The National Recognized in MICHELIN Guide
The MICHELIN Guide revealed the first-ever statewide selection for Colorado and The National has been recognized as a recommended restaurant.
“The first statewide Colorado selection reflects the remarkable evolution of the state’s culinary landscape from its humble beginnings in 2023,” said Gwendal Poullennec, the International Director of the MICHELIN Guide. “From established culinary hubs to emerging dining destinations, the talent, creativity and diversity found throughout Colorado continue to impress our Inspectors. The evolving culinary scene has become a destination in and of itself, offering travelers compelling reasons to explore the state through its restaurants. Congratulations to this year’s chefs and restaurant teams for their continued hard work and passion.”
The National, which was founded by partners Chef Chris Thompson and Kate Thompson, serves up creative Mediterranean food in a modern, relaxed setting in a 120-year-old building. The duo has over 40 years of combined experience in the industry. Known for creative preparations, unexpected combinations of flavors and a refined yet approachable dining experience, The National has become a standout within Telluride’s evolving culinary landscape.
"The recognition of businesses in Telluride and Mountain Village by the MICHELIN Guide is an incredible acknowledgment of the talent, creativity and dedication that define our local hospitality community," said Kiera Skinner, Executive Director of the Telluride Tourism Board. “To receive this level of international recognition is a tremendous honor for Telluride and a reflection of the people who make our destination so special."
All restaurants in the Guide are recommended by Michelin’s anonymous inspectors, who are trained to apply the same time-tested methods used by Michelin inspectors for many decades throughout the world. This ensures a uniform, international standard of excellence. As a further guarantee of complete objectivity, Michelin inspectors pay all their bills in full, and only the quality of the cuisine is evaluated.
Recommended restaurants and special professional awards are also highlighted by the MICHELIN Guide inspectors.
In addition to a new Starred restaurant joining the MICHELIN Guide family, the selection also included three new Bib Gourmand restaurants, which awards restaurants for great food at a great value. The full restaurant selection across the state now includes 63 restaurants spanning 22 different cuisine types. Click here to read the full list.