Best Restaurants in Boulder (2025)
Frasca Food and Wine
Fine dining restaurant · Whittier
Boulder’s benchmark for gracious, Friuli-inspired dining from Bobby Stuckey and Lachlan Mackinnon‑Patterson. Michelin-starred and honored by the James Beard Foundation, it’s where polished service meets Colorado ingredients. Featured by Michelin and celebrated in national press.
Blackbelly Market & Restaurant
American restaurant · Canterbury Acres
Chef Hosea Rosenberg’s whole‑animal butchery and Colorado sourcing earned a Michelin Green Star. The in‑house charcuterie and steaks reflect a true nose‑to‑tail ethos. Recognized by the Michelin Guide and praised by food media for sustainability and flavor.
Bramble & Hare
New American restaurant · Pearl Street Mall
Eric and Jill Skokan’s farmhouse bistro channels their nearby organic farm, earning a Michelin Green Star. The three‑course menu changes nightly and showcases Boulder’s terroir. Lauded by Michelin and highlighted by local critics for true farm‑to‑table integrity.
Basta
Italian restaurant · East Campus
Kelly Whitaker’s wood‑fire original turns out smoky, elegant plates and standout pizzas; inspectors awarded a Bib Gourmand. A pillar of Boulder’s artisan scene and often cited by national and local editors for value and craft.
Oak
New American restaurant · Downtown
A downtown staple from Steven Redzikowski and Bryan Dayton, Oak pairs wood‑fired cooking with a strong bar program. Recommended by the Michelin Guide and frequently featured by regional critics for seasonal Colorado comfort with finesse.
Corrida
Spanish restaurant · Central Boulder
A Spanish‑leaning steakhouse perched over downtown with Flatirons views. Known for tapas hour, dry‑aged beef, and Iberian wines. Praised by Eater and local magazines for its rooftop setting and lively, Iberia‑inspired menu.
Flagstaff House
Fine dining restaurant · Flatirons
A family‑run fine‑dining landmark since the 1970s, now led by Chris Royster and Adam Monette. Famous for a world‑class wine cellar and mountaintop setting. Consistently honored by Wine Spectator and Boulder Weekly; a quintessential celebration spot.
Gemini
Tapas restaurant · Pearl Street Mall
Contemporary Spanish cooking on Pearl Street with low‑intervention wines and all‑day energy. Applauded by Eater and local publications for thoughtful tapas and Basque accents. A polished, independent addition to Boulder’s Iberian wave.
Zoe Ma Ma
Chinese restaurant · Mapleton Hill
Edwin and Anna Zoe’s beloved counter‑service Chinese spot serves handmade dumplings, noodles, and rotating homestyle specials. Recognized by the Michelin Guide and lauded by local editors for soulful cooking at friendly prices.
The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse
Traditional teahouse · Central Boulder
A hand‑crafted Tajik teahouse gifted to Boulder, now a community dining room serving global dishes, brunch, and afternoon tea. Frequently cited by local media for cultural significance as much as for its broad, traveler‑friendly menu.
Little Tibet
Tibetan restaurant · Boulder
North Boulder’s go‑to for Tibetan staples like momos, thenthuk, and laphing alongside Indian favorites. Included in Eater’s Boulder guide and praised by locals for heartfelt cooking that reflects Boulder’s Himalayan community.