LA's Celebrity-Owned Eateries
It happens to the best of us: An old friend or family member comes to visit from St. Louis or Missoula or Long Island and wants to "see celebrities." If you're anything like me, the request is exasperating. We do not go celebrity hunting in LA; we simply hobnob and rub elbows. That said, sometimes you just have to compromise, so rather than agreeing to a Starline Tour, why not meet in the middle and appease your guest with dinner at a restaurant where a celeb's name is at least somewhere on the deed? They'll get to go home raving about how they "dined with Ashton," and you'll get to retain at least a semblance of self-respect. Hardly an exhaustive list, so feel free to pile on in the comments or tips.
Madre's
897 Granite Dr
Pasadena, CA 91101
If your holidaymaker loves Latin flavors and is a fan of Jenny from the block, this Pasadena restaurant is just the ticket. Owned by Jennifer Lopez, Madre's specializes … in dishes such as empanadas, ceviche, tostones rellenos de cangrejo, arroz con pollo, and ropa vieja. The restaurant is decorated to create an "old style Havana feel" that includes cigar box-inspired menus and vintage china. [link]
Geisha House
6633 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Many of the Dolce backers are also invested in this fashionable Japanese restaurant, which serves up much more than sushi and sake. Taking its sensual cues from Japan's … rich sexual history, Geisha House strives to stimulate much more than just the palate with dishes like their maguro spicy taro-taro crispy rice and their special Marilyn Monroll. [link]
Dolce
8284 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046
Celebrity investors at Dolce include That 70s Show alums Ashton Kutcher, Wilmer Valderrama, Laura Prepon, and Danny Masterson. Other celebs on board include Jamie … Kennedy, Adam Rodriguez, and Geoff Stults. The food -- especially seafood dishes and fresh pastas -- is pretty darn good, too. [link]
Ago
8478 Melrose Ave
West Hollywood, CA 90069
If your out-of-towner can't get enough of De Niro's performances in classics like Raging Bull, Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, and Mean Streets, tickle their fancy by … reserving a table at Ago. Not only is two-time Oscar-winner De Niro a partial owner of the famed restaurant, but fellow Oscar-winner Christopher Walken is too. Add to that a lauded Italian menu overseen by notable chef Agostino Sciandri, and you'll have a very happy houseguest on your hands. [link]
