Egg salad sandwich at Annette in the Stanley Marketplace.
Philip B. Poston/Aurora Sentinel
AURORA | Two Aurora restaurants have been lauded in the most recent Colorado Michelin Guide.
Annette, a wood-fired American restaurant and cocktail bar at the Stanley Marketplace, received a Bib Gourmand honor. Dân Dã, a Vietnamese restaurant in Aurora, received a 2026 Restaurant Recommendation, according to Visit Aurora, the city’s tourism organization.
The recognitions were announced Sept. 14 as part of the Michelin Guide’s expanded selection across Colorado.
“Congratulations to this year’s amazing restaurants honored by the Michelin Guide. Colorado’s incredible restaurants are the heart of our communities, making delicious food and strengthening our local economies,” Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement. “I am excited to celebrate our talented professionals and the role local restaurants play in keeping Colorado creative and the best place to live, work, play and eat!”
Michelin officials said the awards point to an evolving food scene across the state.
“The first statewide Colorado selection reflects the remarkable evolution of the state’s culinary landscape from its humble beginnings in 2023,” Gwendal Poullennec, the International Director of the Michelin Guide, said in a statement. “From established culinary hubs to emerging dining destinations, the talent, creativity and diversity found throughout Colorado continue to impress our Inspectors. The evolving culinary scene has become a destination in and of itself, offering travelers compelling reasons to explore the state through its restaurants. Congratulations to this year’s chefs and restaurant teams for their continued hard work and passion.”
Annette is a James Beard Award-winning restaurant known for wood-fired, ingredient-driven cooking. The restaurant has also been named one of America’s best new restaurants by Bon Appétit and Food & Wine, Visit Aurora said in a statement.
Dân Dã, 9945 E. Colfax Ave. offers modern interpretations of Vietnamese cuisine, including pho, banh mi and fresh spring rolls. The restaurant emphasizes traditional Vietnamese flavors and a contemporary dining setting.
Aurora is home to more than 300 international eateries, according Visit Aurora, creating a statewide brand as a destination for international cuisines.
“Aurora has long been one of Colorado’s most exciting places to experience global cuisine,” Bruce Dalton, president and CEO of Visit Aurora, said in a statement. “Having the Michelin Guide celebrate Annette and Dân Dã shines a well-deserved spotlight on the hardworking chefs, restaurateurs, and food entrepreneurs who make Aurora a destination worth visiting year-round.”
Annette was among 13 Bib Gourmand awards across the metro area this year.
Bib Gourmand
• Annette — Aurora
• Pig and Tiger — Denver
• Rougarou — Denver
Recommended
• Casa Juani — Boulder
• Dân Dã — Aurora
• Dear Emilia — Denver
• Florence Supper Club — Denver
• Four by Brother Luck — Colorado Springs
• Heretík — Denver
• Madeline — Denver
• Radicato — Breckenridge
• Rootstalk — Breckenridge
• The National — Telluride
• The Penrose Room — Colorado Springs
Special Awards
• MICHELIN Exceptional Cocktails Award — Kyle McNerney, Four by Brother Luck
• MICHELIN Sommelier Award — Theo Adley and Jenessa Reiman, Heretík
• MICHELIN Outstanding Service Award — Joseph Freyre, The Penrose Room
• MICHELIN Young Chef/Culinary Professional Award — Cameron Baker, Radicato
Click here for the complete announcement and past awards.
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