Discover the best Denver Michelin star restaurants for 2025 — including Bib Gourmand and Green Star winners. Full reviews, menus, and booking info.
What the Michelin Guide Means for Denver
If you’re searching for Denver Michelin star restaurants in 2025, you’re finally spoiled for choice. Once overlooked, Denver has emerged as one of the most innovative culinary cities in the West — and the Michelin Guide took notice. In 2023, Michelin officially launched its Colorado guide, instantly validating what locals already knew: the best restaurants in Denver are playing at a world-class level.
The Michelin system isn’t just about prestige — it’s a practical roadmap for exceptional dining. Stars are awarded based on consistency, technique, ingredient quality, and personality on the plate. Today, several Denver Michelin star restaurants are leading that charge with a mix of fine dining, sustainability, and cultural storytelling.
This guide covers all currently awarded Michelin star restaurants in Denver, including Green Star and Bib Gourmand selections. You’ll find in-depth reviews, personal recommendations, and exactly what to expect from each location.
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⭐ Michelin Star Restaurants Denver (2025 List)
➤ Alma Fonda Fina (★ Michelin Star)
📍 Address: 2556 15th St, Denver, CO 80211
@kweenzo_ 10/10 NO notes. Must gwt the scallop crudo and an avocado margarita. Alama Fonda Fina 2556 15th St. Denver, CO . . #denver #denverfoodscene #denverfood #denvereats #denverfoodie #coloradofoodie #coloradoeats #michelin #michelinstar #michelinstarrestaurant #michelinguide #denverrestaurants #almafondafina #mexican #mexicanrestaurant #restaurant #restaurantreview ♬ Mexican Margarita – Jacob Gurevitsch
Credit: @kweenzo_
One of the newest additions to the Denver Michelin star restaurants list is Alma Fonda Fina. Opened in December 2023 by Chef Johnny Curiel, this restaurant redefines what fine dining can look like when it’s rooted in family heritage. Inspired by Curiel’s upbringing in Guadalajara, the menu blends traditional Mexican street food with high-end cooking methods and plating that feels elegant but grounded.
Unlike many Denver tasting menus, Alma keeps the portions generous and the experience warm. It’s casual in tone but serious in execution. The wood-furnished interior, colorful accents, and mezcal-forward bar give it real character.
What to Order:
- Start with the agave-roasted sweet potato topped with whipped requesón — it hits savory, sweet, and smoky notes in one bite.
- The pork belly carnitas tacos are rich but balanced, served on tortillas made fresh in-house.
- The rotating seafood crudos are plated beautifully with acid-forward sauces and seasonal fruit.
If you’re building a checklist of Michelin star restaurants in Denver, this one should be at the top — especially if you’re looking for a Latin American perspective.
- Website: almalohidenver.com
- Menu: View Menu
➤ Beckon (★ Michelin Star)
📍 Address: 2843 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
@._erock_ I heckin love new jeans – Overall Rating: 9.2/10 – one of three tasting menus i would go back to, genuinely better than a lot of 2 stars in LA in terms flavor and environment, very pleased. #denver #food #fyp #foodie #dinner #drinks #finedining #colorado #gaslight #girlboss #gatekeep #haerin ♬ Cool With You – NewJeans
Credit: @._erock_
Among all Denver Michelin star restaurants, Beckon is easily the most intimate. With only 18 seats, this Larimer Street jewel specializes in immersive tasting menus served at a wraparound chef’s counter. The kitchen is led by Chef Duncan Holmes, who combines seasonal Colorado ingredients with precise modern techniques.
Unlike some sterile fine dining experiences, Beckon is deeply personal. The staff walks you through every course, and each dish feels like a study in contrast — crispy and smooth, acidic and sweet, earthy and bright. The plating is minimal, allowing the food to speak for itself.
What to Order:
- The seasonal tasting menu changes weekly, but keep an eye out for dishes like hay-aged duck or roasted heirloom squash with buttermilk and seeds.
- The dessert courses here are no afterthought — think fermented berries, whey granitas, or goat’s milk custards.
- Upgrade to the wine pairing — the curation is subtle, not just obvious reds and whites.
For those who want to experience the quiet side of Denver Michelin star restaurants, Beckon is where you slow down, savor, and pay attention.
- Website: beckon-denver.com
- Reservations: Highly recommended
➤ Brutø (★ Michelin Star, Green Star)
📍 Address: 1801 Blake St, Denver, CO 80202
@chow_milehigh Brutø – #fyp #denver #denverco #omakase #thingstodoindenver #denverfoodie #denverfoodscene #foodie #foodtiktok #denvercolorado #coloradocheck #bruto ♬ Music For a Sushi Restaurant – Harry Styles
Credit: @chow_milehigh
Brutø is where Denver’s culinary scene goes fully experimental — and it works. Located inside the Dairy Block, Brutø is led by Chef Michael Diaz de Leon and recognized as one of the few Denver Michelin star restaurants to also receive the Green Star for sustainability. Their omakase-style format (yes, that’s right — tasting menu without a menu) means every course is delivered directly by the chefs, who also explain the techniques, origins, and intention behind each bite.
The entire space runs on a philosophy of zero-waste cooking, fermentation, and hyper-seasonality. Everything is either house-made, foraged, or sourced from Colorado farms. Some make it number one on their list of Denver Michelin star restaurants.
What to Order:
- The tamal de setas (wild mushroom tamale) is rich, umami-packed, and steamed in banana leaves.
- The kombucha and koji pairings are among the most thoughtful non-alcoholic options in any Denver tasting menu.
- My standout was a dish made from charred cabbage, black garlic, and smoked dashi — deeply satisfying and completely plant-based.
Among all Michelin star restaurants in Denver, Brutø is the most philosophy-driven. You don’t just eat here — you think, you learn, and you leave changed.
- Website: brutodenver.com
- Reservations: Essential — book 2–3 weeks ahead
➤ The Wolf’s Tailor (★ Michelin Star, Green Star)
📍 Address: 4058 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211
@globalgreta 📍The Wolf’s Tailor in Denver, Colorado. ⭐️ Recently given 1 Michelin star. 🥗They have a set tatsing menu and offer options for vegetarians. ##denver##denvercolorado##denverfood##denverfoodscene##denverfoodie##foodie##vegetarian##thingstodo##thingstododenver##girlsnight##denvergirls##tastingmenu##fancydinner##fancydinneroutfit##dinnerdenver##denvernightlife##vegetariano##vegan##wine##denverco##denverfood##coloradocheck##falldenver##michelin##michelinstar##michelinstars##michelinguide##michelinstarrestaurant##michelinusa##michelindenver##michelines##traveltiktok##travelfoodie##travelfoodmania##placestovisit##placestogo##placestoeat##eatingshow##eating##girlseating##girlseatingbelike##girlseatingfood##dinnerwithme##thewolfstailor##wolfstailor##finedining##finediningrestaurants##finedine##denverfoodies##denverskindoc##denvervibes##outsidedining##outsidediningdenver##fancyvibes##fancygirl##fooooooor_yooooou##foodart##prettyfoodtastesbetter##prettyfood##cute ♬ Good Vibes – Rerewrpd
Credit: @globalgreta
Among the most dynamic Denver Michelin star restaurants, The Wolf’s Tailor stands out for its global approach to technique and hyper-local sourcing. Chef Taylor Stark combines Japanese, Italian, and Colorado influences into a tasting menu that is equal parts experimental and comforting. The restaurant earned both a Michelin Star and a Green Star — a rare combination that reflects its culinary innovation and sustainability efforts.
The restaurant’s name pays tribute to the untold labor of cooks, seamstresses, and immigrants — and that respect for the craft comes through in every detail of the meal. From foraged ingredients to the hand-crafted ceramics your meal arrives on, the experience is deeply curated, and one of the best Denver Michelin star restaurants.
What to Order:
- The hand-cut soba-style noodles served with miso-glazed root vegetables are a core dish and evolve seasonally.
- Their wood-fired venison on our visit was seared to a crust and paired with a smoky onion jus and fermented carrot.
- If available, the fermented black bean custard served as dessert was oddly addicting — savory, sweet, and nothing like anything you’ve had before.
In the world of Michelin star restaurants in Denver, The Wolf’s Tailor takes risks and sticks the landing. It’s a restaurant that leaves a lasting impression without shouting about it.
- Website: thewolfstailor.com
- Reservations: Book through Tock, generally 2–3 weeks out
🍽️ Bib Gourmand Selections in Denver
Michelin’s Bib Gourmand list features restaurants that offer exceptional food at a more affordable price. These are not just budget picks — many are local institutions that consistently rank as favorites among both critics and casual diners. Several Denver Michelin star restaurants started here before evolving into full-star contenders, making this category essential for understanding Denver’s broader culinary landscape.
➤ La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal (Bib Gourmand)
📍 Address: 2233 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
@foodsploration La Diabla Pozole y Mezcalria is FIRE! #downtowndenver #denverfood #denvertacos #pozole #mezcal #foodie #foodsploration #milehigh #ladiabla #mexican ♬ CARNAVAL DEL FUEGO – RIBER ORE
Credit: @foodsploration
La Diabla is the first restaurant in Denver to focus entirely on pozole — and its inclusion on the Denver Michelin star restaurants list under Bib Gourmand is well-earned. Chef Jose Avila, a James Beard semifinalist, elevates traditional Mexican cuisine with regional precision, in-house tortilla making, and a deep focus on mezcal.
The casual dining room belies the complexity of the food. You can walk in wearing jeans, but what arrives at your table is as layered and intentional as anything found in fine dining. La Diabla is high on the list for on of the best Denver Michelin star restaurants.
What to Order:
- Start with a trio of pozole — rojo, blanco, and negro — each distinct and built from scratch broths.
- Their birria res tacos with grilled bone marrow steal the show.
- The mezcal list is one of the most impressive in Denver, with curated flights based on region.
Even in the company of higher-end Michelin star restaurants in Denver Colorado, La Diabla offers flavor depth and culinary intention that rival its starred peers.
- Website: ladiabladenver.com
- Reservations: Walk-ins welcome; prime hours may see a wait
➤ Tavernetta (Bib Gourmand)
📍 Address: 1889 16th St Mall, Denver, CO 80202
@liset_soltero Tavernetta is one of my go-tos🇮🇹 #denverfoodie #denverfoodscene #tavernetta #michelinguide #coloradofood #denverfood ♬ Le Monde – From Talk to Me – Richard Carter
Credit: @liset_soltero
Tavernetta brings Northern Italian soul to Denver’s Union Station district and has quickly become one of the most beloved names on the Denver Michelin star restaurants map. Backed by the team behind Boulder’s famed Frasca Food and Wine, Tavernetta blends casual hospitality with white-tablecloth execution — at a fraction of the price of most tasting menus.
The open kitchen and sleek space make it ideal for everything from a solo weekday dinner to a pre-train celebration. The menu stays tightly seasonal, with handmade pastas, braised meats, and Italian wine pairings that punch well above their price point. This spot is AMAZING and by far one of the best Denver Michelin star restaurants.
What to Order:
- The milk-braised veal with porcini mushrooms is a standout — fall-apart tender and full of umami.
- Handmade pastas like pappardelle with duck sugo or black garlic agnolotti rotate frequently but are always stellar.
- Their Amaro cart makes post-dinner drinks fun, educational, and dangerously drinkable.
Tavernetta may not hold a star (yet), but in the Bib category, it’s arguably the crown jewel among Michelin star restaurants in Denver at a lower price tier.
- Website: tavernettadenver.com
- Reservations: Recommended — dinner hours fill fast
➤ Hop Alley (Bib Gourmand)
📍 Address: 3500 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
@denverdoer ⭐️ hop alley ⭐️ @RiNo Art District @condenasttraveler @The MICHELIN Guide #deverdoer #denverfoodie #denverfoodscene #denvermichelin ♬ apple by charliiiii – babyloncowboy 🍉
Credit: @denverdoer
Hop Alley continues to earn its place among the most buzzed-about Denver Michelin star restaurants under the Bib Gourmand label. This RiNo-based modern Chinese concept from the team behind Uncle is loud, unapologetic, and big on flavor. The energy is electric — dim lights, hip-hop soundtrack, open kitchen — and the food is even bolder.
Hop Alley doesn’t offer fine dining in the traditional sense, but the level of refinement in every dish makes it clear why the Michelin Guide paid attention. It’s one of those Michelin star restaurants in Denver where you don’t need a white tablecloth to get white-glove flavor execution.
What to Order:
- The Chongqing fried chicken is spicy, crispy, and numbing in all the right ways — a house signature.
- The beef chow fun leans rich, oily, and savory — cooked in a wok that definitely has stories to tell.
- Their rotating seasonal vegetable small plates are always worth trying; don’t skip the fermented greens.
In a city now filled with Denver Michelin star restaurants, Hop Alley proves that flavor, not formality, is what really earns respect.
- Website: hopalleydenver.com
- Reservations: Book 1–2 weeks ahead for prime dinner hours
➤ Mister Oso (Bib Gourmand)
📍 Address: 3163 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
@deliciousdenver Nothing beats a good meal on a nice patio! #denverfoodie #denverfoodscene #denverrestaurants #rinodenver #denver #denvereats @RiNo Art District ♬ Salsa – BLKCITY & Abdul Kay & Raiza Biza & Blaze The Emperor & Mo Muse & JessB
Credit: @deliciousdenver
Mister Oso brings Latin American flavors to the forefront with a modern, fun-loving twist. It’s one of the newer names on the Denver Michelin star restaurants list, and the vibe is totally different than what you might expect from a Bib Gourmand recipient — think bright colors, tropical energy, and food that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Still, the flavors go deep. The chef team here balances rich, fatty meats with crisp acid, fresh herbs, and house ferments. Their cocktail program — heavily agave-forward — also deserves its own praise as one of my top 3 favorite Denver Michelin star restaurants.
What to Order:
- The tuna tostadas are crisp, cool, and layered with heat and citrus — a top starter.
- Their birria tacos are fatty, cheesy, and get dunked in a consommé that’s straight-up velvet.
- Pair your meal with a mango-mezcal cocktail or an infused tepache for something refreshing.
Out of all the casual Michelin star restaurants in Denver, Mister Oso brings the party — without losing technical depth.
- Website: misterosodenver.com
- Reservations: Walk-ins common, but weekend slots fill fast
➤ The Ginger Pig (Bib Gourmand)
📍 Address: 4262 Lowell Blvd, Denver, CO 80211
@katie_realestategal Ginger Pig is a 2023 Michelin Bib Gourmand Award winning Asian street food style restaurant serving creative Asian Fusion cuisine and traditional Chinese specials. They have little flags next to each dish to say if theyre from Hong Kong🇭🇰 , China 🇨🇳 , Japan 🇯🇵 , Vietnam 🇻🇳 Great food thats affordable!! #denverasian #asiandenver #denverfoodie #supportlocal ♬ Fire for You (Sped Up) – Cannons
Credit: @katie_realestategal
One of the most surprising entries on the Bib Gourmand list of Denver Michelin star restaurants is The Ginger Pig — a comfort-focused Asian fusion spot that began as a food truck and quickly graduated to brick-and-mortar success. It’s cozy, casual, and full of heart. Owner and chef Natascha Hess draws inspiration from her travels and brings it home with bold street-food flavor.
What makes The Ginger Pig shine is its ability to stay simple and soul-satisfying while still executing at a professional level. Michelin noticed, and it shows, in my opinion Ginger Pig should be one of the Denver Michelin star restaurants, hopefully soon it will be one!
What to Order:
- The Korean fried chicken is crisp and sweet, with gochujang-based sauce that clings in the best way.
- Dan dan noodles come loaded with ground pork and just the right Sichuan tingle.
- The bao buns rotate flavors — the pork belly version is especially worth seeking out.
Compared to the high-concept Michelin star restaurants in Denver, The Ginger Pig is the comfort food champion — proof that simple, executed perfectly, still wins.
- Website: thegingerpig.com
- Reservations: First come, first served
➤ Glo Noodle House (Bib Gourmand)
📍 Address: 4450 W 38th Ave, Denver, CO 80212
@itss_chanel If there’s ramen, I’m there 😉 Glo Noodle House offers some of the most unique ramen flavors I’ve seen before and is absolutely DELICIOUS! 🤤 If you’re in Denver and looking to enjoy some nice comfort food on a cold day, or just in general, then you need to add this place to your list! 👌🏻 #denver #foodie #goodeats #eater #ramen #noodles #foodtok #restaurant #foodvlog #japanesefood #thrillist #yummy #tasty #eats #foodreview #denvereats ♬ champagne – G Sounds
Credit: @itss_chanel
Glo Noodle House stands at the intersection of ramen innovation and bistro-style refinement — an unlikely but welcome addition to the Denver Michelin star restaurants lineup. The team behind Glo mixes classic Japanese technique with American creativity in a setting that’s casual and intimate, with a sharp eye for quality.
Everything is made in-house, from stocks to condiments. The dishes aren’t traditional, but they deliver depth that punches way above the price point.
What to Order:
- The tonkotsu ramen is unctuous and deep, with an egg that’s marinated to perfection.
- Their spicy miso ramen carries solid heat without killing flavor.
- Add a side of house-fermented kimchi or shishitos to round out the meal.
Among all ramen-focused Michelin star restaurants in Denver, Glo delivers a tight, bold, and flavorful experience that satisfies both purists and newcomers alike.
- Website: glonoodlehouse.com
- Reservations: Not required — but expect a short wait on weekends
➤ Ash’Kara (Bib Gourmand)
📍 Address: 2005 W 33rd Ave, Denver, CO 80211
@denverdoer ⭐️ Ash’Kara ⭐️ #denverdoer #denverfoodie ♬ i want it i got it – BCD Studio
Credit: @denverdoer
Ash’Kara is one of the most distinctive Bib Gourmand selections among Denver Michelin star restaurants. This Israeli-influenced kitchen combines Middle Eastern spice, modern technique, and Denver’s seasonal produce into something bold and memorable. Chef Daniel Asher focuses on live-fire cooking, fermentation, and scratch-made flatbreads that rival any Michelin-starred bread course.
Im personally not the biggest fan of middle eastern food… but holy cow. This place is insane and it should be one of the Denver Michelin star restaurants. The space is warm, full of wood and copper tones, and the team here serves with passion — explaining dishes, ingredients, and history without sounding rehearsed.
What to Order:
- The hummus with lamb ragu is a showstopper — velvety, spiced, and served with piping hot pita.
- Their shakshuka is layered with tangy tomato, soft egg, and roasted garlic.
- Don’t miss the rotating vegetarian small plates — especially anything with pickled onions or harissa.
In a lineup of Michelin star restaurants in Denver, Ash’Kara proves that plant-based and flame-cooked don’t need white linens to shine.
- Website: ashkaradenver.com
- Reservations: OpenTable or walk-in
➤ MAKfam (Bib Gourmand)
📍 Address: 39 W 1st Ave, Denver, CO 80223
@kweenzo_ MAKfam 📍 39 W. 1st ave. Denver, CO The Fancy Wun Tun Tong and the Málá wings HIT 😮💨😮💨 . . . . #denver #denverfoodscene #denverfood #denvereats #denverfoodie #coloradofoodie #coloradoeats #asianfood #chinesefood #denverchinesefood ♬ original sound – Zoe
Credit: @kweenzo_
MAKfam is a celebration of Chinese-American comfort food, reimagined by Chef Kenneth Wan and rooted in his family’s recipes. It’s one of the newest Bib Gourmand spots in the Denver Michelin star restaurants guide, and it delivers approachable, rich, flavor-packed meals in a casual environment that doesn’t cut corners.
Every dish on the menu is plated with intention, built with balance in mind — acid, sweetness, crispness, heat — all dancing across the same bite. I absolutely the vibe at Makfam, it was laid back but the food was to die for. It was my personal of the Denver Michelin star restaurants.
What to Order:
- The málà chicken wings are numbing, spicy, and addictive — an absolute must.
- Their corned beef fried rice is clever, hearty, and oddly comforting.
- The scallion pancakes are layered and chewy with crisp golden edges.
MAKfam adds a fun, low-key but high-impact presence to the spectrum of Michelin star restaurants in Denver, and it’s a local favorite for good reason.
- Website: makfamdenver.com
⭐ Michelin-Recommended Restaurants in Denver
While not star-rated or Bib-awarded, these Denver restaurants are officially Michelin-recommended and show promise for future accolades. Each brings technique, sourcing, and execution worthy of a place on any serious food map.
➤ Restaurant Olivia (Michelin Recommended)
📍 Address: 290 S Downing St, Denver, CO 80209
@omgitschloeb if you see me asking @Addison Bounds for pasta every night, you know why… I’m now hooked😂🫶🏻 this class was at Restaurant Olivia in Denver btw! #datenight #husbandwife #husband #date #cooking #dinner #denver #vlog #mom #momtok #momsoftiktok #momlife ♬ original sound – Chloe Gottschalk Bounds
Credit: @omgitschloeb
Olivia is one of the most thoughtfully sustainable restaurants in Denver. While not yet awarded a star, it’s already turning heads in the Denver Michelin star restaurants conversation. Chef Ty Leon crafts pasta dishes that are refined, restrained, and full of heart. Their use of house-fermented miso, upcycled produce, and local sourcing puts them at the frontier of eco-conscious dining.
What to Order:
- The spaghetti alla chitarra is plated simply but executed masterfully.
- Their duck confit agnolotti is rich and balanced by tangy garnishes.
- Try the house-made vinegars and pickles if you get the chance — they elevate every bite.
- Website: oliviadenver.com
➤ Barolo Grill (Michelin Recommended)
📍 Address: 3030 E 6th Ave, Denver, CO 80206
@suzustudios Had a wonderful evening with @Teri at Barolo Grill in Denver, CO ☺️ I highly recommend going for their tasting menu as you get to experience so many selections from their seasonal menu~! #barologrill #denver #colorado #restaurant #foodie #valentines #valentinesday #galentines #galentinesday #besties #bestfriends #datenight ♬ Ghibli-style nostalgic waltz – MaSssuguMusic
Credit: @suzustudios
Barolo Grill has long been a Denver institution, and it now holds a Michelin-recommended title — placing it firmly in the upper tier of future Denver Michelin star restaurants. Specializing in Northern Italian cuisine with a vast cellar of Piedmontese wines, this Cherry Creek gem is perfect for those who want polish without flash.
What to Order:
- The risotto of the season is always spot-on — creamy, al dente, and aromatic.
- Their handmade pastas, especially the agnolotti with truffle, are deeply comforting.
- The wine staff is brilliant — get a pairing recommendation.
- Website: barologrilldenver.com
❓ FAQ: Denver Michelin Star Restaurants
How many Michelin star restaurants are in Denver?
As of 2025, there are 5 Denver Michelin star restaurants, 9 Bib Gourmand honorees, and 2 Michelin-recommended restaurants, reflecting the city’s growing culinary prestige.
Q: What’s the difference between a Michelin star and Bib Gourmand?
Michelin stars are awarded for excellence in cuisine, technique, and consistency. Bib Gourmand spots offer exceptional food at more affordable price points. Both are part of the same Michelin system.
Are there any sustainable Michelin star restaurants in Denver?
Yes — Brutø and The Wolf’s Tailor both hold Denver Michelin star restaurants with a Green Star for sustainability, making them standout eco-conscious fine dining destinations.
Which Denver Michelin star restaurants are best for a tasting menu?
nu?
A: Beckon and Brutø are tasting-menu-only experiences. Both are immersive, high-end, and change seasonally.
Can you walk in to any Michelin star restaurants in Denver?
While many require reservations, some Bib Gourmand restaurants like The Ginger Pig and MAKfam offer walk-in seating.
Final Thoughts on Denver Michelin Star Restaurants
In just a few years, Denver has built a serious culinary identity. From experimental tasting menus to soulful Asian street food, the Denver Michelin star restaurants scene reflects a mix of creativity, sustainability, and global influence that’s rare in any American city.
Whether you’re hunting for a high-end omakase experience or want to crush the best pozole in the city, this list is the definitive guide to what’s worth your time (and your tab).
Still hungry?
- Check out our curated guide to the Michelin vs Bib Gourmand Restaurants
- Or dive deeper into Whats a Michelin star restaurant
- Craving more fine dining? Read our feature on the Hidden Fine Dining Spots in Denver
👤 About the Author
David Lanketh is a Denver-based restaurant critic and editor of Colorado Food Reviews. He visits and verifies every restaurant we list. No fluff, no filler — just honest culinary insight.
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