Three Denver restaurants that opened less than a year ago are the latest to win prized one-star designations from the Michelin Guide, the company announced Monday.
One Denver restaurant, The Wolf’s Tailor, 4058 Tejon St., was awarded two stars by Michelin. It’s the first such rating for a Colorado restaurant since the guide’s inspectors arrived in the state in 2023.
Of its many designations, the Michelin Guide’s most recognizable is its star-rating system: One star is its mark of a great restaurant; three stars means it’s an unforgettable experience.
The three restaurants to receive a star in this year’s edition of the guide are Mezcaleria Alma, Kizaki and Margot.
Mezcaleria Alma is a Mexico City-inspired restaurant from chef Johnny Curiel that opened in November next to his first, Alma Fonda Fina, at 2550 15th St. Alma Fonda Fina retained the Michelin star it received last year.
“Evoking the vibrant creativity of Mexico City’s restaurant scene, the succinct menu is sprinkled with international flavors,” the guide’s entry read. (Mezcaleria Alma was named one of the 50 best places to eat in the U.S. by The New York Times this month.)
Kizaki is the latest concept from Sushi Den chef and co-founder Toshi Kizaki. Margot is the permanent home of a fine-dining pop-up conceived by chef Justin Fulton. Both are located in Denchu, a building on 1551 S. Pearl St. designed by Kizaki and serving as his part-time quarters. Both opened this year.
At Kizaki, the chef quietly reigns over a 20-plus course, even sending customers home with a signed copy of the night’s menu.
“In a culmination of his long career, [Kizaki] now raises the stakes with this luxurious counter, bringing a new echelon of omakase to the Mile High City,” Michelin’s anonymous inspectors wrote.
Margot, which is located in the front of the building, specializes in shared dishes.
“Offered as a contemporary multicourse tasting that follows the seasons, [Fulton’s] signature cuisine is both global and distinctly Coloradan, taking inspiration from local ingredients while weaving together wide-ranging influences,” the Michelin Guide entry read.
Curiel’s growth in Colorado continued to be recognized by the Michelin Guide. His newest restaurant, Alteño, 249 Clayton St., earned a recommendation, while Cozobi Fonda Fina, in Boulder, earned a Bib Gourmand nod for its quality and value.
Denver restaurants Ukiyo and Wildflower were included on the recommended list for the first time, while it appears that Wyld, in Vail, has fallen off the list. Two recommended restaurants, Fruition and Noissette, closed this year, while a third, Q House, just announced its pending closure.
The Wolf’s Tailor received a star in the inaugural edition of the Michelin Guide.
“Offering a seamless dining experience as intriguing as its name, this comfortable haven blends together creativity, attention to detail, and charm,” the guide wrote this year, giving it a two-star designation.
Here is the complete 2025 list of recommended restaurants.
A5 Steakhouse 1600 15th St., Denver
Alteño 249 Clayton St., Denver
Barolo Grill 3030 E. 6th Ave., Denver
Blackbelly Market 1606 Conestoga St., Boulder
Boulder Dushanbe Tea House 1770 13th St., Boulder
Bramble & Hare 1964 13th St., Boulder
Brasserie Brixton 3701 N. Williams St., Denver
Dio Mio 3264 Larimer St., Denver
Element 47 675 E. Durant Ave, Aspen
Guard and Grace 1801 California St., Denver
Hey Kiddo 4337 Tennyson St., Denver
Kawa Ni 1900 W. 32nd Ave., Denver
Marco’s Coal Fired 2129 Larimer St., Denver
Mawa’s Kitchen 305 Aspen Airport Business Center, Ste. F, Aspen
Mercantile Dining and Provision 1701 Wynkoop St., Denver
Mirabelle 55 Village Rd., Beaver Creek
Oak at Fourteenth 1400 Pearl St., Boulder
Olivia 290 S. Downing St., Denver
Osaki’s 100 E. Meadow Dr., Vail
Prospect 330 E. Main St., Aspen
Q House 3421 E. Colfax Ave., Denver
Safta 3330 Brighton Blvd., Denver
Santo 1265 Alpine Ave., Boulder
Smok 3330 Brighton Blvd. #202, Denver
Splendido at the Chateau 17 Chateau Lane, Beaver Creek
Stella’s Cucina 1123 Walnut St., Boulder
Sweet Basil 193 Gore Creek Dr., Vail
Temaki Den 3350 Brighton Blvd., Denver
Ukiyo (new) 1317 14th St., Ste. 0, Denver
Wildflower (new) 3638 Navajo St., Denver
Zoe Ma Ma 919 Pearl St., Boulder
This story is being updated. Check back for more updates.