Colorado.com Staff Writer

<p>Sometimes it seems as though big cities get all the restaurant love. But dig a little deeper and you’ll uncover excellent places for an expertly prepared meal in smaller towns across Colorado. These five can’t-miss establishments are worth a special trip.</p>


5 Hidden Fine-Dining Gems in Colorado

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Dining room of The Pullman in Glenwood Springs

Grand Junction's 626 on Rood

La Marmotte in Telluride

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<h2><strong>1. La Marmotte, </strong>Telluride</h2>
<p>Sneak away to the southwestern part of the state for a visit to <a href="/cities-and-towns/telluride">Telluride</a>, a restored Victorian-era hamlet that’s heavy on charm and picturesque views. Tucked into one of the oldest buildings in town, the cabin-style historic Ice House, <a href="/family-restaurant/la-marmotte">La Marmotte</a>’s location isn’t exactly where you’d expect to find high-caliber French dining. But you won’t want to miss the elegant versions of bistro faves such as Waygu steak tartare and trout amandine.</p>
<h2><strong>2. The Dining Room at the Windsor Hotel, </strong>Del Norte</h2>
<p>The one-stoplight town of <a href="/cities-and-towns/del-norte">Del Norte</a> in rural south-central Colorado may have just missed the cut to be named Colorado’s capital back in the day, but <a href="/del-norte/windsor-hotel-dining-room">The Dining Room</a> in the historic Windsor Hotel currently offers up food worthy of any metropolis. The seasonally rotating menu is peppered with local ingredients, from beef and bison raised on nearby ranches to <a href="/del-norte/haefeli's-honey-farms">Haefeli’s</a> honey, making for elegant fare with Old West flair.</p>
<h2><strong>3. The Pullman, </strong>Glenwood Springs</h2>
<p>Hikers, fishers and hot-springs soakers are drawn to <a href="/cities-and-towns/glenwood-springs">Glenwood Springs</a>’ low-key vibe, and <a href="/glenwood-springs/the-pullman">The Pullman</a> fits right in as a laid-back dining spot. But don’t let the unpretentious aesthetic fool you: This restaurant propels a comforting menu of American share plates and larger entrees to a sophisticated level under the guidance of chef-owner John Little.</p>
<h2><strong>4. Kennebec Cafe, </strong>Hesperus</h2>
<p>To the west of <a href="/cities-and-towns/durango">Durango</a>, the tiny enclave of <a href="/cities-and-towns/hesperus">Hesperus</a> draws powder-seekers to its family-friendly ski hill of the same name. But beyond the slopes, the lovely <a href="/hesperus/kennebec-cafe">Kennebec Cafe</a> is a haven of casual-elegant vibes and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. From favorite Old World wines to signature desserts, the Kennebec is a perfect spot to sample European flavors made from seasonal Colorado ingredients.</p>
<h2><strong>5. 626 on Rood, </strong>Grand Junction</h2>
<p>Colorado’s Western Slope is like a world of its own. Red-rock landscapes are juxtaposed with an agricultural oasis that makes it prime for winemaking — and a quality meal to go along with those outstanding pours. <a href="/grand-junction/626-on-rood-modern-american-cuisine">626 on Rood</a>, in downtown <a href="/cities-and-towns/grand-junction">Grand Junction</a>, is a wine bar perfectly suited for such an occasion, featuring upscale, modern American cuisine and an extensive wine selection — as in more than 30 by-the-glass choices! <a href="/articles/fine-wine-fossils-grand-junction-area-itinerary">Explore a Grand Junction-area itinerary</a></p>
<h2><strong>Want More?</strong></h2>
<p><a href="/articles/12-months-colorado-dining">Check out 12 months of dining in Colorado</a></p>
<p><a href="/articles/13-restaurants-colorado-great-patio-views">Colorado restaurants with great views</a></p>
<p><a href="/articles/9-must-eat-foods-colorado">10 must-eat foods in Colorado</a></p>


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