This colorful Colorado alpine village isn’t just a haven for snow sports enthusiasts — it’s also a mecca for foodies! Located an hour and a half from Denver, Breckenridge is a culinary hotspot in this mountainous state. The snowy mountaintop sits at the base of the Rocky Mountains and is best known for its luxury ski resorts, gold rush history, and world-class cuisine. After kicking up some snow on the slopes and trekking through the enchanting mountain village, warm up with a steaming beverage and a stack of pancakes (or two) to ward off the chills.
Breckenridge locals enjoy eateries ranging from retro diners and cozy cafes to elegant bistros for a night out on the town. While modern American seems to be the theme of Breckenridge’s culinary scene, French, Mexican, and Asian cultures have influenced this town’s cuisine to reflect a vibrant, multicultural foodie repertoire. The city’s location in the high mountains means nearly every eatery boasts farm-to-table meals, featuring locally-sourced ingredients from produce and dairy farms around the region.
This foodie destination offers more than just home-grown fare and quality ingredients: It provides a sense of home. Many restaurants and diners around town have been renovated from residential homes into quirky cafes and elevated eateries, allowing their exceptional customer service to shine through even brighter. Next time you find yourself in this snowy mountain city, check out the best of Breckenridge’s dining scene, where breakfast, lunch, and dinner are more than just meals — they’re an experience your taste buds won’t soon forget.
Rootstalk
Warm wooden textiles and a bright, cheery ambiance make Rootstalk a local French-inspired favorite in Breckenridge. This acclaimed eatery derives its name from the complex network of root systems underneath the groves of Aspen trees dappled throughout the community. Their 7-course tasting menu is just as aesthetically pleasing as it is flavorful, drawing inspiration from the natural mountainous terrain.
Rootstalk’s specialty is transforming classic dishes into elevated original staples you won’t find anywhere else. Selecting your dinner option from their menu is a difficult task, and you’ll be hard-pressed not to order at least three different items to sample. For a palette tester, try their Spanish octopus or blue crab salad before diving into the mains. Their Atlantic swordfish schnitzel comes with a beautiful lemon-caper brown butter sauce and kohlrabi remoulade. Alternatively, the butternut squash dish features an inventive melange of chermoula, apple and quinoa porridge, chancliche, and pumpkin-seed dukkah. Wine and cocktail pairings are highly encouraged, as is their 7-course menu that guides guests through highlights of the chef’s signature creations. Of course, you can never forget dessert! Croissant bread pudding, coconut semifreddo, and goat’s-milk cheesecake are house specialties.
Aurum Food & Wine
This cozy, cottage-style restaurant takes New American fare to a whole new level, with communal dining and a rustic-chic, farmhouse interior. Their seasonal farm-to-table dishes and innovative cocktail menu make any dish at Aurum a meal worth the wait (and the price). Taste the fresh flavors of the Rocky Mountains with Aurum’s 4-course tasting menu designed by the chefs themselves.
Kick off the evening’s culinary journey with one of their light snacks, like Parker House rolls with house-cultured honey butter, Korean fried chicken, or crispy curried cauliflower. Pair it with a shareable plate featuring original dishes with an innovative flair. Rotating pasta creations and charcuterie boards with a rotating selection of cheeses, pickled mustard seeds, fig jam, and grilled country bread are just a few inventive items on this course. If your taste buds aren’t in seventh heaven by course 3, they will be after feasting on one of their main entrees with an emphasis on protein-rich sources. Rocky Mountain trout, balsamic braised short rib, and grilled achiote chicken are served alongside seasonal vegetables and marbled potatoes for an unforgettable foodie experience. Finish things off with your selection of sweets from their decadent dessert menu. Take your pick from their chocolate blossom, vegan pumpkin crème brûlée, or a selection of house-made sorbets and ice creams.
Hearthstone
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Hearthstone’s Victorian-style home has been serving the community of Breckenridge since 1989, and their dining room has been frequently full since opening night. The diverse menu means options are a valued element in this homey eating house, as are locally-sourced ingredients from around the region. The elegant dining space, coupled with an endless selection of sustainably-raised beef and game, desserts, and wine creations, is the perfect spot for a romantic night out. It can be difficult to get a table here, so making reservations well in advance is always recommended.
There’s something for every type of eater at this restaurant, with an additional gluten-free menu to make things simple and uncomplicated without ever lacking flavor. The lobster sweet potato bisque is crafted with a cinnamon crème fraîche and spiced pepitas for a warm and soothing starter. Colorado lamb, spaghetti squash pad thai, and seared beet cake keep dinner interesting, while dessert steals the show with their English sticky toffee pudding.
Giampietro’s Pasta & Pizzeria
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Name a better duo than pizza and pasta on a cold, snowy night in the Rocky Mountains. Giampietro’s Pasta & Pizzeria knows a thing or two about Italian cuisine, evident in its signature calzones, pasta dishes, and New York-style pizza. This pizzeria blends the influence of Boston, New York, and Philadelphia cooking styles with a strong foundation of authentic Italian cuisine. The casual dining space is brought to life with red and white checkered tablecloths and soft, warm lighting.
Quality is everything at Giampietro’s, with every ingredient crafted in-house, from their pizza sauce to their balsamic vinaigrette. Their menu is a fusion of Italian classics, like giant calzones stuffed with mozzarella and ricotta, Sicilian deep dish pizza, and an assortment of fresh pasta dishes. Delicious appetizers, a selection of cured meats, salads, and sandwiches are proudly presented during both lunch and dinner hours for a lighter bite that will still hit the spot every time.
Crepes a La Cart
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Who can’t resist a toasty warm crepe when it’s past freezing in this mountainous village? Crepes a La Cart is a Colorado-based crepe cart that’s been serving the Breckenridge community since 2000. After the original crepe cart took off on Breckenridge’s Main Street, the brand opened a second location on the Ridge Street Alleyway.
Their menu boasts a collection of sweet, savory, and breakfast crepes, with the option to order pre-designed specialties or create your own. Each item features an extraordinary combination of fresh, local ingredients and unique monikers, like the savory croque monsieur, Breck ribeye, and Monte Cristo. If you’re in the mood for dessert, you can never go wrong with the Strawberry Romanoff or the Funky French Monkey. If nothing sticks out, start from scratch and build your own crepe. Select your favorite cheese, proteins, and sauces for a savory situation, or go all out with the sugar and take your pick between fruits, chocolate, nuts, and sauces. No matter how you choose to order, you’re guaranteed to leave with a satisfied sweet tooth and a craving for just one more bite long after you’ve finished.
