In recent years, Telluride has started appearing on ‘best of’ lists for food lovers in top tier publications. The business of food, it seems, has become big in our tiny mountain town. In 2015, SKI Magazine Readers Survey ranked Telluride’s food experience at #5. Fodor’s also included Telluride in its survey of 10 Best Ski Towns for Foodies, ranking Telluride at #8. Brown Dog Pizza was included in Larry Olmstead’s list of “15 Most Memorable Restaurant Meals of 2013” for Forbes.com. For such a small town, we are really lucky to have the choice of so many excellent restaurants, for both casual and fine dining. The local food scene in Telluride has exploded in recent years, with regional, organic food becoming a staple on almost every restaurant’s menu.
Here at Telluride Rentals, we are seasoned food lovers, no pun intended! We are all firm foodies, and we love to share our experiences with our guests.
Here are our top picks of the 5 Best Fine Dining Experiences In Telluride, Colorado.
1. La Marmotte
Tucked in an unassuming rustic wood building on the south side of Telluride town is La Marmotte. Stepping in the door of La Marmotte, you instantly feel like you have been swept away to an authentic French mountain hut. Executive Chef Mark Reggiannini’s serves contemporary French fare while maintaining a prevailing food philosophy of simplicity. Chef Reggiannini works closely with local organic farmers and ranchers and combines their ingredients with classical French techniques to create his cuisine. Menu highlights include appetizers such as the beef tartare with parmesan cheese, caper berries and lemon, salt and vinegar chips. Or for entree, try their signature Coq au Vin with red wine braised chicken, bacon mashed potatoes, melted red cabbage and pearl onions. For desert, they are famous for their Warm Molten Chocolate Cake with espresso ice cream. Match your meal with a selection from their extensive wine list. La Marmotte is best enjoyed on a sunny summer’s afternoon, sitting on the patio and enjoying the local band. Or on a cold winter’s night, head in early for happy hour from 5-6pm for half price appetizers and the $15 bar special.
La Marmotte
150 W San Juan Ave.
Telluride, CO 81435
(970) 728-6232
2. 221 South Oak
Charming 221 South Oak sits on South Oak Street in Telluride town, and has become a staple for locals and visitors alike. Owned by local Chef Eliza Gavin (of Top Chef fame), 221 South Oak serves modern American cuisine. With training in Creole, French and Asian cuisine, Eliza ultimately focuses on fresh, local ingredients to bring a varied, seasonal menu to her diners. This is a great choice for vegetarian diners, as their is a separate menu for vege lovers!! But meat eaters fear not, their regular menu features extensive options for carnivores, all sourced from local and ethical sources. We love the Wednesday night happy hour special they have at the bar – “Mussels and Martinis”! If mussels and martinis aren’t your thing, you can also substitute cornmeal crusted calamari or spicy gumbo with a glass of house wine.But get in early as they do sell out. They also do a truly tasty brunch on Sundays, best enjoyed during the summer months, siting out on the terrace with a mimosa in hand. 221 South Oak is ranked as the #4 Telluride restaurant on TripAdvisor.
221 South Oak
221 S Oak St
Telluride, CO 81435
(970) 728-9507
3. New Sheridan Chop House
A Telluride institution, the New Sheridan Chop House is the first stop for fine dining enthusiasts when they come to Telluride. Set in a historic building on Colorado Avenue, the ‘Chop House’ as it is locally known, is a classic steak house serving western aged beef and bison. While their menu focuses heavily on red meat options, additional menu items include chicken, fish and vegetarian choices. Beautifully remodeled in a modern, but classic western style, diners can savor a meal over white tablecloths and polished silverware. The extensive wine list features both US, European and South American wines that will perfectly compliment any menu item. If formal dining is not your style, you can still enjoy their equally delicious, affordable Steak and Wine Special at the Parlor Bar nest door. The special is available every night in the Parlor and at the Chop House Bar. The steak is prime Coulotte Sirloin 10 oz. from the menu. On the menu this steak is $26 so this “bar special” is a great deal with the steak and the glass of wine for just $21. The wine is Pinot Noir which we pour specifically for the “special”. During the summer, sit outside and enjoy your meal while soaking up the local scene. They also do a delicious brunch daily from 8am – 2pm. For dinner reservations, be sure to reserve in advance!
Chop House Restaurant
233 W Colorado Ave
Telluride, CO 81435
(970) 728-9100
4. Alpino Vino
Perched at 11,966 feet elevation within the Telluride Ski Resort, and only open during the ski season, Alpino Vino is not easily accessible for everyone! However, being the highest fine dining restaurant in North America, and offering an unmatched level of charm and authenticity, we feel like it deserves a mention on our list. Reflecting the character of a quaint European hütte, Alpino Vino can be enjoyed as a ski in/ski out lunch spot, or at night, travel via an enclosed Snow-Coach to enjoy a five-course Italian themed menu with an optional wine pairing. Reclaimed wine barrels were used to create hand hewn furniture including the beams, flooring and tables. With a high alpine ambience reminiscent of restaurants found throughout the Dolomites of Northern Italy, Alpino Vino offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. Kick off your ski boots and warm your toes by the wood burning fireplace. Order a glass of wine and share a antipasto plate of artisan cheeses, bread and fine cured meats. Alpino Vino was originally a private retreat built on a historic mining claim, and today stands as a cornerstone of Telluride’s award-winning restaurants. Guests must be a minimum 21 years of age to attend the nighttime experience. Advance bookings are recommended! Phone: 970-728-7560.
Alpine Vino
Telluride Ski Resort
12100 Camel’s Garden Road
Telluride, Colorado.
(970) 728-7560
5. The Cosmopolitan
An ironic moniker for a restaurant set in a town that is not exactly as the name suggests, the ‘Cosmo’ is a shining beacon of culinary delights in our tiny mountain town. 5280 (The Denver Magazine) writes, “To find one of the best meals in Colorado, you’ll need to drive to Telluride—and it’s totally worth it. Just across the street from the gondola sits Cosmopolitan Telluride, chef-owner Chad Scothorn’s homage to fusion and (whenever possible) locally sourced ingredients.” Famous for it’s happy hour “Sushi & Cosmo” special, where you can enjoy half price sushi rolls and calamari and $5 cosmos, the fine dining menu extends well beyond seafood to include items such as the Norwood Indian Ridge Farms Crispy Boneless Half Chicken and the All Natural Grilled Colorado Beef Hanger Steak. Wine lovers will delight – the Cosmopolitan Restaurant has received the Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for nine consecutive years! OpenTable.com also awarded the restaurant a Diner’s Choice Winner in 2010. The Cosmo currently is ranks the #2 restaurant in Telluride by TripAdvisor, as well as being awarded a Certificate Of Excellence by the online publication.
Cosmopolitan Restaurant
300 W San Juan Avenue
Telluride CO 81435
(970) 728-1292