The only Colorado food lovers who haven’t seen MICHELIN Guide‘s third annual award announcement have probably been living under a tire. On September 15, we had the good fortune of attending this year’s award ceremony and hearing what the community’s true titans had to say about yet another year of triumph for the state’s dining community.
Win or lose, the gathering was a reminder of the scene’s unity and a heartwarming display of people’s sincere understanding that a rising tide lifts all boats.
“You are the connectors from around the state, but also from around the world,” said Director of the Colorado Tourism Office Tim Wolfe during the opening remarks. “These MICHELIN honors confirm what we’ve already known, Colorado’s culinary excellence is undeniable.”
Colorado Service Award Winner Heather Morrison of Restaurant Olivia. Photo Courtesy of Restaurant Olivia Two-Star winner The Wolf’s Tailor. Photo courtesy of The Wolf’s Tailor Two-Star winner The Wolf’s Tailor. Photo by Jeff Fierberg One-Star Winner Kizaki. Photo by Casey Wilson One-Star winner BRUTO. Photo by Jeff Fierberg One-Star winner Bosq Aspen. Photo courtesy of Karl Wolfgang Bosq Aspen Sommelier Award Winner Nick Heileman. Photo Courtesy of Bosq Aspen Mezcaleria Alma. Photo by Shawn Campbell One-Star winner Margot. Photo courtesy of Jeff Fierberg
“There’s so much tp unveil. It’s an honor for me to still hold ground and maintain the MICHELIN. It’s also good to be recognized for our sustainable practices,” said BRUTO chef Byron Gomez, who retained both last year’s star alongside the Green Star for sustainability. “The new additions testify to the quality of the dining. It is an up-and-coming city. This is coming from someone who comes from New York, which is one of the meccas.”
Mezcaleria Alma‘s Chef de Cuisine Jordan Tehrani was elated, seeing that his restaurant, another lauded member of the group behind Alma Fonda Fina, was one of 2025’s three new one-star winners. “To us, it’s the same deal we had at Alma. I wasn’t expecting it. People just come in and they leave smiling,” he said. “It speaks to the love,” he added, noting that different from a lot of the other awardees, Mezcaleria won without the presence of a tasting menu.
Chef Reggie Dotson, executive chef at Ash’Kara, was excited that the restaurant maintained its Bib Gourmand for its third year running. “Consistency is all we try to strive for. I’m happy to continue to see us thrive,” he said. “Three years is a pretty big accomplishment. This year is a little different. To be able to maintain the consistency when the market is inconsistent is a huge accomplishment and that goes for everyone,” echoed The Culinary Creative Group Founder and CEO Juan Padro.
“It’s an honor. It’s something the team has been looking forward to and a vision of the next chapter,” said Bao Brewhouse and Ukiyo founder Michael Swift. “Chef Paul Sananikone and I are excited to have a seat at the table. It’s going to inspire us to reach the ultimate goal,” he continued. Ukiyo was added to the Recommended Restaurant list this year.
As the scene grows, so does the talent pool. Denver diners know it. But a little acknowledgment never hurts either.