when he was just in his early twenties, Bills became famous in a short amount of time for serving up the best scrambled eggs and ricotta hotcakes in town, served at what was, back then, the innovative concept of a communal table. Famous faces spotted at Bills include Cameron Diaz, Kate Bosworth, Jake Gyllenhaal and Hugo Weaving.
