9 Best Restaurants in Winter Park, CO
In Winter Park, CO, you'll find snowy wonderlands and sun-soaked days. Whether you visit for whitewater rafting, mountain biking or color changes in autumn, you can work up an appetite even on your 'rest' days.
Luckily, the city has an array of eateries to satisfy your cravings, including cozy lodges, romantic bistros, and innovative fusion restaurants. Our picks for the best Winter Park restaurants rely on local growers to provide some of the best dishes in the entire state and local talent to mix and match those ingredients into one-of-a-kind meals.
1. Deno’s Mountain Bistro
78911 U.S. Hwy 40, Winter Park, CO 80482
Deno’s Mountain Bistro has the hearty dishes that hungry patrons need to reset and restore. Order the center-cut filets, elk bolognese, or rocky mountain trout, and maybe a martini or two to complement your meal. Deno's even offers vegetarian versions of different classics, like the Beyond Burger, for those who'd prefer a lighter meal.
The restaurant was originally a stagecoach stop in the early 1900s, made from log, brick, and stone. Since the 1940s, it’s been a restaurant, changing hands several times before being taken over by Deno Kutrumbos in the 1970s. Now, Deno’s sons stand at the helm. With an ever-expanding wine list and an emphasis on quality, this mountain bistro is beloved for its central location and stick-to-your-ribs fare.
2. Lunch Rock
85 Parsenn Rd, Winter Park, CO 80482
Lunch Rock’s slogan is Welcome and Be Warm, which pretty much sums up the 16,000 sq-ft- lodge at the top of Mary Jane Mountain. The incredible views of the Fraser Valley from 11,000 feet are hard to describe and even harder to forget.
This spot is more than just a convenient spot to refuel during your midpoint on the slopes, it's well-known for their stone-fired pizza, hearty soups, Turkey Pot Pie, and local beer. Try the bacon mac-and-cheese, steak dips, or butternut squash chili, and finally face your fears on the Black Diamond trails.
3. The Lodge at Sunspot
160 Sunspot way, Winter Park, CO 80482
You’ll find the Lodge at Sunspot at the top of Winter Park Mountain (just under 11,000 feet high). Soak in the panoramic views of the Continental Divide. The lunch menu features comfort-food classics like wings and chowder.
At night, the Lodge at Sunspot gets a little more formal, with steakhouse entrées like surf and turf, prime rib, and bourbon chicken. From Thursday to Saturday nights, the Lodge features live music and plenty of food and drink specials.
4. Paellas Restaurant
93 Cooper Creek Way, Winter Park, CO 80482
If you’re in the mood for something more exotic, Paellas is a fusion restaurant that draws on everything from Southern-style home cooking to European cuisines. The menu includes several different types of the eponymous dish, including a vegetarian and beef version, alongside other classics like ceviche, sea bass, and lamb chops.
Paellas Restaurant is led by a Spanish chef who honors his culinary history and mixes in some of the best flavors from around the world. Whether you’re craving seafood, duck, or even just a spicy cocktail, Paella’s is a must-try in Winter Park.
5. Randi’s Grill & Pub
78521 U.S. Hwy 40, Winter Park, CO 80482
With its breakfast, lunch, dinner, and happy hour menu, Randi’s is an Irish-themed eatery that has you covered from sunrise to sunset. Family-friendly and stuffed with fan favorites, this casual eatery has something for everyone. Enjoy bangers and mash, shepherd's pie, fish and chips, or a burger.
Lively, charming, and friendly, Randi’s caters to tourists and locals alike. Randi’s is especially loved for the attentive service. So, even when the pub gets going, you can still expect your server to come back around to see when you need a refill!
6. Idlewild Spirits Restaurant and Distillery
78737 U.S. Hwy 40 #1000, Winter Park, CO 80482
As the name suggests, Idlewild Spirits is more well-known for its cocktail bar. In fact, it was voted best cocktails in the county, and features a full drink menu of Colorado grain spirits. Its inventive cocktail list includes Smoked Fig Fashioned, made with cinnamon vodka and fig-infused bourbon and cardamom sazerac, made with cardamom bitters and an absinthe rinse.
Of course, Idlewild Spirits also scores plenty of points for its gastropub, where you can enjoy appetizers, burgers, and sandwiches. Much like its cocktail menu, the gastropub offers classics like wings, reubens, and chili, but it also has more exotic dishes, like Thai chicken lettuce wraps, Cubans, and chicken cordon blue.
7. Pepe Osaka’s Fishtaco Tequila Bar & Grill
78707 U.S. Hwy 40, Winter Park, CO 80482
Pepe’s claim to fame is its Mexican-Asian hybrid taco served in a mild spicy sauce and lightly fried tortillas alongside sticky rice and sweet fried plantains. Whether you get it tilapia, tataki steak, or tempura lobster, this tequila bar is constantly experimenting with (and evolving) their menu.
Pepe’s is best-known for its combination of margaritas and tacos, though it does have plenty of other drinks and dishes on the menu. Switch it up with some sake and a poke bowl. Or try the Thai mole, octopus, or spicy tuna nachos.
8. Volario’s
First Floor, 78786 U.S. Hwy 40, Winter Park, CO 80482
Volario’s is beloved in Winter Park for its slow-roasted local meats and fresh veggies. With northern Italian classics, like arancini, eggplant al forno, and fettucini vongole, the place has won multiple awards for its chef’s attention to detail. Whether you come with a group or on a romantic date for two, try one of their hand-made pizzas with 72-hour fermented dough.
Everything in Volario’s is touched with old-world charm. The story is that Volario came to Winter Park for a visit, and fell in love with the valleys, mountains, pines, and creeks. He just couldn’t imagine a life without it, which is why he stayed and opened a place where everyone could come and relax.
9. Devil’s Craft
63 Cooper Creek Way Suite 133, Winter Park, CO 80482
If you’re in the mood for a midnight snack, Devil’s Craft is the city’s best (and only) late-night hotspot. Serving its full menu until midnight, you can enjoy everything from live entertainment to cocktails to brisket sandwiches.
Devil’s Craft’s menu features an Album-Release Party section, where you can order gigantic BBQ platters that can feed everyone in your party. The sides include everything from salad to Texas toast to macaroni and cheese. It’s the perfect place to go if you’re not ready to call it a night!
If you're looking for Colorado eateries, you'll have no trouble finding venues on every corner. Of course, if you're looking for the best restaurants in Winter Park CO, we highly recommend prioritizing these favorites! And if you're looking for the best vacation rentals in the area, try our local community partner, Visit Winter Park Lodging, to put you in the center of it all!
