Top 10 Restaurants in Colorado
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Colorado, known for its breathtaking mountains, outdoor adventures, and vibrant cities, also boasts an impressive culinary scene. From Denver’s urban eateries to the cozy mountain-town gems, the state offers a rich tapestry of flavors that cater to all tastes. Whether you’re seeking innovative farm-to-table dining or classic comfort food with a twist, Colorado’s top restaurants promise a memorable experience. Here’s a guide to the top 10 restaurants in Colorado, each offering a unique culinary journey through the Rocky Mountains.
1. Frasca Food and Wine (Boulder)
Frasca Food and Wine in Boulder is a James Beard Award-winning restaurant that brings the flavors of Northern Italy’s Friuli-Venezia Giulia region to Colorado. Founded by Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey and Chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson, Frasca offers an elegant dining experience with a focus on seasonal ingredients. The menu changes regularly but often features dishes like frico caldo (crispy cheese and potato cake) and house-made pastas paired with an extensive wine list. The restaurant’s warm, inviting atmosphere and impeccable service make it a must-visit for any food lover.
2. Mercantile Dining & Provision (Denver)
Located in Denver’s Union Station, Mercantile Dining & Provision is a unique blend of restaurant, market, and coffee bar. Chef Alex Seidel, a James Beard Award winner, has created a menu that emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and artisanal products. Signature dishes include the braised short rib, ricotta dumplings, and the charcuterie board featuring house-cured meats. The restaurant’s open kitchen and sleek, modern design create a lively yet relaxed ambiance, perfect for both casual meals and special occasions.
3. Mizuna (Denver)
Mizuna, a cornerstone of Denver’s fine dining scene, offers a contemporary American menu with French influences. Led by Chef Frank Bonanno, Mizuna is known for its creative dishes and commitment to using the freshest ingredients. The menu changes monthly, but favorites like the lobster mac and cheese and the pan-seared foie gras consistently delight diners. The intimate, candlelit dining room and attentive service make Mizuna an ideal spot for a romantic evening or a celebratory dinner.
4. The Little Nell - Element 47 (Aspen)
Element 47, located within The Little Nell hotel in Aspen, is the epitome of luxury dining in the Rockies. This AAA Five Diamond restaurant offers a sophisticated menu that highlights Colorado’s rich agricultural heritage. Executive Chef Matt Zubrod crafts dishes like wagyu beef, truffle risotto, and locally sourced vegetables, all complemented by an award-winning wine list. The elegant, yet comfortable atmosphere, paired with breathtaking mountain views, makes Element 47 a premier dining destination in Aspen.
5. Flagstaff House (Boulder)
Perched on the mountainside above Boulder, Flagstaff House offers both stunning views and exceptional cuisine. This family-owned restaurant, originally a cabin, has evolved into a fine dining establishment known for its French-American menu and extensive wine cellar. Chef Chris Royster’s dishes, such as the bison filet mignon and the Maine lobster tail, are artfully prepared and beautifully presented. The combination of elegant dining rooms, panoramic views, and first-class service makes Flagstaff House a truly special experience.
6. The Wolf’s Tailor (Denver)
The Wolf’s Tailor in Denver is a unique culinary experience that blends Italian and Asian influences with a focus on sustainability. Chef Kelly Whitaker’s menu features house-milled grains, locally sourced produce, and whole-animal butchery. The dishes, like hand-rolled pasta and charcoal-grilled meats, are creative and bold. The restaurant’s minimalist, industrial-chic decor and communal tables create a relaxed, yet sophisticated atmosphere. The Wolf’s Tailor’s commitment to innovation and sustainability has earned it recognition as one of Denver’s most exciting dining spots.
7. Beckon (Denver)
Beckon is a small, chef-driven restaurant in Denver’s RiNo district that offers a highly personalized dining experience. The restaurant features a multi-course tasting menu that changes seasonally, showcasing the finest ingredients available. Chef Duncan Holmes crafts each dish with precision and artistry, with offerings like aged duck breast, Colorado lamb, and heirloom vegetables. The intimate setting, with just 18 seats around an open kitchen, allows diners to engage directly with the chefs, making each meal at Beckon a truly interactive and memorable experience.
8. Bin 707 Foodbar (Grand Junction)
Bin 707 Foodbar in Grand Junction is a farm-to-table restaurant that highlights the bounty of Colorado’s Western Slope. Chef Josh Niernberg’s menu focuses on sustainable, locally sourced ingredients, with dishes like Colorado lamb, Palisade peaches, and Olathe sweet corn. The restaurant’s modern, yet welcoming atmosphere, combined with its commitment to supporting local farmers and producers, makes Bin 707 a standout in the region. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual lunch or an upscale dinner, Bin 707 offers a taste of Colorado’s agricultural richness.
9. Sweet Basil (Vail)
Sweet Basil, located in the heart of Vail Village, has been a beloved dining destination since 1977. This contemporary American restaurant offers a seasonally inspired menu that blends global flavors with local ingredients. Signature dishes include the crispy veal sweetbreads, Colorado striped bass, and hand-cut pappardelle. The restaurant’s sleek, mountain-modern decor and lively atmosphere make it a popular spot for après-ski dining or a special night out. With its long-standing reputation for excellence, Sweet Basil continues to be a culinary icon in Vail.
10. Blackbelly (Boulder)
Blackbelly in Boulder is a farm-to-table restaurant that takes “from scratch” to a whole new level. Chef Hosea Rosenberg, winner of Bravo’s “Top Chef,” has created a menu that emphasizes whole-animal butchery and locally sourced ingredients. Dishes like the dry-aged ribeye, charcuterie board, and seasonal vegetable plates showcase the restaurant’s dedication to quality and flavor. Blackbelly’s warm, rustic-chic interior and friendly, knowledgeable staff make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The restaurant’s on-site butcher shop also allows diners to take home some of the finest meats in Colorado.
