11 Must-Try Local Restaurants | Visit Grand Junction, Colorado

Extraordinary cuisine featuring local flavors and fresh ingredients can be found around every corner in Grand Junction. From modern fine dining to casual cafes and everything in between, Grand Junction has options to please every palate. Here's a list of 11 "must try" local Grand Junction restaurants that you'll want to experience for yourself.

Kulina Lani Organic Sourdough Bakery: From Grandaddy's sourdough starter to a small corn farm in Hawaii, Kulina Lani Organic Sourdough Bakery now serves up organic baked goods in Grand Junction with ingredients that are sourced directly from area farmers throughout Colorado. Break off a piece of savory goodness from the double olive loaf or take a sweeter route with their cinnamon raisin loaf - either way, you will likely depart Kulina Lani with a few extra treats than what you planned on. And if you are lucky, you might arrive when the homemade poptarts arrive fresh out of the oven. Each purchase earns you free slices of warm buttered bread; don't say we didn't warn you!

626 on Rood: 626 on Rood is an upscale modern restaurant offering a unique culinary experience of American cuisine and fine wines from around the world. Guests can order wines by the glass, wine flights, and creative cocktails; pair the wine with handmade dishes that change seasonally, such as Colorado lamb with a cherry red wine reduction.

Bin 707 Foodbar: Preparing fresh, seasonal Colorado Cuisine is the mission of BIN 707 Foodbar, which makes it a point to get ingredients locally first, from Colorado second, and domestically third. That principle applies to the beverage as well — most of the beer, cider and wines are Colorado-based, with local names like Ramblebine and Carlson on hand. While the menu is always changing, the classic Bin Burger with beehive white cheddar and twice-cooked, hand-cut skinny fries are a staple. Chef Niernberg is too humble to share, so we'll do it for him - Josh is a two-time James Beard-nominated Chef and one of the first "Colorado Five;" a group of influential chefs who lead the way in Colorado's cutting-edge cuisine scene.

K. Robinson Photography

Café Sol: At Café Sol, meals are prepared from scratch, incorporating as many locally sourced, organic, high-quality ingredients as possible. Not only is the food delicious and filling, but it’s also nutritious. Relax in the dining room or on the outdoor patio with some homemade quinoa oatmeal, a freshly tossed salad, or grilled panini.

Dream Café: Dream Cafe offers a fun and uniquely hip atmosphere to enjoy the breakfast or lunch you've been "dreaming about". You’ll find a wide variety of options ranging from deliciously distinctive Eggs Benedict and Specialty Pancakes (including a gluten free option), to mid-morning Bloody Mary's or sparkling Mimosas.

il Bistro Italiano: il Bistro Italiano specializes in preparing authentic Northern Italian cuisine and offers a wine list focused on Colorado and Italian wines only. Since the restaurant’s beginning in 1998, there has always been a conscious effort to use as many local ingredients and Colorado foods as possible. The menu changes often with the seasons, but signature dishes like the Rosetta, a house made pasta rolled with oven roasted rosemary ham and provolone cheese, baked and served with spicy tomato cream sauce, are generally always available.

Pablo’s Pizza: Inspired by Pablo Picasso who changed the art world with his revolutionary creations, Pablo’s Pizza hopes to have the same extraordinary impact on your taste buds. Everything on the menu is made from scratch and currently includes 28 pizzas, 11 salads, plus homemade cookies.

Rockslide Restaurant & Brewery: A staple in Downtown Grand Junction since 1994, Rockslide Restaurant & Brewery is committed to serving up local meats, produce, and of course, beer! Whether you’re craving jalapeno chicken mac-n-cheese, blackened catfish, or fresh salads and sandwiches, there is something for everyone. Pair your meal with any of Rockslide’s popular brews with names like Widow Maker Wheat, Rabbit Ears Amber Ale, Big Bear Stout, Cold Shivers Pale Ale, Raspberry Wheat or Kokopelli Cream Ale.

Spoons Bistro & Bakery: At Spoons Bistro & Bakery, the philosophy is simple - "fresh, local, from the heart". Items on the menu boast a variety of fresh local flavors and handmade quality. Making Spoons Bistro & Bakery especially unique is the fact that a portion of the profits generated by the restaurant support the local HopeWest Hospice Care Center.

Tacoparty: Tacoparty’s menu is designed to showcase locally grown and sourced products from farmers, ranchers, brewers, distillers, and winemakers in Grand Junction. Each day, there is a unique selection of six appetizers and six tacos available, as well as soft serve ice cream in unique flavors such as roasted beet and sweet corn.

The Winery Restaurant: Located in downtown Grand Junction in a vine canopied breezeway, The Winery Restaurant has been Grand Junction's steakhouse since 1973. Chefs prepare nightly specials using Colorado beef, lamb, chicken and wild seafood for guests to enjoy in the relaxed atmosphere inside or outside on the quiet comfortable patio.