NoMi
Bono stays at the Park Hyatt whenever he’s in town, perhaps because the hotel’s seventh-floor bar and restaurant, NoMi, has a way of satisfying his every mood. Whether dining on the terrace, seated at the exclusive chef’s table, or hunched over a book in the sleek bar, Bono’s as much at home here as he is hanging with Nelson Mandela. You can feel like a conscientious rock crusader too just by ordering his faves: seasonal risotto ($31) or sushi ($18). 800 N. Michigan Ave. 312-239-4030.
Le Passage
Justin Timberlake, George Clooney, Queen Latifah. We suspect no other club in town has managed to woo such a diverse roster of celebs as this sumptuous, subterranean hideaway. Chalk it up to an exotic decor that sprawls seamlessly from dining room to dance floor, all the way back to the loungy Yow Bar–a mecca for visiting VIPs. Can’t get past the velvet rope? For a taste of what you’re missing, order a Yow (Bacardi, passionfruit juice, peach puree and triple sec, $8). 937 N. Rush St. 312-255-0022.
Shaw’s Crab House
Who knew Josh Hartnett could be more than a one-night stand? The heartthrob (in town shooting a romantic thriller) dined at this tony seafood joint three days in a row last week. Hartnett and friends sipped Bloody Marys, sucked down clam chowder ($3.95) and, most important, noshed on loads of oysters on the half shell, including a dozen salty Pickle Point ($19.50) and a half-dozen Beau Soleil ($9.95). Our question is: Who in Chicago is getting the benefit of all that aphrodisiac action? 21 E. Hubbard St. 312-527-2722.
Pizzeria Uno
Oscar-winning regular guy Matt Damon stopped in for an individual cheese pizza ($5.49) at this River North mainstay a couple of months ago. Seated at a non-smoking table at the rear of the restaurant, the dressed-down star would have gone unnoticed during lunchtime had a photographer not been there. You, however, will probably have a bit better luck blending into Uno’s homey, old-fashioned decor. 29 E. Ohio St. 312-321-1000.
Ben Pao
It was a little past closing time a few weeks ago when return guest John Travolta, braving winter weather in shorts and sneakers, dropped into this snappy Chinese joint with three buddies for a late-night, post-workout pigout. Together, the quartet polished off four appetizers, 10 entrees and 10 desserts, including sesame chicken (the same dish ordered by big tipper J. Lo in January), Mongolian beef and black pepper scallops. The good news is, if you want to order the same, it won’t break your bank; entrees run about $13. Having the restaurant stay open after hours to serve you? That takes a blockbuster or two. 52 W. Illinois St. 312-222-1888.
Nacional 27
Hot-blooded pop tart Shakira feasted at this Nuevo Latino supper club in January before kicking off another leg of her Tour of the Mongoose. The bundled-up belly dancer sipped caipirinhas and dined on a five-course tasting menu ($42), which includes ceviche, beef tenderloin and–Shakira’s pick–a quartet of chocolate desserts. She ducked out before hitting the dance floor but left two concert tickets for the manager. 325 W. Huron St. 312-664-2727.
