Michelin Guide Expands Colorado Coverage to Statewide in 2026

Michelin Guide Expands Colorado Selection Statewide for 2026

The MICHELIN Guide announced today, February 11, 2026, that its restaurant selection in Colorado will expand to cover the entire state in the upcoming 2026 edition. Previously, the Guide’s geographic focus within Colorado included Denver, Boulder, Aspen, Snowmass Village, Vail, and Beaver Creek Resort.

“Since the inaugural selection was announced in 2023, the culinary scene in Colorado has continued to evolve and prove itself worthy of being spotlighted on an international stage,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide. “Last year, we awarded the first Two MICHELIN Starred restaurant in Colorado, and we look forward to continuing to discover and promote dining establishments across the state, going beyond the main urban areas.”

The expansion signifies growing recognition of Colorado’s diverse and evolving culinary landscape. Inspectors from the MICHELIN Guide are already actively scouting restaurants throughout the state, making reservations and evaluating establishments anonymously. The full 2026 restaurant selection will be revealed later this year.

Colorado tourism officials welcomed the news. “We are incredibly proud of Colorado’s culinary scene and the role the restaurant industry plays in supporting strong tourism across the state,” said Timothy Wolfe, Colorado Tourism Office Director. “The MICHELIN Guide’s expansion will help inspire culinary travelers to discover destinations across every corner of Colorado.”

The MICHELIN Guide’s selection process remains independent and is determined solely by anonymous Inspectors. The Guide collaborates with destination marketing organizations on marketing and promotional activities, but the core evaluation process remains separate.

The Guide utilizes five universal criteria in its evaluations: quality products, harmony of flavors, mastery of cooking techniques, the chef’s unique voice and personality as expressed through the cuisine, and consistency in both service and menu offerings. Each restaurant is inspected multiple times annually to ensure ongoing adherence to these standards.

Originally published in France at the turn of the 20th century, the MICHELIN Guide began as a way to encourage motorists to travel and, increase demand for tires. The Guide’s Inspectors continue to employ the same rigorous criteria established in its early days, now applied to culinary destinations worldwide.

In recent years, the MICHELIN Guide has expanded its offerings beyond restaurant ratings. In 2024, it introduced the MICHELIN Key, a designation recognizing accommodations that provide exceptional hospitality, character, and service. The MICHELIN Grape, launched in 2025, highlights outstanding wine estates and producers, recognizing both the quality of their products and the individuals behind them.

The MICHELIN Guide’s presence in North America began in 2005 with New York City. Since then, it has expanded to include Chicago (2011), Washington, D.C. (2017), California (2007, statewide in 2019), Florida (2022, statewide in 2026), Toronto (2022), Vancouver (2022), Colorado (2023), Atlanta (2023), Mexico (2024), Texas (2024), Québec (2024), the American South (2025), Boston (2025), Philadelphia (2025), and the Southwest (2026).

The Colorado Tourism Office, a division of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade, aims to inspire responsible and respectful exploration of Colorado. According to the CTO, travelers spent $28.5 billion in Colorado in 2024, generating $1.9 billion in local and state revenues and supporting 188,510 jobs across the state.

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works to foster a thriving business environment in Colorado, supporting economic growth and job creation through various programs and resources.