The Michelin Guide, produced by Michelin, based in Clermont-Ferrand, France, released on Sept. 17 its first statewide designations for Colorado, including debut inclusions for one 1 Star restaurant, three Bib Gourmand restaurants, and 11 Recommended restaurants. Eight of the 15 entrants are located outside Denver, with Aurora, Boulder, Breckenridge, Colorado Springs, and Telluride all represented.
In addition to the new recommendations, the Michelin Guide announced four special awards. Joseph Freyre, general manager of The Penrose Room at the prominent Colorado Springs meetings hotel The Broadmoor, received the Michelin Outstanding Service Award, and the Michelin Guide also added The Penrose Room as a Recommended restaurant.
“The first statewide Colorado selection reflects the remarkable evolution of the state’s culinary landscape from its humble beginnings in 2023,” says Gwendal Pullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide, in a prepared statement. “From established culinary hubs to emerging dining destinations, the talent, creativity, and diversity found throughout Colorado continue to impress our inspectors. The evolving culinary scene has become a destination in and of itself, offering travelers compelling reasons to explore the state through its restaurants. Congratulations to this year’s chefs and restaurant teams for their continued hard work and passion.”
Timothy Wolfe, director of the Colorado Tourism Office, adds, “We are proud to see Colorado’s culinary scene continue to gain prestigious recognition through the Michelin Guide. This year’s statewide expansion of the guide provides an opportunity to showcase the exceptional talent of restaurateurs across Colorado, strengthening culinary tourism and giving travelers more reasons to explore communities across the state and experience the flavors that make Colorado unique.”
New Recognitions
1 Star: Milpero, Denver
Bib Gourmand: Annette, Aurora; Pig and Tiger, Denver; Rougarou, Denver
Recommended: Casa Juani, Boulder; Dân Dã, Aurora; Dear Emilia, Denver; Florence Supper Club, Denver; Four by Brother Luck, Colorado Springs; Heretík, Denver; Madeline, Denver; Radicato, Breckenridge; Rootstalk, Breckenridge; The National, Telluride; The Penrose Room, Colorado Springs
Special Awards
Michelin Exceptional Cocktails Award: Kyle McNerney, Four by Brother Luck, Colorado Springs
Michelin Outstanding Service Award: Joseph Freyre, The Penrose Room, Colorado Springs
Michelin Sommelier Award: Theo Adley and Jenessa Reiman, Heretík, Denver
Michelin Young Chef/Culinary Professional Award: Cameron Baker, Radicato, Denver
