Taylor Swift stepped out of her months-long retreat from the spotlight for a surprise dinner outing in New York City on Thursday night, delighting fans and turning heads in the West Village.
The 14-time Grammy winner was seen arriving at her go-to Italian restaurant, Via Carota, accompanied by longtime friend Dakota Johnson, her brother Austin Swift, and Dakota’s brother Jesse Johnson.
A Glamorous Look for a Casual Night Out
Swift, 35, looked effortlessly chic in a black floral dress cinched at the waist with a chain and leather belt. She completed the look with strappy black stilettos, a pendant necklace, her signature red lipstick, and a high ponytail — a modern twist on her classic style.
Fans inside the restaurant were visibly stunned by the star’s arrival. One Swiftie who captured the moment on video gushed, “Best night of my life.”
According to witnesses, the singer entered discreetly with only her security guard. Later in the evening, she was seen surrounded by fans snapping photos as she exited and got into a black SUV.
A History with Via Carota
Swift’s appearance at Via Carota holds some nostalgic weight for fans. She has dined at the popular trattoria on several emotional occasions. In March 2023, she shared a pasta dinner here with Jack Antonoff and Margaret Qualley shortly after her split from Joe Alwyn.
Later that year, in September, she returned with Sophie Turner just as news broke of Turner’s split from Joe Jonas — a moment that made headlines for Swift’s show of support.
Life Out of the Spotlight with Travis Kelce
Swift’s return to the New York dining scene comes amid a quiet period in her otherwise high-profile life. The singer has been laying low with her boyfriend, NFL star Travis Kelce, following the conclusion of her Eras Tour and his Super Bowl 2025 loss.
Earlier this month, the couple was spotted dining at Harry’s in West Palm Beach, Florida, where they reportedly dropped $400 on dinner. They also spent Mother’s Day in Philadelphia with Kelce’s family.
Both Swift and Kelce, who is also 35, are said to be enjoying their low-key lifestyle while they prepare to step back into the public eye for their respective careers.
“This is such a nice escape for them,” a source told Page Six. “They really cherish this time while they can because they know it can’t last forever.”
Kelce is currently training for the upcoming NFL season while renting a $20 million mansion in Boca Raton, Florida.
Tensions Behind the Scenes
Swift’s appearance also comes amid ongoing tensions with Blake Lively, who reportedly dragged her into a legal battle involving Justin Baldoni. While Swift has stayed silent on the matter, sources say she’s been feeling “exploited” and is taking time to heal and refocus away from the media glare.
