The Michelin Guide announced today that it will be assessing and selecting restaurants across Colorado for the 2026 edition. Previously, only Colorado restaurants located in Denver, Boulder, Aspen and Snowmass Village, the Town of Vail and Beaver Creek Resort were eligible for consideration.
The expansion will, “inspire culinary travelers to discover destinations across every corner of Colorado,” said Timothy Wolfe, Colorado Tourism Office director in a press release.
The Michelin Guide initially expanded into Colorado in 2023. Currently, there are 50 Michelin-recognized restaurants in the state including one two-star restaurant, eight one-star restaurants and four green-star restaurants.
Anonymous inspectors are currently surveying Colorado restaurants for possible inclusion in the guide. Inspectors evaluate restaurants for quality, flavor, cooking techniques, the reflection of the chef’s personality in the cuisine and consistency. Each restaurant is inspected several times a year.
The full 2026 restaurant selection will be revealed later this year.
The Michelin Guide is a globally recognized influence in the culinary world, listing a curated selection of world-class restaurants. First published in France at the turn of the century, it began covering North America in 2005.
The Guide awards its one, two and three Michelin Stars to establishments serving exceptional cuisine. It also recognizes restaurants with the Bib Gourmand for providing good quality food at a good value, the Michelin Green Star for being pioneers in sustainable gastronomy and recognizes outstanding professionals with special awards.
“I’m so excited that restaurants across our entire state now have the opportunity to gain recognition in the famed Michelin Guide! This is great for our culinary scene and our small businesses. Across Colorado, our diverse and delicious local restaurants strengthen local communities, encourage tasty entrepreneurship, and create important jobs. Michelin Guide’s expansion to cover the entire state will shine a spotlight on more communities and strengthen the entire restaurant industry,” said Governor Jared Polis.
“Michelin Guide’s presence in Colorado has already elevated Colorado’s reputation for culinary excellence. Today’s announcement will further boost our restaurant industry, our tourism industry and the neighborhoods and communities across the state that benefit from strong local food scenes,” said OEDIT Executive Director Eve Lieberman.