You know what they say… with great fame comes the ability to cause an earthquake measuring 2.3 on the Richter scale. Alright, perhaps they don’t say that, but only because very few people are as acclaimed as Taylor Swift.
Of course, she’s mainly famous for her music – and sure, you could say it’s pretty good – but what I – a humble food editor with 282,994,163 fewer Instagram followers – like about her is her hunger. No, not for musical brilliance and world domination, but for restaurants.
FIND OUT MORE ON ELLE COLLECTIVE
Read Next
You see, despite her almost unparalleled levels of stardom, judging by the number of paparazzi snaps of her stepping out of culinary hotspots in every corner of the globe, she doesn’t shy away from exploring the world’s latest and greatest eateries. In fact, you could say she does it more than most.
So, if you’re curious about the destinations on her hitlist, look no further, because here’s everything you need to know about Tay Tay’s favourite restaurants.
The Corner Store, New York, US
When it comes to New York restaurants, to say T.Swizzle has her finger on the pulse is an understatement. The Corner Store opened in SoHo this September and despite Eras-ing all about the place, our dear leader has already been twice. A vast, glitzy, American-inspired restaurant which somehow still boasts cosy, neighbourhood vibes, here you’ll find upscale takes on nostalgic classics such the much-instagrammed olive-oil-washed vodka martini and a Caesar Salad with crispy cream cheese and Everything Bagel croutons. You’ll also come across a conundrum: sadly, neither you or I will likely ever get a seat. And, honestly? It could be a blessing in disguise, because the sea salt scrubbed, triple blanched french fries are $12 (£9) a serving. Sigh.
475 W Broadway, New York, NY 10012
Hawksmoor, London, UK
There’s a lot of chat around Swift’s 2024 visit to London's Argentinian eatery, Casa Cruz, with Cara Delevingne, Andrew Scott, Stella McCartney, Kate Moss, and Phoebe Waller Bridge – however, I was in the room when she graced the well-trodden boards of Hawksmoor in Covent Garden with her former beau, Joe Alwyn, and a couple of friends a few years back. And let me tell you: despite the fact she slipped in and sat at a bog-standard, highly exposed table like a normal person, I’ve never felt a room buzz like it. Clad in cosseting exposed brick and dark wood, the glamorous, dimly lit steak restaurant is world-renowned for its excellent cuts of meat, highly indulgent sticky toffee pudding and extensive wine list. With a few weeks notice, getting a table is a breeze. Sit at the speakeasy-style marble bar for a pre-dinner cocktail, then be sure to order the butter drenched scallops – but don’t expect to leave without spending around £100 per person.
11 Langley St, London WC2H 9JG
thehawksmoor.com/locations/seven-dials/
Sushi Park, LA, US
We know that Swift is a woman of the people, but shopping centre sushi? Well, it hardly seems chic. As it turns out, though, the offering at Sushi Park is a far cry from the pre-packaged stuff you’ll find at Itsu or Wasabi. In fact, with omakase priced at $200 (£154) per person, it’s certified bougie. Frequented by celebrities including Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, The Biebers, Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny, the 'Midnights' singer has been known to rock up to this off-grid joint with Selena Gomez and Zoë Kravitz, as well as her partner, Travis Kelce.
Nestled between a yoga studio and a beauty salon, with no website or Instagram, if it weren’t for its highly recognisable clientele, Sushi Park would practically be off-grid. Here you won’t find ‘trendy’ (the restaurant’s words) California rolls, teriyaki or tempura. Instead, the go-to order is whatever the chef feels like crafting for you. On a good day, getting a table is simply a queue-around-the-block away, and while many food experts claim the restaurant is overhyped and overpriced, it’s worth remembering that good sushi is an investment worth its weight in bluefin tuna.
8539 Sunset Blvd #20, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Pellegrino 2000, Sydney, Australia
Stylish, understated and wholly delicious, it’s no surprise that Swift and Sabrina Carpenter made a beeline for this teeny, tiny neighbourhood trattoria when they were in Sydney early on in the Eras tour. Crafted by the lauded restaurateurs behind Bistrot 916, here in Surrey Hills locals settle into comfy leather banquettes behind red lacquered tables for wholesome, hearty, seasonal Italian dishes concocted with the finest ingredients.
Your best bet? Have a late lunch then nab one of the few tables available around 9:30PM to enjoy the bargain, five course ‘menu del giorno’ which offers a taste of everything for only $85 (£43) – from squishy focaccia to prawn ravioli in brown butter, and crema caramello alla banana (that’s chic, set banana custard to you and me) for dessert.
80 Campbell St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Locanda La Tirlindana, Lake Como, Italy
Set in the picturesque village of Sala Comacina on Lake Como, the rustic, romantic charm of Locanda La Tirlindana lured Taylor and Travis for an off-the-radar date earlier this year. Furnished with scalloped cream and white table cloths, flamboyant metal chairs and slates for plates, it’s something of a 1990s time capsule – yet the fresh pasta, daily-caught seafood and carefully grilled Italian meats served alongside candlelit views of the lake make contemporary style seem completely obsolete.
The menu is short, sweet and changes with the seasons, and this summer the pair reportedly ate large tubes of fresh pasta with squid, cherry tomatoes and basil for a pretty affordable €20 (£17) a plate. Meanwhile, the wine list is big on the Italian hits, boasting the best locally grown grape varieties. Looking to secure a table? High summer will be tricky, so trying in April, May, September or October is your best shot. Oh, and do you have Duolingo? Because speaking Italian might help… buona fortuna.
Piazza Matteotti 5, 22010 Sala Comacina, Lake Como, Italy
ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE.
