Bedford Restaurant Gets AAA's Four-Diamond Rating

AAA has released its annual list of four-diamond restaurants, and once again the Bedford Village Inn Restaurant is on it. The restaurant has made the prestigious list, a group that includes just 2 percent of the nearly 32,000 restaurants the AAA inspects and rates each year, every year since 1994.

The organization noted in releasing this year's list that more restaurants than ever have embraced a casual environment, as patrons continue looking for a more relaxed experience. This means high-end restaurants have shifted toward simple and streamlined décor, and others now have lively open kitchen designs so diners can watch chefs work their magic.

“To be considered leading edge, chefs must incorporate a laser-focused approach using innovative concepts and menus featuring the finest ingredients,” Michael Petrone, director of inspections and diamond ratings, said. “Diners want to be wowed on multiple levels, so exceptional service is also important, but they’re not necessarily looking for all the formalities that were once synonymous with fine dining.”

Also released this week was the list of the nation's five-diamond restaurants, which this year number 67. Newcomers on the list include Altera in New York City, COAST in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, and Oriole in Chicago.

Patch national staffer Dan Hampton contributed to this report.

Photo credit: AAA