5 Best New Restaurants in Boulder, Colorado that Locals Swear By

Boulder has long been a food town—farm‑to‑table before it was trendy—but a steady stream of new spots keeps things exciting.

From Pearl Street to East Pearl and the edges of town, you’ll find creative vegetarian cooking, inventive bakeries, and chef‑driven kitchens that lean into Colorado ingredients.

1. Frasca Food and Wine (Still Evolving Classic)

Frasca isn’t brand‑new, but its ongoing evolution and national acclaim keep it at the cutting edge of Boulder dining.

Elegant but welcoming, it’s one of the Front Range’s premier fine‑dining experiences.

Inspired by the cuisine of Friuli in northeastern Italy, the menu features refined pastas, pristine seafood, and seasonal vegetable dishes, often served as multi‑course tastings.

The wine program is exceptional, and service is polished but warm—ideal for special occasions.

2. Oak at Fourteenth

Oak brings a wood‑fired, seasonal New American menu to Pearl Street in a space that feels modern, lively, and unfussy.

Expect dishes like wood‑roasted chicken, charred veggies with bright sauces, creative salads, house‑made pastas, and a strong bar menu with inventive cocktails.

It works well for everything from dates to business dinners.

3. Blackbelly Market

Blackbelly, led by chef Hosea Rosenberg, is part butcher shop, part restaurant, and entirely focused on whole‑animal butchery and local sourcing.

The dining room is casual‑chic, with an open view into the kitchen and market area.

The menu leans meat‑forward: charcuterie boards, house‑made sausages, steaks, burgers, and seasonal sides, plus standout brunch offerings. It’s a must‑visit for anyone serious about Colorado meats and thoughtful sourcing.

4. Santo

Santo brings Northern New Mexican flavors to Boulder in a sleek, modern space. Think chile‑focused comfort food, done with a chef’s touch.

You’ll find green chile stews, smothered enchiladas, tacos, breakfast burritos, and sopapillas, often using local ingredients and served in a refined but relaxed way.

Cocktails often incorporate chile and Southwestern flavors, making it just as much a bar destination.

5. The Buff Restaurant (Modernized Staple)

The Buff is a beloved Boulder brunch institution that still feels current thanks to creative menus and a lively atmosphere.

Breakfast classics like pancakes, skillets, and Benedicts live alongside lighter, veggie‑friendly options and Southwestern‑influenced plates. Expect long waits on weekends, bottomless or creative coffee drinks, and a crowd that mixes students, locals, and visitors.