A curated guide to Steamboat Springs' standout restaurants, featuring local favorites, award-winning menus, and unforgettable dining spots surrounded by Colorado's mountain charm.
With so many outdoor activities and adventures awaiting you in Steamboat Springs, not to mention the fantastic skiing, you must get energized for all the action and also have a cozy space to relax and recharge after a day of exploration.
That's what the restaurants in Steamboat Springs are for. Boasting a superb and diverse culinary scene, the mountain town offers a wide selection of eateries featuring American to international fare and catering to all tastes.
Wondering where to find all these local treasures? Here's a little teaser to whet your appetite:
- Laundry: Globally inspired plates, house-cured meats, and a rustic-chic setting ideal for date nights.
- Café Diva: Seasonal American fare served in an intimate, elegant space with standout dishes and desserts.
- Besame Steamboat: Lively Latin-infused tapas, bold flavors, and colorful vibes in downtown Steamboat.
- Mambo Italiano: Classic and modern Italian favorites, from fresh pastas to wood-fired pizzas and top-tier desserts.
- Carl's Tavern: Casual comfort food with a Southern twist, famous burgers, and excellent cocktails.
- Sauvage Restaurant: Fine dining with contemporary European flair, refined dishes, and a stellar tasting menu.
- Yampa Valley Kitchen (YVK): Elegant all-day spot with a fresh, local, and inclusive menu (GF, vegan, vegetarian).
- Table 79 Foodbar: Upscale American dining, signature cocktails, and an open-kitchen atmosphere.
At Retreatia, we have extensive local expertise in luxury rental properties, ski-in/ski-out options, and downtown lodging. Many of our rentals are pet-friendly, and all are perfect for any time of the year!
We also consider ourselves local experts, and in our destination blog, we cover everything from hidden gems and indoor attractions to wonderful coffee shops around town. You'll find plenty of tips that will help make your stay in Steamboat Springs a memorable one, no matter the season. Pack your bags, bring your curiosity, and get ready to make memories in this unforgettable corner of the American West!
In this blog post, I'll be your guide through the best restaurants in Steamboat Springs, where you can enjoy a stellar dining experience, taste outstanding food, and soak in the delightful mountain allure of Colorado.
Are you ready for a memorable culinary journey? Let's dig in!
1. Laundry
A local favorite with a focus on serving globally inspired cuisine and smoking and curing natural foods.
Located in the Soda Creek building, once home to the Steamboat Laundry, this local favorite specializes in globally inspired cuisine and in smoking and curing natural foods. Its rustic-chic ambiance, red-brick walls, wood accents, and warm lighting set the perfect tone for commemorative dinners or a romantic date.
The creative menu includes small plates that offer a chance to share and have a taste of several of their creations, as well as larger plates. You can start with small portions like the duck confit, pork cheeks, beef brisket, bison carpaccio, and spicy tuna, all very popular among customers. Favorite large plates include the blackened tuna with pickled pineapple and avocado, and the fried chicken served with mashed potatoes and gravy. Pair your meal with great wine or grab one of their whiskeys, tequilas, or many tantalizing house-infused spirits.
Heads up: Reservations are highly suggested.
2. CAFÉ DIVA
A stellar seasonal menu serving contemporary American fare.
With a seasonal menu serving contemporary American fare, Café Diva, just a 9-minute drive from downtown Steamboat, offers an elegant and intimate space for a high-end dining experience but without the pretentious atmosphere.
The chef creatively designs seasonal menus highlighting the best features of each ingredient. Some of the restaurant's most praised creations are the Spicy Tuna Roll, Mushroom & Gouda Empanada, Crab and Tomato Bisque, Cacio e Pepe Fettuccini, Pork Chop & Apple Sauce, and Beef Tenderloin "French Onion Soup." To make the most of your experience, pair your order with a good wine, and don't ask for the bill before trying the Crème Brûlée or the Pecan Pie Cheesecake.
3. Besame Steamboat
A lively and colorful restaurant featuring a Latin-infused menu with global flavors
Boasting a Latin-infused menu with global flavors, Besame Steamboat is a lively and colorful restaurant centrally located downtown, attracting locals and tourists looking for a taste of South American and Spanish delights.
Order an assortment of small tapas to share, so that you can taste different creations. All-time favorites are Guava Empanadas, Patatas Bravas, Croquetas de Jamón, Colorado Lamb Belly, and Grilled Octopus. The Charcuterie and Cheese Plate with an assortment of amazing Spanish meats and cheeses is also a top-seller. Larger entrees like Paella (vegetarian option available), Carne Asada, and the Colorado Lamb burger with manchego are also stellar dishes on the menu. You should not skip dessert, since their Choco Taco, Churros, and Cuban Coffee Pot Ice Cream are all to die for. A kids' menu is available.
4. Mambo Italiano
A piece of Italy right in the heart of downtown Steamboat.
Mambo Italiano is a piece of Italy right in the heart of downtown Steamboat. From classics to modern interpretations, this is the go-to place if you're craving Italian fare in a pleasant setting.
A great way to start is by ordering some of the most popular appetizers like Crispy Artichokes, Roasted Garlic, Mozzarella Bread, or Calamari Fritti. Then pick one of their amazing fresh pastas that include hits such as Classic Fettuccine Alfredo, Calamari Arrabbiata, Rigatoni Alla Vodka, Spaghetti & Meatballs, and Carbonara al Tartufo. If you're a pizza lover, they have a great selection of pizzas; the Quattro Formaggio, Fig & Gorgonzola, and Mortadella & Pistachio are must-tries. All the amazing food goes well with excellent wine or classic cocktails like the Negroni and the Venetian Spritz. Save room for dessert and do yourself a favor by ordering the Tiramisu or the Limoncello Cheesecake, a little taste of Italian "dolce vita" right on your plate.
5. Carl's Tavern
A more casual spot and a menu filled with high-quality American comfort food with a Southern twist.
Carl's Tavern is for those looking for a more casual and easygoing option. Despite not being fancy, their menu is filled with high-quality American comfort food with a Southern twist. This is a great option for an apres ski cocktail or dinner.
On their diverse menu, you'll find classics like Cast Iron Cornbread, Carl's Wings, BBQ St. Louis Style Pork Ribs, Cast Iron Ribeye, Prime Beef, Fettuccine Alfredo, and Pan-Seared Atlantic Salmon. The burgers are sensational, but an absolute must-try is the Double Black Diamond with two patties of Wagyu beef and the Prime Hot Italian Beef sandwich with prime rib. Those with a sweet tooth will love to end lunch or dinner savoring the homemade carrot cake and the triple chocolate cake.
Extra tip: Carl's cocktails are also famous in town. They have a great selection of whiskey, bourbon, and tequila-based cocktails as well as excellent beers.
6. YAMPA VALLEY KITCHEN
Elegant ambiance with a diverse menu, which includes gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options.
Located in Downtown Steamboat Springs, Yampa Valley Kitchen, affectionately known as YVK among locals, is the ultimate destination for memorable meals in the city. The elegant ambiance is a standout feature, with tall white walls, tropical plants, abundant natural light, and fresh flowers.
With a commitment to using locally sourced produce and meat from Colorado ranches, YVK boasts a diverse menu, and it includes gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options as well. The lunch menu favs are the Truffle Rosemary Parmesan Fries, Smoked Salmon Salad, Truffalo Burger, and Tuna Melt. Diner must-tries include Truffle & Herb Frites, Crab & Jalapeño Hush Puppies, Shrimp & Grits, Stroganoff, Duck a L'orange, and Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Don't forget dessert — their Black Forest Mousse, and Profiteroles are unbeatable!
7. Table 79 Foodbar
A unique and upscale space where you can indulge in contemporary American fare.
Table 79 Foodbar offers a unique and upscale space where you can indulge in contemporary American fare and signature cocktails while getting a glimpse of the food being prepared.
The restaurant's eclectic menu features stellar dishes like Potato-Wrapped Salmon, Korean Short Rib served with kimchi fried rice, Tuna Poke, Grilled Oysters, Portabella Fries, Short Rib Bao Buns, and Rocky Mountain Trout. While you dine in their modern-chic, softly lit space, you can catch glimpses of the action in the open kitchen.
8. Sauvage Restaurant
Fine dining infused with delicious food and a contemporary European atmosphere.
If you're more into the French flavors and allure, Sauvage Restaurant on Yampa Street provides fine dining infused with delicious food and a contemporary European atmosphere.
Sauvage's menu changes seasonally or at the chef's discretion, but some of the recurrent creations that are a hit include the Lamb & Ricotta Agnolotti, Foie Gras Torchon, Braised Colorado Beef, and Pork Cutlet. Ask the passionate sommelier for recommendations on wine or choose one fantastic signature cocktail, the Seattle Fog and Espresso Martini are phenomenal!
For a more complete experience, go for the 5-course tasting menu with wine pairing available from Wednesday to Friday. Don't leave before trying the Sauvage Soufflé.
Enjoy every moment of your Steamboat Springs escape
While in town, why not stay in style with the great backdrop of the Rocky Mountains in one of the most iconic rental properties and complexes that Steamboat Springs offers?
Retreatia offers luxury properties, ski-in/ski-out options, and downtown lodgings, many of which are pet-friendly. Staying in one of our properties, we guarantee you'll have nothing less than a 5-star experience, something that will definitely enhance your Steamboat Springs vacation.