Pittsburgh Hotel, 2 Restaurants Earn AAA Four Diamond Award

A Pittsburgh hotel and two area restaurants have been awarded AAA's Four Diamond Award for the second consecutive year.

The Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel , located on Sixth Street downtown, received its eighth Four Diamond Award.

The Renaissance is an iconic landmark Pittsburgh hotel where stunning architecture meets modern amenities in the heart of the city’s Cultural District. The hotel is housed in the classic Fulton Building.

“AAA Four Diamond Award winners, such as the Renaissance, consistently deliver a high level of hospitality in luxurious surroundings,” said Jim Lehman, Senior Vice President for AAA East Central. “To achieve and maintain this level of service for eight consecutive years is an amazing accomplishment, and AAA is pleased to honor the Pittsburgh Renaissance."

Eleven , located on Smallman Street in the Strip, has been awarded the AAA Four Diamond Award for the fifth consecutive year.

For a truly unique and palate-pleasing experience, guests must dine at the Chef’s table. Built in Eleven’s custom-designed kitchen, inches away from the chefs and cooks, the Chef’s table is an opportunity to dine on a tasting menu designed specifically for your party by Eleven’s chefs.

LeMont , located on scenic Grandview Avenue, is the second Pittsburgh restaurant to receive the AAA Four Diamond Award this year. This is the 14th year that LeMont has earned this distinction.

“LeMont’s food is extraordinary, the decor is luxurious and the views of the city are unmatched,” Lehman said.

The restaurant’s signature dishes include Steak Diane, cooked table side, and Roast Raspberry Duck.

The three Pittsburgh establishments join a select group of AAA Four Diamond recipients. Just 3.5 percent of the 58,000 AAA rated restaurants and lodging facilities throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean received the prestigious designation.

Only 19 restaurants in Pennsylvania have received the award.

AAA’s Diamond Rating System is the only ratings system that covers all of North America and one of only two that conduct physical, on-site evaluations.

The following criteria pertain to restaurants:

One Diamond Restaurant ♦ These establishments appeal to a diner seeking good, wholesome, no-nonsense eating at an affordable price. They typically provide simple and familiar, and unadorned foods served in a sensible, casual, or self-service style. Often quick service and family oriented.

Two Diamonds Restaurant ♦♦ These establishments provide for dining needs that are increasingly complex, but still reasonably priced. They typically exhibit noticeable efforts in rising above the ordinary in may aspects of food, service, and decor. Service is typically functional, yet ambitious, periodically combining informal style with limited self-service elements. Often well-suited to traditional, special occasion and family dining.

Three Diamond Restaurant ♦♦♦ These establishments impart an increasingly refined and upscale, adult-oriented experience. This is the entry level into fine dining. Creative and complex menus offer a blend of traditional and trendy foods. The service level is typically semi-formal with knowledgeable and proficient staff. Routinely, these restaurants appeal to the diner in search of an experience rather than just a meal.

Four Diamond Restaurant ♦♦♦♦ These establishments impart a luxurious and socially refined experience. This is consistent to fine dining. Menus typically reflect a high degree of creativity and complexity, featuring elaborate presentations of market-driven or traditional dishes. A cultured, professional, and highly proficient staff consistently demonstrates a profound desire to meet or exceed guest expectations. Restaurants of this caliber are geared to individuals with an appetite for an elite, fine-dining experience.

The following criteria pertain to hotels:

One Diamond Lodging♦ Establishment meets AAA’s basic requirements. They are modest, yet comfortable and designed for the budget minded.

Two Diamond Lodging ♦♦ Meet all of the criteria for a one-diamond but have enhanced furnishings.

Three Diamond Lodging ♦♦♦ Offer the guests a marked upgrade in physical attributes and services, comfort and amenities.

Four Diamonds Lodging ♦♦♦♦ Given to establishments that create a truly memorable experience for the guests. The lodgings feature a high level of service amid luxurious surroundings.