As a passionate orophile and expert in weaving together travel, culture, history, and food, I’ve explored countless mountain towns around the globe. While each has its unique charm, there’s a special place I find myself drawn back to time and again: Telluride, Colorado. Nestled in the majestic heart of the Rockies, this former mining camp, now a National Historic Landmark District, offers far more than just world-class skiing, biking, and hiking. It boasts an astonishingly diverse and sophisticated food scene that truly sets it apart. When you’re planning your high-altitude adventures or exploring the array of events in colorado, discovering the delightful Telluride Restaurants should be at the top of your list.
Telluride’s culinary landscape is centered around Colorado Avenue, a charming main artery refreshingly free of traffic lights. Here, independent establishments thrive, offering a remarkable array of cuisines from alpine bistros to authentic Mexican cantinas and exquisite sushi. Over the past decade, the town has blossomed into a premier dining destination, with talented chefs opening fresh concepts alongside beloved local institutions that continue to elevate their game. Whether you’re here for the iconic Bluegrass Festival, the renowned Film Festival, or the wonderfully eccentric Mushroom Festival, these telluride restaurants offer a taste of the local spirit and a perfect complement to the mountain experience.
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Telluride map with restaurants
221 South Oak
Located in a beautiful Victorian home, 221 South Oak is a New American bistro helmed by Eliza Gavin, a chef celebrated by Food Network and Top Chef fans alike. Her dishes are a delightful fusion, reflecting her culinary journey from France and New Orleans to Napa Valley. More than just a restaurant, the space also serves as a wine school and art gallery, making dining here a truly immersive cultural experience. Signature dishes like buttermilk fried quail with spicy honey or rack of lamb with creamy walnut yogurt showcase Gavin’s innovative approach, promising a memorable meal that highlights the sophistication of telluride restaurants.
Interior of 221 South Oak Restaurant
Brown Dog Pizza
For a taste of something truly unique in the Rockies, Brown Dog Pizza is the place to go. This local favorite is famous for its authentic rectangular Detroit-style pizza, featuring a crust that achieves the perfect balance of crispy edges and a wonderfully chewy interior. Popular with locals and visitors, it’s widely considered to make some of the best pies in Colorado. The must-try, especially for first-timers, is the award-winning Brooklyn Bridge pizza, loaded with secret-recipe red sauce, dollops of whipped ricotta, cup-and-char pepperoni, Italian sausage, and Pecorino Romano. It’s a hearty, satisfying choice among the diverse telluride restaurants.
The Butcher & The Baker
Stepping into The Butcher & The Baker feels like entering a sun-drenched, welcoming local living room. This bright and cheerful all-day café is a cornerstone of the community, known for its excellent coffee, baked goods made from scratch, and thoughtful menus. Owner Megan Ossola, a long-time Telluride resident, even brings produce from her nearby farm directly to the kitchen, emphasizing freshness and local connection. While breakfast and brunch are wildly popular (expect a line, but it moves fast!), the lunch and dinner menus offer elevated comfort food delights like fried green tomato burgers on house-baked brioche or flavorful bowls of beef pho. It’s a genuine taste of local life among the telluride restaurants.
Exterior view of The Butcher & The Baker Cafe
The Chophouse & Wine Bar at the New Sheridan Hotel
For a dining experience steeped in history, a visit to The Chophouse & Wine Bar inside the New Sheridan Hotel is essential. Originally built in 1891 and resurrected after a fire in 1895, the hotel itself is a historical landmark. The Chophouse off the lobby transports you back to the Old West with its traditional, yet extravagant, steakhouse menu. Think classic wedge salads and French onion soup alongside prime cuts butchered in-house and cooked to perfection on a custom 1800°F broiler. Whether you’re craving a hearty dinner or a leisurely brunch, dining here is a step back in time and a highlight of the telluride restaurants scene.
Counter Culture Kitchen & Catering
Located slightly outside the main town in Telluride’s Lawson Hill, Counter Culture Kitchen & Catering is a go-to spot for fresh, delicious food on the go. Perfect for fueling up before hitting the slopes or trails, their counter service offers a range of burgers, wraps, salads, and other easy-to-grab dishes. Founded by three long-time locals, their ethos is centered around freshness, sustainability, and supporting the local Uncompahgre Valley farmers and ranchers. It’s a fantastic option when you want quality food without a sit-down commitment among telluride restaurants.
Counter Culture Kitchen & Catering prepared food
Esperanza’s Mexican Restaurant
When a restaurant thrives purely by word-of-mouth and is always packed, you know it’s something special. Esperanza’s Mexican Restaurant, opened by Chef Esperanza Reyes in 2013 on the main drag, is just that kind of place. Without a website, its popularity is a testament to the quality of its food and atmosphere.
Diners flock to the downstairs dining room for housemade margaritas, fresh chips, and spicy salsas, followed by generous plates of classic cantina fare like oozing enchiladas and smothered burritos. With her mother often by her side in the kitchen, Esperanza has created a beloved gathering spot that exemplifies the warm, community-focused spirit found in many telluride restaurants. Exploring what to eat in colorado wouldn’t be complete without savoring the flavors of authentic local spots like this.
Kazahana
Filling a notable gap in the telluride restaurants scene, Kazahana is the latest venture from culinary power couple Josh and Melissa Klein, bringing exquisite sushi to the mountain town. The dining room offers a pleasingly minimalist aesthetic with smooth wood and natural stone, creating a serene atmosphere. However, the ultimate experience for sushi aficionados is booking a seat at the separate omakase bar for the chef’s choice 15-course tasting menu. With fish flown in daily, the freshness is unparalleled, offering impeccable tiers of tuna, salmon, and other ocean delights that might surprise you finding at high altitude.
La Marmotte
Housed in a charming 19th-century miner’s home, La Marmotte offers an intimate escape to France in the heart of Telluride. The exterior is straight out of a “Cabin Porn” fantasy, while the interior exudes classic French bistro elegance. The seasonal menus, crafted by rising star Maggie DeMarco, are diverse and appealing, but certain dishes stand out. The roasted bone marrow with tangy shallot marmalade, the vibrant beet salad with green apples and Gorgonzola, and the rich boeuf bourguignon are particular favorites that showcase the restaurant’s dedication to classic French techniques with a fresh perspective, solidifying its place among the noteworthy telluride restaurants.
The National
The National brings a touch of big-city ambiance to Telluride’s sophisticated dining scene. Anchored by a stunning glass-encased wall showcasing an impressive wine collection, this restaurant clearly prioritizes what’s in the glass as much as what’s on the plate. Their wine list features selections from renowned regions like Napa, Bordeaux, and Tuscany, alongside unique cult bottles for the discerning palate. While the elaborate seafood plateau is perfect for a special occasion splurge, the Mediterranean-influenced small plates like grilled halloumi and Spanish-style octopus are ideal for sharing. Don’t miss the warm rosemary focaccia with sweet ricotta and black truffle honey – it’s a must-order and exemplifies the innovative spirit found in the best telluride restaurants.
Interior with wine display at The National restaurant
Petite Maison
A charming French favorite tucked away in a cozy chalet, Petite Maison opened in 2020 and quickly became a highlight of telluride restaurants. The intimate space features steel beams, classic café chairs, and a massive mirror etched with the menu, creating a contemporary brasserie feel. Begin your meal with baked camembert or a plate of escargots before indulging in hearty French classics. After a day on the mountain, dishes like the traditional coq au vin made with local chicken or the refined boeuf Oscar with petite filet and lump crab are perfect rewards.
Dining area in Petite Maison restaurant
Wood Ear
Combining elements of comforting ramen with bold Texas barbecue, Wood Ear is a funky fusion hangout located in the basement of Telluride’s historic Roma Building. This building, dating back to the 1880s, has a rich history, having housed a saloon, general store, and meat market. Today, Wood Ear offers a unique dining experience where you can relax on a couch in the lounge and explore an impressive collection of spirits, including a wide selection of Japanese whiskeys.
Beyond their deeply satisfying ramen bowls, like the Mushroom Fest version, don’t miss fan favorites such as grilled brisket nigiri, wasabi Caesar salad, or buttermilk fried chicken fried rice – unexpected yet delicious combinations that make Wood Ear a true gem among telluride restaurants.
Telluride’s culinary scene is as captivating and varied as its mountainous terrain. From historic steakhouses and intimate French bistros to innovative fusion spots and beloved local cafes, the telluride restaurants offer a journey for the taste buds that perfectly complements the adventure and history of this remarkable town. Dining here is more than just eating; it’s an integral part of experiencing the vibrant culture and spirit of Telluride.