The Gods and Goddesses of the silver screen are known to often ditch their makeup to don their Aviators, shed their airs to wear a casual jeans and tees ensemble, and descend to the levels of the mere mortals in search of food on the streets of Los Angeles. If you are out star gazing in the Greater Los Angeles area, then try out some of these eating joints in this area, and don’t forget, nightlife in LA is not only expensive it can be also adventurous.
Celebrity spotting tip: In most cases, a pair of over-sized shades is a giveaway. And if the paparazzi is around, you can be sure.
The Ivy
Hollywood A-listers are known to frequent this quaint eating joint on Robertson Boulevard and probably the only one in LA to be bordered by a white picket fence. The restaurant is famous for its tasty no-fuss food, but the biggest lure is its charming rustic décor that is serene and inviting and of course, the front patio that evokes an old-world charm.
The Ivy is a favorite of Demi Moore; Ray Romano of Everybody Loves Raymond fame is a regular here on Saturday nights; and Joan Rivers loves the “French food without the attitude” that is served here.
Spago
This fine dining joint in Beverly Hills is a landmark on the culinary map of Los Angeles and its gourmet artists Wolfgang Puck, who is also the owner, and Sherry Yard, the pastry chef, are veritable institutions. There’s plenty here to take your breath away—the seating is in an open courtyard overlooked by 100-year-old olive trees, Puck’s legendary smoked salmon pizza and chef Yard’s magical apricot soufflé, and of course, the stars who sashay in and out with amazing regularity.
Spago was a favorite with Nancy Reagan and Sir Elton John is rumored to sometimes get in here at four in the afternoon and stay till the next day afternoon.
Mr. Chow
You cannot be quite sure what will hook you more to Mr. Chow—the delectable handmade garlic noodles and Peking duck rustled up in the time-honored traditional way or the sight of celebrities—a Who’s Who of Hollywood—flitting in and out of the eating joint. It is an upscale Chinese restaurant in N. Camden where you will willingly dish out the dollars for the feasts for your eyes and taste buds.

Contrary to popular notion, celebrity sighting is not only restricted to the above-mentioned swanky eating joints in the Greater Los Angeles area. The movers and shakers of the entertainment industry are often to known to frequent casual restaurants like the Real Food Daily, Quality, and Toast in search of healthy and lip-smacking fare before the nightlife begins.

So, the next time you are out star gazing, make it a point to stop by these places. You will be sure to stock up on a lot of stories to pass down to your grandchildren, like the time when you brushed shoulders with Al Pacino or sat at a table beside Courtney Cox.