Colorado’s food scene has absolutely exploded as of late, with some of the best restaurants in the entire country being within the Centennial State. 

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Take, for example, Rootstalk out in Breckenridge. Not only is it considered to be the best restaurant in Colorado according to Yelp, but it also has a chef who himself is a James Beard Foundation Award winner.

If you’re looking to treat yourself to some of the best steak not only in the state, but in the entire country, you need to check out Guard and Grace in Denver. Sure, it’s pretty pricey, but you’re absolutely getting your money’s worth.

It’s restaurants like these that have contributed to Colorado’s reputation as a foodie hub. In fact, some publications have crowded Denver as the foodie capital of the country

In a newer ranking, while Denver certainly ranks highly in quality, it also seems to be a bit hard on the wallet as well.

Denver Ranks as One of the Most Expensive Cities for Foodies

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The good people over at WalletHub decided to create a list that looks to find not only the best city for foodies in general, but which ones also are the most friendly for the wallet.

In terms of the city’s diversity, accessibility, and quality of food, Denver ranks extremely highly. In fact, the city comes in on WalletHub’s list as the 13th best in this facet.

However, something that definitely hurts a bit is how expensive food in the Mile High City is.

When it comes to the affordability rank, it ranks all the way down at 121st. While it’s not absolute rock bottom, it’s still well behind what you want to see.

However, Denver’s overall ranking is still absolutely fantastic, coming in at 9th with a total score of 64.08.

What is the Most and Least Expensive City for Foodies?

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 When it comes to the least affordable city for foodies, that dishonor actually goes to Oakland, California, which finished at the bottom of the 182 city sample.

However, its great diversity, accessibility, and quality rank of 15th gave it an overall ranking of 30th.

On the other end, the most affordable city for foodies is Salem, Oregon. However, since its diversity, accessibility, and quality rank is lower at 89th, it finishes 71st in the overall rankings.

If you haven’t noticed a pattern yet, the cost of the food will usually take a back seat to the food itself. That’s why Miami, who ranks 145th in affordability, is able to still easily top the list.

However, it would appear the city that has the best balance for price and quality is Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With an awesome affordability rank of 12th and a diversity, accessibility, and quality ranking of 22nd, it’s easily the most well-rounded foodie city.

A Guide to Colorado’s Michelin Award-winning Restaurants

The Michelin Guide debuted in Colorado in 2023, with five restaurants earning one Michelin star and four noted at Green Star restaurants.

Nine also earned Michelin’s Bib Gourmand distinction, recognizing these restaurants' great food and value.

In total, the inaugural guide identified 44 standout restaurants.

For 2024, Michelin added a one-star restaurant, a Bib Gourmand and two new recommended restaurants: Brasserie Brixton in Denver and Kawa Ni, also in Denver. 

Michelin-starred restaurants earn up to three stars from anonymous inspectors who assess product quality, mastery of cooking techniques, harmony of flavors, the personality of the chef as reflected in the cuisine, and consistency over time and across the entire menu.

Below, find Michelin award-winning restaurants from across Colorado and excerpted comments from Michelin inspectors. The Michelin Guide App contains full comments, maps, images, reservations when available and more features.

Gallery Credit: Christine Kapperman

Most Underrated Breakfast Restaurant In Colorado. Amazing Food.

It's a classic, and as soon as I tell you the name of it, you'll know exactly where to find it. Because people are so quick to judge based on the name alone, I'll save that until the end, but if you're a fan like me, you'll recognize this food right away...

Gallery Credit: Big Rob TSM