THE WEST
Where to Eat in Boulder: A Definitive Guide to The 15 Best Restaurants
Frasca
By Maria Rodriguez | May 3, 2025
Boulder is a town where the granola is house-made, the kombucha is on tap, and the dining scene is as eclectic as its residents.
I once found myself in a heated debate over the best fermentation process for kimchi at a local café—only in Boulder. This city doesn't just embrace culinary diversity; it celebrates it with a fervor that's both endearing and, at times, overwhelming.
But amidst the quinoa bowls and artisan toast, there are restaurants that stand out—not because they're trendy, but because they're genuinely exceptional.
After the team from The Adventurist scoured the city and found a long list of true gems, we narrowed it down to this, the 15 best restaurants in Denver right now.
1. Frasca Food and Wine
1738 Pearl St | Website | Instagram
Nestled on Pearl Street, Frasca Food and Wine is the kind of place where the staff's knowledge of Friulian wines might make you question your own life choices. Co-founded by master sommelier Bobby Stuckey and chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson, this Michelin-starred spot offers a dining experience that's both refined and unpretentious. Their attention to detail is evident in every dish, and it's no surprise they've been recognized with multiple James Beard Awards.
>>>Read our full Frasca Food and Wine review>>>
2. Blackbelly
1606 Conestoga St | Website | Instagram
In East Boulder, Blackbelly is where chef Hosea Rosenberg, a "Top Chef" winner, proves that reality TV fame can translate into real culinary prowess. This restaurant and butcher shop emphasizes whole-animal butchery and locally sourced ingredients, resulting in dishes that are both hearty and sophisticated. Their commitment to sustainability and quality earned them a spot in the Michelin Guide, and their head butcher, Kelly Kawachi, received the Michelin Guide Young Professional Award.
>>>Read our full Blackbelly review>>>
3. Bramble & Hare
1964 13th St | Website | Instagram
Downtown's Bramble & Hare feels like dining in a rustic farmhouse, if that farmhouse had a penchant for inventive cocktails and a menu that changes daily. Their commitment to farm-to-table dining is more than a buzzword; it's a philosophy that's evident in every bite. Their inclusion in the Michelin Guide is a testament to their dedication to quality and innovation.
>>>Read our full Bramble & Hare review>>>
4. Corrida
1023 Walnut St | Website | Instagram
Spanish-inspired Corrida boasts rooftop views and cuts as good as any steakhouse. The gin and tonics are comically large, the service is slick, and the vibe is upscale without being suffocating. If you’ve got a date you’re trying to impress but still want to eat a ribeye, this is your spot.
5. Cozobi Fonda Fina
909 Walnut St | Website | Instagram
If you’ve been craving real Mexican food that doesn’t come with a Colorado twist or a side of chipotle aioli, go see what Johnny Curiel is doing here. His camote asado is a master class in smoky, earthy sweetness, and the rest of the menu doesn’t flinch either. Boulder is serious about Latin food—and Cozobi’s leading the charge.
6. Basta
3601 Arapahoe Ave | Website | Instagram
Basta means “enough,” but I’ve never had enough of their wood-fired pizzas or chewy sourdough bread. It’s in a weird spot, behind a condo building, and you might miss it if you’re not looking. But it’s worth the hunt—this is where people who live here actually go when they want carbs that matter.
7. The Kitchen American Bistro
1039 Pearl St | Website | Instagram
Now a mini-chain, The Kitchen was founded in 2004 right here in Boulder by Hugo Matheson and Kimbal Musk. Chef Michael Bertozzi’s dishes are unpretentious and beautifully executed, and somehow the space still feels local despite its venture-capital aura. If you’re looking for a safe bet for dinner with your friend who still doesn’t know what “natural wine” is, this is it.
8. Aloy Thai
2720 Canyon Blvd | Website | Instagram
There are a lot of Thai restaurants in Boulder where the pad thai tastes like it was made by someone who’s never been yelled at by a Bangkok auntie. Aloy is not one of them. The sisters behind this place—Bo and Arisa Beckman—actually grew up in Thailand, and it shows. The khao soi has backbone, their green curry doesn’t hold back, and the tom kha could probably clear your sinuses and fix your relationship. With four locations now, Aloy is casual, fast, and somehow still better than most white-tablecloth spots in town.
10. Oak at Fourteenth
1400 Pearl St | Website | Instagram
Oak at Fourteenth on Pearl Street is where wood-fired cooking meets contemporary American cuisine. Chef Steve Redzikowski crafts dishes that are both comforting and inventive, making this spot a favorite among locals. The warm ambiance and commitment to seasonal ingredients make it a must-visit.
11. Zoe Ma Ma
919 Pearl St | Website | Instagram
The name is cute, but the food is deadly serious. Edwin Zoe built a tiny noodle joint in honor of his mom’s Chinese street food and then moved it into a larger Pearl Street location in 2024. And I’m glad he did, because now I can eat Taiwanese beef noodle soup on a Tuesday in downtown Boulder. His work here earned him a James Beard semifinalist nod, which is no surprise to anyone who’s had the pork bao and immediately ordered two more.
12. Stella’s Cucina
1123 Walnut St | Website | Instagram
Boulder didn’t need a glammy, moody Italian restaurant with chandeliers and a DJ booth. And yet here we are, and Stella’s somehow pulls it off. The pastas are dialed in, the crudos are icy and bright, and the drinks are better than they need to be. Come for the rigatoni alla vodka, stay for the vaguely clubby energy that makes you forget you’re in Boulder.
13. River and Woods
2328 Pearl St | Website | Instagram
It’s cozy, it’s kind of hippie, and it’s shockingly good. Chef Daniel Asher cooks like he’s trying to win you over with every plate, which he probably is. The elk burger is a sleeper hit, the cocktails are thoughtful, and the back patio is where I’ve had some of the most satisfying dinners in town without spending $200.
14. Flagstaff House
1138 Flagstaff Rd | Website | Instagram
You come here for the view—perched up on a hill like a Bond villain’s lair—and then realize the food is better than it needs to be. Chris Royster is turning out tasting menus that surprise you in quiet ways, with things like duck confit and lobster bisque that aren’t trendy but are undeniably great.
15. Pollo Tico at Avanti
1401 Pearl St | Instagram
I came for the rotisserie chicken, stayed for the chayote slaw. Byron Gomez, another Top Chef alum, cooks with a Costa Rican sensibility that’s honest and refreshing. It’s a food stall inside a food hall, which sounds like a setup for disappointment, but this place hits harder than most full-service restaurants.
With a day job that requires constant travel, Maria Rodriguez is likely a frequenter of a restaurant near you, wherever you are. A seasoned restaurant reviewer, Maria has a knack for finding the best pastry in a new city, a talent that makes her popular among her coworkers.
