TELLURIDE RESTAURANTS

Overview · Restaurants · Hotels

221 South Oak Bistro 221 S. Oak St., Telluride, CO, USA	970/728-9507 Read Review
In a pretty Victorian cottage, this elegant bistro entices you to linger with its soft peach walls, blond-wood bar, and soft music. Chef-owner Eliza Gavin, who trained in Paris, New Orleans, and the Napa Valley, creates such dishes as Muscovy duck breast with duck confit, spinach, shiitakes, spinach, and pine nuts; rack of lamb with zucchini and potato-chèvre ravioli; and potato-crusted halibut with asparagus and fennel. Most people come only for the fine food, but some regulars schedule their visits to sample special martinis on Wednesday evenings. AE, MC, V. Closed Sun., early Apr.-mid-June, and early Oct.-early Dec. No lunch.
Allred's Top of San Sophia gondola, Telluride, CO, USA	970/728-7474 Read Review
After riding up in the gondola, diners are still astounded by the views from this mountainside eatery. Try the free-range Canadian veal chop with potato-chanterelle hash, or the seared yellowfin tuna with vegetable risotto, fried oyster mushrooms, and red pepper au jus. The bittersweet chocolate cake and the passion fruit sorbet will send you home smiling. AE, D, MC, V. Closed early Apr.-early June and Oct.-late Nov. No lunch.
Cosmopolitan 300 W. San Juan Ave., Telluride, CO, USA	970/728-1292 Read Review
Hotel Columbia, a sleek lodge at the base of the gondola, is home to this elegant eatery. Overseen by chef Chad Scothorn, the kitchen whips up such satisfying dishes as salmon with a spicy dipping sauce and seared tuna with coconut-vanilla rice. An unusual dessert, listed on the menu as "coffee and donuts," is actually scrumptious New Orleans-style beignets with a choice of specialty coffees. For a special evening, book a table for two in the cozy wine cellar. Reservations essential. AE, MC, V. Closed mid-Apr.-Memorial Day and mid-Oct.-Thanksgiving. No lunch.
La Marmotte 150 W. San Juan Ave., Telluride, CO, USA	970/728-6232 Read Review
With its rough brick walls, lacy curtains, and baskets overflowing with flowers or strings of garlic bulbs, this romantic bistro would be right at home in Provence. Fish dishes, such as seared Alaska salmon in a red wine sauce, are particularly splendid. Reservations essential. AE, D, MC, V. Closed mid-Apr.-early June, Oct.-late Nov., and Tues. mid-June-Sept. No lunch.
Ore House 147 E. College Dr., Durango, CO, USA	970/247-5707 Read Review
Durango is a meat-and-potatoes kind of town, and this is Durango's idea of a steak house. The aroma of beef smacks you in the face as you walk past. This local favorite serves enormous slabs of aged Angus that are hand-cut daily. If you're watching your cholesterol, better steer clear. D, MC, V.
Soupçon 2nd St. behind Kochevar's, Crested Butte, CO, USA	970/349-5448 Read Review
Soupçon ("soup's on," get it?) occupies two intimate rooms in a delightful log cabin -- and a cozier place doesn't exist in this town. Chef Scott Greene serves American dishes with a strong French accent. His menu, which changes nightly, includes innovative takes on classic bistro fare. Roast duckling topped with an impeccable hoisin glaze, succulent grilled elk tenderloin, tandoori-style rack of lamb, and the fresh fish dishes are sublime. Desserts really shine; order the homemade ice cream or crème brûlée. Reservations essential. AE, MC, V. No lunch. Closed early Oct.-early Dec. and Apr.-early June.
Sow's Ear 48475 U.S. 550 N, Purgatory, CO, USA	970/247-3527 Read Review
It's a toss-up between the Ore House in downtown Durango and this watering hole in the Silverpick Lodge for the area's "best steak house" award. The Sow's Ear has the edge, though, for its great views of the mountain. If you prefer more action, there's also an open kitchen in the dining area where you can view your meal being prepared. The mouthwatering, fresh-baked jalapeño-cheese rolls and honey-wheat rolls, and creative entrées such as blackened filet mignon are a few more reasons Sow's Ear leads the pack. Complement your meal with a selection from their extensive domestic wine list. Reservations essential. AE, D, MC, V. Closed mid-Mar.-Memorial Day and Labor Day-mid-Dec.
The Red Snapper 144 E. 9th St., Durango, CO, USA	970/259-3417 Read Review
If you're in the mood for fresh fish, head to this congenial place, which is full of saltwater aquariums. Try the oysters Durango, with jack cheese and salsa; salmon Wellington; or snapper Monterey, with jack cheese and tarragon. Delicious steaks and prime rib are also available. The salad bar is enormous. AE, MC, V. No lunch.
Timberline 21 Elk Ave., Crested Butte, CO, USA	970/349-9831 Read Review
Don't pass up the salmon with chanterelle-mushroom sauce or the veal chop accompanied by risotto with local wild mushrooms at this elegant dining room. Smoked trout with local tomatoes is a signature dish, and the fettuccine Alfredo is more than respectable. The handsome bar is a great place to discuss your triumphs on the slopes. Reservations essential. AE, MC, V. Closed Sun. Closed Labor Day-mid-Dec. and Apr.-June. No lunch Sat.