Top 10 most iconic restaurants in films 

Film has an uncanny ability to immortalise places – elevating once-ordinary spots into iconic landmarks. Restaurants become central to the story, setting the stage for key moments and interactions. From unassuming diners to upmarket bistros, db takes a look at some of the most notable restaurants in movie history.

Katz’s Delicatessen – When Harry Met Sally 

The iconic diner scene in which Meg Ryan’s Sally fakes an orgasm, prompting one bewildered customer to say, “I’ll have what she’s having!”, was all filmed at Katz’s Delicatessen. While the eatery cannot promise everyone such euphoric responses to their food, their selection of traditional New York sandwiches, bagels and burgers are some of New York City’s finest, and the offerings for the film’s lovers who flock in their masses.

Kansas City BBQ – Top Gun

Setting of “Great Balls of Fire”, the film’s closing scene, and yet another iconic Meg Ryan moment (Goose, you big stuuuuuud! Take me to bed or lose me forever!”), Kansas City BBQ in San Diego, California, is now adorned with heaps of memorabilia from the film, including the original piano. Now self-proclaimed as the “Top Gun Bar”, it continues to serve hearty barbecue food for reasonable prices and even stays open until 1am. 

Bridges – Mrs Doubtfire

The setting of one of the most memorable comedy reveals of all time, Bridges restaurant and bar in San Francisco was perhaps not so well known before the film’s release in 1993 but has certainly received broad acclaim and attention since. Serving a broad and diverse menu spanning breakfast, lunch and dinner, this Californian spot hasn’t changed much in appearance since the film’s release over three decades ago, and fans from across the globe still flock there to sample their culinary offerings. 

Regency Café – Rocketman

This unassuming little spot in Pimlico, London would be unlikely to catch the eye or attention of a passer-by – that is if it hadn’t featured in numerous major films, including Brighton Rock, Layer Cake, and, perhaps most notably, Rocket Man. Laid out to replicate the old Lancaster Grill on Tottenham Court Road where Elton John and Bernie Taupin actually met for the first time, the art deco style café has been voted as the fifth best eating place in London on Yelp, and serves up authentic English breakfast in England’s capital for affordable prices. 

Polidor – Midnight in Paris

First opened in 1845 as a dairy shop that served meals, Paris’s Polidor features in various scenes in Midnight in Paris. Set in the 1920s, it is little surprise that director Woody Allen chose this favourite of Verlaine, Rimbaud and Hemingway’s, which to this day acts as a prime example of a traditional French bistro. Escargot, boeuf bourgignon and crème caramel are the offerings here; hearty, French food all washed down with a full-bodied Bordeaux red. 

Rules – Spectre 

In 2015’s James Bond instalment, Spectre, MI6 members M (Ralph Fiennes), Q (Ben Whishaw) and Moneypenny attend this prestigious London establishment. The oldest restaurant in London (founded in 1798), Rules has garnered a particular reputation for the quality of their game. While there is no 007 present to attest to the quality of its vodka martini, it is safe to assume that it is also excellent, as their cocktails, too, receive consistently glowing reviews. A particularly fun quirk of this spot is that when you make a reservation, you can ask for M’s table, and they will know which one you want. 

Nobu – Notting Hill

The London iteration of celebrity hotspot Nobu, renowned for its fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, is the setting for a dinner date between William Thacker (Hugh Grant) and Anna Scott (Julia Roberts). A favourite of Robert de Niro and countless other Hollywood A-listers since, Nobu has garnered a worldwide reputation for its culinary feats, amongst which is the famous Black Cod Miso. 

Portrait – Closer

The National Portrait Gallery’s panoramic rooftop restaurant plays host to this pivotal scene between Larry (Clive Owen) and Julia Roberts, playing yet another Anna in a London-based film. This scene discusses the characters’ impending divorce, but most experiences at this stylish spot are likely to be far more enjoyable. Under the direction of renowned chef Richard Corrigan, the restaurant offers high-end, contemporary British cuisine alongside an extensive wine and cocktail list, all with sweeping views of London’s skyline. 

Café des Deux Moulins – Amélie

Located in the picturesque Montmartre area of Paris, this café is the workplace of its titular character in the 2001 film. Unassuming prior to the film’s release, the café has since kept much of the film’s décor and memorabilia. It serves classically delicious French fare – croque-monsieur, duck confit and crème brûlée (a nod to the one that Amélie cracks with a spoon in the film). 

Cafedraal – In Bruges

The setting of a date-turned-brawl in the 2008 comedy-drama starring Colin Farrell, this restaurant is located in the heart of Belgium’s most historic city. The restaurant itself is remarkably historic, too, with the building dating back to the 15th century. Featuring a unique inner garden and well-stocked bar, it offers a menu that combines French and Belgian culinary traditions with a focus on regional ingredients.

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