Guy Fieri, the peroxided Food Network star, was spotted filming at John’s of 12th Street yesterday for his show, “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.”

Mr. Fieri spent about three hours in the afternoon shooting at the Italian restaurant between First and Second Avenues, and co-owner Mike Alpert was thrilled.

“He learned about us through the grapevine. I was amazed that he’d never heard of us; an Italian restaurant that’s been around for 103 years,” said Mr. Alpert.

Mario Batali also made a cameo, though it was unclear whether he will be featured in the episode.

Mr. Fieri and his crew quickly attracted a crowd of gawkers, who recognized the gel-spiked hair and back-of-the-head sunglasses he wears when promoting T.G.I. Friday’s or hosting game shows. His signature 1967 Camaro SS was parked on 12th Street.

Inside, Mr. Fieri tasted a dish of Tuscan meat sauce ladled over hand-rolled pappardelle pasta, and a veal meatball dish called polpetto de vetello.

After the meal, Mr. Fieri chatted up his fans for a few minutes before being whisked away in a black Escalade (no, he didn’t leave in the Camaro).

The New York Post reported that the bowling shirt-clad foodie is also set to film at The Redhead nearby.