After making big news last year with its first ever restaurant awards in the Colorado, the Michelin Guide has announced a new 2024 Michelin Star restaurant in Denver. The prestigious culinary awards also recognized a new Bib Gourmand restaurant, added to its list of Recommended Restaurants in Denver and gave out several special awards.
“The latest Michelin Guide for Colorado reflects the dynamic evolution of our state’s culinary landscape,” said Timothy Wolfe, director of the Colorado Tourism Office, in a press release. The Colorado Tourism Office spearheaded efforts and provided part of the funding required to add some Colorado cities to the annual Michelin Guide. The Springs was not included in the cities reviewed, but you can find our list of 30 Best Restaurants in Colorado Springs here.
“Each recognition in the guide speaks to the innovation, passion and dedication of our chefs and restaurateurs,” Wolfe said. “Congratulations to all the distinguished establishments and culinary professionals who continue to elevate Colorado as a top dining and hospitality destination.”
So who won Michelin Awards in Colorado in 2024?
Here’s the list. To find all the inaugural Michelin Award winners, read All the Michelin Star Restaurants in Colorado.
New One-Michelin-Star Restaurant in Denver
Restaurants may receive one to three Michelin Stars for the quality of their food based on five criteria: quality of the ingredients, mastery of flavor and cooking techniques, the chef’s personality in the cuisine, harmony of flavors, and consistency between visits. One star signifies “High quality cooking. Worth a stop!” Two stars signify “Excellent cooking. Worth a detour!” Three stars signify “Exceptional cuisine. Worth a journey!”
Alma Fonda Fina
Denver, Lower Highlands; Mexican cuisine
Chef Johnny Curiel began his culinary journey in his family’s restaurant in Guadalajara, Mexico. Now he combines those family dishes and flavors with creativity and superior technique. The menu is filled with treasures. Perfectly crisped pork belly carnitas make for a brilliant taco on a sourdough flour tortilla. Agave-roasted sweet potato with nutty salsa matcha and luxuriously creamy whipped requesón is a revelation. Vibrant seafood crudos, such as thinly sliced Maine diver scallop with tomatillo and apple aguachile, are downright electric. No desserts are offered for the time being, so there’s no reason to leave any extra room.
New Bib Gourmand Restaurant in Denver
The Michelin Bib Gourmand designation recognizes restaurants for great food at a great value.
MAKfam
Denver, Baker neighborhood; Chinese cuisine
MAKfam began as a pop-up in New York City and evolved into a stall in a Denver food hall — now it’s a full-service restaurant celebrating the Chinese American roots of owners Doris Yuen and Kenneth Wan. Fried crab and cheese wontons and hand-shaped chicken and chive potstickers are inspired by Chinatown favorites and takeout staples, made with particular care and big flavor. Chicken wings with a spicy, tingly málà seasoning are a favorite dish. Larger entrees are impressive too, including the familiar-yet-inventive corned beef fried rice or spicy garlic butter rice cakes.
New Michelin Recommended Restaurants
Michelin Recommended restaurants are judged by the same five criteria used for Michelin Star and Bib Gourmand restaurants, and they are recognized as establishments serving good food. This year’s Michelin Guide introduces two new recommended restaurants in Denver.
Brasserie Brixton
Denver, Cole Neighborhood Historic District; French cuisine
Brasserie Brixton describes itself as “an unpretentious and fun French restaurant with a focus on natural wines and fresh ingredients.” The menu ranges from paté to a burger.
Kawa Ni
Denver, LoHi; Japanese cuisine
Chef Bill Taibe has created a “non-traditional and playful take on a Japanese izakaya,” and the concept is inspired by his travels through Japan. There is some sushi, but the changing menus lean heavily on dumplings, noodle bowls, rice bowls and more.
2024 Michelin Special Awards in Colorado
The 2024 Michelin Guide also announced four Special Awards recognizing outstanding individuals for their unique contributions:
Michelin Exceptional Cocktails Award
Jessenia Sanabria, Sweet Basil, Vail
Michelin Sommelier Award
Chris Dunaway, Element 47, Aspen
Michelin Outstanding Service Award
Allison Anderson, Beckon, Denver
Michelin Young Chef / Culinary Professional Award
Johnny Curiel, Alma Fonda Fina
You can explore more of the Michelin Star restaurants across the U.S. and around the world at guide.michelin.com.
