It’s no secret that Scotland is home to some of the best restaurants you’re likely to find anywhere in the world.
With that reputation, it should come as no surprise that celebrities from all over the world have flocked to the country to eat, especially in recent years with more Hollywood films and TV series filming in Scotland.
From local icons like Billy Connolly and Lewis Capaldi to foreign superstars like Billie Eilish and Vanessa Hudgens, many famous faces have been spotted in Scottish restaurants over the years.
Many celebrities are also happy to take a second and pose for a photo with their Scottish fans. Here’s a look at some of the more notable sightings.
Gloriosa, Glasgow
Popstar Dua Lipa stunned diners in Gloriosa, in the city’s west end, when she sat down to a delicious meal after her sold-out show at OVO Hydro in 2022. Posting on social media in last April, she wrote, “This cod and these butter beans are what dreams are made of.”
Bucks Bar, Glasgow
Jon Hamm, best known for his acclaimed starring role in TV series Mad Men, was pictured at Bucks Bar restaurant in central Glasgow. Hamm was in Scotland last year filming the new season of Good Omens when he came to eat fried chicken.
Mediterraneo Ristorante and Champagne Bar, Glasgow
Glasgow icon Billy Connolly stopped by this popular Mediterranean restaurant in 2022 while visiting the city. The comedy legend also willingly posed for a photo outside the restaurant with the staff.
The Lantern, Glasgow
La Lanterna in Glasgow’s West End is a popular spot among locals for its hearty and delicious Italian food. It also happens to be a favorite among celebrities, with TV and radio host Ross King and pop superstar Lewis Capaldi both spotted there recently.
Crabshakk Botanical, Glasgow
Outlander fans were no doubt stunned when star Sam Heughan dropped by Crabshakk Botanics in west Glasgow last year for a casual Sunday lunch. Jamie Fraser himself was spotted enjoying a glass of bubbly at the famous Argyle Street spot.
Pieno Restaurant, Glasgow
James McAvoy was spotted in his hometown grabbing a bite to eat last year just hours before taking the stage in Cyrano de Bergerac at the Theater Royal. The actor sat down on popular Hope Street for some delicious Italian food.
Mono, Glasgow
Pop megastar Billie Eilish was spotted at the vegan restaurant Mono in Glasgow last year ahead of her gig at the OVO Hydro. Seen with her brother and co-producer Finneas, she took the time to take some photos with the fans.
Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s Balmoral Hotel is one of the most luxurious places to stay in the country and over the years has hosted many celebrities. Famous faces who have been invited include Elizabeth Taylor, Paul McCartney, Michael Palin and Sophia Loren.
The Guildford Arms, Edinburgh
High School Musical fans will remember Vanessa Hudgens’ visit to the Guildford Arms while filming The Princess Switch: Switched Again in Edinburgh. The actress and singer was spotted on Christmas Eve a few years ago at the pub before going to mass.
Summerhall, Edinburgh
The Mother of Dragons herself, Emilia Clarke, was seen one night on the town during the Edinburgh Fringe a few years ago. The Game of Thrones actress was spotted heading to Summerhall for a drink and a show.
The Kitchin, Edinburgh
As well as Glasgow’s Crabshakk Botanics, Sam Heughan was also seen at Kitchin in Leith last year for some tasty food. He was pictured alongside Tom Kitchin himself, as well as his Men in Kilts bandmate Graham McTavish.
The Silver Darling, Aberdeen
Staff at this Aberdeen restaurant were stunned when actors Dame Judi Dench and Hugh Bonneville stopped in for a bite to eat last year. The couple were visiting the city for the Braemar Gathering and the Highland Games.
Haar, St. Andrews
If you’re a fan of the popular HBO show Succession, you’ll know that an entire episode was filmed and set in Scotland. After filming, some actors – including Brian Cox, James Cromwell and Nicholas Braun – went to Haar in St Andrews for a delicious meal.
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