Denver’s culinary scene thrives and offers everything from farm-to-table eateries to classic steakhouses and historic restaurants representing the Mile High City and its growth over the years. The dining scene has even caught the attention of the world’s most prestigious food authority: the Michelin Guide! The Guide first came to the Centennial State in 2023, covering Denver, Boulder, Aspen, Snowmass Village, Vail, and the Beaver Creek Resort. The Michelin Guide’s debut in the state resulted in five restaurants earning a coveted Michelin star, with four of those being in Denver.
What is the Michelin Guide?
The Michelin Guide is a restaurant and hotel rating system that dates back to France in the early 20th century. Today, the Michelin Guide is most commonly used to refer to the star award system bestowed upon select restaurants that demonstrate excellence across the board. The Guide can award up to three Michelin stars for unprecedented excellence. Only a select few restaurants can earn this prestigious honor, which is a testament to the quality of food, attentive service, and consistency of the experience.
The guide provides recognition across multiple levels, using criteria such as quality of products, mastery of cooking technique, harmony and balance of flavors, consistency throughout the venue and between visits, and even the personality of the chef as expressed through their cuisine. One star represents a very good restaurant in its category. Two stars indicate excellent cooking and that the restaurant would be worth a detour. The coveted three-star rating equates to exceptional cuisine that would be worth a special journey.
Other Michelin designations include the Bib Gourmand, which indicates quality food at a reasonable price, and the Michelin Plate, which acknowledges skilled cooking that doesn’t yet qualify for a star or Bib Gourmand. Earning recognition from the Michelin Guide can often lead to increased bookings for restaurants and career-defining visibility for chefs.
Denver Restaurants with a Michelin Star
Earning a Michelin star is any chef’s dream. This recognition isn’t handed out freely. Star-worthy restaurants are hailed for their outstanding food quality, as well as the superb overall dining experience. These restaurants are undoubtedly worth the reservation, so next time you’re in the mood to celebrate, splurge on one of Denver’s Michelin-star-winning restaurants.
Brutø
Where? 1801 Blake Street
Not only has Brutø earned the distinction of having a Michelin star, but the restaurant has also earned a Michelin Green Star. This award means that there is a strong commitment to sustainable gastronomy, placing Brutø at the forefront of the industry for their ethical and environmental standards. The hip spot is tucked away in Denver’s Dairy Block neighborhood, with the team taking a serious approach to locality and seasonality. The menu incorporates influences from both Japanese and Nordic elements, with resulting dishes such as kombu-cured diver scallop with fermented crabapple and chamomile.
Beckon
Where? 2843 Larimer Street
As hinted at by the name, patrons will find that they’re warmly welcomed into this ambitious RiNo dining room by Chef Duncan Holmes and the staff at Beckon. Pull up a chair at the 18-seat counter that faces the kitchen. Diners can opt for vegetarian or omnivore menu options, ranging from delicious vegetables and perfectly seared proteins. You’ll want to save room for dessert at Beckon, with captivating options like a chocolatey delight with cocoa nib tuile, pomegranate jam, and a quenelle of nutmeg and salsify ice cream.
Alma Fonda Fina
Where? 2556 15th Street
Alma Fonda Fina is the conception of Chef Johnny Curiel, who first began his cooking career at a family restaurant in Guadalajara. After years of high-end culinary experience, Curiel continues to revisit dishes and flavors of his childhood while simultaneously combining modern creativity and finely honed technique on each dish. The menu is abundant with treasures, such as crispy pork belly carnitas, agave-roasted sweet potato, and thinly sliced Maine diver scallops with tomatillo and apple aguachile.
The Wolf’s Tailor
Where? 4058 Tejon Street
As another recipient of the Michelin Green Star, The Wolf’s Tailor prioritizes preservation of the seasons through their highly developed fermentation program. The restaurant offers patrons a seamless dining experience that expertly captures creativity, attention to detail, and plenty of charm. The ambitious multi-course menu pulls from influences both near and far, with meals ranging from Berkshire pork dumplings to a five-spice roasted squab prepared in the form of a Chinese Peking duck. Drinks are another knockout at The Wolf’s Tailor, so peruse the beverage program and the curated wine selection to enhance your experience.
Denver Restaurants with the Bib Gourmand Award
The Michelin Bib Gourmand is an award distributed by the Michelin Guide to restaurants that offer quality food at a reasonable price. While this is not a Michelin star, it’s still a prestigious recognition for restaurants that are attainable to everyday diners. Bib Gourmand restaurants can vary depending on the local cost of living, and there is typically a focus on simpler, more straightforward cooking styles and cuisines.
La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal
Where? 2233 Larimer Street
La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal is a Larimer Street hub from chef Jose Avila. While it may lack in fuss and frills, it doesn’t sacrifice heart. If you couldn’t guess from the name, the pozole is the star of the show, with both the rojo and verde broths making appearances, as well as white, black, and vegetarian options. Customize your protein and order a mezcal from an impressive selection. Equally worth the trip are the tacos, pambazos, and even the chilaquiles and concha French toast for a weekend breakfast!
Tavernetta
Where? 1889 Sixteenth Street
Tavernetta has been beautifully designed, with every detail being considered to encourage patrons to linger and relax in a welcoming space. The Italian contemporary menu features well-known dishes from several regions, with plates being refreshingly uncluttered and easy to dive into. The classics are prepared with great care, from familiar cravings to handmade pastas like the bucatini with ramp, tallow, anchovy and pangrattato. Save room for tiramisu!
MAKfam
Where? 39 West 1st Avenue
MAKfam began as a New York City pop-up, where owners and married couple Doris Yuen and Kenneth Wan met. The eatery then became a stall in a Denver food hall before inevitably becoming a full-service restaurant. The compact menu celebrates the couple’s Chinese American roots, such as fried crab and cheese wontons and chicken wings with a flavorful spicy málà seasoning.
Mister Oso
Where? 3163 Larimer Street
When you walk into Mister Oso, you’ll find a small but stylish spot with plenty of life. The creative menu continues this theme, with chef and owner Blake Edmunds striving to impress diners with a not-so-typical taqueria menu. Sample ceviche, salads, and dishes thoughtfully crafted with Latin American and international influences. Everything on the menu is served family style, so grab a tortilla and start building something altogether delicious.
Hop Alley
Where? 3500 Larimer Street
Hop Alley is a sleek restaurant that continues its contemporary design with modern adaptations of the classics. Dive into bold flavors such as shrimp toast topped with whipped shrimp and chicken thigh, and dan dan mian noodles with ground pork in a spicy Szechuan peppercorn broth. If you want to sip on something while you eat, the cocktails follow the same theme as the menu and riff on tried and true classics, such as the bees knees with a chili-infused honey to kick it up a notch.
Ash’Kara
Where? 2005 West 33rd Avenue
Ash’Kara is a bright and hospitable neighborhood restaurant led by Chef Reggie Dotson. Serving up Israeli and Mediterranean cuisine, the restaurant has earned Bib Gourmand recognition for high-quality cooking at a fair value. The menu features upgraded versions of familiar Mediterranean staples, such as hummus, babaganoush, falafel, and whole-grain pita. Diners will find the cooking veggie-forward, and the kitchen staff takes great pains to accommodate dietary restrictions, even going as far as offering a gluten-free pita option.
The Ginger Pig
Where? 4262 Lowell Boulevard
The Ginger Pig’s backstory begins with Chef Natascha Hess and her time spent as an exchange student in Beijing, where her host family instilled the fundamentals of comforting Chinese home cooking. After broadening her travels to include trips to Shanghai, Singapore, Bangkok, and more, Hess’s catalogue of flavors expanded and she captained a wildly popular food truck and now, a brick-and-mortar location.
Glo Noodle House
Where? 4450 West 38th Avenue, Suite #130
While you may not expect a Michelin Guide-recognized restaurant to be situated in a run-of-the-mill strip mall, Glo Noodle House doesn’t disappoint. Beautifully vibrant lanterns of varying shapes, sizes, and colors draw your attention, and the kitchen keeps that attention locked in with serious flavors on their ramen-based menu, which runs the gamut from miso bacon to brothless variations.
The Michelin Guide’s Honorable Denver Mentions
The Michelin Guide has recognized a whopping 27 Denver restaurants in its Colorado guide as of 2025, which is quite the feat for the Mile High City! Of those restaurants, 15 of them have neither a star nor the Bib Gourmand distinction. However, they’re still recommended by the Michelin Guide and should be on your radar as well! After all, recognition by the Michelin Guide means that good food is assured.
Guard and Grace
Where? 1801 California Street
Situated in one of Denver’s tallest skyscrapers, this steakhouse features a floor-to-ceiling wine room and an oak fire in the open kitchen. While steaks are the natural draw, don’t sleep on the full seafood bar.
PRO Tip: Save room for Chef Troy Guard’s secret recipe for “Triple Chocolate Chip Cookies!”
Marco’s Coal-Fired
Where? 10111 Inverness Main Street
Located near Coors Field, Marco’s Coal-Fired takes great pride in being the only spot in the state to be certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana — which is a stamp of approval from the Italian birthplace of pizza.
PRO Tip: No substitutions can be made on the Neapolitan pizzas. Diners can get creative with the non-traditional offerings, however.
A5 Steakhouse
Where? 1600 15th Street
A5 Steakhouse is nothing short of welcoming, with an attractive bar and a retro vibe to the dining room. Delve into steakhouse classics, such as the Denver steak that will have you returning for round two.
PRO Tip: You’d be remiss to not finish your meal with an order of the banana creme brûlée served with spiced sour cherry preserves.
Mercantile Dining and Provision
Where? 1701 Wynkoop Street #155
Mercantile Dining and Provision is offering up an elevated take on American comfort dishes, from pastas and protein-forward entrees like the show-stopping Tomahawk steak. Portions are large, so you’ll never leave hungry.
PRO Tip: In the mood for dessert? You can’t go wrong with the galette-style apple pie served with classic vanilla ice cream, a Vin Santo sauce, and smoked cinnamon!
Dio Mio
Where? 3264 Larimer Street
You’ll find the fast-casual concept at Dio Mio to be elevated by a background in fine dining. Creativity and flavor go hand in hand on the small, seasonal menu that showcases pasta, pasta, and more pasta!
PRO Tip: Peruse the cocktail selection, which features a Red Bull Tequila Rose and a perfect post-dinner espresso martini.
Olivia
Where? 290 South Downing Street
The menu at Olivia is largely occupied by house-made pasta, and for good reason. Diners will find hand-shaped tortellini stuffed with braised duck, as well as a traditional tagliatelle bolognese and more inventive options like ricotta gnocchi paired with a coconut lobster bisque and black garlic.
PRO Tip: Explore the inventive cocktail menu at Olivia or sip on an aperitif while you find reasons to linger in the welcoming, calm atmosphere.
Barolo Grill
Where? 3030 East 6th Avenue
Barolo Grill is an esteemed fine dining Northern Italian establishment in Denver, welcoming longtime regulars and first-time visitors alike. Dig into braised duck, handmade tortellini, and impossibly light soufflé-like spinach and parmesan sformato.
PRO Tip: The team at Barolo Grill is happy to provide assistance when exploring options on their impressive wine list!
Noisette
Where? 3254 Navajo Street, Suite 100
Noisette features an elegant dining room, with a separate patisserie up front. From foie gras to impossibly tender beef and thoughtfully placed sauces and reductions, diners will find indulgence in every bite.
PRO Tip: End your experience on the sweeter side and dig into any of the dessert options on the menu. You won’t be disappointed.
Q House
Where? 3421 East Colfax Avenue
The casual atmosphere at Q House might not scream Michelin Guide, yet the bold flavors certainly will. Keep it simple with a plate of chicken and shrimp wontons with a sweet soy and rice vinegar, which is a notorious crowd pleaser.
PRO Tip: The beverage menu features cocktails, sake, wine, beer, and spirit-free options. Grab something refreshing to complement the heat from the dishes.
Smok
Where? 3330 Brighton Boulevard, #202
Austin native, Chef Bill Espiricueta, knows a thing or two about serious barbecue. The menu offers up succulent briskets, jalapeño sausage, and crispy fried sides like sweet potato tots and French fries.
PRO Tip: Smok’s Nashville hot chicken sandwich has a loyal crowd of fans. If you can handle the heat, give it a go!
Safta
Where? 3330 Brighton Boulevard
Located in Denver’s RiNo neighborhood inside the stylish Source Hotel, Safta is an award-winning Israeli restaurant from Chef Alon Shaya’s Pomegranate Hospitality. The menu pays tribute to Israel’s dynamic culinary traditions, with influences from the Middle East, Europe, and North Africa. Standouts include wood-fired pita, vibrant salatim, expertly crafted hummus, and coal-roasted vegetables, meats, and fish.
PRO Tip: Explore the pickles and spreads, and don’t be afraid to order something new to you. It might just end up becoming your new favorite.
Kawa Ni
Where? 1900 West 32nd Avenue
The menu at Kawa Ni has a bit of everything, from shareable options to more substantial noodles and a carbonara-adjacent bowl of kimchi udon, pork belly, egg yolk, and pecorino. Japanese cooking made approachable is what it’s all about.
PRO Tip: Kawa Ni features an ample bar, which welcomes walk-ins who are looking for a nibble and a cocktail.
Temaki Den
Where? 3350 Brighton Boulevard
Another Source Hotel honorable mention, Temaki Den, is all about hand rolls that are rolled for guests one at a time. Purchase a three-roll set or splurge on five rolls for $24. The menu also includes nigiri sushi.
PRO Tip: You won’t want to skip the eggplant nigiri, which is both seared and caramelized with miso to delight your taste buds with a buttery and rich flavor that is unlike anything you’ve had before.
Brasserie Brixton
Where? 3701 North Williams Street
Brasserie Brixton might have a menu on the smaller side, but patrons won’t be left missing anything. The charming neighborhood restaurant packs a punch when it comes to flavor, with staples like steak frites in a creamy pepper sauce and comforting French onion soup.
PRO Tip: You won’t be left wanting for well-crafted cocktails at Brasserie Brixton. Though compact, the wine list thoughtfully rounds out the beverage program.
Hey Kiddo
Where? 4337 Tennyson Street, Suite 300
There’s truly something for everyone at Hey Kiddo, from oysters, caviar, shrimp toast, pasta, and K-town fried chicken. Flavors take inspiration from across the globe, so treat your tastebuds to an adventure unlike any other.
PRO Tip: The quirkiness of Hey Kiddo doesn’t end on the savory side of things. Rice cream with burnt banana can be adorned with sancho, broken cone, lingonberry, or caramel.
Conclusion: Denver’s Culinary Scene Shines Bright
With the arrival of the Michelin Guide, Denver has officially cemented its place on the global culinary map. From Michelin-starred tasting menus and sustainable fine dining to budget-friendly Bib Gourmand gems and hidden neighborhood favorites, the Mile High City offers something for every kind of food lover. Whether you’re planning a celebratory dinner, exploring new cuisines, or simply searching for your next unforgettable bite, Denver’s diverse and dynamic restaurant scene is ready to impress.
So go ahead, make that reservation, order the chef’s special, and taste your way through one of America’s most exciting food destinations. 🍽️✨