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.
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