As far as contemporary fine dining goes, Eleven sticks with the Big Burrito formula pretty closely. Nothing they serve is entirely challenging but for a lot of Pittsburghers, it probably appears that way.
Either way, there's no way to argue about the quality of the food. The ingredients are seasonal and local and the cooking is inspired. Eleven is probably the most upscale of the Big Burrito restaurants but the stuffiness that comes with that atmosphere is wholly missing.
I love being able to order food off a restaurant's menu and recognizing the name of the farms that supply their proteins.
The service at Eleven is exceptional and the food is great. A lot of people seem to have a problem with Big Burrito but I think they are wholly responsible for a lot of the fine dining scene in Pittsburgh. Mad Mex, as laid back and casual as it is, is a great way to introduce your palette to flavors that will lead you to bigger and much more challenging flavors. Eleven is Big Burrito's attempt at the prize at the end of that journey and I think for most people, it's sufficient.
For a more in-depth review you can read the article on my web site. http://eatinginpittsburgh.com/2011/02/02/eleven-brought-coma/