Michelin Guide expands to cover all of Colorado
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Annette at Stanley Marketplace in Aurora. Photo: Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post
The prestigous Michelin Guide to restaurants will expand to cover all of Colorado starting this year, the company announced Wednesday.
Why it matters: The expansion means restaurants outside Denver and luxury mountain towns — including Aurora's eclectic dining scene — are eligible for consideration in the annual guidebook.
State of play: Before this year, only restaurants in Aspen, Boulder, Beaver Creek, Denver, Snowmass Village and Vail were eligible for recognition.
- Colorado and local tourism boards pay incentives to lure Michelin inspectors to their cities. In thefirst
- For the three previous years, the state gave $135,000 in incentives to Michelin, a state economic development official told Axios. For 2026, the tourism office committed $100,000 to support marketing and promotional activities.
What they're saying: "Michelin Guide's presence in Colorado has already elevated Colorado's reputation for culinary excellence," Eve Lieberman, the executive director of the state's economic development office, said in a statement.
- "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," she added.
Between the lines: The guide's geographical limitations drew some criticism when it first launched in 2023, including by James Beard-winning chef Caroline Glover, who operates two celebrated establishments in Aurora.
- Josh Niernberg's Bin 707 Foodbar in Grand Junction and Luis Young's Penrose Room in Colorado Springs are other notable restaurants that may draw Michelin Guide attention.
By the numbers: Colorado is currently home to nine Michelin-starred restaurants and its first two-star restaurant, The Wolf's Tailor in Denver.
- Another 10 restaurants are in the guide as budget-friendly recommendations.
What's next: Michelin Guide's anonymous inspectors are already in the field scouting this year's selection, per a statement from the company.
Go deeper: What the Michelin Guide means for Colorado's dining scene