Your Guide to Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner in Telluride
A Day’s Worth Of Eating Your Way Through Telluride
Eating your way through Telluride should be at the top of your bucket list. While most people travel to this beautiful mountain town to ski, snowboard, or enjoy one of the numerous summer festivals, the food scene is not one to miss while you’re enjoying the endless activities that Telluride offers to visitors.
Today, we’ll be exploring the foodie side of Telluride with a guide to the best breakfast, lunch, and dinner spots in town. No matter what time of day your stomach begins to rumble, there is the perfect restaurant for your cravings.
Best Breakfast Restaurants in Telluride
The Butcher and the Baker
Local cuisine can be hard to come by in Telluride, but not at The Butcher and the Baker. Owned by longtime resident Megan Ossola, this ever-popular breakfast establishment offers a variety of handmade breads and tasty pastries along with delicious sandwiches and breakfast plates that are made from locally-sourced ingredients. If you’re looking for healthy options, The Butcher and the Baker is full of them, from the Zucchini and Kale Breakfast Sandwich to the Summer Omelette.
The Coffee Cowboy
Not feeling too peckish but still want a tasty coffee from a local brewer? Check out The Coffee Cowboy, located in a converted horse trailer on San Juan Avenue. This local favorite has been around since 1993, and though changed hands in 2020, it still retains the same charm it did during those early days. Take a look at their specialty drink offerings, such as the Annie Oakley or the delightful Butch Cassidy, for a delicious morning beverage.
Casual Lunch Eateries in Telluride
Cornerhouse Grille
There’s nothing more classic Telluride than a restaurant set inside of a historic home, and The Cornerhouse Grille retains a charming aesthetic that has been all but lost in many local eateries nowadays. For those looking for a casual and affordable lunch, there’s no better place.
You can’t go wrong ordering one of their numerous slider options, such as the Buffalo Chicken Sliders or the unique Lobster Salad Sliders. Reviewers also rave about their wings and fries as well. Enjoy a sunny afternoon on their deck overlooking the gorgeous San Juan Mountains or eat your meal inside, surrounded by cozy decor.
Floradora Saloon
On the hunt for some comfort food while you’re in Telluride? Look no further than the Floradora Saloon, located on Colorado Avenue in the heart of town. This long-running eatery was first established in 1973, and for the last 50 years it has become a favorite for both locals and tourists alike.
The menu features tons of creative dishes for just about everyone, including a handful of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options for those with different dietary needs. Be sure to check out their Colorado Short Rib Poutine appetizer for a delicious spin on a popular Canadian dish and take a look at their Coconut Curry Mussels for a tasty entree.
Get Fancy at These Telluride Fine-Dining Spots
La Marmotte
If you’re looking for a classic fine-dining experience to match up with the elegance you’ll find in Telluride’s epic landscapes and ski slopes, look no further than La Marmotte. Located just a few moment’s walk from the gorgeous San Miguel River on San Juan Avenue, this refined French restaurant is known for its upscale cuisine and one of the best wine selections in town.
Telluride is a popular locale for couples, and La Marmotte provides the perfect setting for one of the most romantic dinners in town. Dine on delicious appetizers like the Idaho Wagyu Steak Tartare and sip on white wine from Alsace before moving onto the scrumptious main courses, such as the Duck a L’Orange or the Idaho Trout Grenobloise.
Cosmopolitan Restaurant
Old world cooking and new world techniques combine at the elegant Cosmopolitan Restaurant, located just steps from the Telluride Gondola. Chef Chad Scothorn opened up this upscale eatery back in 1996, and for the last 27 years, Cosmopolitan has shown Telluride residents and visitors alike the power of creative and compelling cuisine. On a chilly winter evening, there’s nothing quite like cozying up into one of their booths and dining on fare that will blow your mind.
For an appetizer the whole table will enjoy, order the Crispy Shrimp and Calamari, which is served with crispy lemons and limes as well as a sweet and spicy sauce. Once you start on your entree of the Seared House Smoked Duck Breast, your taste buds will thank you. And for dessert, be sure to look into the Creme Brulee for a top-notch finish to your fine-dining experience.
221 South Oak
Searching for a modern fine-dining establishment to enjoy during your next trip to Telluride? Check out 221 South Oak, whose address is the same as its iconic name and whose incredible team is led by Top Chef Season 10 contestant Eliza Gavin.
This New American spot is known for its incredible locally-inspired cuisine, and the most popular dishes on the menu are familiar Colorado favorites, such as the Rocky Mountain Trout and the Lamb T Bone. Not only is the food delicious, but every plate is also a work of art, crafted by an experienced chef who knows how to turn each dish into an unforgettable experience.
There’s No Better Activity than Eating Your Way Through Telluride
Telluride may be a small mountain town, but the food scene is much larger than its miniature size might suggest. Whether you’re on the hunt for a tasty breakfast eatery to start your day off right or you’re looking for an upscale establishment for a romantic meal, you won’t be disappointed with the options available to you while you’re in the area.