Grand Junction is known for striking landscapes and year-round temperate climate, so it’s no surprise that the fertile valley is lush with fruit orchards known for the famous Palisade Peach, as well as seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The best way to experience the variety of locally grown produce is to patronize the area’s many farm-to-fork restaurants. You’ll find a variety of restaurants designing meals with what is in season.
1. il Bistro Italiano
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Located in the heart of downtown Grand Junction right on Main Street, il Bistro Italiano creates fresh meals using local ingredients and handmade pasta. The menu changes regularly based on what ingredients are in season and generally incorporates traditional family recipes from Northern Italy. The wine list includes options from both Italy and Colorado, and on Thursday’s all bottles are 50% off including to go orders.
What to Try: Lasagna or the rosetta, their signature pasta dish.
2. Le Rouge Restaurant and Bar
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Le Rouge French Restaurant and Bar is the perfect atmosphere to relax with a glass of wine and enjoy the modern French-American decor while nibbling on their popular charcuterie plate. Known for its authentic French cuisine that is skillfully prepared. The owners work with local growers and have a garden at Amy’s Courtyard, just a few miles east of Grand Junction.
What to Try: Escargot
3. Café Sol
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Preparing nutritious meals from scratch daily, Café Sol prides itself on serving up healthy, seasonal dishes, as well as tasty gluten-free items. Produce comes from local farmers, wines are from Palisade, bread is made in a local bakery, beverages come from around the state, and the owners grow their own herbs. The café is also known to be highly accommodating for customers with allergies or food sensitivities. Besides wonderful food, Café Sol is committed to environmental practices by recycling, composting, and using cloth napkins.
What to Try: Open for breakfast and lunch, try a loaded breakfast burrito or reuben panini.
4. 626 on Rood
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626 on Rood incorporates local beef and ingredients from the chef’s personal garden and the community garden into their seasonal menu. Chef Theo Otte, a well-respected member of the culinary scene in Grand Junction, blends flavors from Southern Europe, Latin American, and Asia to create delicious, modern meals. Including a variety of plant-based and meat options, both omnivores and herbivores are happy here. 626 on Rood also offers an extensive list of wines, cocktails, beers, and spirits.
What to Try: Truffle cheese fries and the flatiron steak salad
5. The Winery Restaurant
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The Winery Restaurant is one of the more unique settings in town, situated in a 100-year-old restored building that was once a fire station with horse-drawn fire wagons. With stained glass windows, a wood and brick interior, and a gas lamp, vine-lined alleyway, it’s the perfect spot for a romantic night out. Many ingredients come from local providers. The Winery was voted #1 best dining experience and #1 fine dining in the Best of the West for 2020.
What to Try: The Whitefield mushrooms in garlic butter are a must-try appetizer and the all-natural colorado lamb chops will melt in your mouth.
6. Bin 707 Foodbar
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With a philosophy of “local first, Colorado second, domestic third,” BIN 707 Foodbar has been serving responsibly sourced meals since 2011. Offering lunch and dinner seven days a week, locals have come to appreciate their unique take on food with dishes like elk tartare and pommes darphin, a potato waffle with striped bass “lox” and sheep yogurt. Pair your meal with a local beer or an innovative cocktail for a dining experience you won’t forget.
What to Try: Bite into a Binburger, made with Colorado beef and white cheddar, or the Colorado Wagyu Ribeye.
7. Tacoparty
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It wasn’t enough for James Beard nominated Chef Josh Niernberg to have one restaurant (BIN 707) in town, so he decided to open another called Tacoparty. But this isn’t your typical restaurant—Taco Party has a rotating menu featuring six appetizers and six artisan tacos at a time. Using seasonal local ingredients, the tacos change weekly, if not sooner. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for current offerings. Rumor has it, they have the best soft serve around.
What to Try: The guacamole is out of this world and soft serve that is second to none.
8. Rockslide Restaurant & Brewery
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A mainstay for more than 25 years, Rockslide Restaurant & Brewery is a local favorite for a cold pint and hanging out on one of their two patios year-round. Like many spots on this list, Rockslide is locally owned and operated, and they partner with local producers.
What to Try : A cold seasonal microbrew and salmon fish and chips or a bison burger with fries or sweet potato wedges.
9. Spoons Bistro & Bakery
If your favorite way to finish off a meal is with a scoop of handmade ice cream, then head to Spoons Bistro & Bakery. They’re open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and incorporate local ingredients into their menu. Everything is made in-house and profits support HopeWest, a nonprofit hospice that has been working in the community for more than 25 years with a mission of changing the way the community views aging, serious illness, and grief.
What to Try : Biscuits and gravy for breakfast; a pear, goat cheese, and pecan chef salad for lunch, or braised short ribs with local Blue Oyster mushrooms for dinner. (Don’t forget a scoop of the famous Enstrom Toffee ice cream for dessert!)
Learn more about Grand Junction's culinary scene on page 19 of the Grand Junction Visitor Guide.
