In dining, it's all about the buzz. And Hollywood has it, from Michelin-starred restaurants to legendary cafes and fast-food stands. High-profile chefs and a multi-cultural clientele have put Hollywood on the dining map. Old favorites such as Musso & Frank's or Dan Tana's still draw glitzy crowds, and a new generation of hybrid cuisine restaurants adds creativity and international flavor.
Classic Restaurants
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Barney's Beanery 
Chili, burgers and beer are mainstays at this café and bar that once catered to the likes of rockers Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendriks and Jim Morrison.
Established in 1920 at the western end of Route 66, it now offers a hip, grungy environment. Quentin Tarantino wrote much of Pulp Fiction while in his favorite booth next to the bar.
8447 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood;
323-654-2287
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Mel's Drive-in 
Cheerful diner with a '50s motif offers American classics in the heart of the Walk of Fame. Home-baked chicken pot pie, burgers and milkshakes are standard fare.
The restaurant is in the Max Factor building, where Bette Davis and Jean Harlow were once salon customers
1660 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood; 323-465-3111
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Pig & Whistle 

This 1927 Hollywood landmark hosted Judy Garland’s 15th birthday and the first Oscar after-party.
Reclaimed and renovated in 1999, it still has an old Hollywood feel, with a vaulted ceiling, booths and detailed mahogany woodwork.
Steaks, sandwiches, salads.
6714 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; 323-463-0000
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Roscoe's House of Chicken 'n 
Waffles
Bargain-priced fried chicken, waffles and grits are among the soulful foods found on the menu at this casual eatery.
Founded in the '70s, this five-restaurant California chain has a host of followers, including Snoop Dog and Larry King.
Other menu items include greens, Mac and cheese, cornbread and red beans and rice.
1514 Gower St., Hollywood; 323-466-7453
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Dar Maghreb 

In the town of make believe, Dar Maghreb offers a chance to pretend you're dining in a Moroccan palace.
Sit on couches or pillows and eat traditional Moroccan cuisine using only your hands while belly dancers swirl by the tables.
Multi-course dinners are available for a set price of $37
7651 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood; 323-876-7651
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Musso & Frank Grill 


Get a pass to the past at this venerable favorite that transports diners to Hollywood's golden era.
Established in 1919, it has played host to the likes of Douglas Fairbanks and Charlie Chaplin.
It is known for its meat and chops. Be sure to try a martini and ask for a Caesar salad.
6667 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles,
323-467-7788
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Pink's 
Follow the lines to Pink's, the hot dog stand to the stars.
This landmark café has been dishing up chili dogs since 1939; it's not unusual to see chauffeur-driven limos stop by.
The menu includes a vast variety of hot dog creations, burgers and sides and there's an indoor dining room lined with photos of stars that are addicted to Pink's dogs.
709 N. LaBrea Blvd, Hollywood; 323-931-4223
Universal CityWalk,
1000 Universal Center Dr., Universal City,
818-622-2364
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Yamashiro 


Check out the spectacular view and lush gardens at this hilltop restaurant designed to look like an Imperial Palace.
Originally built as a private estate, the restaurant has served guests for more than three decades. The food is CalAsian complementing traditional Japanese classics.
The tasting menu is a hit with foodies.
1999 N. Sycamore Ave., Los Angeles,
323-466-5125
Celebrity Sightings/Owned Restaurants
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Ago 


Actor Robert De Niro is among the high powered backers of this upstate italian trattoria in West Hollywood that draws young starlets and deal makers who seal contracts while their steaks sear.
Foodies give the cuisine high ratings. Expects long waits, even with a reservation.
8478 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood;
323-655-6333
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Dan Tana's 


Listen carefully to the conversation coming from the next booth when you visit this old-school Italian restaurant in West Hollywood: You might hear a mega-deal being brokered by industry moguls, agents or actors.
The 45-year-old restaurant, which resides in a yellow bungalow, is a well-known Hollywood hangout known for its steaks and classic fare such as manicotti and ravioli.
9071 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood;
310-275-9444
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The Ivy 



A white picket fence surrounds this rustic cottage and flower-draped patio, making it seem almost like a movie set; certainly it attracts enough A-listers to be one.
Ashley Judd was employed as a hostess here before going on to bigger things.
The menu features California fare, but the real draw is people-watching; just ask the paparazzi, who usually camp outside.
113 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood;
310-274-8303
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Polo Lounge 



Want to feel like a star?
It's as easy as having drinks on the patio at this legendary celebrity haunt inside the famed Beverly Hills Hotel.
The elegant Lounge, with indoor and outdoor seating, has been a favorite watering hole for generations of celebrities.
9641 Sunset Blvd., Beverly Hills; 310-887-2777
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Spago 


Famed chef Wolfgang Puck's flagship restaurant draws some of the city's top players, especially during its popular lunch.
Among other reasons to visit, it received two stars in the latest Michelin rating and was chosen as the city's Most Popular restaurant by Zagat guide voters.
California fare is featured, including pizzas, pastas and delicacies such as Cantonese-style duck. Sinfully delicious desserts round out the menu.
176 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills; 310-385-0880
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Cut 



Reservations are hard to come by at this Wolfgang Puck steakhouse in the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, but fans say the beef, appetizers and side dishes are worth the effort--and the high prices.
The sleek dining room is often filled with celebrities. CUT is the recipient of one star in the Michelin guide.
9500 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills; 310-276-8500
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Beso 



Desperate Housewife Eva Longoria Parker turned restaurateur when she teamed up with celebrity chef Todd English to open this sexy dining room and upstairs club named Kiss (beso is the Spanish word for kiss).
The glitzy supper club, which regularly plays host to many of Longoria’s celebrity pals, features a mix of Latin and Mediterranean flavors.
6350 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; 323-467-7991
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Nate 'n Al Delicatessen 
Try the chicken soup, potato pancakes or a mile-high Reuben at this busy Jewish deli near Rodeo Drive, then ask your waitress which celebrities are dining at nearby tables.
Morning is the best time to spot stars, who often stop by for breakfast.
Don't expect anything fancy, at best the décor is serviceable, but fans say the food is the real deal.
414 N. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills; 310-274-0101
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Providence 



Seafood trumps meat at this chic Hollywood dining room where chef Michael Cimarusti continues to wow critics and diners alike.
The restaurant, which garnered two-stars from Michelin and a host of other awards, is known for the talented chef's new American seafood creations.
The tasting menu is a hit with foodies.
5955 Melrose Ave., Hollywood; 323-460-4170
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Osteria Mozza 


Celebrity chefs Nancy Silverton and Mario Batali have made this lively, high-end restaurant so popular that it's difficult to snag a reservation.
But those who do swear by Silverton's in-house mozzarella bar, and the dining room's excellent breads and creative Italian specialties.
Osteria Mozza, located next to the smaller, more casual Pizzeria Mozza, was awarded one star in the most recent Michelin guide.
6602 Melrose Ave., Hollywood; 323-297-0100