Whether it’s star chefs or star ratings, some of the nation’s top dining experiences are found in the Southwest. Many restaurants and chefs in various Southwestern locales have been recognized as James Beard Award nominees, semifinalists or winners; and some have earned the coveted Michelin star. While the list of accolades is too long to reference here, some culinary distinctions of the Southwest include:
Arizona
In 2015, Tucson earned the distinction as the first U.S. city to be named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, “recognizing its unique regional cuisines, abundant farmers markets, and copious community gardens,” says Josh Coddington, director of communications for Arizona Office of Tourism.
California
Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California, notes that Michelin Guide California includes 614 restaurants representing 61 types of cuisine across 103 cities. “That total includes 15 Green Star-awarded restaurants for leadership in sustainability practices. California is home to 15 of the 17 Green Stars in North America,” she says. Darren Green, chief sales officer for Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, adds that California is home to the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the country, with more than 200 Michelin-recognized restaurants in the Los Angeles area.
Colorado
The inaugural Michelin Guide Colorado, released in September 2023, includes 44 restaurants: five 1-Michelin Star restaurants, 30 Recommended restaurants, four Green Star restaurants, and nine Bib Gourmand-designated restaurants. Hayes Norris, communications manager for Colorado Tourism, says, “This momentous occasion celebrates the diversity, quality, and exceptional talent that define the state’s vibrant culinary landscape.” Of the 44 restaurants included in Michelin Guide Colorado, 26 are located in Denver. “The famously anonymous Michelin Guide inspectors selected a diverse range of restaurants across the city that exude culinary excellence,” says Caroline Campbell, manager of public relations and communications for VISIT DENVER. Other areas represented in Michelin Guide Colorado are Aspen, Boulder, Snowmass Village, the Town of Vail, and Beaver Creek Resort.
Nevada
Kristen Weddingfeld, public relations manager for Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, describes Las Vegas dining as “diverse, evolving, and world-renowned, with a thriving culinary scene on and off the Strip. Hotspots include Downtown, the Arts District, and the Asian District, which features cuisines from Thailand, China, Japan, and others,” she says. “Las Vegas is home to countless celebrity chefs (VisitLasVegas.com lists 52 “celebrity restaurants”), smaller locally owned shops, and everything in between—offering visitors a chance to discover and explore a wide range of restaurants and flavors.” Stuart Maas, senior director of marketing and business development for Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, says Lake Tahoe is known for “world-class” restaurants, including the city’s only AAA Four-Diamond restaurant and others by TV food personalities.
New Mexico
“Whether you are looking for a dining experience that has received a James Beard Award or an authentic local favorite off the beaten path, you will find exceptional eateries in every corner of the state,” says Nicole Barker, media relations manager for New Mexico Tourism Dept. Major culinary hotspots include the central region (Albuquerque area) and the north-central region (Santa Fe and Taos areas), she says, along with “hidden-gem dining experiences” in Farmington and Las Cruces. New Mexico restaurants and chefs have earned many awards and accolades, including more than 20 AAA-approved or higher ranked restaurants in Santa Fe (10), Las Cruces (five), Taos (two), Albuquerque (three), Roswell (two), Ruidoso (one), and Carlsbad (one); and five James Beard Award winners (Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Taos) since 1999. Some restaurants have been nominated for the James Beard Award multiple times.
Utah
Attendees in Utah have plenty of options for satisfying their chocolate cravings, as the state is considered by some as the “Craft Chocolate Capital of America.” VisitUtah.com lists craft chocolate makers and markets throughout the state.
