Today the official 2026 Michelin Guide announced the restaurant awards for the state of Colorado, adding on 15 new entries. Some of our predictions proved true (and yours), though unfortunately a lot of the star hopefuls didn’t receive one.
This year, as with every year, there were certainly some big misses. Still, congratulations to all those being celebrated, you certainly deserve it. The award ceremony takes place this evening at Denver’s Mile High Station, but you will start wanting to make your reservations now for these newly-minted hot spots right now.
One New Star, the Rest Still Shine
In absolutely-expected news, Milpero, chef Johnny Curiel’s new Mexican tasting menu restaurant in RiNo, earned a star. It’s the third place in the Fonda Fina Hospitality Group’s line up to receive the honor, joining Mezcaleria Alma and Alma Fonda Fina, neighbors in Denver’s LoHi neighborhood.
The other restaurants maintaining one star include Frasca Food and Wine in Boulder, Bosq in Aspen, and Denver establishments BRUTO, Beckon, Margo, and Kizaki. The Wolf’s Tailor once again scored two stars for the second year in a row.
Denver’s New Restaurants Gain Recognition
A handful of the Michelin Guide additions came in the form of newly-opened Denver spots. Two made it on the prestigious Bib Gourmand list, which recognizes restaurants serving high-quality food at more affordable price points in the $35 range for an entree and dessert or drink.
First up, Pig and Tiger, by chefs Travis Masar and Darren Chang in Five Points. In the same neighborhood, Rougarou by Mary Allison Wright and McLain Hedges, also received the same honor.
On Colorado’s 2026 Recommended restaurant list, Denver’s Washington Park neighborhood saw Mile Odell’s Florence Supper Club and Quincy Cherrett’s Madeline. In RiNo, Theo Adley’s Heretik and Dear Emilia made the list, the latter joining sister spot, Restaurant Olivia. All four additions opened over the last year.
New Regions Got a Nod
Last year, only select Colorado counties were judged by the Michelin Guide, but this year it was announced the whole state was eligible. While we expected a little more recognition and prestige in the suburbs and mountain towns, only Colorado Springs, Aurora, Telluride, and Breckenridge gained notice.
For Colorado Springs two spots made it on Colorado’s 2026 Recommended restaurants list including chef Brother Luck’s Four by Brother Luck and The Penrose Room at The Broadmoor. In Aurora, chef Caroline Glover’s Annette received a Bib Gourmand and chef An Nguyen’s Dân Dã was added to the recommended list.
In the mountains, Telluride’s The National made the recommended list. Finally, James Beard Award winner Matt Vawter received accolades for his two restaurants, Rootstalk and Radicato, which both landed on Colorado’s 2026 Recommended restaurants list.
Boulder Gains a Recommended Restaurants
The only change to the Boulder Michelin scene this year comes in the form of chefs Eduardo Valle Lobo and Kelly Jeun’s first solo venture, Casa Juani. The new Spanish restaurant opened in the foothills this past February, and earned a spot on the recommended list.
The Special Awards
This year Colorado saw four special awards. The Michelin Exceptional Cocktails Award went to Kyle McNerney of Four by Brother Luck. The Michelin Sommelier Award was given to Heretik’s beverage team including chef Theo Adley and Jenessa Reiman.
Over in Colorado Springs, Joseph Freyre took home the Michelin Outstanding Service Award. Finally, Radicato’s Cameron Baker scored the Michelin Young Chef/Culinary Professional Award, bringing great pride to Breckenridge.
