Chicago Ties NY For AAA Five-Diamond Restaurants

AAA provided more proof Friday that Chicago's dining scene is among the best in the country.

The organization unveiled its list of five-diamond restaurants, and Chicago tied with New York with seven restaurants on the list.

Acadia, Alinea, Arun's, Everest, Grace, Sixteen and Tru were all awarded five-diamond status, which are only given to restaurants that offer a "renowned, world-class experience, cutting-edge menus, unique food preparation by highly acclaimed chefs, and a maître d’ that leads an unobtrusive expert service staff."

AAA reviews close to 30,000 restaurants each year, but only 0.2 percent make the AAA Five Diamond list.

Fifteen Chicago-area restaurants received a four-diamond designation, which are reserved for locations that offer "distinctive fine-dining, often a highly creative executive chef, imaginative presentations, market-fresh ingredients, wine steward often available, upscale ambiance and typically expensive.

The local four-diamond restaurants are Blackbird, Boka, L2O, Les Nomades, Lockwood, Masaki, MK, Moto, Naha, Next, Pelago Ristorante, Shanghai Terrance, Spiaggia, Topolobampo and Tallgrass in Lockport.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel released a statement Friday congratulating the restaurants honored by AAA.

"Chicago offers a rich history of diverse food culture and unique culinary experiences. The Second City is second to none in first-rate dining and world-class food," Emanuel said.

AAA evaluators anonymously visit the restaurants throughout the year.

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