National Culinary Arts Month takes place in July in an effort to celebrate, highlight, and thank professional cooks and chefs who create delicious new dishes for their communities to enjoy. Boulder plays host to hundreds of fabulous restaurants, eateries, and cafes serving up innovative cuisine. Use this occasion as an excuse to make a few reservations at your favorite spots. Here’s where we are visiting this month.
Flagstaff House
Famous for its sweeping views of downtown Boulder and the Flatirons, Flagstaff House is the place to dine for a memorable date night or special occasion. A gorgeous, expertly cultivated wine cellar offers a bounty of bold Burgundies and subtly sweet Sauternes to complement each course of your five-star meal.
Corrida
There’s no need for a special occasion to dine at one of Boulder’s best rooftop restaurants. Corrida boasts Basque country plates and an incredible atmosphere. Swing by for happy hour and take in views of the Flatirons painted with sunset pinks, golds, and oranges. Sip wine by the fire while sharing grilled meats, sharp cheeses, and salty olives.
Arabesque
Reserve a table at Arabesque for lunch or dinner and your tastebuds will think they’ve just been transported to Israel. This noteworthy Middle Eastern Boulder restaurant has carefully curated breakfast and lunch menus that boast Mediterranean cuisine exemplary of many different locales along this lovely seaboard. Head chef Manal Jarrar cooks with love and a deep understanding of her homeland’s cuisine.
Jax Fish House
Missing the ocean? No need to book a plane ticket. Head down to Jax Fish House on Pearl for delectable oysters fresh from the sea. This award-winning restaurant prioritizes fresh seafood and never fails to serve its clients the best cuts of ahi, salmon, and yellowfin. Sip champagne during happy hour and people watch along the main vein of our bustling foothills haven.
Frasca
Each season brings with it a reinvented menu at this five-star restaurant. Head chef Bobby Stuckey has invested years into this Northern Italian style restaurant and it shows. Each dish is made with precision, detail, and passion. A flare for seasonal ingredients and new takes on old classics is what sets Frasca Food and Wine apart.
Mateo
This quaint restaurant is not to be overlooked. Nestled in the 1800 block of Pearl Street, Mateo has gained a loyal following due to its delicious cuisine, dedication to seasonal, organic produce, and enjoyable atmosphere. A great spot for lunch or dinner, sip on hand-selected wines from numerous regions around the world while treating your tastebuds to Provencal-inspired cuisine.
Izakaya Amu
No Boulder restaurant list would be complete without Izakaya Amu. This dedicated team of sushi chefs works tirelessly providing gorgeous platters of fresh fish for hungry Boulderites pining for coastal getaways. Order take out and enjoy sashimi and soba in the park or at home with family and friends. For 20 years, Izakaya Amu has been catering to Japanophiles living in and around Boulder, serving them fresh, tasty sushi they couldn’t get anywhere else.
These Boulder restaurants won’t disappoint even your pickiest of friends. Each offers thoughtful dishes that support local agriculture by using seasonal produce. Our city’s restaurants do more than just serve tasty food. They provide fun, culture, jobs, and atmosphere to Boulder. This place wouldn’t be the same without them. Let’s take this month to show how much we appreciate them.