Michelin Guide Expands to All of Colorado, Opening Opportunities for Mountain Towns

Restaurants across the state can now vie for prestigious Michelin stars, boosting culinary tourism

Mar. 11, 2026 at 2:52am

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The Michelin Guide announced it will expand coverage to the entire state of Colorado for its upcoming 2026 selection, opening the door for restaurants far beyond a handful of cities and resort towns to earn Michelin stars. Previously, the guide only evaluated restaurants in places like Denver, Boulder, Aspen, and Vail. Now, the state is footing the bill, so all of Colorado has the chance for the recognition.

Why it matters

The expansion was made possible through a partnership with the Colorado Tourism Office, which hopes the recognition will draw more culinary tourism across the state. Chefs in mountain towns see the potential for Michelin recognition to reshape how people view their communities, potentially drawing visitors to the restaurants rather than just the natural attractions.

The details

Restaurants like The Carlin in Breckenridge and Soupcon in Crested Butte are excited about the opportunity, believing it could push mountain restaurants to raise their standards and bring global attention to eateries that have always deserved the honor. However, some say the ultimate goal is not just Michelin stars, but to provide an accessible, memorable dining experience for all customers.

  • The Michelin Guide first launched its Colorado edition in 2023, only evaluating restaurants in select cities and resort towns.
  • The expansion to the entire state of Colorado was announced in 2026 and will be included in the upcoming Michelin Guide selection.

The players

Jared Polis

The governor of Colorado, who said the Michelin Guide expansion will "shine a spotlight on more communities and strengthen the entire restaurant industry."

Sydney Nelson

The regional vice president of operations for Destination Hospitality, which runs The Carlin restaurant in Breckenridge.

Josiah Gordon

A chef who believes the possibility of Michelin recognition could push mountain restaurants to raise their standards.

John Leonardi

The chef and owner of Soupcon restaurant in Crested Butte, who works to elevate his historic mountain restaurant to something worthy of global recognition.

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What they’re saying

“I'm so excited that restaurants across our entire state now have the opportunity to gain recognition in the famed Michelin Guide.”

— Jared Polis, Governor of Colorado

“Even the thought of winning an accolade like that is a huge point of pride.”

— Sydney Nelson, Regional Vice President of Operations, Destination Hospitality

“Mountain town environments, 85 (percent) of your customers are first timers. Having places willing to put their foot down and say we're going to do excellence in everything we do really elevates the ball game.”

— Josiah Gordon, Chef

“For the first time ever, the draw is a restaurant, not ... skiing.”

— John Leonardi, Chef and Owner, Soupcon

What’s next

Michelin inspectors are already visiting restaurants around Colorado, and the next statewide guide (which could include restaurants from communities across the state) is expected to be announced later this year.

The takeaway

The Michelin Guide's expansion to the entire state of Colorado opens up new opportunities for mountain town restaurants to gain global recognition, potentially drawing more culinary tourism to these communities. While Michelin stars are not the ultimate goal for all, the chance for this prestigious honor could push restaurants to elevate their standards and reshape perceptions of what these mountain destinations have to offer.