The 19 Best Restaurant Movies That Will Leave You Hungry for More

Restaurants and the culinary world provide the perfect backdrop for compelling cinema. From the heat and chaos of the kitchen, to the artistry of the dishes, to the drama and comedy that emerges both in the back and front of the house, restaurant movies serve up stories as rich and satisfying as the cuisine itself. Whether you’re a foodie, a film buff, or both, these 19 restaurant movies are sure to leave you hungry for more.

1. Chef (2014)

Written, directed by and starring Jon Favreau, Chef follows Carl Casper, a talented chef who feels creatively stifled at his popular Los Angeles restaurant. After a public altercation with a food critic goes viral, Carl quits his job and launches a food truck, reigniting his passion for cooking and allowing him to reconnect with his estranged family.

Chef perfectly captures the joys and challenges of the culinary life. The food preparation scenes are mouthwatering, with Latin beats providing an extra dash of spice and soul. But beyond the beauty of the dishes, the film is a heartfelt story about pursuing your dreams, believing in your craft, and the importance of family and friendship. With a charming cast that includes John Leguizamo, Scarlett Johansson, and Sofia Vergara, Chef is a feel-good film that will leave you satisfied.

2. Ratatouille (2007)

In Pixar’s Ratatouille, Remy is a rat with a refined palate and a passion for cooking. He forms an unlikely partnership with Linguini, a clumsy kitchen worker at a once-celebrated Paris restaurant, to bring his culinary creations to life. Together they must overcome the challenges of the kitchen and the prejudices against both Remy’s species and Linguini’s lack of formal training.

Ratatouille is a delightful, visually dazzling ode to food, friendship, and following your dreams against all odds. The depiction of the restaurant world, from the clamor of the kitchen to the politics of the dining room, is spot-on. But even more impressive is how the film conveys the sensory experience and artistry of cooking – you can practically smell and taste the dishes. With a stellar voice cast and a heartwarming message that “anyone can cook,” Ratatouille is a classic for all ages.

3. Big Night (1996)

Set in 1950s New Jersey, Big Night stars Tony Shalhoub and Stanley Tucci as immigrant brothers running an authentic Italian restaurant. Despite their sublime cuisine, the restaurant is struggling, overshadowed by a popular Italian-American style eatery nearby. As a last-ditch effort to save their business, the brothers plan a lavish feast to impress a celebrity guest – Louis Prima.

Big Night is a treat for food lovers, with extended scenes showcasing the careful, loving preparation of dishes like a timpano, a baked pasta dish. But it’s also a poignant, often funny story about the immigrant experience, the challenges of assimilation, and the unshakable bonds of family. Tucci co-wrote the screenplay and co-directed, bringing an authenticity and affection that shines through in every frame.

4. Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011)

This acclaimed documentary profiles Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old sushi master and owner of Sukiyabashi Jiro, a 10-seat, sushi-only restaurant inauspiciously located in a Tokyo subway station. Despite its humble appearances, the restaurant is renowned worldwide, and Jiro is revered for his life-long dedication to his craft.

Through beautiful cinematography, mouthwatering sushi imagery, and interviews with Jiro, his sons, his staff, and his suppliers, Jiro Dreams of Sushi explores the philosophy and art behind the pursuit of perfection. It’s a meditation on work, family, and the simple beauty of doing one thing exceptionally well. Even if you don’t like sushi, you’ll be entranced and inspired by Jiro’s story.

5. Julie & Julia (2009)

Julie & Julia intertwines the lives of two women who, despite being separated by time and space, are both at a crossroads. There’s Julie Powell (Amy Adams), a frustrated temp worker who embarks on a project to cook all 524 recipes in Julia Childs’ landmark cookbook, “Mastering the Art of French Cooking,” over the course of a year. Then there’s Julia Child (Meryl Streep) herself, chronicling her struggles and triumphs as she attempts to publish her famous cookbook.

Streep’s portrayal of Julia Child is uncanny – embodying her zest for life, food, and her craft. Adams is also endearing as Julie, finding purpose and joy through blogging about her culinary journey. While the storylines are uneven at times, the film’s love of food and passion for following your bliss shine through. From the boeuf bourguignon to the sole meunière, the dishes are as sumptuous as the cinematography. Julie & Julia will leave you hungry and inspired.

6. Babette’s Feast (1987)

In a remote 19th-century Danish village, two pious sisters lead a rigid life centered around their father’s austere religious sect. Into their lives comes Babette, a mysterious French refugee who agrees to work as their servant. After winning the lottery, Babette begs the sisters to let her prepare a lavish French meal for the congregation’s anniversary celebration.

Babette’s Feast builds slowly but rewards patience. It’s a film about the sensual and spiritual power of food to transform, heal, and unite. The meal itself is a masterpiece of cinema – course after course of delicacies, from turtle soup to quail in puff pastry shell with foie gras and truffle sauce. More than just a visual feast, the film is a touching celebration of the gifts of grace and artistry.

7. Tampopo (1985)

This Japanese comedy follows Tampopo, a widowed owner of a small, struggling ramen shop. She is taken under the wing of Gorō, a truck driver who fancies himself a ramen expert, who helps her master the art of noodle soup. Woven into this main story are smaller vignettes about the relationship between love and food.

Tampopo is a delightful, offbeat film that celebrates the joys of food, while gently satirizing the solemnity that surrounds much of Japanese culinary culture. From the quest for the perfect noodle, to a gangster and his lover’s erotic explorations of food, the film is a wild, playful, genre-bending ride. At its heart, though, Tampopo is a sincere ode to the power of food to sustain and enrich life. You’ll never look at ramen the same way again.

8. The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014)

In The Hundred-Foot Journey, an Indian family led by Papa (Om Puri) settles in a quaint French village and opens a colorful Indian restaurant, Maison Mumbai, directly across the street from a Michelin-starred classical French restaurant run by Madame Mallory (Helen Mirren). A culinary battle ensues between the two establishments, until Mallory recognizes the immense talents of Papa’s son, Hassan.

Directed by Lasse Hallström, who also helmed Chocolat, The Hundred-Foot Journey is a warmhearted, cross-cultural tale that uses food as a bridge. The cooking scenes are mouthwatering, and the performances, particularly from the legendary Puri and Mirren, are top-notch. While the story may be predictable, it’s a satisfying, feel-good film that celebrates the unifying power of good food.

9. Waitress (2007)

Jenna (Keri Russell) is a waitress and expert pie maker stuck in a small town and a loveless marriage. A baking contest and the town’s new doctor may offer her a chance at a fresh start, while her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes for happiness. But Jenna must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her life.

Written and directed by the late Adrienne Shelly, Waitress is a charming, quirky film that uses the art of baking pies as a metaphor for self-expression and self-realization. Russell shines as Jenna, balancing vulnerability and strength, and her creations – from Mermaid Marshmallow Pie to Falling in Love Chocolate Mousse Pie – are mouthwatering. Waitress is a bittersweet but ultimately empowering film about reclaiming your life and your dreams.

10. Chocolat (2000)

When mysterious Vianne (Juliette Binoche) and her child arrive in a tranquil French town in the winter of 1959, no one could have imagined the impact that she and her spirited daughter would have on the community stubbornly rooted in tradition. Within days, she opens an unusual chocolate shop, across the square from the church. Her ability to perceive her customers’ desires and satisfy them with just the right confection, coaxes the villagers to abandon themselves to temptation — just as Lent begins.

Directed by Lasse Hallström, Chocolat is a lush, sensual film that’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the soul. Binoche is radiant as the free-spirited Vianne, and Johnny Depp charms as the gypsy Roux. The film is a celebration of indulgence, breaking from convention, and the power of food to transform a community. It will make you crave chocolate and a trip to the French countryside.

11. Eat Drink Man Woman (1994)

Eat Drink Man Woman is a Taiwanese film that tells the story of a master chef and his three adult daughters. Every Sunday, he prepares an elaborate banquet for his daughters, but the meals are fraught with unspoken tensions and the weight of expectation. Each daughter is struggling with her own romantic and career challenges, which are gradually revealed over these weekly meals.

Directed by Ang Lee, the film is a beautifully crafted exploration of family dynamics, generational divides, and the role of food in Chinese culture. The cooking scenes are exquisite, showcasing the artistry and skill of Chinese cuisine. But more than that, the film uses food as a lens to examine the complex relationships between a father and his daughters. It’s a poignant, sometimes funny, and ultimately heartwarming film.

12. Dinner Rush (2000)

Set in a popular Italian restaurant in New York’s Tribeca neighborhood, Dinner Rush weaves together multiple storylines over the course of one frantic evening. There’s the restaurant’s owner, a bookmaker who’s in trouble with the mob; his son, the head chef who’s trying to elevate the menu; a powerful food critic; and an eclectic mix of staff and patrons, each with their own dramas.

Dinner Rush is a high-energy, engrossing film that captures the controlled chaos of a busy restaurant. The cast, which includes Danny Aiello and John Corbett, is excellent, and the interweaving storylines keep the pace brisk. But what really sets Dinner Rush apart is its authentic depiction of the restaurant world – from the heat of the kitchen to the politics of the dining room. It’s a must-see for anyone who’s ever worked in a restaurant or been curious about what goes on behind the scenes.

13. The Lunchbox (2013)

In Mumbai, a misdelivered lunchbox connects a young housewife, Ila, to Saajan, an older man in the dusk of his life. Ila begins sending Saajan lunchboxes through Mumbai’s famously efficient delivery system, and the two begin a correspondence through notes in the lunchbox. Gradually, their notes become little confessions about their loneliness, memories, regrets, fears, and even small joys.

The Lunchbox is a tender, bittersweet romance that unfolds through the intimacy of sharing food. The Indian dishes that Ila prepares are mouthwatering, but they’re also a window into her heart and her hopes. The film is a testament to the power of food to connect people across divides and to nourish not just the body but the soul. It’s a quiet but deeply moving film that will linger long after the last bite.

14. Mostly Martha (2001)

Martha is a workaholic chef at a chic restaurant. Her life is turned upside down when she becomes the guardian of her young niece, Lina, after her sister’s death. At the same time, her restaurant hires a charming and carefree Italian chef, Mario, who begins to soften Martha’s rigid perfectionism both in the kitchen and in life.

Mostly Martha is a German romantic comedy that’s as much about the love of food as it is about love itself. Martina Gedeck is wonderful as the tightly-wound Martha, and Sergio Castellitto is irresistible as the passionate Mario. The film is a delightful exploration of how food can break down barriers, heal wounds, and bring people together. It’s a charming, feel-good film that will make you crave Italian food and a little more spontaneity in your life.

15. No Reservations (2007)

No Reservations is an American remake of Mostly Martha, with Catherine Zeta-Jones as Kate, a perfectionist chef whose life is turned upside down when she becomes the guardian of her young niece, Zoe, after her sister’s death. Aaron Eckhart co-stars as Nick, the charming sous chef who joins Kate’s restaurant and helps her to open up both in the kitchen and in life.

While it doesn’t quite capture the charm of the original, No Reservations is still an enjoyable romantic comedy with some mouthwatering food scenes. Zeta-Jones and Eckhart have good chemistry, and Abigail Breslin is adorable as Zoe. The film is a heartwarming reminder of the importance of family, both the one you’re born into and the one you create. And it will definitely make you crave a bowl of spaghetti pomodoro.

16. Soul Kitchen (2009)

Soul Kitchen is a German comedy about Zinos, a young restaurant owner in Hamburg who’s struggling to keep his business afloat. When his girlfriend moves to Shanghai, he hires a temperamental new chef to revive his menu, leading to both culinary and personal chaos. Meanwhile, Zinos’ brother, just out of prison, has his own plans for the restaurant.

Directed by Fatih Akin, Soul Kitchen is a lively, raucous film that captures the energy and diversity of modern-day Germany. The food scenes are vibrant and mouthwatering, showcasing a fusion of German and international cuisines. But more than that, the film is a celebration of the chaos and the joy of pursuing your dreams, and the importance of family and community in the face of adversity. It’s a film that will make you laugh, make you hungry, and make you want to dance.

17. Mystic Pizza (1988)

Mystic Pizza is a coming-of-age romantic comedy that launched the careers of several young actresses, including Julia Roberts and Lili Taylor. The film follows the lives and loves of three teenage girls working as waitresses at a local pizza parlor in the small fishing town of Mystic, Connecticut.

While the focus is more on the girls’ personal lives than the restaurant itself, Mystic Pizza still captures the camaraderie and drama that can emerge among coworkers in a tight-knit restaurant setting. The film is a charming, nostalgic slice of life that will make you crave a slice of pizza.

18. Spanglish (2004)

In Spanglish, Adam Sandler plays a chef at a high-end Los Angeles restaurant. He hires a beautiful Mexican housekeeper, Flor (Paz Vega), who speaks no English, to help care for his family. As Flor becomes more involved in their lives, tensions arise between her and the chef’s neurotic wife (Téa Leoni).

While Spanglish is primarily a culture-clash dramedy, it does offer some insights into the stresses of the restaurant world and how they can spill over into personal life. Sandler’s character is passionate about his craft but struggles to balance his work and family responsibilities. The film is a touching, often funny exploration of family, identity, and the pursuit of the American Dream.

19. Today’s Special (2009)

Today’s Special follows Samir, a sous chef who dreams of becoming the head chef at an upscale New York restaurant. But when his father falls ill, Samir is forced to take over the family’s failing Indian restaurant in Queens. With the help of a taxi driver-turned-chef, Samir embarks on a journey to master Indian cooking and save the restaurant.

Today’s Special is a heartwarming film about embracing one’s heritage and finding one’s true calling in the kitchen. The Indian dishes featured in the film are mouthwatering, and the story touches on the challenges of running a family restaurant in a competitive urban market. It’s a feel-good film that celebrates the power of food to bring people together and heal old wounds.

These 19 films are just a sampling of the many movies that have explored the rich world of restaurants and the people who bring them to life. From dramas to comedies to documentaries, restaurant movies offer a fascinating glimpse into an industry that touches all of our lives.

For those in the culinary field, these films can be both inspiring and validating. They showcase the passion, artistry, and dedication that goes into creating memorable dining experiences, while also acknowledging the challenges and sacrifices that often come with the territory.