Altius translates to "higher" in Latin. The name speaks not only to a location overlooking the City of Pittsburgh, but also a desire to offer a fresh new concept with higher standards for food quality, creativity, design and hospitality. Altius strives to use environmentally responsible practices in all aspects of operations, including the use of sustainable, organic or local products when possible in both cuisine and libations.
Services
Rated Four Diamond by AAA, Altius, the second restaurant concept from B DeFrancis and Chef Jessica Bauer, has quickly risen in ranks as one of the top restaurants in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. Their first restaurant, Bistro 19, a local favorite in Mt. Lebanon, opened in 2006 and continues to enjoy great success.
As the leader of Altius, B sets the standards for excellence. She founded, co-owns and operates the ever-popular Bistro 19 in Mt. Lebanon. B has been in the food and beverage industry since the age of 16. She spent 13 years honing her service and training skills at Morton's of Chicago, the steakhouse in Pittsburgh.
Altius highlights the best and most unique attributes of the city, those idiosyncratic moments of Pittsburgh's topography and culture that are etched in the faces of our environment and in the memories of those who live here.
The building's identity had faltered in recent years, as its facade began to crumble, but with a more contemporary composition and the selective use of modern materials, the building reasserts itself as an upscale dining establishment.A sequence of lights activate the pedestrian space in the evening and provide a more intimate sense of scale throughout the day.
The building's identity had faltered in recent years, as its facade began to crumble, but with a more contemporary composition and the selective use of modern materials, the building reasserts itself as an upscale dining establishment.A sequence of lights activate the pedestrian space in the evening and provide a more intimate sense of scale throughout the day.
Altius is the culmination of years of passion and planning for which we thank our community partners for their support and encouragement. Although we cannot possibly list everyone who has played a role in seeing this project to fruition, we would like to thank a few of these friends who have been instrumental at various stages in assisting us in realizing our dream.
The chef-driven menu features the very best our region has to offer and features seasonal, sustainable products whenever possible. Chef Jessica is always on the hunt for America's truly great foods, such as Berkshire pork, artisanal Gorgonzola, and grass-fed beef. Her menu ranges from fun, whimsical dishes to approachable, familiar dishes.
Reviews (25)
Carlie M.
Jan 25, 2022
Report
What a wonderful and special dining experience! To celebrate our recent engagement, my fiancé's boss congratulated us with a gift card to Altius. I had never been before, but I knew we were in for a fancy meal after seeing three $ signs on Yelp.
First, the location and views from Mt. Washington were amazing. Despite making an early dinner reservation, we were seated more centrally instead of along the periphery. So, unfortunately, we weren't able to appreciate the downtown skyline as the sun went down during our meal.
Second, the food was incredible. We were started off with a panna
First, the location and views from Mt. Washington were amazing. Despite making an early dinner reservation, we were seated more centrally instead of along the periphery. So, unfortunately, we weren't able to appreciate the downtown skyline as the sun went down during our meal.
Second, the food was incredible. We were started off with a panna
Samantha L.
Jan 21, 2022
Report
While I was planning a trip to Pittsburgh, I reached out to the Yelp CM of Pittsburgh and she recommended me to dine at Altius for delicious food and a great view of the Pittsburgh skyline so I made a reservation a few months ahead. It's a great place to celebrate a birthday or an anniversary. Despite not guaranteeing a window seat, every table offers a great view of the Pittsburgh skyline.
Instead of trying to struggle to find street parking, we decided to pay for valet. We were greeted upon entry. The hostess brought us to our table. While we were looking over the drink and food menu.
Instead of trying to struggle to find street parking, we decided to pay for valet. We were greeted upon entry. The hostess brought us to our table. While we were looking over the drink and food menu.
Rim G.
Jan 20, 2022
Report
I went with my partner to celebrate his birthday. We were seated close to the window. The service was really good. The waitress was quick and explained the menu properly.
Appetizer:
Beef tartare--it was out of this world. The beef was raw. It tasted citrusy and the "dough" underneath was crunchy and light.
Main:
We ordered ribeye steak (see picture). It was juicy, tender and flavorful. One of the best I have ever had. I highly recommend.
Scallops and shrimp--they were ok. The quality was good but the taste was a bit strong. The purple potato was amazing.
We were full at this
Appetizer:
Beef tartare--it was out of this world. The beef was raw. It tasted citrusy and the "dough" underneath was crunchy and light.
Main:
We ordered ribeye steak (see picture). It was juicy, tender and flavorful. One of the best I have ever had. I highly recommend.
Scallops and shrimp--they were ok. The quality was good but the taste was a bit strong. The purple potato was amazing.
We were full at this
Justin W.
Jan 14, 2022
Report
Alyssa C.
Jan 09, 2022
Report
This was hands down one of the best dining experiences I have ever had. The wine was to die for, the food was exceptional, and the service was better than 5 stars. They brought us not one but TWO complimentary appetizers because it was his birthday and our anniversary in addition to TWO complimentary desserts. I've seen some reviews saying this place is too expensive, but I would have to disagree. You get exactly what you pay for and in combination with the view, it is WELL worth it. If you were our server on Thursday night and the chef working that night, know that we will be back to Pittsburgh
Miss Jenn
Jan 07, 2022
Report
Went to Altius to celebrate a friend's promotion, we hadn't planned it in advance but the night went wonderfully and they brought out a congratulations dessert. My friend felt really special by the hospitality.
Our server Angie was welcoming and attentive. She presented the menu in a way that entices you to want to try everything!
Altius has amazing food and a view, why not go often and try everything.
Our server Angie was welcoming and attentive. She presented the menu in a way that entices you to want to try everything!
Altius has amazing food and a view, why not go often and try everything.
Ludmila Podwell
Dec 27, 2021
Report
Certainly an amazing view! Service could have been better. It took forever to get the drink for one of our guests in the party (45 minutes?), it turns out they are out of the wine she ordered. Instead of offering us something similar at the same price they up-sold us for a higher priced option. Food was good but I had better at other less pricey venues. When you leave over $1,000 at the restaurant you expect it to be super extraordinary, in this case it was the view and the company.
Dee Ketterman
Dec 04, 2021
Report
The view is PHENOMENAL!! Absolutely picturesque and dreamy. The food was carefully prepared and delectable. The caramelized onion bread is to die for. Be sure to reserve your table well in advance because this place is in high demand- for good reason! It wasn’t overwhelmingly busy and the server was very attentive and charming. If you’re looking for an amazing place to eat in Pittsburgh that’ll inspire your taste buds, this is the place!
Jacob Y.
Nov 21, 2021
Report
The place is a bit unassuming on the outside, but the view from the inside is incredible. A very nice touch that they do is bringing out small surprise appetizers free of charge-flavored popcorn of the day, different breads, cheeses-all of which are great. The entrees are slightly less inspired for the price, but the rest of the experience more than makes up for it.
Shea Daugherty Sullivan
Nov 19, 2021
Report
Flecia Harvey
Oct 26, 2021
Report
C. J.
Oct 26, 2021
Report
Marcy J.
Oct 23, 2021
Report
The prices have risen dramatically (65 for an 8-ounce filet mignon) and the quality is so variable now. The last two visits have been marred by seasonal cocktails that were so undrinkably awful we sent them back, dishes looking like a mess, tasting muddy, and served at room temp-to-cold, and service that crawled. Last night's meal suffered from a 30 minute lag from putting in a cocktail order to getting drinks, then another 30 minute lag after dessert was ordered until it was served. With a 6:45 reservation we were not expecting to have the check dropped at 9:30. A $500 meal for four that
Geraldine U.
Oct 22, 2021
Report
A stunning city view, delicious food, instagram-worthy plating, attentive service and classy ambience all in one restaurant experience!
Even if you don't get a seat right next to the window, the restaurant is like a fish bowl and you still get a fantastic view of the city lights.
The service is wonderful, attentive and knowledgeable.
The food is tasty, with dessert being my favorite part (disclaimer: I have a sweet tooth).
- the appetizers were amazing, from the crab to the tartare to the charcuterie board (definite recommend), and packed flavor in small bites
- I will say if I have
Even if you don't get a seat right next to the window, the restaurant is like a fish bowl and you still get a fantastic view of the city lights.
The service is wonderful, attentive and knowledgeable.
The food is tasty, with dessert being my favorite part (disclaimer: I have a sweet tooth).
- the appetizers were amazing, from the crab to the tartare to the charcuterie board (definite recommend), and packed flavor in small bites
- I will say if I have
Christy B.
Oct 21, 2021
Report
Wow oh wow. I love this place so much. I want to sit at the bar and just order bowl after bowl of the spicy she crab bisque. PEANUTS! It's topped with peanuts! Who would've thought that would just elevate this dish to the next level? My husband opted for the short ribs and I went for the sea bass special. Both were absolutely delicious. I will say that my husband was a little disappointed as he thought it tasted like something his grandma would throw together quick on a Sunday, and I then decided that my husband really doesn't have a clue when it comes to what goes into cooking
Robert Bell
Oct 10, 2021
Report
Franky L.
Sep 24, 2021
Report
We are new to Pittsburgh, having moved from New York. For these past three months we have been on a quest to discover the best of what the Pittsburgh food scene has to offer. Altius is our current favorite! We made a reservation and were seated right against the windows where we enjoyed an amazing view of the city. But unlike the other places we've tried on Mt. Washington, Altius does not rest on its location or view. It delivers on the food and drink.
The cocktail menu is short but so thoughtful it made us wish openly that the cocktail creators would open a craft cocktail bar in Pittsburgh
The cocktail menu is short but so thoughtful it made us wish openly that the cocktail creators would open a craft cocktail bar in Pittsburgh
Andrea U.
Sep 21, 2021
Report
Debra T.
Sep 01, 2021
Report
I could not wait to dine at Altius and it turned out to be everything I expected and more. The place is beautiful and cozy with spectacular views(obviously)Everything was superb. We were given two complimentary appetizers along with some delicious warm maple popcorn. When you dine at Altius you are paying for an entire experience not just the food. The attention that is paid to the quality and presentation of your meal is stellar. It is worth every penny for the memorable time you will have there. I have to mention the purple potato puree…wow! So good! I also had the Movie Star cocktail. It was
Dj J.
Aug 26, 2021
Report
Love the decor and view. Marvelous food. Our waitress was good in some ways but in a hurry. We started with the crab bites that are just wonderful. Had a pretty good piece on my plate and all of a sudden my plate and the plate the crab bites were served on were taken. No are you done or would you like the last bite! They do not come by and serve you bread from a tray anymore, they just deliver a small plate and some basil butter and sun-dried tomato mix, unless you have our waitress. She did not serve us bread until we asked and she mad up an excuse. Both of our dinners were excellent
Stephanie Jones
Aug 23, 2021
Report
Absolutely PHENOMENAL!!! I've eaten at many places all over the world and have VERY seldom found a restaurant that could cook risotto (my favorite) perfectly. Well, I was blown away, it was AMAZING!
Mine and my husband's meal were both cooked to perfection, the ambiance was romantic, and the view was divine. We will be back when we come to visit this area again. I am so happy we were able to get a last minute reservation in for my birthday.
Last but not least if you want a WOW dessert get the cheesecake, it was nothing like any kind of cheesecake I've ever had. I must throw in that our waitress
Mine and my husband's meal were both cooked to perfection, the ambiance was romantic, and the view was divine. We will be back when we come to visit this area again. I am so happy we were able to get a last minute reservation in for my birthday.
Last but not least if you want a WOW dessert get the cheesecake, it was nothing like any kind of cheesecake I've ever had. I must throw in that our waitress
Josh Grossman
Aug 05, 2021
Report
Wow, great views, great meal! We started with the charcuterie tray and the crab toast points, and both were great, then for our main courses we had the steak, the salmon, and the artic char, all the proteins were cooked to perfection and the sides on my plate were awesome. The only let down was dessert, it was a bit tasteless. Service and ambiance were impeccable. I highly recommend a meal here, and the views are stunning
Tabitha C.
Jul 09, 2021
Report
I took my guy here for his birthday. They were very accommodating as on my reservation I requested window seats for the view and to have a birthday cake brought to him which made his birthday.
We both ordered the lamb which was very tender and delicious. I guess the only thing I wish was transparent is that they charge you an extra $5 for onions and $5 for peppers on your lamb, had no idea until we got the bill. We had a complimentary escargot appetizer and delicious wines. This restaurant is more for special celebrations and we loved the atmosphere for sure. Staff was great even though we weren
We both ordered the lamb which was very tender and delicious. I guess the only thing I wish was transparent is that they charge you an extra $5 for onions and $5 for peppers on your lamb, had no idea until we got the bill. We had a complimentary escargot appetizer and delicious wines. This restaurant is more for special celebrations and we loved the atmosphere for sure. Staff was great even though we weren
Meghan M.
May 21, 2021
Report
I came to Altius with my family for my sisters birthday and we had a great experience. We came on a beautiful day and we got a great view of the city. I also love that they had a vegan entree on the menu- I got the Vegan Organic Wild Mushroom en Papillote and it was seriously delicious. So often vegan options at restaurants feel like an after thought, and I always greatly appreciate the option, but this truly was so flavorful and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Altius is definitely one of the better restaurants on Mt Washington in my opinion- great food, view, and experience.
Lyndsay A.
Mar 02, 2021
Report
WOW! Altius really was the ultimate dining experience.
Last night, a family friend was in town, so of course I wanted to take us somewhere to enjoy the view! I was able to make us a reservation on Monday morning for Monday evening, but the restaurant did fill up even during the week, so I would definitely recommend a reservation!
Our waitress, Angie, certainly contributed to the wonderful experience. She was wonderful throughout the entire evening.
Starting with a bottle of wine, we paired that with the charcuterie and the warm spinach salad as well as the wedge salad. The charcuterie was excellent
Last night, a family friend was in town, so of course I wanted to take us somewhere to enjoy the view! I was able to make us a reservation on Monday morning for Monday evening, but the restaurant did fill up even during the week, so I would definitely recommend a reservation!
Our waitress, Angie, certainly contributed to the wonderful experience. She was wonderful throughout the entire evening.
Starting with a bottle of wine, we paired that with the charcuterie and the warm spinach salad as well as the wedge salad. The charcuterie was excellent
