It's not called "the Circus" for nothing, for the Maccioni family gets a swirl of people from the fashion and entertainment world on a nightly basis, from Sophia Loren to Henry Kissinger. The food is Italian-French, the service staff knows everyone for years, and the reservations book should someday be in the NY Public Library as an exhibit.

For more information: Le Cirque

No one goes for the food, but celebs pay homage here to Vanity Fair's editor-in-chief and Inn owner Graydon Carter. Uma Thurman and Anne Hathaway sit up front; the best you will get is the garden room in the back. It's so celeb-heavy (and therefore hot), there's no phone or website.

With owners like Robert De Niro, Harvey Keitel, Bill Murray, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Sean Penn, Ed Harris and Christopher Walken, you can bet on more than occasional celeb sightings. They come for the inventive sushi and modern Japanese cuisine.

For more information: Nobu

Since 1959 The Four Seasons has embodied New York sophistication. Lunch in the Pool Room is still the "power lunch" spot, filled with mayors, fashion editors, museum heads and ad agency honchos who know this is their oasis from noon to 3 p.m. every weekday.

For more information: Four Seasons

Since opening night back in 1980, Spago, which started out as a pizzeria-grill on Sunset Boulevard, has drawn every Hollywood celeb for its California cuisine. Now located in Beverly Hills, Spago is still where the action is, from Eddie Murphy and Meg Ryan to Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg. But it's genuinely very friendly for everyone who books a table here.

For more information: Wolf Gang Puck

Stars like Charlize Theron and Keanu Reeves like this off-the-beaten track small hotel and restaurant for interviews with journalists because they won't be interrupted. The food is refined but not fussy and the service the very soul of discretion about its clientele.

For more information: Chateau Marmont

Very hot right now, thanks to a partnership between Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria and celeb chef Todd English. The menu features steaks, roast chicken and Mexican fare. The vibe is suffused with Latino music.

Jenna Bush just had an engagement party here, and her mom Laura loves the Italian food, along with many of the broadcast and newspaper media in the capital. Sen. Diane Feinstein likes Booth #5. A new chef, Enzo Fargione, is doing some very modern cucina italiana now.

For more information: Teatro Goldoni

If you hear a bell go off, it's a signal for the senators and congressman to drop their forks and knives and rush back to a vote in the Capitol Building right across the street. Good American food, a bustling atmosphere and a good place to eavesdrop.

For more information: The Monocle

Located in Wynn Las Vegas hotel-casino, the Country Club Grill, with three stars from the Mobil Travel Guides, has a basic steaks-chops-seafood menu that appeals to regulars like Sen. John McCain and Rush Limbaugh when they pass through. Good for both breakfast and lunch.

For more information: Wynn Las Vegas