A Guide to eating in colorado
Where to Eat in Boulder, Denver, the Mountains & Beyond
Once upon a time and back when I was a kid, Colorado’s food scene was best known for green chili, craft beer, and restaurants with patios that make up for mediocre food with mountain views.
But times are a-changing! The Michelin Guide arrived in Colorado in 2023 and we now have six one Michelin starred restaurants and a handful of Bib Gourmand recommendations.
A growing number of chefs are settling in Colorado and making waves, with an ever-expanding list of spots that go beyond just being “pretty good for Denver.”
While there is still somewhat of a lack of diversity among cuisines offered and an understanding of cultural significance in our ethnic cuisines and dining options - we are getting there. I won’t be satisfied until crab cheese wontons are eliminated from Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai and Korean restaurants and cream cheese is gone from Japanese sushi menus… but that’s a discussion for a different day.
Keep in mind, we’re still a maturing foodie destination. For example, San Francisco boasts 28 restaurants with stars and an elite few with 3 stars so just know that we’ve got a ways to go. But, we do have Casa Bonita.
If you’re visiting, know that Yelp reviews here can be… enthusiastic. I’d say they’re about 75% accurate—so take those five-star raves with a grain of Maldon.
I’ve eaten at all the restaurants listed below (unless otherwise noted) and double downed on research by crowd-sourcing many of these recommendations from my local foodie community. I’ll continue to update this guide as I eat my way through my beautiful home state. But if there’s one rule to follow, it’s this: eat some green chili while you’re here. You won’t be disappointed.
If you’re short on time while visiting Colorado, I recommend checking out the restaurants highlighted in the photos below. If you are lucky enough to live here or have an extended stay, please browse all of my additional recommended spots.
My favorite bites in Colorado
All the 303 Recommendations
Restaurant Key
** indicates that there are multiple locations
^reservations recommended
Bolded restaurants are top recommendations!
Breakfast
Green chili is a staple here in Colorado. While you’ll see it in many restaurants for lunch and dinner, I highly recommend trying it with your breakfast. You’ll see that it’s mentioned below quite frequently!
Blackbelly Market**, Boulder (with a new Denver location) - Blackbelly is spectacular. This place serves the best breakfast burritos in Colorado, in my humble opinion. It’s also a butcher shop, catering business and restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, happy hour, and dinner. Their meat is locally sourced, organic, and raised in Colorado. The head butcher, Kelly Kawachi is making a name for herself by redefining what it means to be a butcher in a male-dominated field.
The Buff, Boulder - This family run restaurant has been a Boulder staple since 1995. I love the saddlebags (pancakes with sausage baked inside) and the skillets (my favorite is the Ole, because you guessed it, green chili). And, President Obama famously stopped here to eat during his Colorado tour!
Fox & The Hen^, Denver - Carrie Baird has moved into the breakfast scene in LoHi. Serving up fun twists on breakfast classics, you can expect delicious creative breakfast cocktails, colorful and instagram worthy vibes and my favorite, the hashbrowns, animal style.
La Fillette, Denver - Croissants, traditional breakfast, breakfast sammies, delicious nitro cold brew and lattes, this Denver bakery has it all. The bread here is to die for whether your dining for breakfast, brunch or lunch - everything is baked fresh every morning!
Lucile’s Creole Cafe** - I’m a sucker for shrimp and grits. If it’s on the menu, there’s no question that I’m ordering it. Lucile’s version of shrimp and grits is wonderful. They have a ton of other great Creole breakfast food options and their homemade ketchup is perfect for the home fries.
Odell’s, Denver - I cannot stop thinking about the ikura (salmon roe) bagel that I recently had at Odell’s. This is a 10/10 bagel shop with Asian inspired flavors like the aforementioned ikura, hamachi and smoked hamachi collar salad toppings and chili garlic cream cheese! Everything is baked fresh daily and the chef has some seriously impressive credentials under his belt. Call Your Mother is a great alternative if you’re craving a bagel.
Parkway Cafe, Boulder - Again, green chili. This breakfast spot is our local favorite. I love their Mexican Hash, two eggs served any way, over hashbrowns and their classic green chili.
Sam’s No. 3** - Denver - If you’re looking for a traditional diner experience or late night meal, Sam’s No. 3 will satisfy your craving. Their tater tots smothered in green chili are delicious.
Santiago’s** - A no frills Mexican spot that is my go to for $3 breakfast burritos. Get them “half and half” which combines hot and medium green chili. Their green chili is delicioso and you can buy it frozen at the local grocery stores. There are multiple locations across Colorado.
Snooze** - People LOVE this place. I think it’s good but a little overhyped. If there’s a huge line, which there usually is, I’m definitely skipping it and eating somewhere else. However, even though I don’t love sweet breakfasts, their pancake flight is scrumptious and satisfying highlighting local fruits and flavors.
Village Coffee Shop, Boulder - This family run diner has been serving college kids and locals for 49 years! Close to campus and always busy with a line out the door, they consistently serve great diner food. I always get the breakfast burrito with green chili. Be sure to let them know you’re a first time visitor when you arrive.
LUnch & Sandwiches
All the spots listed here are very casual and no reservations necessary. Most are no frills pizza, sandwich and pub spots for a delicious and budget friendly lunch.
Brider*, Denver - A casual rotisserie and sandwich shop from the people who created Oak at Fourteenth I haven’t tried it yet, but have heard great things!
Cosmo’s Pizza**- My old college pizza spot that has the best ranch sauce in the whole world. Abo’s is a great second choice for casual and budget friendly pizza.
The Post** - Everybody loves fried chicken. I think this place does fried chicken extremely well. They also brew their own beers and their beer list is impressive. The sides are also great, I always go with mac & cheese and collard greens. The hot sauce is homemade, delicious and available for purchase!
Southern Sun, Boulder - Boulder’s classic pub with delicious hamburgers. Most of the patrons there are heavily bearded and wearing plaid but the food is always satisfying and their beers are always on point.
Tocabe, Denver - This fast-casual Native American spot is high on my list of places to visit. The only Native American restaurant in the Denver Metro Area, it combines Osage recipes with a modern touch.
Sandwiches - my 3 favorite sandwich shops in Colorado!
Your Butcher Frank, Longmont - If you’re in Longmont, Your Butcher Frank is a noteworthy deli and butcher to stop by. Their sandwiches are incredible and if you reside in Colorado, their quality of meat cannot be beat!
Dimestore Deli Bar, Denver - The sandwiches here are so fun. I’m an Italian gal but I also love their spicy tuna dimeroll, and the chicken parmesan. And, do not miss out on the fava bean hummus, to die for!
Snarf’s** - My go to sandwich spot, period. I love the Italian with ALL the toppings.
Dinner
Colorado’s Michelin Guide
Our full Michelin Guide can can be found here. Note that it is highly recommended and at most of these restaurants required that you make a reservation.
Alma Fonda Fine^ Denver - My top visited restaurant in 2024! If you’re looking for a Michelin-starred experience that’s as soulful as it is refined, Alma Fonda Fina is a must-visit. Johnny Curiel has splashed onto the scene with this Oaxacan-inspired gem celebrating bold, complex flavors with dishes that feel both comforting and elevated (think the camote asado and all of the crudos) . You’ll get handmade tortillas, rich moles, and impeccably balanced flavors that showcase why it earned its Michelin star. If you haven’t been yet, consider this your sign to go—because once you do, you’ll definitely be back (and good luck making a reso!). He’s also opened up the space next door which is a buzzing Mezcaleria, a similar spot in Boulder called Cozobi and fine dining location in Cherry Creek.
Beckon, Denver - Upon entry, you’ll be immediately impressed with the stunning dining room and outdoor patio. Beckon’s menu is split up into 4 seasons and shaped by ingredients served in their peak. Everything here is beautifully plated, thoughtful and delicious.
Bosq, Aspen - Bosq is the only Michelin restaurant I have yet to visit. The food is focused on foraging, fermenting and using ingredients from local farms. Classified as contemporary American, you can expect a customized tasting of four or more courses.
Brutø, Denver -Chef Byron Gomez (of Top Chef fame) took over Brutø in 2023 when it earned its first Michelin star. This is one of my favorite Michelin restaurant of all the Colorado selections. With 18 seats, you’ll enjoy an 11 course tasting menu where the Chef’s Costa Rican roots play a role. I admire the zero-waste philosophy here which also earned the restaurant a Michelin Green Star.
Frasca, Boulder - A Colorado staple in fine dining, Frasca is revered as Colorado’s best restaurant. The founders worked at Thomas Keller’s French Laundry together and developed the concept from spending time in Northern Italy. Their tasting menu focuses on the northeastern region of Italy while using Colorado’s freshest and local ingredients and has expertly selected wines.
Wolf’s Tailor, Denver - Kelly Whitaker is a staple in Colorado’s food scene. With multiple locations under his belt, the food here is a unique combination of Japanese pickled foods, traditional small dishes plus yakitori, and homemade pastas. Navigating the menu might sound intimidating but our meal all made sense once we started eating.
American
Annette, Aurora - Do not sleep on Aurora! Aurora is a vibrant and diverse community and Annette stands out from the crowd. Located in the Stanley Marketplace food hall, you can expect modern American plates with gorgeous seasonal offerings and cocktails.
Guard & Grace^, Denver - I had to include at least one steakhouse on the list and Guard & Grace is a standout for me. While expensive, the portions are large and the sides are meant for sharing. This is the perfect steakhouse to celebrate a special occasion and the meat quality is top notch.
Major Tom^, Denver - If you can’t snag a reso at Michelin starred Beckon, pop in next door to Major Tom - you won’t be dissapointed! They have fresh oysters, delicious salads and the standout is their overnight cabbage. Don’t miss out on the challah and their impressive champagne selection!
Marigold^, Lyons - On your way to Rocky Mountain National Park, or Estes? Stop at Marigold for a cozy bistro meal, influenced by Northern Italy and Southern France. Marigold continues to make a name for itself garnering accolades like Best Chef (mountain region) semifinalist for the James Beard Awards.
Molotov Kitschen & Cocktails, Denver - I have yet to visit this restaurant but am excited to try Chef Bo Porytko and Jareb Parker’s Eatern European fare concept. With items on the menu like rabbit and salo meatloaf, beef rib goulash and charred cabbage, it’ easy to see why this cozy bistro is taking Denver by storm!
Oak at Fourteenth^, Boulder - If you’re looking for a good American meal that’s a bit elevated, I would recommend Oak at Fourteenth over Acorn. Their bone marrow pairs perfectly with the green chimichurri sauce and the hamachi crudo was great. Skip the ramen and go for the wood roasted chicken or pork shoulder.
Wildflower^, Denver - This restaurant is absolutely gorgeous and is inside the Lifehouse hotel in LoHi. While considered fine dining, it’s an approachable and absolutely delicious experience. I loved the scallop crudo, grilled artichokes, spanish ocotopus and their take on different pastas.
Work & Class, Denver - Dana Rodriguez’s Latin American restaurant is in the hip RiNo neighborhood of Denver. The sides are all super flavorful and delicious and I particularly liked the meatballs. This is a really good spot for a large group that’s interested in sharing everything (who doesn’t love family style meals). She’s also the chef of Super Mega Bien which is a dim-sum style take on Latin cuisine and, drumroll… has taken over the food at Casa Bonita.
Italian
Barchetta, Boulder - Hands down my favorite pizza place in Colorado. They’ve perfect the wood-fired crust and you can expect traditional and more creative toppings. My go-to pizza here is the Bee Thousand which has salame, fresh mozzarella, oregano, chili oil and honey.
Basta, Boulder - Another fabulous pizza spot tucked away in the Peloton’s apartment complex, this pizzeria is from the Id Est hospitality group that runs Bruto, Dry Storage, Hey Kiddo/ok yeah and Wolf’s Tailor. With those credentials, you know this place will be fantastic!
Carelli’s, Boulder - An old school Italian staple in Boulder, this place is always packed. Everything here is delicious and you can’t beat a cozy vibe with no nonsense food.
Tavernetta^, Denver - Another restaurant from the Frasca team which means you can expect amazing bread and an impressive wine list. It’s on the fancier and pricier side but it’s definitely worth a visit if you are in the area and can get a reservation.
Il Pastaio, Boulder - This cozy Italian spot in Boulder has great pasta and authentic Italian food. They make their own pasta which always tastes super fresh and their meatballs in sauce are definitely worth trying!
Pizzeria Alberico, Boulder - Formerly known as Pizzeria Locale and a sister restaurant of Frasca, Tavernetta, Sunday Vinyl and Osterial Alberico - this casual spot serves up wood-fire cooked Napoletana style pizza right on Pearl Street. It’s a great place for a fast-casual lunch that’s of the highest quality ingredients.
Stella’s Cucina, Boulder - Tucked away off Walnut Street, you’ll walk into a vibey and upscale atmosphere with a beautiful bar and DJ during the weekends. The space is stunning and serves creative cocktails and delicious pastas. Come for food and drinks and stay for dancing and music late night!
Restaurant Olivia^, Denver - The owner and chef spent time at Flour & Water in San Francisco and you can tell. Olivia has creative and classic Italian pastas which you can try via tasting menu or ordering ala carte. Do not skip out on the french onion soup ravioli’s that have caramelized onions, gruyere fondue and crispy parmigiano.
Asian
Dim Sum: Colorado has on a small handful of restaurants that I would classify as actual dim sum. Below is a round-up.
Best for actual dim sum: Star Kitchen & Super Star Asian Cuisine, Denver - located only 1.5 miles away from each other, these two locations are going to be your best bet for authentic dim sum. If you’re used to dim sum on the coasts (SF, LA, NYC, Seattle) - this is the closest you’re going to get with a full menu of XLB’s, dumplings, fried taro, chicken feet, sticky rice etc. Honorable Mention: Chinese Palace Dim Sum in Northglenn
Best for dumplings: Nana’s Dumpling (multiple locations) and King Dumpling in Louisville both have great dumplings and baos. Both of these menus have delicious soups and appetizers that are fairly authentic but you won’t get the full cart dim sum experience at either of these.
Restaurants that will show up as dim sum but are not actual dim sum restaurants and lean heavily on the “fusion” aspect of dim sum: Bao Brewhouse - this is a full on fusion restaurant. The flavors are actually pretty good but this is by no means a dim sum place. Same with Super Mega Bien, which brands itself as dim sum style but is actually latin food (a good restaurant but also by no means traditional dim sum).
Chinese / Taiwanese
China Gourmet**, Boulder - China Gourmet has been around for ~35 years and is a great option for those near the Boulder area. You can expect all of your favorite Chinese takeout items and their soups are particularly delicious. There is also a location in Longmont.
Formosa, Boulder - Formosa has taken up new temporary residence at the Pokoe Cafe on CU’s Boulder campus, it is temporarily located here and I will keep tabs as the year progresses on the status. Mostly unknown, this small operations run by one chef has authentic Taiwanese dishes. My husband, who is Taiwanese, loved all the dishes from Formosa and we have been going back ever since.
Fortune Wok to Table, Denver - In the outdoor portion of the Cherry Creek mall, you can expect a no frills experience with juicy dumplings and delicious noodles!
Hop Alley^, Denver - Tommy Lee is a CO native and also the owner and chef of Uncle and Uncle II. His ramen has been nationally recognized at Uncle but I definitely prefer Hop Alley. The space is beautiful and located in a former soy sauce and and wonton factory. It used to be the location of a small Chinatown in CO. He has mixed all types of Chinese cuisines (Taiwanese, Hunan, Cantonese & Szechuan) to create an innovative twist on Chinese food. The bone marrow fried rice is a must try!
HuaKee BBQ, Westminster -After shopping at H-Mart in Westminster, pop into HuaKee for rast duck, pork spareribs, spicy pig ears and other Hong Kong style barbeque items. The flavors here on on point and these types of menus are hard to come by in Colorado.
Makfam, Denver - MakFam is SO good. The music, the vibes, and most importantly the food here is absolutely delicious. What started as a NYC pop-up has turned into a brick and mortar located in Denver serving up Chinese food mixed with the husband and wife’s team of inspired and fun dishes. I loved all the noodle dishes, Jian Bing, and the corn beef fried rice.
Noodles Express, Denver - When I ask foodie friends what their favorite places in Denver are, Noodles Express consistently pops up. I still haven’t been but have heard raving reviews about these Szechuan inspired dishes.
Q House, Denver - With Taiwanese and Sichuan inspired dishes, you can expect a variety of Cantonese items with a modern twist. Chef Lin trained under David Chang is is bringing some of the most creative and bold Chinese dishes to Denver!
Yuan Wonton, Denver - What started as a dumpling food truck has morphed into one of Denver’s most popular spot to grab fresh dumplings noodle dishes. I can’t say enough great things about Penelope Wong’s dishes. 11/10 recommend to satisfy your dumpling craving.
Japanese / Sushi: Being a landlocked state, expect high prices and way too much cream cheese offered in sushi rolls!
Hana Japanese Bistro, Louisville - Growing up, our go-to sushi spot was Hana in Longmont with my grandparents. My grandparents developed a relationship with the owners, who kept a photo of them at their cash register. Eric, one of the chefs, split off on his own and started this bistro in Louisville. It’s definitely good quality in terms of the fish freshness and be sure to try the Daisy Family roll (named after none other than my late Grandma Daisy). It has eel tempura inside, which she loved!
Den Corner Restaurants^ (Denver) - Sushi Den, Izakaya Den and OTOTO: Sushi Den is one of the best sushi spot in CO, in my opinion. Chef Toshi has been at Sushi Den since 1984 and brings in fresh fish daily from Fukuoka, Japan. Sushi Den is the most traditional and Izakaya Den is its hip little sister, housed in the same building. We often opt to eat in the Izakaya side. OTOTO is a more casual raw bar, great for happy hours and small bites. They make up the corner of a fun Denver neighborhood, hence the name “Den Corner”. Temaki Den is located in the Source Hotel and has become one of my favorite spots to grab handrolls.
Gyu-Kaku**, Denver - While Gyu-Kaku is a chain, the Japanese BBQ offerings are delicious and everyone should try it once! The quality of meat at Gyu-Kaku’s is higher than average so I would recommend getting the cuts that aren’t super marinated so you can really taste the flavor of the meat.
Kumoya, Denver - Kumoya is absolutely lovely. I like their omakase option but the real standout is the katsu sando. Located in the Highlands, this is a perfect date night spot. The chef and staff are extremely knowledgable and help to make a customized meal that is to your liking!
Matsuhisa^, Denver - One of the fancier places in Denver, their omakase does not disappoint. You’ll get your money’s worth since it’s more than just a traditional omakse of nigiri slices. When we went, we were served a whole half crab as one of the dishes. It’s very fresh and since it’s Matsuhisa, you know the quality will be always be above average.
Osaka’s^, Boulder - More than just a sushi spot, this family run establishment also offers more traditional menu items like okonomiyaki, tempura, teppanyaki and the less traditional Osaka burger. They’re on the same sushi distribituion as Sushi Den’s restaurants so the fish is fresh!
Uncle Ramen**, Denver - One of our OG ramen restaurants, Tommy Lee is bringing his own take on ramen to Colorado. This place has been running for quite some time and it’s consistent and perfect for those chilly winter days!
Uchi^, Denver - This chain sushi restaurant that has roots in Austin is located right next to the Ramble Hotel in Denver. It’s pricier but worth the visit especially for a special occasion meal. Note that Uchi is a non-traditional menu.
Vietnamese & Pho: One thing I’m very grateful for is the amount of amazing Vietnamese and pho restaurants in Colorado. We have a substantial population of Vietnamese people here, and there is no shortage of great food. As someone who puts pho in their top 3 meals, these are my recommendations but know that there are many great pho places in Colorado, regardless of where you’re located!
Chey Thuy, Boulder - This has also always been somewhere that my family goes to for Vietnamese food. Their vermicelli bowls are delicious and the pho is one of the better ones in Boulder.
Dân Dã, Aurora - Missing New Saigon? Visit Dân Dã for their showstopper spring rolls towers, authentic and savory bun rieu, clay pots and rice platters. This is one of my absolute favorite Vietnamese restaurants in Colorado. Make sure to stop by Bánh & Butter Cafe, the Vietnamese/French coffee and bakery shop next door!
Pho Cafe, Lafayette - A no frills pho spot that offers your typical Vietnamese dishes plus a wide variety of Chinese / Thai-ish menu items. I love the broth at Pho Cafe and the spring rolls because they used marinated pork instead of the plain boiled kind. These are a close favorite for spring rolls!
Pho Duy*, Broomfield -I love Pho Duy because it has a variety of pho dishes like Bun Rieu, Banh Canh and Bun Bo Hue. Their more traditional and familiar pho dishes are all available here as well. It has quite an extensive menu and I appreciate all of the harder to come by items like Bun Cha. Personal opinion: Pho Duy in Broomfield is slightly better than the Denver location!
Pho Lee, Westminster - A family-owned pho spot that consistently delivers rich, aromatic broth and perfectly cooked noodles. Pro tip: Order the filet mignon pho for the ultimate comfort meal.
Pho 79* - My cousin Taylor and I would go to Pho 79 almost weekly when I lived in CO. We had our favorite waiter who knew what we wanted and we didn’t even have to tell him. Their broth is heavy on flavor and one of my favorite go to pho spots when I’m home. We braved some fairly bad weather just to get our fix. I always go Pho Tai (rare steak) here.
Sap Sua^, Denver - This is the restaurant I recommend to anyone visiting Colorado and frankly, anyone who lives here. The husband and wife duo that brought Sap Sua to Denver are absolutely crushing it. Not into paying a higher price for Vietnamese food? I wasn’t either until I tried Sap Sua. What they’re doing here is not only creative and delicious but elevating our food scene while also telling the story behind all of their dishes. My absolute favorite is the soft scrambled eggs in fish sauce.
Southeast Asian
Busaba** - This low-key Thai spot surprises with bold flavors, beautifully plated dishes, and some of the best curries in the area. Don’t skip the khao soi—it’s a sleeper hit and one of my absolute favorite soups. Warning: if you get the hottest spice level, be prepared to sweat your a** off.
Folsom Thai, Boulder - I picked up takeout here for our family one day for lunch and was completely blown away by the authentic Thai flavors. All of the dishes were enjoyable and I can’t wait to go back to try the KMG (Thai style chicken and rice) - which is pretty much impossible to find in Colorado. The drunken noodles, curries and pad Thai are perfect for getting your Thai fix.
Ponsawan Thai, Thornton - A hidden gem with an extensive menu and authentic Thai flavors that rival anything you’d find in a bigger city. The pad see ew and green curry are must orders.
Urban Burma, Aurora - There are honestly so many things I love about Urban Burma. One, it’s located in an international food hall in Aurora next to other immigrant and refugee owned eateries. Two, the food here is as good as the Burmese restaurants you’ll find in large cities. Burma Superstar in San Francisco is one of my absolute faves, so I was completely surprised and blown away when I tried Urban Burma for the first time and it had to same delicious menu items. Of course, you must order the tea leaf salad, samosas, nan gyi dok and a curry of your choice!
Woody’s Wings & Things, Westminster - Labeled as Chinese on the internet, I’d say this place leans more heavily into the falvors Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. If you’re unfamiliar with Southeast Asian flavors, I highly recommend this place as it has a wide variety of options to suit even beginner palettes. Start with some beef larb, spciy chicken with lemongrass, papaya salad and of course some sticky rice!
Mexican
Efrain’s** - A family favorite for Tex-Mex style food, and in multiple locations, my favorite part about Efrain’s is that the green chili is HOT and flavorful. Everything is mouth-watering here, especially the blue corn enchiladas, chimichangas, and burritos.
La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal, Denver - La Diabla is Denver’s first restaurant solely devoted to pozole. When I ate at La Diabla for the first time, it instantly took me back to the pozole restaurants of Mexico City. The pozole here is perfect and the tacos are amazing too. As you may have guessed from the name, they have mezcal and lots of it! Check it out on a Thursday as it’s 2 for 1 pozole bowls from 11am until 10pm. Coming soon: more restaurants from Jose Avila, including a tortilleria, Mexican yakitori and food hall with six eateries and cocktail bars.
The Rio**- Ok, to be honest, don’t come here to eat. Just grab some of their famous margs and sit on the rooftop to take in Boulder’s beautiful scenery. The Boulder Rio is the best location. Manberry (mango and strawberry mixed) on the rocks is the way to go.
T/aco, Boulder - I’ve been here more times than I’d like to admit and I always order the Classico taco - it’s a classic hard taco with beef (think Taco Bell style) and it’s damn delicious. The house margs are perfect too and on par with the Rio’s secret marg concoction.
Santo, Boulder - If you’ve made it this far and read about Blackbelly, I recommend making a trip to Boulder to eat at Santo. Chef Hosea Rosenberg (who runs Blackbelly) was inspired to create a restaurant highligting his hometown of Taos, New Mexico. I absolutely love the tostadas, tacos and chicken mole here. You can also snag Blackbelly’s delicious breakfast burritos from the Santo location!
Mediterranean
Boychick, Boulder & Aurora -If you’re visiting Avanti’s Food Hall in Boulder, check out the falafel plate at Boychik. They’ve recently opened a brick and mortar in Aurora at the Stanley Marketplace. The hummus is delicious and chicken shawarma plate is fresh, flavorful and healthy!
El Five, Denver- The view is one of a kind here. Their cocktail list is thoughtful and innovative. The paella is flavorful and the drinks really compliment the food that’s served here. It’s definitely a tasty tapas spot to get your mediterranean fix on.
The Gyro Stand, Boulder - When cabs were still a thing, we would line up in Boulder on Pearl Street after a night out at the bars and wait for a cab while consuming 1 to 2 gyros from this stand. I never realized he had a name for it (The Gyro Stand - how creative)… we just always called him the gyro guy. These might be delicious because we would eat them after many drinks, but it’s a must eat if you see him on the corner of Pearl and 11th. I hope he never stops selling these!
Safta, Denver - Yes, this place is expensive but a visit to the Source Hotel’s location is worth it. While I do think this place is slightly over-hyped, their pita bread with lamb ragu, whipped feta and Persian rice are all very delicious. The brunch menu offers up Israeli items and while I haven’t been, I’ve heard it’s better than dinner.
Indian
Urban Village, Lone Tree - Inside of the Park Meadows mall, Urban Village provides a fun and unique outdoor grilling experience and is the first Indian restaurant in Colorado to feature outdoor tabletop grills. Perfect for a beautiful sunny day. With a variety of tandoori platters, biriyanis, weekend specials and South Indian tiffins, there’s something for everyone!
Tandoori Kitchen, Lafayette - Named one of the top 100 US restaurants by Yelp, Tandoori Kitchen has a huge selection of authentic Indian food items. We often order this for takeout and are always impressed with the consistency and flavors. They also have a lunch buffet!
Zaika** - Zaika is my favorite local Indian spot. With locations all across the front range, Zaika offers up all of the traditional items you would expect with a creative and modern flair. It’s sister restaurant, Total Vegan in Highlands Ranch was featured as one of the best Indian restaurants in the Denver area in 5280 Magazine!
Nepal House, Boulder - Nepal House has taken over the former Nepal Cuisine spot after the owners retired. This newer successor offers a great buffet style lunch and dinners and serves momo (Nepalese dumplings) that are great.
Curry N Kebob, Boulder - If you’re looking for a mom & pop fast casual eatery, check out Curry N Kebob. The lunch deal is a steal and you’ll enjoy high quality northern Indian cuisine. I love their raita sauce and garlic naan!
Traveling to Colorado
Where to Stay: A friend of mine opened up a stunning hotel, The Ramble in 2018. Since then it’s gotten major accolades and is home to Super Mega Bien and the very popular Death & Co. bar which is worth the stop alone. Book a night here if you are visiting, you’ll enjoy it to say the least.
Other notable hotels include the Four Seasons, Rally Hotel at McGregor Square, Maven Hotel at Dairy Block, The Populus (new in 2024) and for a classic experience, the Brown Palace Hotel and Spa.
Eating at the Airport: If you’re stuck for a layover or have extra time, DIA has one of only a few Capital One lounges. It’s a great space and I particularly like their grab and go options. Other foodworthy stops if you’re grabbing a bite to eat at DIA are:
Root Down : located in concourse C (Southwest), this is a great option for a good salad, local beer or gourmet burger.
Bar Dough: Carrie Baird’s popular Italian spot is my go to for an airport breakfast but also includes gourmet pizza, traditional Italian food and fun cocktails and spirits.
Elway’s: whenever I get delayed at DIA, I’ll treat myself to a wedge salad, glass of red wine and a steak from Elways.
Little Man Ice Cream: our very popular Denver ice cream spot is the perfect place to grab a cone if you’re craving a sweet treat.
There are also popular chains like Snarfs, Smashburger, Shake Shack, Snooze and Voodoo doughnuts.