Conde Nast Traveler has called Telluride one of the best American Cities for Foodies. There are many dining options in both downtown and the Mountain Village. I have been twice, with my last trip in September 2025. My top recommendations include:
Downtown Telluride
Chop House & Wine Bar: Located in the historic New Sheridan Hotel at 233 W. Colorado, they are known for their steaks that are butchered in-house. They do have other options including excellent fish dishes. I loved the Colorado striped bass. The hotel is also home to The Parlor cafe, coffee house and wine bar along with The Roof and The Historic Bar.
Telluride Truffle: This is a great spot to grab an ice cream or one of their decadent chocolates or truffles. I loved the coconut crunch ice cream!! I stopped in again on my last trip for a peach sorbet and tasty dark chocolate bar with dried cherries and almonds. 101 N. Fir St.
The Butcher & The Baker: I loved this restaurant which features locally sourced ingredients. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I had the best turkey sandwich along with sides including a beet salad and fresh peaches with feta and fresh basil. They also have a full bar featuring local spirits and wines and innovative cocktails. They are located at 201 E. Colorado.
After arriving in town in September 2025, I walked to the Stronghouse Brew Pub for lunch. It is located in an historic stone building from 1892. The Brewben was excellent which was made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, apple cider sauerkraut, housemade Russian dressing, beer mustard on a toasted marbled rye bread. I enjoyed sitting on their outside deck. I really enjoyed the experience. It was named “Best Brewpub in America” by the USA Today Readers’ Choice Awards in 2023 – 2024. 283 S. Fir St.
For coffee make sure to stop in at Baked in Telluride. This is a coffee shop, casual restaurant and bakery featuring bagels, pastries, breads, donuts, sandwiches, soups, pizza, tacos, salads, beer and wine. I enjoyed a latte along with some great pumpkin bread. 127 S. Fir St.
Also for coffee, make sure to visit The Coffee Cowboy in a food truck downtown next to the Gondola.
221 South Oak: This is a popular, small restaurant that features a mix of seafood, game and beef. It is located in a charming old house that has a lovely outdoor patio in the rear. The Chef/Owner, Eliza Gavin, was featured on the program Top Chef. I enjoyed a wonderful scallop dish on the patio on a lovely August night.
La Marmotte, at 150 W. San Juan Ave., is a popular, upscale French restaurant in an historic ice house from 1883. I saw it on my first trip, so I made a reservation for dinner when I was back it town. It has a very attractive, rustic and warm setting with a nice outdoor patio as well. It offers a three-course tasting menu of classic French dishes and wines, but you can also order a la carte dishes from the menu. The traditional coq au vin was very good. Just be aware that it is somewhat pricey, but it was worth the money.
Petit Maison: I didn’t know it was there until I walked by this small, intimate French restaurant at 219 W. Pacific Ave. I already had dinner plans at La Marmotte, so I went for dessert afterwards. I loved the cozy atmosphere, my server and a yummy chocolate mousse. I highly recommend it. Next time I will definitely go for dinner. I also had a nice conversation with a man at the next table who graduated from the same college that I did in Missouri.
Beer lovers will love Smugglers Union Restaurant & Brewery where they have 20 beers on tap which they brew in the basement of the restaurant. 225 S. Pine Street. Telluride Brewing Company has a tasting room that you can visit also. Their tap room is located just outside of town at 156 Society Drive. They feature over 15 ales, IPA’s and lagers. They also have a Brewpub in the Mountain Village at 568 Mountain Village Blvd. The Last Dollar Saloon is a casual spot downtown in an historic building from 1899. 100 E. Colorado Ave.
Floradora Saloon: Located downtown at 103 W. Colorado Ave., this is casual bar and restaurant, opened in 1972, that features food with locally sourced ingredients. It is open for lunch, brunch and dinner.
Rustico is a fine-dining restaurant serving excellent Italian specialties and excellent wines. 114 E. Colorado Ave. It has received many accolades from Wine Spectator Magazine.
Other restaurants to consider include Cornerhouse Bar + Grille which is popular with locals for sandwiches, salads and Mexican specialties in an historic house. 131 N. Fir Street. I also just read that there Telluride is a fun spot for cocktails and small plates at 627 W. Pacific.
Mountain Village
On the way to Telluride or the Mountain Village on the gondola, you might get off at the Station San Sophia and have a drink or dinner at Allred’s which is a restaurant, at 10,551 ft., with stunning panoramic views of the Telluride Valley below.
Located in the Heritage Plaza in the Mountain Village is Telluride Coffee Company, a good spot for your morning coffee and a fresh pastry. They also have a full breakfast and lunch menu.
Telluride Distilling Company is a local distillery that opened in 2015. It is located in the Mountain Village at 567 Mountain Village Blvd #106b. The produce gin, vodka, whiskey, a European-Alp’s styled schnapps and an agave spirit. I thought that rye whiskey was great. They have an attractive tasting room.
Alpino Vino is recommended as a ski in/ski out lunch spot on the mountain. They also feature dinner service with a 4-course, prix-fixe, Northern Italian menu, accessible by a snowcoach. Alpino Vino is the highest elevation restaurant in North America at 11,966 ft.