Today is my husbands 36th birthday. I made reservations almost 2 months ago. We were excited all day....he wore an express button down, dress shorts and Sperry's. They did not let him in because he was wearing shorts. Baggy jeans are ok but not dress shorts? Completely distasteful...we enjoyed our meal at Bingham Tavern, get over yourselves. read more

From the moment we walked in the door until we departed, everything was excellent. We had a window table with a breath taking view of the city. Jason, our server, was as good as it gets. He knew and explained each item on each dish to a tee! We had three dishes, Salmon, Sea Bass and s chicken dish. The were all amazing. Altius is not listed as a seafood restaurant but Is likely better than most, if not all those in the City. The menu is not lengthy, which I really like. I would rather order from a concise menu where every dish is incredible rather than many dishes that are just average. Kudos to the staff and especially those in the kitchen as they are great! read more

Fiancee took me here for my birthday a couple of months back. My only complaint is that we've only been that one time! Amazing food, perfect service and one of the best views in Pittsburgh. Can't wait to get back here. read more

I had the dry aged ribeye special. With out a doubt best steak I've had in Pittsburgh. Can't beat the view, can't beat the service, and can't beat the food! Favorite restaurant in Pittsburgh read more

I enjoyed this restaurant. The view, of course, is the highlight. But...the food is good as well. I just wasn't overly impressed with the food. I had rack of lamb which seemed to have more fat than usual, but the flavor was good. Will definitely go back! read more

Left all the kids behind and went out for a dinner date with our favorite friends the night of Snowmageddon, Jr. This place is beautiful. Service was excellent from valet, to hostess, to wait staff. And of course the view is amazing. The fresh breads with an herbed butter and sun dried tomato pesto were enough to make you forget your name. The drinks were very good and the beautifully plated food was superb. We tried a nice variety of menu items and nothing disappointed. The staff was friendly and paid attention to every detail of the meal without being intrusive. They took great care of us for the evening. We were in no hurry and they seemed happy enough to let us linger. Would highly recommend Altius for any-occasion dining. And if you're lucky enough to have friends like ours, you can forget your wallet at home and it won't be a problem. read more

The main star of this restaurant is the view. It is absolutely spectacular, so if you have a special occasion, go at night and reserve a seat by the window. The service is very classy. All of the wait staff did a fabulous job and they brought everyone's plates in at the same time so no one had to wait. I had an Old Fashioned from the bar, which was very good, but the bar could use a little improvement. Wine by the glass is awfully pricey, even for an expensive restaurant like this, and one of our party could not get a good gin and tonic. He drinks Bombay, and they said it was Bombay, but two different drinks did not taste good to him. My mom got the liquid chocolate drink, and she did not enjoy that either. We all loved the blue cheese popcorn that was on the table, and the bread was fabulous. Most entrees were over $40, but they were pretty generous portions. I got the scallops, and there were a lot of flavors and different things on the plate. It was absolutely delicious, but quite rich so hard to eat a lot. The salmon with caviar was also a very rich dish. Desserts were impressive but a little overly sweet for my taste. They gave us little chocolate brownies to take home, which were very good. My favorite thing was probably the taste of porcini mushroom soup they gave us before the entree. It was incredible! read more

This is my favorite restaurant in Pittsburgh and one of my favorite restaurants, period. But in a nutshell: Vibrant, beautiful, bold flavors that compliment an atmosphere decorated by an interior that speaks trend and class with an experience higher than the mountain upon which it sits. Must try. Like today. Name: Let's start with the name, I mean Altius. Beautiful. It means higher (think Olympic mantra citius, altius, forties - Faster, Higher, Stronger. This is not a Kanye West shout out. He irks me. I digress). Nestled cozy atop beautiful Mt. Washington, they couldn't have named this anything more appropriate. Intro: Walking into Altius is brilliant. It does have this gravity defying look to it. I don't know if it's the colors or the overall atmosphere but the layout is perfect. Coming from a film background I can tell you it was beautifully designed and gives you this feeling of escalation. With the view of Mt. Washington at bay you really "enjoy" being at this restaurant. In fact, you savor it. Though modestly different, It reminds me, for some reason, one of my favorites in NYC, ABC Kitchen. Service: Impeccable. Our server was super funny, friendly, professional and knew exactly what he was talking about it. This hits hard with me because it is a reflection of the chef and owners and I think this is important for such an upscale restaurant. The servers all work well with one another to ensure every t and I is crossed and dotted, respectively and that every glass is full and sparkling. Food: Wow. Just wow. Never in Pittsburgh have I enjoyed every single piece of food I unwillingly gently placed in my mouth (unwillingly because I wanted to just scarf everything down indian food style eaten at home- hands and all).Let's start from the beginning. I am huge on presentation and they nailed it with everything. The amuse bouche was delightful. It was a small crepe like concoction filled with a lime glazed filling sitting in a small custard. One of the most heavenly single bites I have ever had in Pittsburgh. For starters we got the: Steak tartare (delicious, blended with this mustard seeds and this relish founded on capers - good lord the flavors were beautiful. The egg yolk gave it a gorgeous texture and the crostini upon which I parked this delicious meat was grilled perfectly with the right amount of crunch) Chicory Salad (fennel, burrata and figs - muito gostozo, muy delicioso, I mean everything from salad texture to flavors was perfect). Main: Rack of Lamb: The seasoning was sensational and the meat was cooked PERFECTLY. Every bite just melted in my mouth. I literally thought the lamb was a part of me, seriously, I almost starting Baa'ing, or whatever sound lambs make. If Mary had a little lamb, I'm taking it to Altius. One of the best lamb racks I've had, period. This chef knows what she is doing! Strip Steak: First off, the choice of cut was perfect and you can tell they pick their meats meticulously. Cooked to perfection, just the perfect amount of mouth watering juiciness and redness. What I am about to say will make my Hindu ancestors cringe in their grave and curse with me horrible karma, but I like my plate to slightly moo when it comes out and this plate sang sweet nothings into my mouth. Dessert: The "Ball" - a cake adorned with chocolate, hazelnut, caramel, and a freaking journey in your mouth through full throttle with turbos made out of extremely beautiful textures. If I could make a EDM song about this "ball" it would be Crunch, Melt, Moan, Repeat. Minds out of the gutter people. Anyhow, I wanted more and that's all I am going to say. Overall, My favorite restaurant in Pittsburgh. It is my go to with my family and girlfriend and my recommendation for anyone who wants the fine dining experience in Pittsburgh. I think you get more than what you would anywhere else for the price (which to be honest, isn't even that bad). From start to finish Altius really does take you to culinary heights and I doubt anyone will be disappointed. If you are, then you messed up. Yes, YOU. read more

What can I say but this place is rude, pretentious and not worth anyone's time, my friends and I walked into this place thinking it would be an awesome restaurant to check out but the second we walked in the door we were treated like shit. They basically told us to gtfo because we were in jeans and tshirts. This was at 1pm in the afternoon and all we had wanted was to check it out and grab a drink at the bar (we were also sober af), we get greeted by the hostess and she said "you guys can't come in here"?!? What kind of restaurant says that to paying customers? Apparently they learned their hospitality skills from united employees. Not even trying their food or drinks I highly advise anyone that visits Pittsburgh and end up riding the incline they fill find this shithole of a restaurant up top! DO NOT GO THERE unless you wanted to be treated as shit right as you walk in the door! read more

Excellent food and service. View is beyond words. Portions extremely generous. Don't miss the opportunity to dine at this fantastic restaurant. read more

Great service and food! It was our 6 year anniversary and they were great, even when there was a small problem with our cheese tray. They quickly solved it and our experience was great. We will come back again as the views were beautiful and the service great! read more

Exceptional evening at Altius for my parents birthday celebration. For my dads 75th, my parents decided to come down to Pittsburgh for the weekend and Altius was highly recommended by several friends. This place is the epitome of elegance and class, from the moment you step into the restaurant and is carried on into the evening. Let's start with the view, the way the restaurant was designed, nearly every table is stimulated with a Birdseye view of the beautiful city. The service is professional, kind, and unpretentious. I can't even remember the last time I was at a restaurant that delivered each course to all patrons at the exact same time. The food was superb. My dad and I both started with oysters, served with all the fixings including tabasco sauce, horseradish, and cocktail sauce (so fresh and delicious, only wish there were more on my plate!) and my mom went with the crab bisque (creamy and rich, poured right in front of you over large lump of crab meat). The main courses were all top notch, my dad went with the filet of beef (he said it was literally the best cut of meat he's tried in Pittsburgh!), I went with the red snapper special (crisped on the outside, tender inside, and over a creamy rich bed of mushroom risotto - licked the plate clean!) and my mom had the salmon (I did not try this but she said the mix of flavors and salmon itself was excellent)! The host graciously brought out a celebratory dessert for my dads birthday followed by chocolate truffles as a to go treat. Wonderful experience here and will certainly be coming back for the next special occasion! read more

My husband took me here for my birthday. They had seasoned popcorn on the table, which was tasty. Then had a server offer a choice of three types of bread to eat with a honey seasoned butter or a pesto type sauce. My husband had a cheddar topped focaccia with the pesto and said it kinda tasted like a deconstructed pizza. I had a buttermilk roll with the butter, and while it was good it wasn't anything to rave about. Then they brought out an amuse bouche. I have never had an amuse bouche before but it was pretty good. Then our meals came. I had a steak with vegetables and an aligot. My husband had the halibut. THE FOOD WAS AMAZING! Everything was delicious. My steak was cooked to perfection, the vegetables were simple but so good I could have had more, and the aligot is something I would eat all by itself as a comfort food. Everything was so good we basically stopped talking just to focus on the food. My only criticism was dessert. The waitress warned us that the desserts were deconstructed, but I hadn't realized just how much. I ordered the Black Forest cake and it was basically a dark chocolate ball with cherry chocolate sauce. Three actual cherries, a teaspoon of actual chocolate cake and a half teaspoon of white stuff that I'm not even sure if it was icing or whipped cream. Needless to say I was a bit disappointed and overwhelmed by the amount of chocolate in front of me. read more

I had a reservation for 11 people for at least a month to celebrate my mother's 60th birthday. They refused service to our group because my husband (who happens to be the only person in the group who isn't white) was apparently not dressed up to their arbitrary dress code (even though he was dressed nicer than my brother in law). read more

I researched for months before I decided upon Altius for my best friend's bachelorette party. After reading the reviews I thought it would be perfect. As far as views go, I'm not sure that there are better views anywhere in the city. The atmosphere and the views are what got this place two stars. That's where the trouble began. We got to the restaurant at 8pm and there were 9 of us. We got tap water which they said was (quadruple?) filtered. It had a weird fishy taste and it wasn't the least bit cold. It was at least 25 minutes before our server got our order, which was okay at first because we were ooing and awing over the view and drinks came fast. Once we ordered we waited, and we waited, and waited. While waiting, bread service came. They came around a second time and completely skipped two of the guests never asking whether or not they wanted bread. About an hour after we ordered our food it arrived. I had the special which was a deconstructed beef Wellington. It was cold when it arrived. One girl ordered salad with no tomato, it came with tomato. Everyone who got hot food was unsatisfied with the temperature of their food but flavors were there and the presentation was spot on. After eating our plates were cleared. We were given dessert menus. Nobody had dessert. We waited and waited. Waited some more. I had to physically get up from the table and ask about our checks. At least 40 minutes passed between the time that we had our plates cleared and the time that we got our checks. ... then when we finally got our checks, 5/8 checks were wrong. Extra drinks, charges for things that weren't ordered, no drinks on checks for people with drinks. So that was an additional 20 minutes to fix. What makes me upset about this whole deal is that there were 9 of us. We had one server (who had at least one other table). When it came to serve food each person brought out a plate so my question is where were all of these employees when we were waiting and waiting. Could SOMEONE have assisted our server with something to make it less of a wait for us? It's a group so yes it will take longer, I get that but this was completely brimming on ridiculous. I cannot lie when I say that we did not leave Altius until 11:15pm after arriving there at 8pm. It is a fine dining restaurant so I expected some time between and relaxation but we are talking 3+ hours here (imagine if we would have had dessert). I would likely try Altius again just because the view is unlike any other but not with more than 1-2 other people. read more

Altius - Deconstructed beef Wellington - New American Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

By far one of the best restaurants in town and elsewhere. The service is equal to a 3 star Michelin Restaurant with amazing views and the food is out of this world. I had the sea bass and pared it with a great cocktail. My daughter had the duck. All very well prepared and presented. Loved it. We also got popcorn, an appetizer with tartar tuna and handmade chocolate truffles to go all complimentary. I will be back soon on my next visit to Pittsburgh. The price was reasonable. read more

Altius ranks as one of the best restaurants I have ever been to. I only say this because they've conjured up flavors I've never tasted before. The service was excellent, and the view of the city is spectacular. read more

Legitimately one of the greatest dining experiences I've ever had. Possibly THE greatest. PROBABLY the greatest. Loved everything about it: the food, the service, certainly the views. We ordered the scallops and duck, but it's sort of limiting just to list what we ordered, because it's all part of a much bigger show. read more

Disappointed with service. Valet was inside the door and didn't come out to the car, no umbrella. Waiter was fine but everything seemed disjointed. Brought a-muse Bouche twice. Had us order dessert and then brought out birthday dessert so now we had 3 desserts and only needed or wanted 2. Timing was just off. I would have expected better. read more

I cannot say enough about Altius and the staff! I would like to give a shout out to CHAD...He was amazing! His attention to detail made my In laws ;50th anniversary dinner complete!! Thank you, Chad and Jeff!! read more

This is a great restaurant if you really don't know anything. There is a great view. The bathrooms are amazing. Unfortunately the food does not match the ratings. When we booked they asked about food allergies. We asked for gluten free. Every dish served had flour in it. The wine list is excellent, but the drinking experience is disappointing. Each serving is bought in with such Pomp and circumstance that it's uncomfortable. Not to be entirely negative, our wait staff was very friendly and clearly was upset that we were not blown away. I would say the failure lies in the kitchen and an understanding of great food. The people were very nice but unfortunately that does not really matter when you are dropping $500 for a dinner for 2. read more

There is no doubt the view from this restaurant is spectacular. One can see the entire Pittsburgh skyline. I wish I could say the same for the food. Lots of competing flavors and lots of food. Can't say that we loved anything. Be prepared to pay New York prices too. read more

Went on 6/27 for our anniversary. The place has a GREAT view - one of the best in Pittsburgh. Very clean, upscale restaurant. The food was impeccable. My husband got the lamb chops and I got the pork - both cooked perfectly! The sides are equally as delicious - he had garlic rice pilaf with the lamb and my pork chops came with amazing skinned/ mashed potatoes. We could tell they were still working through the newness of the restaurant..... there was almost too many people working. That said - the service was outstanding and everyone was so nice. I would highly recommend this place. It's a little more expensive but worth the few extra dollars. Very nice atmosphere - not too stuffy - kinda perfect. Park at the bottom of the Duquesne Incline and ride it up - it's located right next to the incline overlook - so great people-watching during dinner and a great date. I honestly don't know if I have had that good of a meal in a while. It was just splendid. Again - the service was great - clearly the chef is extremely talented and all-in-all I can see this place doing quite well. A great night to celebrate 5 years! read more

My mom and I dined at Altius last night to celebrate my last evening in Pittsburgh before moving away. I made a reservation earlier that day, and they were very clear that while they had us planned to sit at a window table, that of course it is never guaranteed. We were okay with that, since honestly the place is small enough with ample window sizes that you can see the view from every seat in there. When we arrived, we were informed that our planned window table had just ordered dessert and coffee, so it may be another 15 minutes or so. They offered us a different table, but my mom and I were in no rush, so we decided to try a cocktail at the bar. Jim (the host/ maître d') was in constant communication with us, as was the manager, about the status of our table. Again, we had no agenda, so it was really great how accommodating they were for us! As we sat at the bar, we talked about the decor and how modern, yet warm it was. My mom is a very traditional person, while I enjoy more modern decor, and she even enjoyed the fresh appearance. No, this restaurant does not have white table cloths and servers in tux vests/bow ties etc., but that's what makes it new and appealing to a younger crowd. Considering the guests in the restaurant that evening, they are doing a great job at attracting the younger crowd, yet still appealing to older generations too (my mom can't wait to bring my dad back there). The speciality cocktail list was great. We tried the Katana, which is vodka, sake, muddled cucumber, and lime. It was very refreshing and not too sweet. The bartender was fabulous and we watched as she accommodated every request that came her way with ease (some requests were quite strange). After maybe 30 minutes, we moved to our table. Since we were ten minutes early anyway, it really was only 20 minutes until we were sat at a window table. Like I said, THIS IS NO BIG DEAL! They were clear from the beginning that a window table is not a guarantee and were accommodating in making it happen even though you can see the view perfectly fine no matter where you sit. My mom ordered the snapper, which came in a broth and she enjoyed it very much. I ordered the Duck Duck Goose, and it was suggested to order it medium rare, so I did. It came out perfectly medium rare and was insanely flavorful! I loved the kale it was paired with and the leg confit was amazing. The palenta was ample. I ate every last bite. Well worth the $32. My favorite part was the Parmesan Risotto, but I'm a sucker for cheese :p. We also enjoyed the pineapple upside dessert and chocolate mousse that was paired with peanut butter crumbles and this banana ice cream that I will dream about for the rest of my life! The food overall was perfect. Perfect. My mom and I had such a great time. We weren't rushed, yet checked on by our server just enough. Service was great and the food came out in an appropriate amount of time. Our server (didn't catch his name) made sure that everything was perfect and even accommodated our request to have a dessert to-go given to us at the very last moment. It was for my dad and included a sorbet, so our server didn't want the ice cream to melt while we sat. I also can't say enough about Jim, the maître d. He really made the experience a 5 star one and even showed us the upstairs area after we had finished eating just because we asked what was up there. When I move back to Pittsburgh, I can't wait to return and hopefully be able to treat my mom next time! read more

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Based on the recommendation from my cousin, we chose Altius as the restaurant in Pittsburgh that would best "show off" our favorite city, celebrate the birthday of a dear friend, and please the discerning palates of some very well traveled, particular people. Four of the four people in our party pronounced their entrees "the best they had ever eaten." Bravo, Altius!! Fantastic food prepared with a twist and presented beautifully, excellent service from an amicable staff, a few pleasant surprises, and a breathtaking view of Pittsburgh made this experience a sensational one. I suggest anyone who wants to try this fabulous restaurant should make reservations immediately.....once the word spreads about this rather "new kid on the block," the waiting list will be a lengthy one. read more

This place is phenominal! A group of 6 of us had a reservation on the first Monday of restaurant week and couldn't have asked for a better experience. From the atmosphere, to the wait staff, to the food in general, and you can't forget the view. The interior design blows my mind thinking that it used to be the dingy/outdated Georgetown Inn. A very clean and inviting ambiance with comfortable seating and an upstairs. The food... Was incredible. Not only is pricing decent outside of restaurant week menus, it's totally worth it for the quality. Our waiter was so fun and made the experience even better. When I went to take a picture out of the windows, the "matitre d'" of the place dimmed the lights as I was getting the *perfect* shot. All in all, I would recommend Altius to anyone. Whether they're looking to spend a few hundred (which we still did), or just grab drinks and a few dishes to pass after work... This restaurant is SPOT on. Well done, all! read more

This place has everything but most importantly it has an amazing view of the city. I could look out their window all night and day. The food there was creative and tasty. Our chef gave us a complimentary appetizer and dessert that was so delicious I wanted to order more of it. The drink I received was a too strong but it looked nice, I probably should've ordered wine. So if you're looking for a beautiful place to enjoy good food this is the place. It's perfect for a nice date night or relaxing time after work. Reservations are best for this place and the valet is good too. read more

Service at Altius is top notch. To notch. Interior, atmosphere and view are also impeccable. My only reason for three starts (rather than higher) was that my strip steak was served warm bordering on not warm. At the end of the day it's all about the food. Our server Melissa on the upper level was simply spectacular. Spectacular. read more

Beautiful view and excellent food. The pork chop is one of the best in the city. Upon being seated, you receive a container of daily made popcorn. The amuse bouche is presented which was a delicious ahi tuna the night we were there. The breads are house made and impossible to resist. Upon departing, you are presented with a take home bag of one of their dessert creations. Bring your appetite with you! read more

We were there for a special event on Nov 15th. The staff could not be nicer and more attentive. The view of course is beyond approach. The menu provides many alternatives...our food, cocktails and wine were incredible. This place deserves all the raves! Going back!!! read more

Absolute trash. Drinks that taste like they were mixed by a 4 year old. Food that likely was seasoned by rubbing it along the floor and then searing it beyond the point of recognition. I would recommend McDonalds over this. Was highly recommended and was equally highly disappointing. read more

All the reviews I read seemed too good to be true, it I was pleasantly wrong. The entire evening was a wonderful dining experience. The service was impeccable, the timing of each course was perfect and the food was excellent. We had the crab appetizer which was fabulous and the duck and sea bass. Both were recommended by our server, who may have been one of the best I've ever met. We will be going back. read more

The only elevated part about this restaurant is the location. To say I'm disappointed would be an understatement. I didn't make reservations because a.) it was a Thursday b.) my friend was flying in that night so I wasn't positive on what time we would get there and c.) they had multiple openings when I searched. So when we arrived the host (that I greeted) directed us to the bar while she "figured something out". After ordering our drinks the bartender asked my friend to take off his hat. He politely said no and explained that he has scars from cancer. The bartender apologized and we continued to wait for a table. We were almost done with our drinks when I saw another couple walk in and get seated right away. I was in ear shot, so I heard them say they also didn't have reservations. I walked up to the hostess and asked how much longer the wait would be. She said the manager would be right with us. A few moments later he came over and told us that they have a dress code which we did not meet. (I guess a hat covering cancer scars and distressed designer jeans were unacceptable.) Then he told us we were ALLOWED to eat at the bar. We of course left and had a delicious dinner at Meat & Potatoes. I've been to much nicer places all over the world, but I got shunned away at this blue collar town restaurant. The most laughable part was that one of the bartenders had tattoos on his knuckles. read more

This is an awesome restaurant with great service, the food is just awesome, we went there for my wife's birthday and they treated us so well. read more

We had a wonderful meal at the restaurant last night! The food was fabulous, and the service was so wonderful! My only complaint was that we were seated by the front (a party of 6), and it was very cold when the door would open! read more

One of the best places in Pittsburgh. The drink selection was amazing and the drinks were well prepared. Select charcuterie from appetizers and a drink of your choice and enjoy the view. read more

I really don't understand what's the operation philosophy of this restaurant, rules or the guest? If the answer is "Rules", I can see someone wear the light blue jeans and have a sit, I wear a black pants and they refused to let me in. If the answer is guest, lmao, tell me someone else is waiting for the table, "please leave". I made the reservation 2 weeks ago, the temperature is only digital number tonight, we drove 25 mins plus traffic jam, today is my girlfriend's birthday, and the managers cannot speak more freaking words, just want to get rid of us? Racists could be the reason, obviously NOT acceptable. I will be back, maybe alone, maybe 20 people, try to dress under their stupid rules again, and I will post another comment later. "Formal dressing"? "Rules REALLY strict"? I would see if I can just have a sit and eat a dinner. read more

really bad and rude restaurant！Not welcome for Chinese！sooooooooo rude！We are dressing like others but not allow ours to enter！

I've had one exceptional experience after another at Altius. The menu is creative (without straying into weird territory), each dish is well-prepared and attractively presented, and most importantly - absolutely delicious. The servers are friendly and knowledgeable the food, and the atmosphere is upscale but not stuffy in the least. This is one of my "go to" places for special occasions and celebrations, and I only wish I had more excuses to come more often. read more

Went here for a birthday celebration. Great view and we had an excellent waiter who was very helpful in helping us pick out what to order. Love the popcorn. Our meat and cheese platter was wonderful. Pork chop was amazing. Good wine list too. Only negative was our first impression. We made reservation weeks ago and requested window seat and also mentioned we were celebrating birthdays. Upon arrival, we were told window seats are first come first serve. Which I can understand. However, when they took us to our table, they tried to give us the worst seat in the house with plenty of empty tables all around. We asked to be moved up to an empty table closer to the windows. They did grant us this but said we would have to be done by 8:15 as someone reserved that table at that time. That made no sense to us since we were just told seating is first come first serve. For making reservations far in advance and celebrating a special day, thought they could have been more accommodating. Seems like you need to be part of a secret society to get a window seat here. Just confusing and off-putting way to start the evening. Again, rest of the night went smooth with an excellent waiter who put us at ease and amazing food. Night ended with a free birthday dessert. So overall great evening! read more