There’s no doubt that Denver is known for its rich culinary culture. In fact, it serves as the home to some of the most renowned chefs in the entire world. Despite so much culinary depth, many people overlook the fine dining community that’s so vibrant in Denver. Many of these establishments are still relatively young; yet, they showcase the bright future of Denver and the diverse culinary options. Not only is Denver part of the Michelin Star Guide, but several restaurants within Denver have coveted Michelin Stars. These achievements are huge marks of culinary success in the restaurant industry, and such achievements are highly selective.
Denver Welcomes the Michelin Star Guide to Its Bustling Food Scene
As the Denver Post recently reported, Colorado has become the sixth state in the United States to receive a spot as a featured region in the Michelin Star Guide.
The Michelin Star Guide uses anonymous inspectors to judge the culinary culture of certain areas. And because Colorado was evaluated to have impressive culinary offerings, it was added as one of the selective destinations in the Michelin Guide. This achievement gives validity to Denver’s culinary scene and makes Denver’s culinary dominance more widely appreciated.
Background on Michelin Star
Michelin Stars are one of the most coveted achievements that a chef can get for their restaurant. Anonymous inspectors evaluate restaurants based on ingredient quality, flavor harmony, the personality of the chef in the cuisine, consistency between visits, as well as mastery of cooking techniques.
Restaurants can receive up to three Michelin Stars, however, even just one star presents a major achievement. Although there is no limit to how many of them restaurants can have, inspectors are selective when giving stars and will only give them to establishments that meet high standards.
When you choose a Michelin Star restaurant, you are choosing a place that is among the best in the world where you will get a unique and rewarding fine dining experience. The good news is that Denver has several high-class dining locations you can choose from that appeal to a range of tastes.
Top Michelin Star Restaurants in Denver
According to the Michelin Star Guide, there are several restaurants that you can choose from when you are in Denver. Each has unique flavor profiles and atmospheres, so booking dinners at several of them can be a culturally-enriching experience that allows you to see the diversity and beauty of Denver.
Mizuna
Mizuna embraces French techniques and uses seasonal ingredients to match the menu to the produce that’s freshest. Chilled Prawn, Duo of Duck, and Red Snapper are some examples of some of this restaurant’s most beloved dishes.
Sushi Den
If you’re looking for a Japanese restaurant with some of the best sushi in the world, Sushi Den is the ideal Denver location. Each day, this restaurant flies seafood from southern Japan to provide the best, most authentic meal possible. This restaurant offers vegetarian and gluten-free options for those with special dietary needs.
Guard and Grace
Guard and Grace is another spot in the Michelin Star Guide that is perfect for anyone who loves a perfectly cooked steak. Steakhouse meets luxury, this restaurant is a beloved part of the business district of Downtown Denver. Some well-known dishes from this restaurant include Alaskan Black Cod, Chipotle Lime Smashed Potatoes, and Vietnamese Steak Salad.
Rioja
Rioja has a worldly environment that inspires and welcomes globetrotters. Chef Jennifer Jasinski became the first woman from Denver to receive the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef Southwest. She works with Beth Gruitch to create a restaurant that offers dishes like Artichoke Tortellini or Roasted Pork Belly. This restaurant also specializes in pairing Portuguese and Spanish wines.
Beckon
Beckon is another restaurant in the Michelin Star Guide with a seasonal menu. This restaurant allows you to sit at the chef’s table and watch your pre-paid meal be served. This restaurant run by Allison Anderson and Duncan Holmes, feels very exclusive, creating an intimate experience for guests.
Sahara
Sahara has an open and warm feel and serves Moroccan and Lebanese-influenced cuisine. This family-owned operation feels plenty welcoming, and Chef Jihad has a menu with favorites such as The Sahara, Falafel Platter, Lamb Shank, and Vegetable Couscous.
Vinca
For those looking for luxury Italian Dining, Vinca is the perfect choice for a sophisticated meal and decadent menu. Some of the favorites on the menu are Fettucine Bolognese, Crème Brulé, and Norwegian Salmon. This restaurant is also known for its wine, beer, and spirits.
Work and Class
Work and Class is another restaurant in the Michelin Star Guide that blends Mexican cuisine with a heartland-Americana twist. Chef Dana Rodriguez and Tony Maciag run this restaurant that features highlights including Green Chile Pork Carnitas and Baked Lamb Meatballs.
Palace Arms
As one of the grandest restaurants in Denver, Palace Arms is inspired by Napoleon, and they have antiques and artifacts that meet the theme, including dueling pistols that are said to have been owned by Napoleon Bonaparte himself. Dining doesn’t get much more regal than at this fine dining spot.
Fruition
Fruition is led by Chef Alex Seidel who has focused on mastering New American cuisine. The restaurant is small but packs in a lot of elegance. With a dynamic menu, there’s always something new to try at this restaurant no matter how many times you visit. Some of their well-known dishes include Wild King Salmon and Shrimp & Grits.
For More Recommendations, Dyllan Nguyen Can Help
There’s so much that Denver has to offer from fine dining restaurants included in the Michelin Star Guide to breathtaking natural wonders. For more insight into the Mile High City, you can reach out to Dyllan Nguyen, Denver’s lifestyle expert, who loves to share some of the most popular areas of Denver as well as some of the hidden gems that locals and visitors alike too often overlook.
There’s so much to do in Denver! So why not book a reservation, plan a date night, and be inspired by the sensual delights inherent in Mile High City?