This luxurious celebrity restaurant is actually located midway between Beverly Hills and Century City, and with that strategic location, it's naturally a major "power lunch" spot. It's not unusual to spot a famous face inside, or a queue of Rolls Royces outside.

The Kennedys and the Reagans would seem to have little in common, except for their Irish ancestry. Yet legend has it that the Kennedys once formed a conga line at Jimmy's restaurant and danced past the table of Ronald & Nancy Reagan. That isn't too surprising, since this restaurant is a magnet for political shakers of both parties, as well as the Hollywood crowd.

When Chasen's closed, Jimmy's helped fill the need for a traditional Hollywood hangout. Regulars include Bob Newhart, Don Rickles, and Milton Berle; other stars dining recently at Jimmy's include Arnold Schwarzenegger, Robert De Niro, Liam Neeson, Robert Stack, Ricardo Montalban, and (shortly before his death) the late George Burns. Plus more show-biz lawyers and agents than you could shake a at. Former President George Bush threw a post-election party at Jimmy's back in 1991. Robert Wagner and Tori Spelling were among those at a birthday party at Jimmy's for tennis great Monica Seles. It was also the scene of a major industry party following the recent Peoples Choice Awards.

One of the best-looking restaurants in town, Jimmy's offers a garden patio, turn of the century French decor, and exceptional elegance. But there are those who think the restaurant's food doesn't quite measure up to its posh decor.

Owner Jimmy Murphy is a proud Irishman (on St. Patrick's Day, he and co-owner Sean Murphy wear traditional kilts all day to greet guests), but the menu at his special occasion restaurant is French/Continental. It includes Dom Perignon, caviar, and truffles along with veal, duckling, and chateaubriand. Be prepared to pay the price, though. (You will, however, note that the color green plays a key role in the decor.) Entrees range from $17 to $30. Reservations are, of course, essential.

Lunch is served Monday through Friday. Dinner is served Monday through Saturday. (Closed Sundays.) There is valet parking; jacket & tie required.

Getting there: From Rodeo Drive, just go north to little Santa Monica Boulevard and turn left. Head southwest on Santa Monica Boulevard (for less than a mile) to just before Century Park East. Jimmy's will be on your left (south) side.

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