In 2023, five of Colorado’s restaurants received a MICHELIN star in the inaugural selection for the Centennial state. Stars are given to top restaurants serving some of the best dishes in the world, and one star represents a restaurant worth visiting. In addition, the Bib Gourmond distinction is given to restaurants offering exceptionally good food at moderate prices. These prestigious restaurants deserve your attention, but be sure you make a reservation ahead of time. Your culinary experience awaits, bon appétit!
1 MICHELIN Star Restaurants
Beckon | RiNo, Denver 2843 Larimer Street 303-749-0020 $$$$ - Contemporary
Sit at the 18-seat counter facing the kitchen where Chef Duncan Holmes and staff carefully craft unique dishes from a menu that changes quarterly. The staff are warm and friendly and the food is spirited in this Scandinavian inspired, minimal space.
Bosq | Aspen 312 S. Mill Street 970-710-7299 $$$$ - Contemporary
Seasonally inspired dishes focused on foraging, fermenting and local farms are what sets Bosq apart. Diners can customize their own tasting menu from four or more courses at this family owned restaurant where guests are welcomed as if they are enjoying a home cooked meal from Chef and owner Barclay Dodge.
Bruto | LoDo, Denver 1801 Blake Street 720-325-2195 $$$$ - Mexican, Contemporary
From grains milled and nixtamalized in-house, to using a hearth as the primary cooking appliance, Chef Michael Diaz de Leon and his team take a serious approach to their seasonal menu. Located in the Dairy Block’s Free Market, Bruto also offers non-alcoholic pairings, such as the burnt onion Mai Tai.
Frasca Food and Wine | Boulder 1738 Pearl Street 303-442-6966 $$$$ - Italian, Regional Cuisine
Featuring food of the northeast region of Italy – Friuli Venezia Giulia – made with ingredients from Colorado, the dishes are showcased in a minimal, straightforward fashion and all guests are made to feel special. Slavic and Alpine elements also appear on the menu and be sure to try the goat cheese semifreddo for dessert.
The Wolf’s Tailor | Sunnyside, Denver 4058 Tejon Street 720-456-6705 $$$$ - Contemporary, Creative
Chef Taylor Stark creates an inventive multicourse menu that is unique, full of personality and defies convention by drawing from Nordic, Italian and East Asian cuisines. The menu rotates throughout the year but focuses on the fermentation process as a common theme. Carefully curated wines, an impressive cocktail menu and attentive staff all add to the engaging atmosphere.
Bib Gourmond Distinction
AJ’s Pit Bar-B-Q | South Denver 2180 S. Delaware Street 720-815-5571 $$ - Barbecue, American
With the atmosphere of a classic mom and pop BBQ restaurant, including picnic tables and white metal chairs, AJ’s offers properly smoked meat, a custard-stuffed version of cornbread and beef belly ends smoked for a minimum of 14 hours.
Ash’Kara | LoHi, Denver 2005 W. 33rd Avenue 303-537-4407 $$$ - Israeli, Mediterranean Cuisine
Chef Reggie Dotson offers guests Israeli cuisine with influences from the Mediterranean, North Africa and Middle East, taking them on a culinary exploration with a contemporary take on delights such as hummus, babganoush and falafel, paired with a wood-fried pita made from heritage wheat.
Glo Noodle House | Berkeley, Denver 4450 W. 38th Avenue 303-993-4180 $$ - Ramen
The noodle/ramen-based menu includes delicious combinations such as miso bacon as well as broth less versions and the spicy death wish for those who love heat and flavor. The marinated tofu skewer is served with miso peach jam and an almond and sesame candy crumble.
Hop Alley | RiNo, Denver 3500 Larimer Street 720-379-8340 $$ - Chinese, Contemporary
The restaurant is named after the original name for Denver’s Chinatown. With Sichuan leanings, the menu features a modern take on classic recipes. Bold flavors show up in dishes like the gai lan, shrimp toast and dan dan mian noodles.
La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal | Ballpark, Denver 2233 Larimer Street 720-519-1060 $$ - Mexican
Chef Jose Avila brings a no-frills atmosphere to this cozy, colorful spot that focuses on pozole, made with rojo and verde broths, and white, black, and vegetarian options. With an extensive selection of Mezcal as well as other menu options such as tacos, pambazos and on the weekends, brunch offerings.
Mister Oso | RiNo, Denver 3163 Larimer Street 720-677-6454 $$ - Latin American
Food is served family style including ceviches, salads and Latin American influenced dishes, as well as the main event – tacos. Start with a tortilla, choose a meat and salsa, and enjoy the coconut rice which is served in a hot cast iron dish. This laid-back dining spot has a second location in Wash Park.
The Ginger Pig | Berkeley, Denver 4262 Lowell Boulevard 720-324-8416 $$ - Chinese, Asian
What started as a popular food truck, is now a brick-and-mortar location serving boiled pork and cabbage dumplings dressed with chili oil and other delectable delights thought up by Chef Natascha Hess, who spent time in Beijing as an exchange student.
Travernetta | LoDo, Denver 1889 16th Street Mall 720-605-1889 $$ - Italian, Contemporary
An experience that encourages guests to linger and relax while enjoying the pleasing menu with classic dishes from multiple regions in Italy. Try the spaghetti all’amatriciana, a savory dish bursting with the flavors of guanciale, tomato and pecorino romano, and for dessert, don’t miss the tiramisu.
Discover more MICHELIN Star recommendations on the website
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