Last year, Colorado made waves with its first Michelin Guide edition, featuring 44 restaurants and five earning the prestigious Michelin star. Now, in 2024, all those stars have been renewed, with a new addition to the list.

The Michelin star system recognizes culinary excellence through a rigorous evaluation process, focusing on quality ingredients, the harmony of flavors, technique, the chef’s voice, and consistency. Earning a Michelin star puts a restaurant on the international stage. This year, Alma Fonda Fina in Lower Highlands, Denver, joined the exclusive list, bringing the total number of Michelin-starred restaurants in Colorado to six. Helmed by Chef Johnny Curiel, who also won Michelin’s Young Chef Award, Alma stands out for its inventive yet authentic Mexican cuisine, offering a fresh take on high-end dining.

Returning one-star restaurants include Denver’s Beckon, Brutø, and The Wolf’s Tailor, along with Bosq in Aspen and Frasca Food and Wine in Boulder. No new Michelin Green Stars, which honor sustainable practices, were awarded this year, with Blackbelly Market, Bramble & Hare, Brutø, and The Wolf’s Tailor retaining theirs from 2023. MAKfam in Denver’s Baker neighborhood earned its first Bib Gourmand status, which recognizes high-quality cuisine at a good value.

However, Michelin’s geographic boundaries leave some culinary heavy hitters out of the running. Aurora’s Annette, run by James Beard Award-winning Chef Caroline Glover, and Breckenridge’s Rootstalk, helmed by Chef Matt Vawter, are two examples of renowned restaurants not eligible for a star, as they are not in Michelin-included areas. As the guide grows, diners and chefs alike hope to see more regions considered in future editions.

Sources: Westword, Denver Post