Long known for crusty, deep dish pizza pies, the Windy City is making a new name for itself, and taking center stage on the U.S. culinary forefront. Recently awarded two AAA Five-Diamond restaurant ratings, in addition to the five that it’s already home to, Chi-town is now the leading destination for five-diamond dining within the nation.

The two restaurants making their five-diamond debut are Alinea in Lincoln Park and The Peninsula Chicago’s Avenues – well known for its exquisite menu. The restaurants join AAA five-diamond veterans Arun’s, Charlie Trotters, Everest, Seasons Restaurant (located in the Four Seasons Hotel) and Tru.

Alinea Salsify

AAA is “thrilled” to add the two fine-dining venues to their list of superb city eats. Says Brad Roeber, AAA Regional President for the Illinois/Indiana area, “All recipients undergo rigorous review and meet the highest standards in quality and service.”

At Alinea, try the tasting menu, which runs $125 and takes you through a 12-course culinary experience that highlights the flavors of kampachi, trout roe, rabbit, squab and lamb, among others. Chef and owner, Grant Achatz, is known in culinary circles worldwide as a leader in the forward-thinking movement, and opened Alinea in May 2005.

The Peninsula’s Avenues, nestled within the hotel, features the work of Chef Graham Elliot Bowles, whose culinary philosophy is based on the premise of “allowing pristine ingridients to taste like themselves.” Here, you can choose from a three or five-course meal ($90, $120, respectively) that offers plates like Wild Sturgeon, Dover Sole, Crispy Duck and American Kobe.

Avenues Dining

Restaurant reviews, like hotels, must be inspected by one of AAA’s 65 full-time, highly trained evaluators to be considered for a more extensive AAA Approved and Diamond Rated review (including a series of inspections) and final committee review.

Started in 1937, the AAA review process is one that’s easily recognized and trusted among North American travelers, although it wasn’t until 1963 that AAA began to rate all accommodations as good, very good, excellent or outstanding.