Among the most notable restaurant cities in the U.S. are also the largest. Think Miami, Los Angeles and New York.

But Colorado’s dining scene is getting its time in the limelight. 

The New York Times named Denver as one of five “great restaurant cities” on Thursday. The list of local restaurant guides highlighted several dining scenes across the country that aren’t super metropolitans from Denver; San Diego, Calif.; San Antonio, Texas; Portland, Ore. to Minnesota’s Minneapolis and St. Paul.

The major U.S. newspaper said Denver’s economic growth over the past decade and hip new neighborhoods filled with young people have helped develop the city’s dining scene.

The New York Times named two Colorado restaurants this week in its annual 50 best restaurants in the U.S. list, including Denver’s Mexican eatery Mezcaleria Alma led by Chef Johnny Curiel and Grand Junction’s Bin 707 Foodbar.

“In particular, the Mexican food here is really compelling right now,” wrote New York Times Senior Editor Brian Gallagher.

He noted Denver’s Michelin-star Alma Fonda Fina, Alteño in Cherry Creek (two more restauraunts from Curiel), downtown’s Xiquita and La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal for its cocktails.

Outside of Mexican cuisine, Gallagher wrote that Denver’s Sap Sua, Yuan Wonton and Rosenberg’s Bagels and Delicatessen are must visits. He added that for those willing to drive out to the suburb of Parker should go visit the award-winning Poulette Bakeshop.

In addition, the Denver guide highlighted the Id Est restaurant group operated by Chef Kelly Whitaker and said any of its restaurants are a “good bet.” The hospitality company runs and operates Wolf’s Tailor, Bruto, Hey Kiddo and its smaller bar in the back OK Yeah.

On Monday, Michelin will release the 2025 edition of its Colorado guide showing which restaurants earned a star or a Bib Gourmand award.