It’s time for the 2026 Michelin Guide to dole out honors in Colorado again, but this year we predict there will be some big changes.
For starters, earlier in the year the guide announced it will include all of Colorado, not just the cities that paid to be part of it. This means areas such as Aurora, Grand Junction, and Golden now have a shot at recognition.
Last year we saw newcomers Kizaki, Mezcaleria Alma, and Margot earn stars, while The Wolf’s Tailor topped the list with two stars (the first an only one to do so). The number of restaurants recognized also grew last year as the Bib Gourmands (which notes great food at a fair price) and Michelin’s recommended picks went up to 50 from 44.
We will officially find out what the Michelin Guide is up to come September 14 when the company announces its picks. Until then, chew on these juicy predictions.
New Restaurants Shine
Since last year’s Michelin awards, Colorado has seen a slew of great openings. Based on past awards, we are only considering places that opened before mid-June for our list predictions, making each place at least three months old.
In Denver, look toward Pig & Tiger, run by chefs Travis Masar and Darren Chang. The Taiwanese restaurant is sleek, the service great, the food excellent, and the prices fair, all aimed at scoring a spot on the recommendation list.
For similar reasons we see the newly-opened Madeline debuting on the same list. Chef Quincy Cherrett opened his elevated New American concept in May, quietly taking over the former Fruition space. Now, Cherrett has created a wonderful restaurant to call his own, and Madeline shines in her own right.
Chef Theo Adley’s Heritik also opened in May, and it’s been a RiNo destination ever since. Rotisserie chicken anchors the simple-yet-elevated menu and each item is carefully selected for ultimate enjoyment. We wouldn’t be surprised if Adley’s restaurant receives a Bib Gourmand, and at the very least a recommendation.
The team behind Restaurant Olivia launched Dear Emilia at the beginning of the year, and it’s just as great as the sister spot. There’s no way the Michelin team skips this place by at least awarding it a place on the recommended list, where Olivia has resided from the get go.
In Boulder, chefs Eduardo Valle Lobo and Kelly Jeun opened Casa Juani in February. The Spanish-focused, fine-dining restaurant is ripe for a recommendation. Nearby, Odd Rabbit should also gain Michelin Guide recognition, after all, it’s run by the same team behind Glo Noodle, which is in the guide.
Given the former barbecue concept that resided where Riot BBQ now lives used to have a Bib Gourmand, we wouldn’t be surprised if chef Manny Barella and pit master Patrick Klaiber’s smoky spot received the same honor. It’s even better than before, and since Klaiber was behind the former joint’s menu, there’s no reason it shouldn’t get extra recognition.
Anyone in the know has witnessed the magic of Rougarou in Five Points. Run the they same award-winning team behind Yacht Club, this elevated southern food spot delivers on food and drink, in cool setting.
Finally, if you have been to Ma’s Kitchen Dim Sum & Bar in City Park, you know the food is excellent and not too expensive. Led by brothers Xi Yong and Chef Xi Nuan Zheng, we’re placing bets it gets on the Bib Gourmand list.
All of Colorado Gets a Chance
We’re so excited the Michelin Guide decided to spread across the state. There are so many great places in Aurora, Golden, Grand Junction, and beyond.
But the best part of this will be when Caroline Glover finally gets the Michelin recognition for Annette we all know is deserved. No, we don’t know for sure she will get a star, but we do know she should get one. Also in Aurora, chef An Nguyen’s Dân Dã may grace the Bib Gourmand list at last.
We think the celebrated Bin 707 Foodbar in Grand Junction will also make the Michelin Guide. But will it get a star? We’re not completely convinced this will happen, but at the very least it will be showcased as a recommended spot.
Then there’s Golden, which has some really great places to eat. Bella Colibiri has been making waves in the dining scene, and chef John Wilson showcases seasonal fare beautifully here. Nearby, Abejas also wows with the bounty of Colorado, all done in a casual bistro setting. Both places should make the Michelin Guide recommendations list.
Seeing Stars
Now for the meat of the awards: Michelin Stars. Right now Colorado has nine restaurants carrying stars, with The Wolf’s Tailor garnering two. We predict most will stay the same, though Margot may fall short given the hybrid model it now has and the mixed reviews on service we’ve heard from diners. We’re also predicting BRUTO will lose its star for the sole reason that it’s shifting into a new model and chef Byron Gomez left mid year.
On a more positive note, It wouldn’t surprise us if Frasca Food & Wine and Kizaki got bumped up to two stars. And, as far as new stars, I’ll once again proclaim Restaurant Olivia deserves one, as does Barolo Grill. Both exceed expectations when it comes to service and the thoughtful food program.
We’re also rooting for the aforementioned Annette in Aurora to receive one, as well as Marigold in Lyons. The latter is owned by Theo Adley of Heretik, and has been wowing the Front Range since it opened in 2022. Half Eaten Cookie’s upscale Spanish chophouse Corrida could also get a star, it’s one of the unsung heroes of fine dining in Boulder.
What restaurants do you think will take home glory this year at the Michelin Guide awards? And, are there any restaurants you think should be taken off the list? Let us know, and good luck to all.
