In some parts of the world, it might be fairly common to spot your favourite celebrity on their morning coffee run, or rummaging for hidden gems at your local vintage store. But here in Australia, we’re fairly isolated from the rest of the world, both geographically, and in the incidence of celebrity sightings.
That's why, when we spot celebrities making their way through Australia, ticking off some very chic (and delicious) local hot spots on their itineraries we momentarily lose our mind. Curious as to where an A-lister hangs out Down Under? We've done the digging, below.
Fred's, Paddington
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Fred's is a personal favourite of ours, so we were glad to see none other than Oprah Winfrey understands the hype. In an interview with 7 News, Oprah revealed that she had dined at the Paddington eatery, saying, "They had the best bread of my life. Do you understand? My life. I'm a bread connoisseur. It was the best bread of my life." We're told she also ordered
Mr Wong, Sydney
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Where does Lady Gaga eat when she's in town? At Mr Wong's of course. Mother Monster wore Balenciaga for a dinner with her fiancée before the Mayhem Tour kicks off. We hope she ordered the duck pancakes.
Donnie's, Brisbane
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Lewis Capaldi kicked off his Australian tour in Brisbane, and fuelled up before his first show with a visit to Donnie's in Teneriffe. How good is a pre-show pizza?
Fratelli Paradiso, Potts Point
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According to Nigella Lawson, one of the rules "for a good life" is a visit to this Italian favourite. "Walking through the doors after a year away just felt like coming home. I love everything about this place: great people, great mood, great food," she gushed about her visit on Instagram. As for exactly what she ordered, Nigella hasn't left us hungry for information: "Olive Ascolane, my every-time, on-arrival order, those fat and juicy green olives stuffed, here, with sharp cheese before being breadcrumbed then deep fried; Puntarelle, that bitter zigzaggy chicory tangled with anchovies; Fratelli’s signature scampi spaghettini; and a magnificent pork chop with agretti (Monk’s Beard) and white polenta." And she finished it all off with a Bombe Alaska.
Lulu La Delizia, Perth
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In Subiaco, Perth, you'll fine Lulu La Delizia — which just so happens to be one of Nigella Lawson's favourite restaurants Down Under. Her selects included an "awe-inspiring" zucchini orecchiette, "preceded by – as the menu accurately lists them – “bloody good anchovies” and bread, and followed by corzetti (which are a traditional Ligurian pasta shape, like stamped discs/coins) with basil, pine nuts and Parmesan, as well as the beige-but-beautiful and full-flavoured fazzoletti (named for the handkerchiefs the silky wide strips of pasta resemble) with rabbit ragù."
10 William street, Paddington
We're so glad Gio Paradiso's cosy Paddington wine bar found it's way onto Dua Lipa's Sydney itinerary. According to reports, the singer and her pals dined on 10 William's iconic pretzel and whipped bottarga (naturally).
Gelato Messina, Bondi
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Did you really visit Australia if you didn't indulge in Messina? While on a trip to Bondi, Dua Lipa made sure to stop off for a scoop of their salted coconut and mango.
Cam's Kiosk, Abbotsford
Over in Melbourne, Dua made a trip to the Abbortsford Convent, which is home to delightful restaurant Cam's Kiosk. There, she dined on their signature kingfish.
Raes on Wategos, Byron Bay
Few places are as iconic to Australia as Byron Bay, so we're glad Charli XCX scheduled some time there while on her tour Down Under. And, if you ask us, there's nothing quite like heading straight from the beach to a meal at Raes on Wategos. The boutique hotel is known for its exquisite fresh fare and ultra luxe vibes. Make like Charli, and order caviar served with cream, chives, and seaweed salt potato crisps. And a martini, naturally.
Napier Quarter, Fitzroy North
This community wine bar is as quaint as it is chic. Perfect for a low-key night when you're one of the biggest singers in the world, according to Charli XCX. She stopped by dimly-lit neighbourhood haunt for some local wine and delicious snacks, and documented the evening on Instagram.
Bianca, Teneriffe
Brisbane locals know, James Street is home to some of the city's best restaurants. And clearly, Charli XCX got the memo, stopping in at Italian local Bianca while on the road for Laneway festival. It's not clear exactly what the singer ate, but we think she would love their burratta with some flatbread and a glass of chilled red.
Pellegrino 2000, Surry Hills
For another stop on her tour of Sydney's East, Gabbriette hit Pellegrino 2000, a neighbourhood Italian restaurant that has played host to several big name celebs in recent years. As for what she ordered, Gabbriette kept things light with a plate of anchovies, roasted peppers and tomato vinaigrette, followed by prawn ravioli in a sage, lemon, and better sauce. Naturally, she finished off the meal with a simple affogato. We're taking notes.
Teta's Deli, Potts Point
This cosy, hole-in-the-wall deli has been slinging up delicious Lebanese fare for nearly two years. Named after a beloved grandmother, Teta's has earnt a cult following for menu items like manoush (a traditional Lebanese flat bread) filled with the likes of lamb or za'atar and a healthy dose of salad. It's also what Gabbriette ordered when she stopped in at the deli in October, opting for chicken, halloumi, pickles, and toum and chilli on her sandwich, and also taking home a jar of Teta's homemade pickles.
Real Kings Vintage, Newtown
It felt like an out of body experienced when we saw photos of Zendaya shopping at this vintage store on Newtown's iconic King Street. The store specialises in premium vintage — a fitting shop for someone who is frequently spotted in the most incredible archival pieces, we'd say.
Chinatown Country Club, Sydney CBD
Squeezing in a little more shopping while in Australia to promote Challengers, Zendaya also stopped by Chinatown Country Club — with stylist Law Roach in tow, obviously. According to reports, the duo picked up vintage pieces from Maison Margiela, Jil Sander, and Comme des Garcons, as well as new styles courtesy of Post Archive Fashion, Amomento, and Strongthe.
Sean's, North Bondi
As for how Zendaya fuelled up after a day hitting the shops, the actress opted for North Bondi institution, Sean's. In addition to having one of the best views of Bondi Beach, Sean's is famous for their simple, farm-to-table offering, with a menu that changes daily according to produce availability.
Cibi, Collingwood
Harry Styles spent a chunk of time in Australia back in 2023, when he brought his show, 'Love On Tour' Down Under. In typical Harry fashion, he steered away from mainstream haunts, opting instead to grab his morning coffee from then-relatively unknown cafe Cibi, in Collingwood.
Florian, Carlton North
Nestled on Rathdowne street in Carlton's North is Florian, a walk-in cafe loved by locals for its delectable offering of sandwiches, salads, sweet treats, and coffee. As it turns out, it's also the preferred venue of one Jacob Elordi when he returns to Australia. The actor was spotted enjoying coffee as well as soft boiled eggs and bacon here back in 2022.
Hope Street Radio, Collingwood
Hope Street Radio might have started as one of those 'IYKYK' locations but, by know, it's firmly on the map. It helps, of course, that Dua Lipa stopped by while in Melbourne for her 'Future Nostalgia' tour. According to reports, she was joined by Melbourne local (and fellow pop star) Troye Sivan, with the pair sipping on Spanish wine and a plate of focaccia. The perfect order, if you ask us.
