Las Vegas Weekly

November 14, 2008 · 5:39 PM

AAA graces Vegas with Five Diamond ratings, again

By Sarah Feldberg

Veal medallion at Picasso restaurant at the Bellagio.

Photo: Courtesy MGM Mirage

On Friday, November 14, AAA announced it’s 2009 Five Diamond Award-winning restaurants, given to establishments that are “renowned and consistently provide a world-class experience. … ‘haute cuisine’ at its best.” This year the coveted rating was bestowed on five Las Vegas restaurants: Alex, Joël Robuchon, Le Cirque, Picasso and for the first time, Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace.

For first time honorees, the Five Diamond designation comes after a rigorous review process, which begins with the restaurant applying for a rating, being visited multiple times for evaluations and finally undergoing review by a panel for final decision. As a new Five Diamond winner, Restaurant Guy Savoy joins an elite group of 59 restaurants in North America and the Caribbean given AAA’s highest marks, along with 103 Five Diamond hotels, just .28 percent of the 58,000 AAA Approved and Diamond-rated total establishments. Any gamer will tell you – those are lousy odds.

Of course, that the five honored restaurants serve exceptional food and give great service isn’t news for Las Vegas locals. Alex has received the award four years in a row, Robuchon, three, Le Cirque, six and Picasso, a grand total of eight years running. For Vegas residents, the awards aren’t news, but more of a gentle reminder of our city’s envy-inspiring dining scene. Just down the street, temples to celebrity chef meet holes in the wall and mom and pop diners and cafes. Whether you’re doing the Five Diamond tour or dining at a lower price point, there’s no excuse for not eating well.

Share This