Famous movies and even iconic TV shows have filmed some of their most memorable moments in restaurants and cafes that have now become must-see stops on many tourist itineraries, not just for Americans but for Hollywood fans worldwide. Nothing makes them happier than to be able to live, experience, and sometimes even re-create iconic restaurant scenes from their favorite movies or shows.
Here are five of our favorite restaurants that appeared in movies and television shows that you can add to your travel bucket list.
1. Rainbow Room | New York City
With references to the movie classic, An Affair to Remember, including a moment atop the Empire State Building, Nora Ephron’s Sleepless in Seattle combines romance and New York City like few others. One of the most memorable scenes from the movie was shot at The Rainbow Room where Annie (Meg Ryan) is on Valentine’s Day date with her fiance, Walter (Bill Pullman). While taking in the phenomenal view, the sight of an illuminated heart on the Empire State Building pushes Meg Ryan to take a chance and meet her true love Sam (played by Tom Hanks) on the Empire State’s observation deck. Rainbow Room has been a New York City classic since its opening in 1934 and is often the first choice to celebrate evening sundowners, special occasions, Sunday brunches, and rightly so. The sheer amount of food choices (seafood to meats, salads to vegetarian fare, and desserts to coffee), a revolving dance floor, combined with breathtaking views of the New York skyline epitomizing quintessential New York glamour, rising 65 stories above the landmark Rockefeller Center to host unforgettable moments, is an experience not to be missed.
Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, 65th Floor, New York, NY 10112
2. Nobu | London
My earliest memories of watching films were sneaking away with my sisters to watch romantic comedies. The whimsical plots, dreamy couples, and fantastic backdrops have stayed with me throughout. Judge me all you want but often, while checking into hotels, I ask for Pocahontas, a pseudonym Julia Roberts famed character would use to check into hotels to avoid the paparazzi. So it’s only natural for me to have visited every single location that has been featured in the film. The Japanese restaurant, Nobu (the one featured here is the one in London), where Anna (Julia Roberts) and William (Hugh Grant) share a meal has been a brand in itself for several years. Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, the co-founder, and master sushi chef built this empire across 22 locations with none other than Robert De Niro himself! A startling combination of Japanese food with Peruvian flavors, Nobu has a bold menu. From broiled black cod in sweet miso to raw yellowtail in ponzu under jalapeno and from ceviche to sashimi salad, the explosion of flavors complements the theatrical and loud surroundings, a radical shift from its quieter beginnings.
Spread across the US, Mexico, Caribbean, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and South America, its illustrious clientele includes the likes of the Kardashians, Leonardo DiCaprio, Justin Bieber, Bradley Cooper, David and Victoria Beckham, and Kate Hudson.
Address: COMO Metropolitan, 19 Old Park Lane, Mayfair, London W1K 1LB, United Kingdom
3. Au Pied de Cochon | Paris
In Nora Ephron’s Oscar-nominated movie Julie and Julia, Julia (played by Meryl Streep) is seen frequenting the famous brasserie Au Pied de Cochon, for their traditional onion soup. But little did we know that this real beating heart of Paris was the first institution to offer, from its opening in 1947, a continuous service 24/7. Now run by the Freres Blanc group, the legendary brasserie still draws both French and foreign tourists with round-the-clock hours and trademark traditional fares such as seafood platters, breaded pigs’ trotters, pork knuckle with sauerkraut, and cheese-crusted onion soup. It’s the perfect ribs-ticking fare for a winter’s day or to finish off a weekend crawl. The dining room, decorated with a profusion of Art Nouveau stylistic touches, like mirrors, chandeliers, and paintings of lovely ladies feels resolutely cheerful. There is also an enticing terrace and since it is open 24/7, you can come in anytime for a meal as you watch the world go by.
Address: 6, Rue Coquilliere 75001 Paris, France
4. Musso & Frank Grill | Los Angeles
Brad Pitt and Di Caprio are seen using the iconic dining location ‘Musso & Frank Grill’ in Los Angeles as the primary location for their meeting with Marvin Schwarzs (played by Al Pacino) in Quentin Tarantino’s Oscar nominated 2019 film “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”, that also won #BradPitt the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor today. The steak-and-cocktails joint, that first opened its doors in 1919 turned into a Hollywood favorite after it opened its exclusive Back Room in 1934 and was frequented by Charlie Chaplin. The menu hasn’t changed much since the era depicted in the film. The most ordered item here is filet mignon, cooked over an open-fire mesquite grill that has been seasoned for more than 30 years. And every table gets a half-loaf of house-made sourdough bread, the perfect accompaniment to a dry martini.
Address: 6667 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood 90028
5. Le Grand Colbert | Paris
We’ll always have Paris! Chances are you’ve seen Something’s Gotta Give and remember this dialogue exchange between Diane Keaton and Jack Nicolson during their rendezvous in Paris. Le Grand Colbert, classified as a historic monument served as the location for this iconic scene. Situated in the heart of the city, this Parisian brasserie’s lofty ceilings and stunning mosaic floors are sure to leave you captivated. You may also remember Diane Keaton raving about the ‘universe’s best’ roast chicken in the movie, and the real thing is indeed worth all the hype! Offering classic and modern variations this 1825 establishment’s menu is an ode to French gastronomy.
Some drool-worthy dishes are the delicate curried salmon, duck breast fillet served with sautéed potatoes and salad, and ray (fish) with capers and steamed potatoes. For desserts opt for the “cafe gourmand” – a traditional collection of French desserts in miniature form, from macarons to puff pastry filled with hazelnut cream, to mini creme-brulees, all served with a strong espresso. If that doesn’t make you wanna board the next flight to Paris, we don’t know what will.
Address: 2 Rue Vivienne, 75002 Paris
Must Reads:
In Search of Delicious Vegetarian Food Restaurant in Paris
Best Of Food Capitals – Paris | Dubai | Thailand
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