Colorado is a state known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures, but it’s also home to a thriving food scene. From farm-to-table restaurants to upscale dining experiences, Colorado has plenty to offer for foodies and travelers looking for a delicious meal.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the 10 best restaurants to visit in Colorado.
Frasca Food and Wine – Boulder
Frasca Food and Wine is a Michelin-starred restaurant located in Boulder. The restaurant focuses on regional Italian cuisine, featuring dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The menu includes homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and game meats. Frasca’s wine program has won numerous awards and features a wide selection of Italian wines.
The Kitchen – Denver and Boulder
The Kitchen is a farm-to-table restaurant with locations in Denver and Boulder. The restaurant’s menu is based on locally sourced, sustainable, and organic ingredients. The dishes range from classic American fare to international cuisine. The wine list includes biodynamic and organic wines.
Acorn – Denver
Acorn is a modern American restaurant located in Denver’s River North Art District. The restaurant’s menu is centered around wood-fired dishes and features locally sourced ingredients. Acorn’s cocktail program is also noteworthy, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and creative twists on classic cocktails.
Mercantile Dining & Provision – Denver
Mercantile Dining & Provision is a restaurant, market, and bar located in Denver’s Union Station. The restaurant serves seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine with a focus on sustainable, locally sourced ingredients. Mercantile’s market features a selection of artisanal goods, including cheeses, charcuterie, and baked goods.
Root Down – Denver
Root Down is a farm-to-table restaurant located in Denver’s Highlands neighborhood. The restaurant’s menu features dishes made with organic and locally sourced ingredients. Root Down’s cocktails are also a draw, featuring creative and innovative flavor combinations.
Rioja – Denver
Rioja is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant located in downtown Denver. The menu features dishes made with locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce. The restaurant’s wine program has won numerous awards and features a selection of over 400 wines.
The Little Nell – Aspen
The Little Nell is a luxury hotel located in Aspen, and its restaurant is a top fine dining destination in the area. The menu features dishes made with locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce. The restaurant’s wine list includes over 20,000 bottles, and its sommeliers are knowledgeable and attentive.
Sweet Basil – Vail
Sweet Basil is a fine dining restaurant located in Vail. The menu features contemporary American cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Sweet Basil’s wine list is extensive, with a focus on American and French wines.
Beano’s Cabin – Beaver Creek
Beano’s Cabin is a fine dining restaurant located in Beaver Creek. The restaurant is only accessible by sleigh ride in the winter, making for a memorable dining experience. The menu features seasonal cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Beano’s wine list includes over 700 bottles and features a selection of rare and unique wines.
The Stanley Hotel – Estes Park
The Stanley Hotel, famous for inspiring Stephen King’s “The Shining,” is also home to a top restaurant in Colorado. The Cascades Restaurant features contemporary American cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant’s wine list includes a selection of wines from Colorado and around the world.
Matsuhisa – Aspen
Matsuhisa, located in Aspen, is a world-renowned Japanese restaurant with a focus on sushi and seafood. The restaurant features a sleek and modern atmosphere and a menu that includes classic Japanese dishes with a modern twist.
Beast + Bottle – Denver
Beast + Bottle is a farm-to-table restaurant located in Denver. The restaurant’s menu features creative and innovative dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Beast + Bottle also has an extensive wine list that includes natural and biodynamic wines.
Penrose Room – Colorado Springs
Penrose Room, located in Colorado Springs, is a fine dining restaurant that offers stunning views of the city. The restaurant’s menu features contemporary American cuisine, and its wine list includes over 500 bottles.
Bar Dough – Denver
Bar Dough is an Italian-inspired restaurant located in Denver’s LoHi neighborhood. The menu features homemade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and other Italian dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant also has an extensive cocktail program.
Flagstaff House – Boulder
Flagstaff House is a fine dining restaurant located in Boulder. The restaurant offers stunning views of the city and features contemporary American cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Flagstaff House’s wine list includes over 20,000 bottles.
Element 47 – Aspen
Element 47 is a fine dining restaurant located in the Little Nell hotel in Aspen. The restaurant’s menu features seasonal American cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients. Element 47’s wine list includes a selection of over 1,800 bottles.
Fruition Restaurant – Denver
Fruition Restaurant is a farm-to-table restaurant located in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. The menu features creative and innovative dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Fruition also has an extensive wine list and cocktail program.
The Kitchen – Fort Collins
The Kitchen is a farm-to-table restaurant with a location in Fort Collins. The restaurant’s menu features locally sourced, sustainable, and organic ingredients. The dishes range from classic American fare to international cuisine.
Range Restaurant – Denver
Range Restaurant is a modern American restaurant located in Denver’s Central Business District. The menu features dishes made with locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce. Range’s cocktail program is also noteworthy, with a focus on creative and innovative flavor combinations.
The Broadmoor – Colorado Springs
The Broadmoor, located in Colorado Springs, is a luxury resort with several dining options. The Penrose Room is the resort’s fine dining restaurant, featuring contemporary American cuisine and stunning views of the city. The Broadmoor also has several casual dining options and a wine cellar with over 20,000 bottles.
Biju’s Little Curry Shop – Denver
Biju’s Little Curry Shop is a casual restaurant located in Denver that specializes in Indian cuisine. The menu features a variety of curries and other Indian dishes, all made with fresh ingredients and traditional spices.
SALT – Boulder
SALT is a modern American restaurant located in Boulder that offers a menu featuring dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant also has a large selection of artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and other small plates.
Rioja – Denver
Rioja is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant located in Denver that offers a menu featuring dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list and a cocktail program that features classic and creative drinks.
Pizzeria Locale – Boulder
Pizzeria Locale is a casual Italian restaurant located in Boulder that specializes in Neapolitan-style pizza. The restaurant offers a variety of pizza toppings and also has a selection of antipasti, salads, and desserts.
The Kitchen – Boulder
The Kitchen is a farm-to-table restaurant with a location in Boulder. The restaurant’s menu features locally sourced, sustainable, and organic ingredients, and the dishes range from classic American fare to international cuisine.
Cafe Aion – Boulder
Cafe Aion is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant located in Boulder that offers a menu featuring dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list and a cocktail program that features classic and creative drinks.
Acorn – Denver
Acorn is a casual restaurant located in Denver that offers a menu featuring dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant also has a large selection of small plates, charcuterie, and artisanal cheeses.
The Fort – Morrison
The Fort is a historic restaurant located in Morrison that specializes in classic Colorado cuisine. The restaurant offers a menu featuring dishes made with bison, elk, and other meats, as well as traditional Native American dishes. The Fort also has an extensive selection of tequila and other spirits.
In conclusion,
Colorado’s food scene is as diverse and exciting as its outdoor adventures. From farm-to-table restaurants to upscale fine dining, the state has plenty to offer for foodies and travelers looking for a delicious meal. These 10 restaurants are some of the best in Colorado and are sure to provide