Denver International Airport (DEN) isn’t just a travel hub; its restaurants have earned recognition from the MICHELIN Guide, letting passengers enjoy top-notch cuisine without leaving the terminal.
MICHELIN Guide Highlights Denver International Airport for Dining
Airports aren’t usually known for great food, but DEN is turning layovers into a culinary experience. Once dominated by fast-food chains, DEN has evolved into a true dining destination, with travelers enjoying chef-driven cuisine right in the terminal.
With nearly 20 direct international flights, DEN connects travelers to culinary capitals like Paris, Tokyo, and London, cities renowned for their MICHELIN-starred dining. It makes DEN the perfect place to start a world-class dining experience before takeoff.
Colorado’s debut in the MICHELIN Guide in 2023 put local chefs on the international stage and DEN’s airport restaurants show why. As the 2025 MICHELIN list is about to be announced in the fall, the list of chef-led restaurants in DEN confirms how far the state has evolved in terms of the dining scene.
DEN is the only airport worldwide with three MICHELIN-rated restaurants under one roof, offering travelers quick, high-quality meals or full MICHELIN-recommended dining experiences.
MICHELIN Guide Restaurants at Denver International Airport
The Denver International Airport differentiates itself by hosting three MICHELIN-rated restaurants, which have introduced chef-centric food to the terminal. All of them provide a unique taste of the changing Colorado cuisine, yet remain traveler-friendly:
Santo
“Top Chef” season 5 winner Hosea Rosenberg presents this branch of his Boulder restaurant, highly recommended by MICHELIN, with dishes inspired by Northern New Mexico and topped with his famous green chile.
At Santo, travelers can enjoy flautas, tacos, tortas, enchiladas, and the famous breakfast burrito, either as a sit-down meal or to-go.
Location Details
- Terminal: Concourse C
- Gate: Near Gate C49
Mercantile Dining and Provision
Chef Alex Seidel carries the theme of his Union Station flagship to the airport with a menu based on farm-sourced and seasonal food. Fried chicken bánh mì, homemade pastas, fresh salads, and artisan pastries are among the highlights of Mercantile Dining and Provision, which are complemented by a good coffee selection.
It’s a perfect spot for layovers, offering quick bites without compromising on flavor.
Location Details
- Terminal: Concourse A
- Gate: Center Core
Mister Oso
Having received a Bib Gourmand nomination and being a local Denver favorite, the restaurant of Chef Blake Edmunds offers an energetic Latin-inspired concept of tacos, ceviche, and small plates with inventive flavors. Mister Oso transforms a preflight meal into a mini-fiesta with birria and lamb barbacoa tacos, or coconut shrimp and queso fundido, and a spicy margarita would be the perfect match.
Location Details
- Terminal: Concourse C
- Gate: C54
Whether on a quick layover or with extra time to spare, Denver International Airport, with MICHELIN-reviewed food, competes with the best restaurants in the city.
