Full list: Sydney’s bougiest hotspots for celebrities
Sydney is undeniably the celebrity hotspot of Australia, our Hollywood if you will, attracting the biggest names in show business here and abroad. See the full list of Sydney’s most popular spots.
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Sydney is undeniably the celebrity hotspot of Australia, our Hollywood if you will, attracting the biggest names in show business here and abroad.
More often than not, if a big name star is in the country, they’ll be in the Harbour City.
Known for our blend of glitz and glam with laid-back beach lifestyle, it is possible for big name stars to go low-key within suburban communities just as Nicole Kidman does when she is spotted around Manly and the lower north shore.
Stars can go out to be seen too though when they choose, that is the beauty of this town. It is their choice and our casual Aussie vibe means we aren’t over the top when one crops up.
From hotel by the harbour to some of the world’s best restaurants and beaches, this is our guide to the most frequented celebrity spots in town.
Totti’s
It’s more a question of which celebrity hasn’t been to the Mike Eggert Italian restaurant, which started in Bondi in 2018 before expanding its reach with outposts in the CBD, Rozelle and Allianz Stadium.
Martha Stewart was recently championing the famous flatbread. While A-list actors like Chris Hemsworth, Matt Damon and Taron Edgerton have all been frequent customers to the Merivale venue. To be fair, all of Merivale’s venues are VIP hotspots, whether that be mimi’s, The Newport, The Establishment or Good Luck.
Saint Peter’s
Chef Josh Niland’s nose to tail approach to fish has made him world famous, so there is no surprise that the elite make it their mission to dine at his restaurant. The original Saint Peter’s on Oxford Street was a tiny venue that still managed to squeeze in tables for the likes of actor Margot Robbie and cooking goddess Nigella Lawson. Now the restaurant has moved to the Grand National Hotel, they’ve got more room to entertain Sydney’s bougie set.
The Gidley
The Gidley, an opulent subterranean steak house serving up golden-age hospitality, has been a go to for A-listers including muso Drake. Located on the corner of King and Elizabeth, this venue is a go-to for visiting celebs due to the fact it’s hidden beneath the streets of Sydney’s bustling CBD.
Bistecca
Located beneath the CBD, this Italian steak restaurant and cocktail bar always has a waitlist for bookings and a strong regular clientele. White Lotus star Patrick Schwarzenegger visited the bar when in town, as did Irish muso James Vincent McMorrow.
Disney Studios, Moore Park
Sydney has long been Australia’s hub for Hollywood productions, from the more recent The Fall Guy to Nicole Kidman’s Moulin Rouge! back in the day. Pamela Anderson, Ellen Burstyn, Murray Bartlett and Taika Waititi have over recent months been based there shooting Place To Be. Given movies often take months to film, visiting actors often set up a home base here for the duration of production, hence why many choose to lease luxe mansions by the harbour within a short drive from the studio. That makes all of those harbourside suburbs hotspots for Hollywood stars. Mark Wahlberg rented a super mansion in Point Piper when he was here shooting Play Dirty last year for example.
Lottie
Socialites, ‘It’ girls and Sydney’s style set love Liquid & Larder’s new contemporary Mexican restaurant on the rooftop of The EVE Hotel. Nadia Fairfax, and Jules Sebastian are among its regulars.
Mimi’s, Coogee
Merivale venues just seem to know how to attract the celebrities. The Jordan Toft restaurant overlooking Coogee Beach has been an A-lister hang out since it opened in 2020 and started serving caviar bumps. Margot Robbie held her gin launch here, while Kourtney Kardashian and her entourage were seen dining in 2024. Melbourne’s social set, from Nadia Bartel to Emma Hawkins, make it their mission to stop by when they are in town.
Margaret, Double Bay
Want to spot a Real Housewife of Sydney (or anywhere really) in the flesh? Head to Neil Perry’s Double Bay eatery Margaret. Particularly for lunch. Victoria Montana is a regular, as is Sally Obermeder.
Bathers’ Pavilion, Balmoral
This Balmoral based venue, led Executive Chef Aaron Ward, is known and loved by celebrities and politicians from all around the world thanks to its privacy policy and, of course great food.
TV chef Nigella Lawson, Kamala Harris, Barack Obama and Sydney Sweeney are among the A-listers who have dined at the acclaimed restaurant.
Bar Copain, Surry Hills
A tiny little wine-bar, tucked into the corner of a cute, tree-lined street in Surry Hills has drawn an influential crowd. Especially from A-list foodies. Jamie Oliver loves the restaurant, run by trio Morgan McGlone and Nathan and Sali Sasi, so much he’s jumped in the kitchen himself. Nigella Lawson is also a fan.
Pellegrino 2000, Surry Hills
This Italian restaurant became world famous when Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter dined during Swift’s 2024 Era’s Tour in Australia. But even before that visit, Pellegrino was drawing a well-heeled crowd like Sylvia Jeffreys, Melissa Leong, Sam Armytage and Abbie Chatfield.
Park Hyatt
The Park Hyatt in The Rocks has long been a magnet for A-list stars, cementing its reputation as Sydney’s go-to destination for celebrity stays, press junkets and exclusive interviews. Known for its discretion and top-tier security, the hotel even spent thousands installing custom privacy shades across all six balconies of its opulent Governor Suite to accommodate a high-profile guest wary of paparazzi. Over the years, the luxury waterfront hotel has hosted a glittering roll call of guests including Elton John, Bette Midler, Jennifer Coolidge, Michael Bublé, the Rolling Stones, Nicole Kidman and Jerry Seinfeld.
Crown Sydney
Crown Sydney in Barangaroo has become one of the city’s ultimate celebrity hotspots. From Taylor Swift staying in the $38,000-a-night Presidential Villa to stars like Ariana Grande, Matt Damon and Drake checking in, it’s the go-to for A-listers. The luxury venue has also played host to extravagant parties, with Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky known to entertain there and Bachelor power couple Tim Robards and Anna Heinrich spotted lounging by the rooftop pool.
Lidcombe Shopping Centre
It’s definitely the most unexpected hotspot on the list, but Katy Perry brought a touch of stardom to Western Sydney when she was spotted at Lidcombe Shopping Centre the day before kicking off her sold out The Lifetimes Tour. Perry casually blended into the crowd and was amid stores like Aldi, Kmart, Pet O and Spotlight. You never know, Perry may have started a trend.
W Sydney
W Sydney in Darling Harbour has quickly become one of the city’s hottest celebrity hangouts since opening its doors in October last year. The launch drew Candice and David Warner, Bella Varelis, Sarah Ellen, Larry Emdur, Scott Tweedie and Billie Jean Hamlet. Just a few months later, American rapper Akon checked in during his visit to Sydney.
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Originally published as Full list: Sydney’s bougiest hotspots for celebrities
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