Here's a curated guide to the best restaurants in Old Town Telluride, covering classic steakhouses, French bistros, Italian kitchens, craft breweries, and lively downtown favorites worth booking in advance.
Best Restaurants Telluride Historic Downtown District
Telluride’s Historic Downtown District is compact, walkable, and packed with character. Victorian storefronts line Colorado Avenue, mountain peaks rise sharply at the end of every street, and restaurants occupy buildings that once served miners, saloons, and early travelers.
Speaking of restaurants, the dining scene in the historic district is simply irresistible and something you should definitely include in your itinerary. You’ll find polished steakhouses inside historic hotels, Italian kitchens with deep wine cellars, French bistro fare in former icehouses, and relaxed saloons where locals refuel after a long day outside. The options are diverse, and the food, views, and charm are present wherever you choose to go.
Here is a quick preview of what’s ahead:
- The Grand: Contemporary American cuisine and craft cocktails in a central, social setting.
- Rustico Ristorante: Traditional Italian cooking with a 1,000+ bottle Italian wine cellar.
- Floradora Saloon: Scratch-made comfort food and a standout bourbon bar since 1973.
- The National Telluride: Mediterranean-inspired menu in a stylish historic space.
- La Marmotte: Refined French bistro fare inside an 1883 icehouse.
- Cornerhouse Grille: Casual pub classics and après-ski favorites with mountain views.
- Petite Maison: Contemporary French cuisine with a lively bar scene.
- The Chop House & Wine Bar: Prime steaks, mountain game, and Telluride’s only nitrogen wine bar.
- Brown Dog Pizza: Award-winning Detroit-style pizza in a high-energy setting.
- Smuggler Union Restaurant & Brewery: Colorado-sourced menu paired with house-brewed craft beer.
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In this guide, I’ve rounded up some of the best Telluride restaurants located in the charming historic district, where you can soak in not only the history and architecture but also enjoy a feast of seriously good food.
Hungry? Let's dive right in!
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1. THE GRAND
Contemporary American Dining in the Heart of Town.
Set at the corner of Colorado Avenue and Pine Street, The Grand works as both an elevated dining room and an alpine social club, drawing locals and visitors while hosting private events throughout the year.
Here, you’ll indulge in New American dishes alongside classic entrées and cocktails with a twist. The space features modern, refined décor with large windows that allow for lively people-watching at night.
Must-tries: Laroc Roasted Pork Belly, Crab & Artichoke Cake, Butternut Squash Lasagna, Pistachio Trout, Seared Weathervane Alaskan Scallops, 45 Day Dry-Aged Ribeye.
2. RUSTICO RISTORANTE
Traditional Italian with a Deep Wine Cellar.
If you’re craving Italian food while in Telluride, Rustico Ristorante is hard to beat. The kitchen is deeply rooted in generational family traditions, turning out handcrafted dishes with the kind of care that shows up in every bite. From creamy risottos and house-made pastas to flavorful sauces prepared to perfection, dining here offers a true taste of genuine Italian flavors.
The best companion to your dish? A glass of wine from their thoughtfully curated list. Rustico’s cellar holds more than 1,000 Italian labels, representing nearly every region in the country.
Must-tries: Carpaccio di Manzo, Pizza Rustico, Spaghetti Rustico, Rigatoni Alla Montanara, Fettuccine Mare, Risotto al Porcini, Ossobuco e Polenta.
3. FLORADORA SALOON
A Longtime Local Institution.
Established in 1973, Floradora Saloon is one of downtown’s most recognizable names and a mandatory stop for grabbing a bite while visiting the historic district. Locals come here for hearty meals after skiing, hiking, or work.
The menu focuses on scratch-made comfort food and locally sourced ingredients. Portions are generous, pricing is accessible, and the bourbon bar is an added draw for those who want to pair their meal with a well-crafted drink.
Must-tries: Honey Baked Brie, Short Rib Poutine, Crispy Salmon Fish Tacos, ABBB Burger, Paleo Burger, House Burger, The Boy Sandwich, Matty's Popper Chicken Sandwich.
4. THE NATIONAL TELLURIDE
Mediterranean Dining in a Historic Setting.
Set inside the historic Telluride National Club building, The National has quickly become one of Telluride’s standout dining destinations, especially for travelers looking for something upscale without being formal. The space blends intimate and trendy vibes, with a warm setting defined by red brick walls, striking black-and-white photography, banquette seating, and a lively 10-seat bar.
The menu is inspired by Mediterranean flavors, drawing from Moroccan, Italian, and Israeli traditions while staying rooted in seasonal ingredients sourced from local purveyors. Expect fresh seafood, housemade pasta, and premium cuts, all paired with selections from a thoughtful wine list.
Must-tries: Beef Tartare, Grilled Halloumi, Seafood Plateau, Moroccan Vegetable Tagine, Wild Porcini Braised Short Rib, Spicy Lobster Spaghetti, Black Pepper Rigatoni. For dessert, make yourself a favor and order the Spiced Apple & Coconut Sorbet for dessert.
5. LA MARMOTTE
French Bistro Fare in a Historic Ice House.
Few restaurants in Telluride occupy a space as historic as La Marmotte. Housed in a building constructed in 1883 as the town’s icehouse, it carries more than a century of history within its walls.
But what about the food? La Marmotte serves refined French-inspired cuisine with modern influences. And, as with any proper French meal, wine is not optional. Their wine list features a well-curated selection designed to make your dining experience even better, and unmistakably French.
Must-tries: Baked Oysters Bienville, Escargot, Raclette Croquettes, Moules, Faroe Island Salmon Tartare, Rocky Mountain Trout, Tuna au Poivre, and Beef Bourguignon. For the grand finale, do yourself a favor and try either the Gâteau Basque or the Chocolate Caramel Mousse, or both.
6. CORNERHOUSE GRILLE
Casual Pub Fare with Mountain Views.
Just one block off Colorado Avenue, Cornerhouse Grille offers a more relaxed alternative to fine dining. This local gem is well known among locals as a great après-ski option and for its happy hour deals.
Set inside a historic Telluride house, the space includes an outdoor deck overlooking the San Juan Mountains, a front patio, and cozy interior seating where you can settle in and explore the traditional pub fare. Expect hearty burgers, sandwiches, and rotating daily specials.
Must-tries: Southern Fried Chicken sandwich, Patty Melt, Reuben, Fish Tacos, Totcho Pie, Tuna Melt.
7. PETITE MAISON
French Bistro Energy With a Modern Edge.
Petite Maison is a small, stylish restaurant with cozy, lively vibes. The ambiance is rustic-chic and boasts a social bar scene that draws both locals and visitors eager to sample its contemporary French cuisine and well-crafted drinks.
The menu focuses on French bistro classics cooked to perfection. Cocktails receive just as much attention as the food, with skilled bartenders who are happy to suggest something that suits your taste.
Must-tries: Moules Maison, foie gras, tartare de bœuf, coq au vin, butternut squash steak, bœuf Oscar and cassoulet de canard. Don’t leave without ordering the profiteroles or the mousse au chocolat.
8. THE CHOP HOUSE & WINE BAR AT NEW SHERIDAN
Classic Steakhouse in a Historic Hotel.
Located inside the historic New Sheridan Hotel, The Chop House & Wine Bar is a must-visit restaurant where you can indulge in dry-aged USDA Prime steaks, mountain game such as bison, as well as fresh seafood.
Beyond the historic charm and exceptional food, The Chop House features Telluride’s only nitrogen wine bar, offering curated regional and international selections by the glass for an even more refined dining experience.
Must-tries: Chop House Steak Burger, Prime New York Strip, Prime Dry-Aged Tomahawk, Colorado Rack of Elk, and Dry-Aged Bison Ribeye. Some of the seasonal favorites include Baked Gnocchi and Sea Bass.
9. BROWN DOG PIZZA
Award-Winning Pizza With Game-Day Energy.
Brown Dog Pizza brings a national reputation to Telluride without losing its local feel. Known especially for its Detroit-style pizza, airy crust, crispy edges, and Tillamook cheddar frico, this is a go-to for casual nights, group dinners, and sports-friendly atmospheres.
The space offers a mix of lively bar seating, booths, and a balcony, with TVs always tuned to a game. Beyond pizza, the menu includes subs, salads, and pastas. Gluten-friendly options stand out here, with both thin and deep-crust alternatives earning consistent praise.
Must-tries: Brooklyn Bridge, Parma Italia, Southwestern BBQ Chicken, Rocket, and Johnny Primo. Also, keep an eye on their pizza of the month. Their calzones and stromboli are also excellent.
10. SMUGGLER UNION RESTAURANT & BREWERY
Farm-to-Table Meets Craft Beer.
If you’re a food and beer lover, Smuggler Union Restaurant & Brewery is the place for you. At the base of the box canyon, this lively downtown spot pairs Colorado-sourced ingredients with beer brewed on site.
The team works with farms in Delta, Montrose, and nearby communities, and much of the menu is made in-house, including sausages, pickles, dressings, desserts, and cocktail ingredients.
Make the Best of Your Telluride Trip
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