Movie and TV Restaurants You Can Actually Visit

For anyone who has ever dreamed of eating at a restaurant from their favorite movie or television series, you’re in luck. Many eateries from these films and shows are real establishments that fans can visit, enjoy a meal at, and maybe even imagine themselves as a favorite character.

Of course, many restaurants on film are sadly just sets. It’s particularly devastating that we can’t visit restaurants like The Pie Hole from Pushing Daisies or Central Perk from Friends– although the latter has a fun alternative. A place like Cannery Café in Steveston, a small town in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, was a place Once Upon a Time fans could visit, as it served as the exterior location for Granny’s Diner. I myself took photos in front of the famous Storybrooke sign. Sadly, all signs of production disappeared when the show ended in 2018.

However, movie and TV aficionados should not shed too many tears. Many do exist and appear just as they did on screen.

From Los Angeles and New York City to Surrey, England, we’ve got a definitive list of establishments rife with charm and scrumptious cuisine that happily embrace their film connections and welcome guests to experience a unique atmosphere, good food, and perhaps a little movie magic.

 

Fans of the musical La La Land (2016), starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, can explore numerous filming locations all across Los Angeles, California, including two restaurants that prove pivotal in the film. The Lighthouse Cafe serves as the club that Sebastian brings Mia to, enthusiastically speaking about the importance of jazz music to the world. It’s also where one of the film’s most visually dynamic scenes takes place, where the camera moves between Sebastian playing the piano with a jazz band and Mia dancing.

In reality, The Lighthouse Cafe is located at 30 Pier Avenue in Hermosa, California. Guests can enjoy the rustic yet hip atmosphere and classic American food, cocktails, beer, and wine. The hours are Monday through Friday from 4 pm until closing and the weekend from noon until closing.

To visit the place where an awestruck Mia first sees Sebastian playing the piano, head to the Smokehouse Restaurant, located at 4420 W Lakeside Drive in Burbank. Being right across from the Warner Bros Studio made this restaurant a frequent stop for many Hollywood stars since it opened in 1946. Today, it’s retained its old-school style and charm with plush red booths, classic movie posters on the walls, hearty cuisine, and signature cocktails. They are famous for their cheesy garlic bread, prime rib, and steak named after Frank Sinatra.

Between the old-fashioned Hollywood vibes and connection to La La Land, the Smokehouse restaurant is a “must-do” in the LA area, especially for film buffs because many other productions have filmed there, including The Office, Argo, Desperate Housewives, The Rookie, and Six Feet Under.

Stanley Foss on YouTube takes viewers to The Lighthouse Cafe, while Main Street Duo showcases the Smokehouse Restaurant.

 

To see the location of one of When Harry Met Sally’s (1989) most infamous scenes, head to Katz’s Delicatessen in New York City’s Lower East Side at 205 East Houston Street. Besides its notable inclusion in the beloved Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal romantic comedy, Katz’s is considered a New York staple and home to what many consider the city’s best pastrami sandwich. And, indeed, that sandwich, and the other options, are piled high- and they better be for the price. That being said, with portions large enough to share, it all evens out.

Fans of the film can see, and maybe, sit at the same table that Ryan and Crystal did. Or, if you prefer, the nearby one where director Robert Reiner’s mother uttered the scene’s famous quote, “I’ll have what she’s having.” Katz’s Delicatessen embraces the movie connection with a sign above the table, so fans will not miss it. Check out Paul Eats Out for a look at the deli and their renowned pastrami sandwich.

 

Another New York staple, Serendipity 3 (located at 225 East 60th Street) has been one of the city’s most beloved eateries since it opened in 1954. A favorite for celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and Andy Warhol, the restaurant has designated tables named after them, as well as the “Movie” table where they filmed the 2001 romantic comedy Serendipity, with John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale. In that scene, the two chat and flirt while enjoying the restaurant’s most popular drink, the famous Frozen Hot Chocolate.

Besides the namesake film, another romantic comedy of the era, 1996’s One Fine Day, was shot at the Upper East Side (and original) location. In this scene, Michelle Pfeiffer and youngsters Alex D. Linz and Mae Whitman also share ice cream sundaes and the delicious Frozen Hot Chocolate.

Serendipity visitors who know the restaurant from the movies will notice differences in its appearance. The eatery has a brighter paint scheme than what’s seen in those films, as well as more whimsical and pop culture-inspired decor. However, you’ll still see the plants, Tiffany’s style hanging lamps, and giant wall clock. And of course, you can still indulge in one of those famous Frozen Hot chocolates in traditional Milk Chocolate or other fun flavors such as Salted Caramel, Cookies and Cream, and Cotton Candy. Patrons can also enjoy a full meal with a diner-style menu of sandwiches, burgers, and salads.

 

Another iconic New York eatery brimming with beauty and cinematic history, Tavern on the Green is one of the most iconic restaurants in all of New York, and one many dream of visiting. Located at 67th Street and Central Park West, the Manhattan establishment first opened in 1934 and soon became a landmark of Central Park, known for its lovely outdoor garden patio seating with strings of lights, and exquisite interiors of intricate moldings and crystal chandeliers. Although it closed for a period in 2009, the restaurant reopened in 2013 with new owners and a reinvigorated menu and atmosphere that captures the spirit of Central Park.

Being such a New York landmark, many movies have been filmed at Tavern on the Green, such as Wall Street (1987), Beaches (1988), Arthur (1981), Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989), and The Out-of-Towners (1999). For our list, I’m highlighting Ghostbusters (1984), as the restaurant is the location of one of the film’s funniest and most significant scenes. As Louis (Rick Moranis) runs through Central Park, trying to escape a demon dog, he comes across Tavern on the Green. He pounds on the large windows for help, while the patrons look on, unable to see the demon and only what looks to be a crazed Louis.

Visitors today will enjoy the restaurant on its own merits. But film fans, especially Ghostbusters fans, will delight in a visit. Although it does not look exactly the same, the building still has several windows, just smaller ones. Likewise, the interior design and cuisine remain as elegant as ever.

 

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, sometimes it’s the smaller, humorous, and more human moments that end up being the most memorable. In Iron Man 2, one of the most iconic moments comes when Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), in his Iron Man suit, sits atop the famous giant donut at Randy’s Donuts in Inglewood, California. Nursing a hangover, he’s seen eating from a box of donuts when Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) approaches and says, “Sir, I’m gonna have to ask you to exit the donut.”

To visit the site of this funny moment, head to 805 W Manchester Boulevard in Inglewood. Note two things: You can indulge in one of their delicious donuts. But as The Super Sci-Fi Show on YouTube discovers, they don’t have any Iron Man-themed donut. Also, unlike what it seems on screen, Randy’s is just a walk-up establishment with no seating.

To visit the donut shop seating where Tony, Nick, and Natasha have a conversation, you must head to Yum Yum Donuts. You won’t have to go far as it’s just up the street at 5836 W Manchester Boulevard.

 

Ever dreamed of going to the bar “where everybody knows your name?” While no one can see the actual place they filmed (that was a set), fans of the long-running (1982-1993) series can visit the place that inspired Cheers creators James Burrows, Les Charles, and Glen Charles.

Originally called the Bull & Finch Pub, it’s been officially renamed to Cheers, embracing its television roots and welcoming fans from across the world. Although the actual bar space looks nothing like its TV counterpart, the upstairs space replicated the TV bar and features a gift shop with fun souvenirs. Located at 84 Beacon Street in Boston, Massachusetts, it’s the ultimate destination for diehard Cheers fans.

 

Everyone who loves the Nancy Meyers rom-com, The Holiday (2006), starring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Jack Black, fell in love with the little English town and cozy cottage where Winslet’s character Iris resides. For fans, finding out the cottage was not real and was constructed only for the film broke hearts. However, they are mended upon learning that many of the other establishments that Amanda (Diaz) goes to when she swaps homes with Iris are legitimate.

In the small village of Shere, in Surrey, England, you’ll find the White Horse pub. This is where Amanda meets Graham (Law) for drinks one evening. Fans will delight in this restaurant, which is the epitome of quintessential British charm. A poster from the film adorns the wall by the exact tables used in the movie, so make sure to look out for it. Fans can enjoy classic English pub food such as Fish and Chips, Bangers and Mash, and Steak and Ale pie.

Also, for an added bonus, ask a server about the pub’s legend. Supposedly it’s haunted by a young girl. All in all, the White Horse remains a “must-see” for Holiday fans and Anglophiles alike.

 

If you feel the need for speed and want to see the location of one of Top Gun’s (1986) most iconic moments, look no further than “America’s finest city.” In downtown San Diego, Kansas City Barbeque served as the location for, as the official website says, “the Top Gun sleazy bar scenes.”

This humble barbecue restaurant has a unique atmosphere with hundreds of ball caps and license plates everywhere, a jukebox, and an upright piano. This piano is the same one that Maverick (Tom Cruise) and Goose (Anthony Edwards) play “Great Balls of Fire” on. There are also fun photo ops and production photos throughout.

The menu features standard barbecue fare with ribs, chicken, pulled pork, brisket, hot dogs, Mac and Cheese, baked beans, and more. Reviews are mixed, with some raving about the food and atmosphere, while others were disappointed by the food and service. At the end of the day, everyone has different tastes and expectations, so it may only be for those looking for a Top Gun experience.

 

The Dresden Lounge and Restaurant (1760 N Vermont Avenue) has been a Los Angeles staple since 1954, known for its mid-century modern style, retro vibes, and frequent film appearances. Among the most notable are Swingers (1996), Anchorman (2004), and What Women Want (2000). However, the most fun remains the vibrant and nostalgic That Thing You Do (1996), written and directed by Tom Hanks.

In the film, The Dresden Lounge doubles for The Blue Spot, the jazz club Guy Patterson (Tom Everett Scott) heads to, where he meets his jazz hero, Del Paxton (Bill Cobbs). Today, visitors can sit at the same bar, enjoy a cocktail, and live music, with everything looking nearly the same as it did on screen. As per the official site, reservations are highly recommended for the dining room, while the lounge is a first come first serve area.

 

The musical drama Nashville (2012-2018) told the interweaving stories of fictional country music singers as they navigated tumultuous personal lives and the ups and downs of their careers. Through it all, characters like Rayna Jaymes (Connie Britton), Deacon Claybourne (Charles Esten), Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere), Scarlett O’Connor (Clare Bowen), Gunnar Scott (Sam Palladio), and Avery Barkley (Jonathan Jackson) found solace and community at The Bluebird Cafe. At this small establishment, the massive production from tours is replaced with an intimate setting where the music is stripped down to its rawest and most real.

Fans of this compelling show will be pleased to know that The Bluebird Cafe is a real restaurant and live music venue. Likewise, just like on the show, it has served as a haven for established and upcoming singer/songwriters for the past 40 years. The Bluebird has hosted such superstars as Garth Brooks, Taylor Swift, Faith Hill, Keith Urban, Vince Gill, Kris Kristofferson, Sheryl Crow, and Carole King.

Reservations are recommended, as only about 20 to 30 walk-up guests are available each night on a first come first serve basis. For more information, visit the official website.

 

The world is your oyster in Los Angeles, especially for Film and TV enthusiasts. With so much to see, it can be daunting deciding what to add to your list of destinations. One stop should be the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. Friends fans have so much to enjoy on this tour, including Central Perk. No, it’s not the actual Friends set, but rather a replica. However, this centerpiece of the tour allows guests to sit at the iconic orange couch and order food, coffee, and pastries, some themed after the Friends characters. The general Warner Bros. Tour and Central Perk are available year-round. For more information, visit the official website.

During the Holiday season, the studio offers a special tour themed specifically for Gilmore Girls fans. On this tour, named “Holidays Made Here,” guests can go inside numerous locations, including Luke’s Diner. Any fan will be amazed at the level of accuracy and detail on display right down to the “No Cell Phones” sign. While you can’t have a full meal, visitors can treat themselves to coffee, hot chocolate, donuts, or mini-pancakes. This tour is seasonal, but its popularity almost guarantees a return in 2026, so make sure to check back on the official site as it gets closer to the Holiday season.