NYC Italian Eateries Favored by Celebrities: Which Ones Are Worth the Wait?
When celebrities like Taylor Swift, Hailey Bieber, and Sabrina Carpenter visit, they flock to New York City’s Italian hotspots — but securing a table requires some planning. Here’s what you should know about these beloved venues.
Which Italian Restaurants in NYC Do Celebrities Actually Go To?
Six Italian restaurants consistently attract NYC’s most-photographed stars: Carbone, Via Carota, L’Artusi, Rao’s, Bar Pitti, and Sant Ambroeus. Each has unique reservation practices, signature dishes, and a reputation for attracting A-listers.
Carbone, located in Greenwich Village, is notoriously challenging for reservations — so much so that Justin and Hailey Bieber attempted to dine there without a reservation and were turned away. The Kardashians, Jennifer Lopez, and many others have been spotted dining here.
In the West Village, Via Carota serves celebrities from Swift to Sarah Jessica Parker. Nearby, L’Artusi attracts the Bieber couple as well — they have been captured leaving the eatery together.
The most exclusive of the bunch, Rao’s in East Harlem, draws celebrities for its rarity. Meanwhile, Bar Pitti in Greenwich Village offers a more lively, see-and-be-seen atmosphere, with sightings of Carpenter and Bieber at its outdoor tables.
Sant Ambroeus, known for its coffee, gelato, and full meals, is also popular among celebrities at its West Village location. Jared Leto, Swift, and Calvin Klein have all been spotted there, and the brand now has international locations in Milan, Paris, the Hamptons, Palm Beach, and Aspen.
How Do You Get a Reservation at Carbone in NYC?
Reservations at Carbone open on Resy 30 days ahead at 10 a.m., so you’ll need to be ready to book as soon as they go live. They often fill up within seconds.
If you do manage to get a table, the spicy rigatoni vodka is a must-try — it’s the dish that has made Carbone a celebrity hotspot and a social media favorite. The eatery’s blend of classic red sauce and luxury is appealing, but the rigatoni is the standout item.
The Biebers’ infamous rejection serves as a reminder: even celebrities need reservations here. If you miss the 30-day Resy drop, your best bet is to aim for a bar seat early in the evening, although those are also in high demand on weekends.
L’Artusi, located across town in the West Village, follows a similar albeit slightly less strict reservation system. Reservations open on Resy two weeks ahead at 9 a.m., and the ricotta gnocchi is a top recommendation. If Carbone proves elusive, L’Artusi is a solid alternative.
For those planning their NYC food adventures, align reservation times with your travel dates — many people mistakenly book flights and hotels prior to securing their tables at Carbone or L’Artusi.
Where Do Celebrities Like Taylor Swift and Hailey Bieber Dine in the West Village?
The four popular spots among Taylor Swift, Hailey Bieber, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Sabrina Carpenter include Via Carota, L’Artusi, Bar Pitti, and the West Village branch of Sant Ambroeus.
Via Carota is well-known for its cacio e pepe and insalata verde, and walk-ins are encouraged. Though it now accepts a limited number of Resy reservations, acquiring one can be extremely difficult. The best strategy: arrive early on weeknights for a drink and a bit of a wait.
In contrast, Bar Pitti is lively and vibrant, famed for its busy sidewalk tables, perfect for catching celebrities dining outdoors. Keep in mind it operates on a cash-only basis, so be prepared.
Sant Ambroeus in the West Village acts like a celebrity hotspot during the day, with guests ranging from Leto to Klein enjoying espresso or gelato. If your priority is the food rather than the sightings, their other Manhattan locations and branches in the Hamptons, Palm Beach, Aspen, Milan, and Paris serve the same quality coffee without the crowd.
Why Is Rao’s the Hardest Italian Restaurant to Get Into in NYC?
Rao’s in East Harlem operates without reservations and doesn’t maintain a waitlist — its tables are primarily reserved for regular patrons, essentially passed down like heirlooms. To dine here, you or someone in your party must have a standing table.
This exclusivity is precisely why the wealthy and famous vie for a spot there. The scarcity of availability enhances its appeal, reinforcing its celebrity allure. Additionally, the restaurant is cash-only, which contributes to its vintage ambiance.
If you’re eager to gain access without a reserved table, one unofficial tactic is to frequent the bar. Regular visits for drinks, getting to know the staff, may eventually lead to a chance at a table on a quieter night. This approach requires time and patience.
The lemon chicken is legendary — if you are fortunate enough to dine there, make sure to order it. For those traveling to NYC seeking culinary experiences, consider Rao’s as more of a captivating story to chase rather than just another reservation to secure. The other five restaurants on this list offer more attainable options; Rao’s represents the ultimate challenge.
