Austin Butler Shares Food Memories in New Book

The actor reflects on his childhood, finding comfort in food, and special moments on film sets

Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:12pm

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In an excerpt from Ruthie Rogers' new book "Table 4 at The River Cafe", actor Austin Butler opens up about his food memories and how restaurants have provided him a sense of home and stability while traveling for work. Butler discusses his childhood, learning to cook as a kid, memorable meals in Italy, and special food-related moments on the sets of "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" and "Elvis".

Why it matters

The book explores how food can provide comfort, connection and a sense of home, even for those whose lives are marked by frequent travel and change. Butler's reflections offer insight into how the actor has used food and restaurants to find stability and community amid the transient nature of his career.

The details

In the excerpt, Butler describes growing up with a single mother who worked long hours, leading him to start cooking as a child to help provide meals. He also shares memories of a trip to Italy where he and his girlfriend at the time chartered a small plane to fly to the island of Elba, as well as food-related traditions on the sets of his films "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" and "Elvis". Butler explains how finding a "second home" in restaurants, where the staff knows him, has provided comfort and a sense of stability when he's away from his actual home.

  • Butler completed filming Baz Luhrmann's "Elvis" shortly before arriving in London to shoot the World War II series "Masters of the Air".
  • Butler took a trip to Italy around four years before filming "Elvis".
  • On the set of "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood", director Quentin Tarantino would organize special food-related events after every hundred rolls of film.

The players

Ruthie Rogers

The co-founder and chef behind the Michelin-starred River Café in London, who also hosts the podcast "Ruthie's Table 4" and has written a new book called "Table 4 at The River Cafe: Conversations about Food and Life".

Austin Butler

An Oscar-nominated actor who has starred in films like "Elvis" and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood", and is featured in an excerpt from Ruthie Rogers' new book.

Baz Luhrmann

The director of the film "Elvis", who Butler worked with and shared a special moment with watching the sunrise on the beach in Australia after completing filming.

Quentin Tarantino

The director of "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood", who organized special food-related events on the film's set to give the cast and crew a memorable experience.

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What they’re saying

“Suddenly, it feels like there is this thing separate from my work that feels like home. Even if I've woken up with anxiety or I feel sad or overwhelmed, I go to a restaurant. I'll come with a book so I get to read, and I know the people who work there.”

— Austin Butler, Actor

“Quentin Tarantino said, "Austin, you know what my thing is? I want to give everybody such a good experience on this job that their next job sucks.”

— Quentin Tarantino, Director

What’s next

The book "Table 4 at The River Cafe" by Ruthie Rogers, featuring the interview with Austin Butler, will be released on March 22, 2026.

The takeaway

Through Butler's reflections, the story highlights how food and the comfort of familiar restaurants can provide a sense of stability and community for those whose lives are marked by frequent travel and change, like many actors and other creative professionals.