Colorado joined prestigious culinary ranks last year when the Michelin Guide picked restaurants to add to its worldwide list of recommendations.

They were restaurants in Denver, Boulder and the state’s central mountains — additions to a French-rooted tradition long trusted by travelers with serious appetites.

Michelin Guide’s anonymous inspectors fanned out to find the finest flavors for various recognitions.

One Star (high-quality cooking)

Beckon, Denver: Michelin’s greatest honor is yet one more temptation for people trying to snag a ticket to this intimate, 18-seat experience in RiNo. The food alternates with the seasons and creative whims of Chef Duncan Holmes.

Bosq, Aspen: Michelin’s inspectors are the latest to be mesmerized by the concept that counts on wild foraging, fermenting and local farms. They noted butter from nearby cows, hand-picked spruce tips and fish grilled over juniper wood.

Brutø, Denver: Here the approach blends the modern (grains milled in-house) and old school (cooking on a hearth) to achieve an unforgettable take on Mexican. Inspectors praised the lamb and gave bonus points for the zero-waste ethos.

Frasca Food and Wine, Boulder: It’s become a destination on Pearl Street thanks to Chef Ian Palazzola’s niche cuisine. Wrote inspectors: “Focused and distinct, the menu might showcase a lesser-known part of Italy, but the ingredients are clearly Coloradan.”

The Wolf’s Tailor, Denver: The name is odd and bold, and that might aptly describe the multi-course menu found in the Sunnyside neighborhood. Inspectors credited the “genre-defying style” that dances between Nordic, Italian and East Asian, and gave a nod also to the organic and recycled ingredients.

Bib Gourmand (good quality, good value)

AJ’s Pit Bar-B-Q, Denver: Michelin inspectors loved the “classic mom-and-pop spot” on the city’s south side, serving “a feast of properly smoked meat” and custard-stuffed cornbread.

Ash’Kara, Denver: In the Highland neighborhood, the Israeli specialities were raved as “thoughtful” and “full-flavored” and “made with high-quality ingredients and a bit of extra style.”

Basta, Boulder: This nook opened in 2010 with a single wood-fired oven and a mission to plate some of Boulder’s best Italian food. Mission accomplished, according to inspectors.

The Ginger Pig, Denver: Chef-owner Natascha Hess has come a long way from food truck to brick-and-mortar in the Berkeley neighborhood, gaining acclaim for curries, noodle bowls, Korean fried chicken and Hong Kong French toast.

Glo Noodle House, Denver: Inspectors came by a Ramen surprise in what they called a “run-of-the-mill strip mall” along 38th Avenue. Not to be missed: the sweet and savory skewer of marinated tofu, miso peach jam and almond-and-sesame candy crumble.

Hop Alley, Denver: The sleek Chinese joint is a bona fide hit across RiNo’s ever-expanding foodie playground. Inspectors savored modern twists of old classics.

La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal, Denver: At this hideout a few blocks from Coors Field, inspectors noted tasty, colorful broths and pork done just right. The restaurant honors the traditional ways of pozole and the drink that pairs best with the soup; the mezcal list goes on and on.

Mister Oso, Denver: The Latin American eatery adds yet another Michelin mark to RiNo. Mister Oso’s tacos and ceviches also can be found in Wash Park.

Tavernetta, Denver: Tavernetta aims to bring “la dolce vita” to 16th Street. According to the Michelin notes, life is sweeter with the crostini primavera — a colorful, creamy spread over fresh sourdough.

Other selected restaurants 

• Guard and Grace, Denver: A steakhouse emphasizing wood fire and “avant-garde pairings”

• A5 Steakhouse, Denver: Downtown splurge for surf and turf

• Hey Kiddo, Denver: Upscale American that stays as playful as the name

• Potager Restaurant & Wine Bar, Denver: Father-daughter duo is behind this farm-to-table favorite

• Noisette Restaurant and Bakery, Denver: French fine dining in the Highland neighborhood

• Barolo Grill, Denver: The tastes of Northern Italy paired with exceptional wines

• Q House, Denver: Chinese shareables including smoked wagyu brisket lo mein and crab & bacon fried rice

• Restaurant Olivia, Denver: Colorful, innovative pastas in the Wash Park neighborhood

• Fruition Restaurant, Denver: Cuisine aiming to honor Colorado’s farms and ranches

• Smok, Denver: By its own account: “an easy-going barbecue vibe with high expectations of a fine-dining chef”

• Mercantile Dining & Provision, Denver: The same brains behind Fruition with an elevated focus on comfort

• Safta, Denver: Find the expected (hummus, babaganoush) and unexpected (duck matzo ball soup, duck leg confit)

• Marco’s Coal-Fired, Denver: Neapolitan pizza served just blocks from the ball park

• Temaki Den, Denver: A go-to for sushi in RiNo, blending tradition with modern twists

• Dio Mio, Denver: Boasting high-end pasta in a fast-casual space

• Stella’s Cucina, Boulder: Artistic, musical atmosphere that engages the senses along with ornate, Italian dishes

• Boulder Dushanbe Tea House, Boulder: One-of-a-kind building with a menu to match the Eastern architecture

• Oak at Fourteenth, Boulder: A head-turner on Pearl Street with decadent American fare

• Santo, Boulder: New Mexican eats inspired by the chef’s home of Taos

• Bramble & Hare, Boulder: Bistro concept, including atypical charcuterie of lamb, pork and chicken

• Blackbelly, Boulder: Burgers, steaks and more, with meats butchered on-site

• Zoe Ma Ma, Boulder: Chinese street food easy to grab off Pearl Street

• Prospect, Aspen: Inside historic Hotel Jerome, multi-course dinners take one on Colorado-themed ventures

• Element 47, Aspen: Part of The Little Nell, it’s the so-called “finest spot to wine, dine and unwind”

• Mawa’s Kitchen, Aspen: Menu packed with worldly fusion by African chef and owner

• Wyld, Avon: Sophisticated, thoughtful plates that delight inside The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch

• Mirabelle at Beaver Creek, Avon: A greenhouse abuts the restaurant, symbolizing the pledge to fresh ingredients

• Splendido at the Chateau, Avon: A live piano serenades tables of elegant cuisine

• Osaki’s Sushi & Japanese Cuisine, Vail: Serving the best of Japan, from snow crab to “foie gras of the sea”

• Sweet Basil, Vail: Octopus al pastor tacos and a short rib Reuben among a sampling of surprises at last glance