5 Star Restaurants and Experiences: Fine Dining in Telluride
Eat Like Royalty at These Fine Dining Restaurants in Telluride
Telluride, Colorado might be a secluded little town surrounded on all sides by mountain peaks, but that doesn’t mean there’s a lack of delicious high-end cuisine to enjoy while you’re visiting. In fact, it might surprise you to learn just how many talented chefs are sprinkled throughout the mountains of Southern Colorado, and they all come together to provide high-end dining experiences to those visiting Telluride.
Join us as we explore some of the best fine dining restaurants in Telluride, Colorado.
Enjoy Some Local Game at The Chop House Restaurant
The beating heart of Telluride is in its food, and nowhere is that more obvious than at The Chop House Restaurant, located inside of the landmark Sheridan Hotel. From the moment you step into this restaurant, you’ll know you’ve reached the pinnacle of superior cuisine in town. Not only is the high-end decor inviting and warm and the drinks delicious and always made with care, but the cutting-edge dishes truly make the experience a special one.
While you’re at The Chop House, you would be remiss not to try the beef and game dishes that they offer. Every steak is butchered in-house and grilled to order on a custom broiler that gets up to a toasty 1800 degrees, ensuring that only the freshest and best-quality steaks make it to your plate. Be sure to try out the Dry Aged Bison Ribeye or the Colorado Rack of Lamb for a delicious dinner you won’t soon forget. Their other entrees are nothing short of incredible as well, with dishes like Pan Roasted Chicken and Seared Scallops to choose from.
Delight in Upscale Italian Cuisine at Rustico Ristorante
Italian cuisine might seem simple from the outside, but if you’re looking for a complex Italian fine dining experience that will make your taste buds go wild, pay a visit to Rustico Ristorante, located on the east end of Colorado Avenue. While their wine list is impressive and pairs perfectly with any of their dishes, the real star of the show is the authentic Italian menu, full of classic meals that will wow you with their subtle flavor and genuine ingredients.
For starters, you can’t go wrong with an order of the Bruschetta Toscana or the Carpaccio Di Manzo, an appetizer composed of thinly-sliced Angus beef served with capers, lemon, and Grana Padano cheese. Once you move onto the entrees, check out the Ravioli Di Ricotta Rosa, a popular ravioli dish served in a delicate pink sauce, or the Alle Verdure E Gamberi, a risotto dish that features grilled shrimp and seasonal vegetables.
Try Some French Haute Cuisine at Petite Maison
French cuisine is perfect to enjoy on a cold winter’s night, and nowhere will you find a better French fine dining experience in Telluride than at Petite Maison, located off of West Pacific Avenue. The name is French for “little house”, and while this high-end spot might be small, its food selection is mighty.
While you’re dining, start your meal off with one of their popular hors d'oeuvres, such as the Steak Tartare or the Foie Gras Mousse, for the full French experience. Any of their entrees are a great choice, but reviews mention that the Steak au Poivre is especially delicious. For dessert, the Creme Brulee is to-die-for, served with vanilla custard, Amarena cherries, and a sugar tuile.
Head to Mountain Village for a Night of Dining at Altezza at the Peaks
Mountain views and delicious high-end cuisine combine at Altezza at the Peaks, located in Mountain Village. Ride the free gondola up to this gorgeous restaurant for brunch before hitting the slopes or stop by for an apres-ski drink and dinner after a full day of riding the trails–either way, you can’t go wrong. Not only does the dining room offer grand vistas of the mountains and incredible sunset views, but its well-decorated interior is warm and inviting to just about anyone, from seasoned ski bum to corporate professionals.
If you happen to pop in for a quick brunch, don’t miss out on the Farmer’s Scramble, a delicious combination of eggs, arugula, peppers, mushrooms, onions, and Pepper Jack cheese. For those stopping by during the dinner service, reviewers mention that the Elk Tenderloin entree is especially delicious, as well as the Wild Alaskan Halibut. If you’ve saved some room for dessert, you’ll fall in love with the Bananas Foster Salted Caramel, which features a vanilla salted caramel lava cake and bruleed bananas all drenched in a sticky caramel sauce.
Find Out More Things to Do in Telluride
Eating your way through Telluride’s fine dining scene is a great way to immerse yourself in the full mountain experience. From the French favorites available at Petite Maison to the classic American game at The Chop House at the New Sheridan, there are so many ways to reward your taste buds after a long day spent skiing, boarding, or just exploring the shops and boutiques in the area.
Want to find out about more places to eat while you’re in Telluride? Take a look at our guide to breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the area. Or, if you’re looking for more adventures, check out our list of the best hiking trails in Telluride.