The Best Boulder Restaurants On Pearl Street

Every city has that one street where there seems to be an endless supply of excellent restaurants, and for those in Boulder culinary school, that one thoroughfare would have to be Pearl Street.

The essential guide cover

Take the Culinary Career Survey

We’ve compiled a checklist of all of the essential questions into one handy tool: career options, culinary interest surveys, educational opportunities, and more.

Campus of Interest*
Program of Interest*

Clicking the "Get the Survey Now" button constitutes your express request, and your express written consent, to be contacted by and to receive automated or pre-recorded call, texts, messages and/or emails from via phone, text, and/or emails by Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts at the number(s)/email you provided, regarding furthering your education and enrolling. You understand that these calls, texts, messages and/or emails may be generated using an automated or pre-recorded technology. You are not required to agree to receive automated or pre-recorded calls, texts, messages or emails as a condition of enrolling at Escoffier. You can unsubscribe at any time or request removal of street address, phone number, email address via Escoffier website.

July 2, 2015 3 min read
Colorado lamb is a common menu item in Boulder restaurants.

Colorado lamb is a common menu item in Boulder restaurants.

Every city has that one street where there seems to be an endless supply of excellent restaurants, and for those in Boulder culinary school, that one thoroughfare would have to be Pearl Street. From coffee houses to locavore pubs to vegetarian restaurants, there is a little something for everyone here.

If you need a guide to this strip of foodie heaven, take a look at some of the best dining spots on Boulder’s Pearl Street:

1. Pizzeria Locale: All of the pizzas here are inspired by the birthplace of pizza itself, Naples. The pies here are so authentic, they have been lauded in publications like Food & Wine magazine, Food Network and La Cucina Italian magazine. The classic margherita pizza is a great standby, but there are seafood and meat-based pizzas to toast to as well. This spot also has an extensive wine list – all Italian vino of course – and a lengthy selection of digestifs and apertivos for after-dinner drinks.

2. The Kitchen: This is a locavore pub that has a bit of a bistro feel, but is decidedly laid-back while still being refined. In addition to dishing out some of the best food on Pearl Street, The Kitchen is also a registered nonprofit that builds Leaning Gardens across the U.S., from Chicago to L.A. The menu at Boulder relies on farmers, ranchers and purveyors, and it’s clear that refined plates are the goal with starters like sockeye salmon with grilled bread and grilled asparagus with fresh herbs and poached egg. Mains are equally impressive, with farm chicken and olive oil-poached rainbow trout.

3. L’Atelier: L’Atelier takes on classical French and Asian preparations and then uses influences from modern artists like Pollack and Picasso to make some truly beautiful culinary art. If you appreciate presentation just as much as flavor, then this is definitely the place to eat. Often the chefs here will host tasting menus that feature dishes from a specific region, or focus on pairings with specific varietals. However, there is also a seasonal menu with everything from Colorado lamb to Copper River sockeye salmon to pan-seared scallops.

4. Black Cat: This spot is a farm-to-table bistro that specializes in promoting its own 130 acres of farm and ranchland that are located just outside of the city. Not only can you dine in and eat an extraordinary meal at Black Cat, but you can also join their community-sponsored agriculture program to create your own masterpieces at home. Black Cat’s menus are always seasonal and showcase the month’s harvest, so there is always a delightful culinary surprise to be had here. There is also a very sophisticated wine list to pair your dishes with, as well as a craft cocktail list that features the barkeep’s choice – simply give them a hint and they will make a drink based on your specific tastes.

Boulder has definitely solidified itself as a foodie town, and Pearl Street is the main star of the show. If you’re new to cooking classes in Boulder, be sure to check out some of these spots to get a sense of the culinary scene around town – you won’t be disappointed.

Subscribe to the King of Chefs Blog

Subscribe to the King of Chefs Blog

Get the King of Chefs email newsletter delivered to your inbox weekly. You'll get everything you need to know about culinary & pastry careers, food entrepreneurship, financing your culinary education, and more.