Boston’s Celebrity Hot-Spots

Written by Grace Hawkins | Designed by Tamar Ponte | Graphics by Tess Adams

Where your favorite VIPs go when they visit Boston

Boston may not be the best location to spot celebrities in comparison to the likes of New York and Los Angeles, but here are some of the places that VIPs frequent when they do visit Beantown.

Contessa

Contessa is an Italian rooftop spot that opened in 2021, and has since cemented itself as a mainstay of the Boston dining scene. The restaurant is headed by the same company that created Carbone in New York City, which has received press, accolades, and love from celebrities. Contessa offers beautiful views of the Back Bay and Newbury Street, all while serving delicious food.

O Ya

Located in the Leather District, O Ya is a chic Japanese restaurant offering twenty gourmet courses. This spot is known not only for its innovative menu, but also for being the place where Hollywood power couple Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively had their first date.

Life Alive

This plant-based restaurant has multiple locations throughout the Greater Boston area, but the Boylston cafe specifically has seen one major celebrity during its time: Harry Styles. In October 2021, the pop star was spotted here while in Boston during his Love On Tour. If you are looking for a quick meal that tastes great and is good for you, Life Alive is the perfect option. Plus—you can say you ate at the same place Harry Styles did.