Some decisions are truly hard to make. We decided to design a list of our top restaurant picks in Boulder, where our office is located, but it wasn’t easy. From lavish white tablecloth culinary experiences to hidden gems that only us locals know about, so here is a comprehensive selection of places to enjoy some wonderful food and drink. Let’s check out 15 Essential Boulder Restaurants!
1. Frasca
Inspired by the farming cuisine tradition of Northeast Italy, Frasca offers multi-course tasting menus that blend historic flavor profiles with innovative techniques. Their Monday Night Wine Dinner is a must for those who are eager to discover new wineries from around the world.
2. Flagstaff
A refined dining experience with a view. At 6,000 ft., Flagstaff’s menu is -pun intended- peak New American Cuisine: Wellfleet oysters, scallops with potatoes and bacon, lobster soup, Hudson Valley foie gras, for instance, and the list goes on and on.
3. OAK at Fourteenth
Mixologist Bryan Danton and chef Steven Redzikowsk offer a hip, informal take on New American Cuisine, so their menu lists burgers, shrimp and grits, ramen, liver pate, and other unexpected picks. What is their flavor profile? From sriracha and miso to grilled serrano and tabasco.
4. Black Cat
From to table – at the local bistro. Chef Eric Skokan’s 425 acre, Certified Organic vegetable farm located just outside Boulder supplies the bounty of Black Cat. Seasonality, above all, is what this restaurant is about and their wine menu includes more than a thousand bottles.
5. The MED
The Mediterranean region is a great part of the world to draw culinary inspiration from and The MED does it beautifully. Consequently, Morocco, Spain, Italy, Greece, and the Middle East are all present in this restaurant’s menu. Our top pick is their amazing Happy Hour: their tapas and cocktails are the perfect pairing.
6. Brasserie 1010
Bringing that relaxed brasserie flare to Colorado, this cozy cafe has a vibrant patio, perfect for summer lunches. Certainly their cuisine offers a wide array of classic French dishes: Croque Madame, Steak Frites, and Brique Poulet, for instance.
7. Mateo
Boulder native Matthew Jansen opened this restaurant in 2001. Inspired by the Provence Region, Mateo focuses on seasonal products, homemade charcuterie, and delicious wines from both France and Italy. A neighborhood restaurant with a French state of mind.
8. Santo
Northern New Mexico’s cuisine has a distinct identity and Chef Hosea Rosenberg pays tribute to it at Santo. Think spicy chiles, real, authentic tacos, blue cornmeal, wood-oven pork spareribs, mole, and more. Vibrant regional dishes and ancient techniques meet Colorado produce and meats at Santo’s kitchen.
9. Bitter Bar
It’s always time for a delicious cocktail at Bitter Bar, our favorite local lounge for after-work drinks. This place is all about classic cocktails made to perfection. Negronis, margaritas, or just a simple whiskey on the rocks. If it’s done right, it’s all we need.
10. Shine
Shine is a restaurant with purpose: founded by triplet sisters, the food is sourced from local, organic farms, and prepared holistically to nourish both spirit and body. An insider tip? Try their potions, herbal tonics that feed the soul.
11. Cucina Dagabi
Cucina Dagabi is famous for its traditional take – on tapas. Some of its iconic Spanish staples include chicken croquetas, fried calamari, fried padrón peppers, Spanish tortilla, clams, and much more. Founded in 1991, this restaurant is a Northern Boulder classic.
12. China Gourmet
Chinese food lover? China Gourmet is certainly one of Boulder’s most authentic Chinese restaurants. Enjoy some classics, like shrimp fried rice, chicken egg foo young, Mongolian pork, Szechwan beef, and much, much more.
13. Flower Pepper
Another local authentic Chinese staple, Flower Pepper specializes in home cooking from Szechuan, Taiwan, and Beijing. From wonton noodle soup to stewed pork belly over rice, Flower Pepper is Chinese cuisine at its tastiest.
14. Pizzeria Locale
This upscale pizza place offers a whole experience: if you sit at the bar, you can watch the experts in the kitchen make the pizzas. Seeing them throw the Neapolitan dough can be truly mesmerizing.
15. Spruce Farm & Fish
Finally, our last essential Boulder restaurant! Seasonal, fresh and regional. Spruce serves inspired food, at any time of day. From steamy pastries to crispy calamari, or a refreshing Old Fashioned… Spruce’s menu offers options for any occasion.
What was your favorite choice from our 15 Essential Boulder Restaurants? We have way more Boulder tips up our sleeves. Therefore, if you’re planning your next holiday in this Colorado gem, contact us. We would love to help you turn your dreams into a reality.