The modern French restaurant downtown received the highest overall score of all restaurants in the Zagat Survey of America's Top Restaurants 2005, on newsstands Monday. On a 30-point scale, Pigall's received 29 for food, 29 for service and 28 for decor.

It's a "wonderful honor," says owner Jean-Robert deCavel. "We continue to be overwhelmed with the positive reception we've received since opening two years ago."

While the guide includes 41 cities, the survey does not compare restaurants from city to city. Each restaurant is rated by volunteers who comment on restaurants where they've eaten.

Michael Fisher, president of the Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce, said he was "thrilled" to see a Cincinnati restaurant get this recognition. "It's a great accomplishment for Pigall's and a jewel in Cincinnati's crown."

This guide lists 20 Greater Cincinnati's restaurants. Among the top rated for food: Daveed's, Mount Adams; Boca, Oakley; Bonbonerie, O'Bryonville; Maisonette, the Palace, Jeff Ruby's and Morton's, downtown; the Precinct, Columbia Tusculum, and Sturkey's, Wyoming.