Utah gains 2 elite eateries

Utah has eight Four Diamond restaurants this year — two more than last year, according to AAA.

The group on Thursday released its ratings for lodging and restaurant facilities, with 22 Utah sites listed.

In addition to the eight Four Diamond restaurants, the state has 14 Four Diamond lodgings. The new restaurants are Bambara in Salt Lake City and Grappa Italian Restaurant in Park City.

Rolayne Fairclough, AAA Utah spokeswoman, noted that only 3.2 percent of the 60,000 AAA Diamond-rated facilities get the Four Diamond designation.

The Diamond ratings for lodgings were instituted 32 years ago. The system covers North America and uses 65 full-time evaluators to inspect each property on an annual basis.

"To earn a Four Diamond award, lodgings are upscale in all areas and offer guests a wide range of amenities," Fairclough said. "Restaurants feature a distinctive fine-dining experience, outstanding service and creative and complex menus."

Utah Four Diamond restaurants are:

• La Caille, Salt Lake, 13 years

• The Glitretind, Park City, 12 years

• Metropolitan, Salt Lake, eight years

• The Tree Room, Provo, six years

• Blue Boar Restaurant, Midway, five years

• Log Haven, Salt Lake, five years

• Goldener Hirsch Restaurant, Park City, four years

• Grappa Italian Restaurant, Park City, one year

• Bambara, Salt Lake, one year

Utah Four Diamond lodgings are:

• Salt Lake City Marriott Downtown, Salt Lake, 27 years (a state record)

• Little America Hotel, Salt Lake, 23 years

• Skyridge Inn Bed & Breakfast, Torrey, 13 years

• Blue Boar Inn, Midway, 11 years

• Sunflower Hill Luxury Inn, Moab, 11 years

• The Green Valley Spa & Resort, St. George, nine years

• Hotel Monaco, Salt Lake, eight years

• Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa, Moab, six years

• Johnson Mill Bed & Breakfast, Midway, five years

• Grand Summit Resort Hotel, Park City, five years

• Hilton Salt Lake City Center, five years

• Salt Lake City Marriott City Center, Salt Lake, five years

• Invited Inn, Midway, four years

• Hotel Park City, four years