Airports aren’t supposed to eat this well. But Denver International Airport — the sixth busiest in the world and the third busiest in the U.S. — has quietly evolved from a hub of fast food courts to a true dining destination en route to your final destination.
With nearly 20 direct international routes, DEN (aka DIA) is a springboard to some of the world’s great gastronomic capitals, from Paris (home to MICHELIN’s birthplace) to Tokyo (the city with the most MICHELIN Stars anywhere) to London (home to a constellation of MICHELIN Stars across every style of cooking).
Colorado joined the MICHELIN Guide in 2023, putting its chefs and restaurants on the global stage for the first time. With the 2025 class set to be announced this fall, DEN’s roster of chef-driven outposts underscores just how far the state’s restaurant scene has come. As far as we know, no other airport in the world currently brings together three MICHELIN-linked spots under one roof, giving Denver a rare distinction.
DIA proves that an airport can be a gateway to local flavors, introducing frequent fliers to Colorado’s talent without ever leaving the terminal — your move, Concourse B.
Santo
Concourse C
“Top Chef” season 5 winner Hosea Rosenberg’s MICHELIN-recommended Boulder restaurant's new outpost is the newest addition to DIA, featuring a menu inspired by his Northern New Mexico roots. Expect his hallmark green chile, layered onto traditional dishes like flautas, tacos, tortas, and enchiladas.
Santo’s famous breakfast burritos are great for grab-and-go, giving weary travelers something hearty and comforting to take on board. The space itself channels Santo’s warm, casual cantina character, offering a rare sense of place in between gates.
Mercantile Dining & Provision
Concourse A
From Chef Alex Seidel, Mercantile’s DIA outpost carries the spirit of his Union Station MICHELIN-Recommended flagship. Here, the focus is on farm-sourced fare—whether you’re grabbing a quick bite to take away or sitting down to wait out a delay. The menu highlights seasonal ingredients in freshly prepared salads and sandwiches, with standout options including the fried chicken bánh mì and house-made pastas that anchor the heartier offerings. Even the coffee program and pastry case reflect Seidel’s attention to detail, making this a smart stop at any hour of the day.
Mister Oso
Concourse C
A Bib Gourmand favorite from chef Blake Edmunds, Mister Oso brings its lively Latin-inspired flavors from the Colorado native to this terminal location. Known for inventive tacos, ceviche and small plates, it’s a celebratory spot to start a trip with a spicy margarita, of course. Whatever tacos you choose (think birria, lamb barbacoa, chicken tinga, carne asada, coconut shrimp and more), paired with queso fundido and watermelon ceviche, it all translates surprisingly well to the tarmac.
All images courtesy of Denver International Airport
