Dining with the Stars

Let’s face it: Part of the reason you came to Los Angeles was to spot your favorite celebrities—but it’s not as easy as you think to find them. Take out some of the guesswork and head to t hese restaurants, where today’s biggest names go to wine and dine. And who better than US Weekly’s Editor-at-Large Ian Drew to help guide you through the celeb-heavy scene? He reveals why these eateries attract some of the hottest stars and why they keep coming back for more.

BY ALEXIS BRUNSWICK

the scene: QUINTESSENTIAL LA CELEBRITY

THE IVY

West Hollywood, 310-274-8303

If you can get past the throngs of camera-wielding paparazzi waiting outside, you’ll enjoy clean California cuisine while feasting your eyes on the stars dining behind the quaint white picket fence.

WHERE TO SIT: Request a table in the rose garden on the terrace where you can see the cars pull up to the valet and watch the frenzy ensue on the sidewalk.

WHAT TO ORDER: Grilled vegetable chopped salad, sinfully rich fried chicken (available only at dinner). Save room for the classic raspberry-and-blackberry crumble.

MOST LIKELY TO SEE: Eva Longoria posing outside for photographers, Victoria Beckham enjoying an aft ernoon ladies lunch, and Christina Aguilera having a meal with hubby Jordan Bratman.

DREW’S DISH: This alfresco eatery is where celebs go to “make a statement,” Drew says. “It’s ground zero for getting attention without having to say so.”

the scene: WHERE YOUNG HOLLYWOOD GOES BEFORE A BIG NIGHT OUT

KOI

West Hollywood www.koirestaurant.com; 310-659-9449

Featuring California-style Japanese cuisine, KOI is just across the street from some of the hottest new clubs, which attracts a young Hollywood crowd.

WHERE TO SIT: Stick to the large, elaborately designed main dining room.

WHAT TO ORDER: Miso-bronzed black cod, the crispy rice (which has been copied all over town) and the incredibly fresh raw fish.

MOST LIKELY TO SEE: Paris Hilton with her latest paramour, the sisters Simpson, or sushi-lover Nicole Richie and rocker boyfriend Joel Madden.

DREW’S DISH: Drew refers to this restaurant as “the central hotspot for young Hollywood— located right in the middle of West Hollywood.”

the scene: SOPHISTICATED DINING FOR PRIVACY-SEEKING STARS

CUT

Beverly Hills www.wolfgangpuck.com; 310-276-8500

For a chef better known for his pizzas, Wolfgang Puck surprised critics in 2007 when he opened this Richard Meier-designed steak house in the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Eschewing traditional steak-house décor, CUT’s modern, minimalist dining room showcases the food.

WHERE TO SIT: Opt for one of the larger round tables near the windows, or snatch a seat near the open kitchen where you just might see Puck at work.

WHAT TO ORDER: The Kobe steak sashimi has garnered rave reviews, along with the rotisserie duckling for two. The creamed spinach topped with a fried egg is both inventive and delicious.

MOST LIKELY TO SEE: Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes are two of CUT’s most loyal clients, along with Ben Stiller and wife Christine Taylor.

DREW’S DISH: This is where celebs go “if they want a great steak and privacy,” Drew says. Because “it’s not on the main drag,” there’s “not as easy access from the outside,” allowing celebrities a paparazzi-free dining experience.

the scene: WHERE TOP MUSIC MAKERS LOVE THE MENU

MR CHOW

Beverly Hills www.mrchow.com; 310-278-9911

The brainchild of the now legendary Michael Chow, this restaurant (which has locations around the globe) has been a place where celebrities have relied on impeccable service, a clubby scene and star treatment since 1974.

WHERE TO SIT: Squeeze into one of the tables along the center banquette to see the celebrities who favor the more spacious tables along the wall.

WHAT TO ORDER: The squab lettuce cups are the most requested appetizer, and the green prawns and classic Beijing duck are popular entrées.

MOST LIKELY TO SEE: Mandy Moore dining with her girlfriends, Beyoncé and Jay-Z enjoying a quiet date, or Mary J. Blige on a business dinner.

DREW’S DISH: Drew has found this restaurant “particularly popular with the music and hip-hop crowd,” and a place to go “for a night on the town all dressed up.”

the scene: CLASSY STEAK HOUSE FOR ESTABLISHED STARS

MASTRO’S

Beverly Hills www.mastrossteakhouse.com; 310-888-8782

Lawry’s may be just down the street, and Ruth’s Chris is an old standby, but there’s a reason why Hollywood’s big names can’t get enough of Mastro’s Old World charm.

WHERE TO SIT: Request a table near the piano so you can get the best views and listen to jazzy favorites.

WHAT TO ORDER: While the 18-ounce bone-in filet is popular, the seafood tower is a more diet-friendly option. The lobster mashed potatoes and black truffle king crab gnocchi are the eatery’s most requested side orders.

MOST LIKELY TO SEE :Jennifer Aniston dining with best-friend Courteney Cox and husband, David Arquette, or George Clooney with his latest date.

DREW’S DISH: This steak house has become “an old standby, where celebs go if they have a special occasion to celebrate,” Drew says. Its super private dining room ensures that “you really can’t see anyone inside.”

the scene: Where casual stars go post-beach

NOBU

Malibu www.noburestaurants.com; 310-317-9140

Chef Nobu Matsuhisa brought his world-renowned Japanese dining to celeb-studded Malibu in 1999, mixing the casual beach lifestyle with his signature dishes.

WHERE TO SIT: Request a table on the enclosed patio for the best atmospheric effect—and a chance to smell the salty beach air.

WHAT TO ORDER: Matsuhisa has long been known for his yellowtail sashimi with jalapeños and the black cod with miso. Another top seller at this location is Executive Chef Gregorio Stephenson’s rib-eye with yuzu butter truffle sauce.

MOST LIKELY TO SEE: Cindy Crawford and nightlife impresario hubby Rande Gerber, and local Malibu residents like Pierce Brosnan, Courteney Cox and Jennifer Aniston.

DREW’S DISH: This is “the spot for people on that side of town,” Drew says, of its beachside locale. “It’s also the same in every location, so stars know what they’re going to get.”

SIGN HERE: TIPS FOR AUTOGRAPH SEEKERS

Dining at these restaurants nearly ensures a celeb spotting or two, but just because you’re eye-to-eye with your favorite big-screen star doesn’t mean it’s OK to bother them. Celebs rarely like being interrupted or disturbed during a meal, particularly when they’re out with their families. If you’re keen on getting an autograph, wait until they’ve finished their meal and are headed out the door. Once you’re face to face with the star, apologize for bothering thembefore handing them a pen and paper— and, of course, compliment their work