Pittsburgh: Eleven (September 2012)

My spouse and I dined at Eleven for dinner in mid-September 2012. In warmer months, Eleven offers outdoor seating (both on the sidewalk/street level and on a second-floor balcony), however, it would be a shame to miss the interior of the restaurant, which is chic and modern. Technically, the restaurant is located in the Strip District, although it is much closer to downtown than other Strip District restaurants (like sister restaurant Kaya, which is also owned by the Big Burrito Restaurant Group). Eleven is open for lunch (weekdays), dinner (daily), and Sunday brunch. The restaurant is named because it is the eleventh restaurant opened by the Big Burrito Restaurant Group. From the street, be sure to peek into the window that showcases the pastry preparation area.

We had eaten at Eleven two times previously, but both of those times we sat in the regular dining room, once ordering off the regular a la carte menu, and the other time ordering from a prix-fixe chef's tasting menu (either $45 or $65, with wine pairing an additional $25). The restaurant also offers a more casual tavern menu in the bar area. The dining room has two levels, with balcony seating on the second floor.

On the night of our most recent dining experience at Eleven, we decided to treat ourselves to the special 9-course chef's table tasting menu, for which 2 to 6 diners (however many are in your party; they do not join groups together) sit at a table adjacent to (but not inside) the kitchen. We actually received 10 courses; the executive chef, Derek Stevens, who served us many of our dishes, and explained all the components and ingredients, told us that when they were developing our menu for that evening, they could not decide between the various dishes, and so they decided to give us an additional tenth course. (We wonder why they do not serve 11 courses, to correspond with the restaurant name? Of course, it would involve presenting two more dishes, but perhaps they could be tiny amuse-bouches or something sweet to take home?) The chef’s tasting menu was fantastic, using unique ingredients in interesting flavor combinations and presented beautifully. Eleven takes reservations using the Open Table reservation system, although it is necessary to telephone the restaurant to reserve the chef’s table.

The quality food, trendy atmosphere, and great service make Eleven one of our favorite fine-dining restaurants in downtown Pittsburgh.