10 Best Restaurants in America's First Openly Gay City

West Hollywood, immortalized more than 26 years ago as America’s first openly gay city, has proved that it can assemble a particularly persuasive, independent mixture of trends, counterculture, politics, nightlife and dining.

Not surprisingly—considering its boisterous journey from hippie haven to gentrified playground for the rich and famous—the city keeps creative but carefully executed food and drink close and extraordinary cravings and restaurateurs even closer. Here, without further ado, we give you Zagat’s just-launched Survey of the 10 best West Hollywood Restaurants.

10. BLT Steak

A “class act” all around, this “polished” WeHo steakhouse spin-off from NYC delivers “top-notch” proteins, “mouthwatering sides” and “outstanding” popovers pronounced “worth the trip”; the space is “sophisticated” and “sceney”, and the service “excellent”, although many find the bills truly “over the top.”

9. Il Piccolino

“Very European in spirit and flavor” this “special” West Hollywood Italian plays host to “retired actors galore” and “old-money gatherings over finely prepared food” on the “peaceful”, “pretty” garden patio; though a few find it too “dated” and costly, insiders deem it “sumptuous” all around – just “close your eyes and you’re in Capri.”

8. Katana

“Beautiful people” indulge in a “party atmosphere”, inside and on the “gorgeous patio”, while nibbling on “superb” sushi and yakitori dishes at this Sunset Strip “standout”; a few scene-watchers believe it’s “lost some luster” of late and the food “doesn’t merit the hype”, but believers who relish the “‘whoop’ from the chefs” and recommend it for “special occasions” “don’t mind shelling out for the bill.”

7. The Palm

“Huge” lobsters and “perfectly done” steaks served by a “professional” staff are the “main reasons for the popularity” of these “high-energy” chophouse chain links in Downtown and WeHo, where the “celeb-viewing” and “caricatures on the walls” highlight the “clubby” scene; while it’s “not for the cheap of heart”, the experience is “always a pleasure.”

6. Il Sole

“Wonderfully prepared”, “pricey” fare goes over well with the “celebrity clientele” at this West Hollywood Italian where the staff is “helpful when necessary and absent when appropriate”, and you can actually “hear yourself think”; some note there’s “not much to look at (other than the pretty patrons)”, but a recent renovation has enhanced its “romantic, intimate” vibe.

5. Petrossian Paris Restaurant

“Champagne, caviar” and other “fabulous”, “upscale” French delicacies are “tough on the wallet but great on the palate” at this “excellent” West Hollywood restaurant/boutique that also serves more affordable options such as bagels with smoked salmon at brunch and burgers with frites for dinner; “friendly” service, an “elegantly expanded”, white-walled interior and a pleasing patio make for a “peaceful, refined dining experience.”

4. Amarone Kitchen & Wine

“Wonderfully authentic” cuisine from Bologna pleases patrons at this West Hollywood Italian “hideaway”, a “nice find” tucked away on the Sunset Strip; “tight” quarters can be a turnoff, but service is “warm” and the “quiet”, “rustic” ambiance “is a treasure” – just know you’ll “pay handsomely for it.”

3. Madeo

“Celebrities” and “power brokers” dart past “paparazzi” to delight in “divine” Northern Italian dishes “filled with soul” at this “family-run” WeHo “classic” where the “well-trained” staff “makes you feel at home”, though a few report “attitude unless they know you”; the “classy”, somewhat “dated” space is “plenty intimate” (i.e., “always jammed”) and while wallet-watchers wince at “sky-high” tabs, amici insist the “amazing” eats are “well worth the prices.”

2. Nobu

The “Codfather’s” “magnificent” West Hollywood Japanese delivers “sublime” Peruvian-accented delicacies and sushi that’s “as good as it gets” in an “elegant” David Rockwell-designed space spanning three separate rooms, which have seen “more movie stars than Grauman’s Chinese Theatre”; “top-notch service” and “shocking” bills are givens, but for such an “amazing fusion of flavors”, most agree “it’s worth every penny.”

1.Lucques

“Superior in every respect”, this “civilized” WeHo “destination” from “celebrated” chef/co-owner Suzanne Goin is a “foodies’ delight” thanks to her “inspired” Cal-Med “creations” featuring “obscure, yet perfectly matched ingredients”, plucked “fresh” from the “farmer’s market”, and a “fantastic wine list” assembled by co-owner Caroline Styne; “stellar service” and the “casually elegant space” set in “Harold Lloyd’s carriage house” with a “charming courtyard” round out the “standout” experience, and while it’s “pricey”, the prix fixe Sunday suppers are a “bargain.”

(Via http://www.zagat.com/buzz/west-hollywoods-10-best-restaurants)