Top 10 Most Famous Restaurants in Colorado (Currently Open)
The Flavor of the Rockies: Colorado’s Culinary Spirit
Colorado is known for its snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, and adventure-loving locals—but it’s also home to one of the most diverse and dynamic culinary scenes in America. From fine-dining destinations tucked inside ski resorts to century-old steakhouses that have fed presidents and pioneers, the Centennial State delivers unforgettable dining experiences.
Whether you’re exploring Denver’s urban food culture, Boulder’s farm-to-table innovation, or Aspen’s mountain luxury, the best restaurants in Colorado offer something for everyone—locals, travelers, and food enthusiasts alike.
Here’s your guide to the Top 10 Most Famous Restaurants in Colorado (Currently Open)—each one representing the heart, creativity, and flavor that make dining in this state truly extraordinary.
The Fort – Morrison
Located just outside Denver in the foothills of the Rockies, The Fort is a Colorado legend. Built as a replica of an 1830s fur trading post, this restaurant blends frontier history with fine dining in a way you won’t find anywhere else.
What makes it famous:
Historic atmosphere featuring adobe-style walls and Western artifacts.
Authentic Old West-inspired menu, including buffalo tenderloin, elk, and quail.
Signature dish: Bison steak with homemade fort sauce.
Insider Tip: Try the “Smoked Buffalo Tongue” or a glass of the restaurant’s exclusive wine, “Robbie’s Red,” while watching the sunset over the foothills.
Family-friendly: Absolutely, and kids love learning about the Old West while dining by candlelight.
Frasca Food and Wine – Boulder
If Colorado had a culinary capital, Boulder would be it—and Frasca Food and Wine sits at the top of its dining hierarchy. Founded by Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey and Chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson, this restaurant has earned James Beard Awards and national acclaim for its elegant approach to Italian cuisine.
Why it’s iconic:
Inspired by the cuisine and hospitality of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, a region in northeastern Italy.
Features a wine list of over 200 selections, curated by world-class sommeliers.
Impeccable service that combines warmth with precision.
Must-try dish: The handmade agnolotti with truffle butter or the Friulano-style seafood risotto.
Luxury rating: Perfect for romantic dinners or special celebrations. Reservations are essential.
The Broadmoor’s Penrose Room – Colorado Springs
Set within the five-star Broadmoor Resort, the Penrose Room is Colorado’s only Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond restaurant. It represents the pinnacle of luxury dining in the Rockies.
What makes it legendary:
Elegant European-inspired décor and sweeping views of Cheyenne Mountain.
Contemporary American cuisine with French flair, crafted with seasonal ingredients.
Live music and impeccable service that make every dinner feel like an event.
Signature experiences:
The chef’s tasting menu, paired with fine wines.
Elegant desserts like soufflés and artisan chocolates that showcase culinary artistry.
Perfect for: Honeymoons, anniversaries, or travelers seeking the finest dining in Colorado Springs.
The Buckhorn Exchange – Denver
Established in 1893, the Buckhorn Exchange is Denver’s oldest restaurant—and an institution of the Wild West. It holds Colorado Liquor License #1 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
What keeps it famous:
A historic dining room decorated with antique rifles, old photographs, and over 500 mounted animals.
Menu favorites include buffalo prime rib, grilled quail, and Rocky Mountain oysters.
The same spot where Theodore Roosevelt once dined before a hunting trip.
Fun Fact: The upstairs bar is a museum in itself, featuring memorabilia from over a century of Denver’s frontier history.
Family tip: Kids love the sense of adventure—just maybe skip the “Rocky Mountain oysters” unless they’re brave!
Flagstaff House – Boulder
Perched high above Boulder, Flagstaff House Restaurant offers fine dining with one of the best views in the entire state. Part restaurant, part retreat, it’s a place where romance and Rocky Mountain elegance meet.
Why it stands out:
Wine Spectator Grand Award winner for over 40 years.
A menu blending modern American and French cuisine with Colorado ingredients.
Located 6,000 feet above sea level, with glass walls overlooking the city and plains below.
Don’t miss:
The Colorado rack of lamb and elk tenderloin.
Sunset cocktails on the terrace before dinner.
Vibe: Upscale yet intimate—ideal for proposals, anniversaries, or culinary bucket-list experiences.
Mercantile Dining & Provision – Denver Union Station
If you want to experience Denver’s modern food renaissance, head to Mercantile Dining & Provision inside Union Station. Run by Chef Alex Seidel, a James Beard Award winner, this restaurant combines fine dining with farm-driven simplicity.
Why it’s famous:
Farm-to-table dishes sourced from Fruition Farms Creamery and local Colorado purveyors.
A dual concept: upscale restaurant meets casual market.
Seasonal menu highlighting bold flavors and artistic presentation.
Must-try items:
House-made ricotta gnocchi, Colorado lamb sirloin, and lemon tart.
Pair with a glass of regional wine or craft cocktail from their bar.
Good for: Both casual brunches and elegant dinners. It’s a favorite for locals, travelers, and food critics alike.
The Wolf’s Tailor – Denver
At once experimental and comforting, The Wolf’s Tailor represents the cutting edge of Colorado cuisine. This Michelin-starred restaurant pushes boundaries with an ever-evolving menu rooted in sustainability, creativity, and global inspiration.
Why it’s a modern legend:
Combines Italian and Japanese cooking philosophies with locally foraged ingredients.
Features handmade pastas, wood-fired creations, and fermentation-forward sides.
Awarded a Michelin Star in 2023 for innovation and sustainability.
Top dishes: The dry-aged duck, smoked mushrooms, and house-made noodles.
Pro Tip: The menu changes seasonally, so every visit is a new experience.
Perfect for: Adventurous foodies and culinary trendsetters.
Sweet Basil – Vail
Nestled in the heart of Vail Village, Sweet Basil has been a cornerstone of Colorado’s mountain fine dining since 1977. It’s the place where skiers and celebrities alike come to unwind after a day on the slopes.
Why it’s iconic:
Chic yet cozy atmosphere blending alpine charm and modern design.
A contemporary American menu with creative global twists.
Regularly featured on national “best restaurant” lists.
Don’t miss:
The crispy pork belly, seared duck breast, and house-made burrata.
Their impressive wine cellar and signature cocktails.
Currently open: Yes, with seasonal menus that reflect Colorado’s changing harvests.
Family tip: Great for adults, though Vail’s neighboring sister restaurant, Mountain Standard, offers a more casual vibe for families.
The Cliff House Dining Room – Manitou Springs
Located within the historic Cliff House Hotel, this elegant dining room combines 19th-century grandeur with gourmet flair. It’s a historic treasure in Colorado Springs, just minutes from Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods.
What makes it special:
Housed in a hotel that dates back to 1873.
A focus on local ingredients and classic presentation.
Formal service with a relaxed mountain charm.
Top menu picks:
Colorado elk medallions, seared scallops, and house-made bread pudding.
Weekend brunches feature signature mimosas and mountain views.
Vibe: Elegant, romantic, and steeped in history—perfect for couples’ getaways or travelers exploring Colorado’s heritage.
Bonus Mentions: More Legendary Dining Destinations
While these ten spots top the charts, a few other Colorado culinary landmarks deserve a shoutout:
Guard and Grace (Denver): A modern steakhouse redefining fine dining with sophistication and style.
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery (Statewide): The breakfast spot that launched a brunch revolution across Colorado.
The Little Nell’s Element 47 (Aspen): Aspen’s crown jewel for wine lovers and gourmands.
The Kitchen (Boulder, Denver, Fort Collins): A pioneer in the farm-to-table movement.
Colorado’s Culinary Map: From Peaks to Plains
One of Colorado’s best-kept secrets is its regional culinary diversity:
Front Range: Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins are packed with award-winning chefs and Michelin-rated restaurants.
Mountain Resorts: Aspen, Vail, and Telluride deliver world-class dining with luxury resort views.
Southern Colorado: Pueblo’s green chile scene and Colorado Springs’ fine dining represent the state’s cultural blend.
Western Slope: Grand Junction and Palisade are rising stars with farm-to-table wineries and bistros.
From the high country to the plains, the entire state celebrates flavor and craftsmanship.
Tips for Dining at Colorado’s Best Restaurants
Before planning your culinary adventure, keep these insider tips in mind:
Book reservations early: Many of Colorado’s top restaurants fill up weeks in advance.
Dress codes vary: Mountain casual is common, but fine dining venues may require business attire.
Altitude affects everything: Stay hydrated and pace yourself—wine hits harder at 8,000 feet!
Seasonal menus: Many chefs design menus around Colorado’s harvests, so expect changes throughout the year.
Ask for local pairings: Try Colorado wines, craft beers, and spirits—many are produced nearby.
Conclusion: Savor the Spirit of Colorado
Dining in Colorado is more than a meal—it’s an experience that mirrors the state itself: adventurous, elegant, and deeply connected to the land. From historic steakhouses like The Buckhorn Exchange to modern marvels like The Wolf’s Tailor, every restaurant on this list tells part of Colorado’s story.
So whether you’re craving a five-star tasting menu in Boulder, a cozy après-ski dinner in Vail, or a hearty bison steak near Denver, these restaurants prove that the Rockies are as rich in flavor as they are in scenery.
Your Colorado culinary adventure awaits—so grab a fork, make a reservation, and taste the legend for yourself.