While its nearby city of Denver cooks up quite the impressive culinary scene, Boulder isn’t far behind with its remarkable lineup of noteworthy restaurants and chefs that greet this college town. Known to be religiously healthy and obsessed with organic ingredients, Boulder does not shy away from its focus on clean, farm-to-table eating habits.
This shows in its collection of top restaurants. From high-end steakhouses to vegan markets, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite restaurants in Boulder, listed from A to Z. At a mere 30 minutes northwest of Denver if the traffic is right, you can be dining in Boulder’s beautiful bubble of a city this evening and be back before bedtime, from across the metropolitan area.
Here are among the top restaurants in Boulder, CO, in alphabetical order:
Basta
Run solely by a wood-fired oven, Basta churns out delicious pizzas, seafood, and meats with an Italian flair unlike any other. Meaning enough in Italian, Basta’s selective menu is quick and to the point with a handful of pizza options, a few dinner plates, a petit raw bar, and piada bread freshly made in their bakehouse – Dry Storage.
3601 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80303 | 303-997-8775 | bastaboulder.com
Blackbelly Market
A whole animal, artisanal butcher shop, Blackbelly Market has made a name for itself as not only one of the best restaurants in Boulder but also in Colorado. Partnering with its sister butcher shop next door, Blackbelly Market cooks up meat-centered dishes with only the finest cuts of meat, using the entire animal.
The market features the butcher shop, plus a decent collection of house-made and local provisions. Breakfast and lunch menus are available at the butcher shop, next to the main restaurant.
1606 Conestoga St #3, Boulder, CO 80301 | 303-247-1000 | blackbelly.com
Black Cat
When you think farm-to-table restaurant, Black Cat is the true definition of what that means. With a strong commitment to sustainability and farm-to-table offerings, Black Cat uses its own certified organic vegetable farm to supply food for the restaurant.
The 425-acre farm is located just outside of Boulder and produces organic vegetables and grains in addition to raising and breeding livestock. To enjoy a bit of everything, order up the Chef’s tasting menu, where you will be surprised with the day’s presentation from their farm, chefs, and sommeliers for a unique culinary experience.
1964 13th St, Boulder, CO 80302 | 303-444-5500 | blackcatboulder.com
Chez Thuy
A fine dining Vietnamese restaurant, Chez Thuy combines the culinary traditions of Chinese, French, Thai, and Indonesian with their own special twist to create one-of-a-kind dishes. This casual eatery has been serving up classic bites of spring rolls, stir-fries, and curries since 1993. Anything this long-standing deserves a try!
2655 28th St, Boulder, CO 80301 | 303-442-1700 | chezthuy.com
Corrida
Combined with its rooftop patio, mountain views, and delightful food, Corrida raises the bar as one of the best culinary experiences in Boulder. While it might seem that the views are the highlight of this presentation, the steak-only menu leaves meat lovers in a state of bliss.
From their American Wagyu/Angus cross bone-in brandy aged ribeye to the American Wagyu Bavette, there is something for everyone’s tastes and wallets.
1023 Walnut St #400, Boulder, CO 80302 | 303-444-1333 | corridaboulder.com
Dushanbe Teahouse
Probably one of the city’s most prized possessions, the Dushanbe Teahouse is a colorful and beautiful landmark and restaurant that symbolizes not only good international relationships but excellent food as well. Shipped from Tajikistan, a sister city to Boulder, the teahouse was assembled in Colorado and stands now as a stunning representation of Central Asia teahouses.
Enjoy Middle Eastern-style foods at brunch and lunch. Afternoon tea-time is by reservation only but is a true treat in this ornate teahouse that not only satisfies and delights but transports to another world.
1770 13th St, Boulder, CO 80302 | 303-442-4993 | boulderteahouse.com
Flagstaff House Restaurant
An elegant American eatery, the Flagstaff House Restaurant not only serves up excellent food but also offers one of the best views in town. Originally built as a summer cabin in 1929, the Flagstaff House Restaurant is now one of Boulder’s most popular restaurants.
The dinner menu includes several appetizer options, a selective list of three-course meals, and the premier Chef’s Tasting menu. Enjoy everything from world-class steaks to fresh seafood with an extensive dessert menu. Add to your dining experience with a glass or bottle of wine from their carefully selected wine list.
1138 Flagstaff Rd, Boulder, CO 80302 | 303-442-4640 | flagstaffhouse.com
Frasca Food & Wine
Listed as a James Beard outstanding restaurant in 2020, Frasca Food & Wine is no stranger to awards and accolades for its food and dining experience. Winning awards for not only its Northern Italian Friulano cuisine but also for its exceptional hospitality, Frasca Food & Wine isn’t just one of the best restaurants in Boulder but also one of the best in the country.
Offering seasonal tasting menus, vintage Amari and liqueurs, a curated wine program, and a four-course meal option, guests will be taken on a delectable journey.
1738 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302 | 303-442-6966 | frascafoodandwine.com
Fresh Thymes Eatery
For the real deal in organic foods, check out Fresh Thymes Eatery. Where they say, “Welcome to Fresh Thymes, where whole foods are an obsession, gluten-free is a given, and everyone with taste buds has a reason to put on their party pants.” Now, who would argue with that?
Enjoy fresh seasonal salads, burgers, grilled pizzas, and specialty dishes like their dragon tacos. Not dining in? Get your food to go or check out their marketplace where guests can take home everything from freshly baked bread to slow-cooked bone broth.
2500 30th St STE 101, Boulder, CO 80301 | 303-955-7988 | freshthymes.com
Izakaya Amu
A smaller location, Izakaya Amu is known for its big flavors and high-quality sushi. Trying to emulate the kind of dining atmosphere you would experience in Japan, Izakaya Amu sticks to tradition by asking patrons to remove their shoes before sitting at the counter, or in the back-tea rooms.
1221 Spruce St, Boulder, CO 80302 | 303-440-0807 | izakayaamu.com
Oak at Fourteenth
Oak at Fourteenth sticks to its namesake with oak wood-fired dishes like their oak-grilled hanger steak, oak roasted chicken, and smoked cheddar hush puppies. And of course, what meal is complete without a delicious cocktail or glass of wine, choose either one from their libations menu.
1400 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302 | 303-444-3622 | oakatfourteenth.com
River and Woods
Feel right at home at the cozy cottage that is the setting for one of Boulder’s best restaurants, River and Woods. With a family-focused menu, featured recipes are given by local community members.
Focusing on Colorado cuisine, patrons will expect to find foods like pan-seared Rocky Mountain trout, rock river bison double cheeseburger, and oysters Hickenlooper. And just like the food, the atmosphere is modern and whimsical steeped in tradition.
2328 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302 | 303-993-6301 | riverandwoodsboulder.com
SALT
Priding themselves on long-standing friendships with local farmers, ranchers, and purveyors, SALT cooks up fresh foods that’s sure to please your appetite and your diet. Combining healthy ingredients with delicious flavors and sustainable products, the menu includes wood-fired winter flatbread and burgers, plus homemade pasta and seafood.
With an inviting atmosphere and a prideful sense of hospitality, meals here promote conversation and connection. So, pull up a seat, order a cocktail or glass of wine from their wine list, and enjoy an evening at SALT the Bistro.
1047 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302 | 303-444-7258 | saltboulder.com
Santo
Inspired by the foods in his New Mexican hometown Taos, chef Hosea Rosenberg brings the flavors and spices of home to Boulder. The menu perfectly blends the classic cuisines, regional spices, and chiles of Northern New Mexico with a Colorado method of sourcing meats and produce.
The all-day diner serves up favorites like red chile posole, smashed green chile cheeseburger, breakfast burritos, and blueberry blue corn muffins.
1265 Alpine Ave, Boulder, CO 80304 | 303-442-6100 | santoboulder.com
The Kitchen American Bistro Boulder
Leading the way in Boulder’s farm-to-table scene, The Kitchen creates crave-worthy food that is approachable and not pretentious. Providing sustainable and locally sourced meals, they use American-farmed ingredients they know and trust, translating into food their guests know and trust. With a swanky upstairs cocktail lounge and extensive wine list, come prepared to indulge.
Cap off your night at the swanky upstairs cocktail lounge with crafty cocktails and an extensive wine list.
1039 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302 | 303-544-5973 | thekitchenbistros.com…
Zoe Ma Ma
Inspired by his mother’s love for cooking, Edwin Zoe opened Zoe Ma Ma in 2010 to share her signature dishes with the Boulder community. Patrons will find Chinese street food options all within a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. Serving Dim Sum, noodle bowls, Sichuan braised beef noodles, and dan dan mian, the home-cooked flavor of this restaurant is incomparable.
2010 10th St, Boulder, CO 80302 | 303-545-6262 | zoemama.com
With a diverse range of options for a date night in Boulder, or simply a good meal with good people, these restaurants will definitely provide a night to remember. Close to some of the city’s best hotels, if you’re just visiting the area, consider exploring the nearby hiking trails, heading to a winery, or stopping by a coffee shop for a momentary pause.
Stay Overnight at these 3 Private Hot Springs
