3 Denver restaurants earn new Michelin stars

Driving the news: Michelin announced Monday it awarded coveted stars to three more Denver restaurants: Kizaki for its Japanese cuisine, Margot's contemporary food and Mezcaleria Alma for its Mexican menu.

• Meanwhile, Wolf's Tailor, also in Denver, earned its second star for its contemporary cuisine, becoming the first restaurant in the state to achieve this landmark.
• Three additional Denver restaurants were recognized as Michelin recommended: Alteño, Ukiyo and Wildflower.
• Cozobi Fonda Fina in Boulder was named a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its great food at a good price.

Zoom in: Other nods included Dustin Lawlor at Hop Alley for the Exceptional Cocktails Award; Nick Heilman at Bosq in Aspen for the Sommelier Award; Heather Morrison at Restaurant Olivia for the Outstanding Service Award; and Aiden Tibbetts at Wildflower for the Young Chef or Culinary Professional Award.

The big picture: Colorado now boasts nine Michelin-starred restaurants.

Between the lines: This is the third year the anonymous inspectors at the Michelin Guide have recognized Colorado eateries.

• Only those in Boulder, Aspen, Snowmass Village, Vail and Beaver Creek were eligible.
• State and local authorities paid incentives for Michelin to rate Colorado restaurants.