Telluride may be small, but it's packed with culinary gems perfect for foodies. Here's a curated list of must-visit spots, with a blend of upscale dining, local favorites, and creative kitchens handpicked by the Exceptional Stays team that reflect Telluride’s rustic-meets-refined spirit:
Telluride Favorites
221 South Oak
Why it’s special: Housed in a charming historic home, this cozy spot offers elevated, seasonal cuisine from Top Chef alum Eliza Gavin. Known for its creative vegetarian options and local ingredients.
Food pick: Try their Cucumber Salad with Dukkah and Tumeric Yogurt. You'll be asking for the recipe!
Drink to try: Order the Sage & Huckleberry Gin Fizz; floral, herbaceous, and perfectly balanced.
Walk-in or Reserve: Reservations are required
The National
Why it’s special: A design-forward space with a globally inspired, ever-changing menu. Think downtown Manhattan energy meets Telluride charm.
Food pick: Octopus a la Plancha with fennel and romesco.
Drink to try: A crisp and classic Vesper Martini.
Walk-in or Reserve: Reservations are recommended
There Bar
Why it’s special: A tiny, playful spot bursting with bold flavors and inventive cocktails. Expect fun twists on global street food in a lively atmosphere. Enjoy their spiced up popcorn when you sit down to start your meal or drink.
Food pick: Duck Confit Tacos with pickled onion and aioli.
Drink to try: The unforgettable Smoked Coconut Margarita.
Walk-in or Reserve: Reservations are encouraged, but you can always try your luck at the bar.
The Chop House at the New Sheridan Hotel
Why it’s special: This timeless steakhouse brings Western elegance with a serious wine list. Located in Telluride’s most historic hotel.
Food pick: Buffalo Ribeye, served dry-aged and deeply flavorful.
Drink to try: Word on the street is where the infamous Flatliner originated. If you ask the bartender, they'll say they have the best one in town.
Walk-in or Reserve: Reservations are highly recommended, especially for large parties.
La Marmotte
Why it’s special: Classic French dining in a historic ice house with intimate alpine charm. Cozy in winter, romantic in summer.
Food pick: Duck à l’Orange or Twice-Baked Cheese Soufflé.
Drink to try: try their Burgundy Pinot Noir, expertly paired from their refined list.
Walk-in or Reserve: Reservations are basically an essential for dining at La Marmotte.
Rustico Ristorante
Why it’s special: A hearty Italian eatery with a wine list that reads like a novel. The rustic interior and lively patio feel like a Tuscan escape.
Food pick: Tagliatelle al Tartufo with black truffle cream sauce.
Drink to try: A bold Barolo or the house-made Limoncello.
Walk-in or Reserve: Advanced reservations are recommended, as reserving on the day can prove tough.
Wood Ear Whiskey Lounge & Noodle Bar
Why it’s special: A wildly creative fusion of smoky BBQ and rich ramen, paired with a serious whiskey list. It’s unexpected, and it works.
Food pick: Brisket Ramen with house broth and pickled egg.
Drink to try: A silky Whiskey Sour with egg white foam.
Walk-in or Reserve: For large groups, you will need to reserve 3 days in advance.
Floradora Saloon
Why it’s special: A lively, family-friendly Telluride institution offering hearty comfort food and creative drinks with a local twist.
Food pick: Bison Burger with house bacon jam and crispy fries. The Short Rib Philly is a close 2nd.
Drink to try: Floradora Mule; raspberry, gin, lime, and ginger beer.
Walk-in or Reserve: It's not always required, but in high season, it's recommended.
Brown Dog Pizza
Why it’s special: Famous for its Detroit-style pies and casual, fun atmosphere. Their award-winning pizza has global acclaim, and locals swear by it.
Food pick: The 3-1-3 Pizza (World Champion winner) with Italian sausage, burrata, and balsamic. Not feeling pizza? Their YX Sandwich is a local staple if Detroit style pizza isn’t your thing.
Drink to try: A Local Telluride Brewing Co. Face Down Brown Ale.
Walk-in or Reserve: No reservations, walk-ins only.
The Butcher & The Baker
Why it’s special: A laid-back, farm-to-table café with a local cult following. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a casual lunch with top-tier ingredients.
Food pick: Breakfast Sandwich on house focaccia with bacon and avocado. You cant go wrong with anything on the menu.
Drink to try: A fragrant Lavender Latte or fresh-pressed juice.
Walk-in or Reserve: It's first-come, first-serve at Butcher and Baker.
Baked in Telluride
Why it’s special: An all-day bakery/deli and beloved local institution. It’s perfect for breakfast-on-the-go, post-hike refueling, or late-night carbs.
Food pick: Green Chile Breakfast Sandwich or house-made lasagna.
Drink to try: Strong Espresso or rotating Kombucha on tap.
Walk-in or Reserve: No reservations, walk-ins only.
The Last Dollar Saloon
Why it’s special: Local bar where you can enjoy some of the best rooftop views in Telluride.
Food pick: Don't come here looking for food, all you'll find is liquid courage!
Drink to try: Local array of Beers on tap or the House Margarita.
Walk-in or Reserve: No reservations, walk-ins only.
Telluride Brewing Co
Why it’s special: Locally owned and operated since 2011, Telluride Brewing features 20 beers on tap year round, including their Gold Medal winning Face Down Brown Ale and Whacked Out Wheat.
Food pick: You'll have to go to their Mountain Village location for a bite
Drink to try: A Whoosh! A quick 4oz beer of your choice
Walk-in or Reserve: You're more than welcome to walk in!
Mountain Village Musts
Allred’s
Why it’s special: Perched atop the gondola, Allred’s delivers the most stunning views in Telluride alongside fine Colorado cuisine. Great for sunset dinners or celebratory evenings.
Food pick: Colorado Lamb Rack with seasonal sides.
Drink to try: A rich Cabernet Sauvignon from their extensive cellar.
Walk-in or Reserve: It is strongly encouraged that you make reservations.
Altezza at The Peaks
Why it’s special: With sweeping views of Mt. Wilson, Altezza serves up contemporary mountain cuisine in a resort-chic setting. Known for its brunch and cozy dinners.
Food pick: Rocky Mountain Trout with lemon beurre blanc.
Drink to try: A zesty Spicy Paloma with house jalapeño tequila.
Walk-in or Reserve: Reservations are highly recommended
La Piazza del Villaggio
Why it’s special: An elegant Italian spot perfect for long dinners and romantic evenings in the Village core. Cozy, candlelit, and full of soul.
Food pick: Risotto ai Funghi with wild mushrooms and parmesan.
Drink to try: A glass of Brunello di Montalcino.
Walk-in or Reserve: Reservations are highly encouraged
Tomboy Tavern
Why it’s special: A casual, bustling spot at the base of the slopes with a wraparound patio, elevated pub fare, and unbeatable people-watching.
Food pick: Wagyu Burger with truffle fries.
Drink to try: Hot Spiked Cider in winter or a Telluride IPA in summer.
Walk-in or Reserve: It's first-come, first-serve at Tomboy Tavern.