Boulder

Sushi Zanmai

1221 spruce one block north of pearl street, 303-440-0733, (http://sushizanmai.com/). zanmai is a traditional sushi house with the best rolls in town. reasonably priced, watch as sushi chefs prepare your meal at the sushi bar. for the best deals, go to happy hour, from 5pm-6:30pm or all day sunday. try the z-number 9 and the firecracker role or for an appetizer try the green mussels.

Tucked into a small space on the east side of Broadway just south of Arapahoe Ave, this restaurant has repeatedly been voted the best Thai food in Boulder. Not expensive and really good, especially the green curry. The owner is surprisingly anti-veg*n, so don't expect gracious substitutions or a warm reception.

Sherpa's

825 walnut st., 303 440-7151, (http://sherpaascent.com/r...). run by pemba sherpa, this restaurant is just outside off broadway and pearl. featuring authentic nepalese food that is made fresh to order, this restaurant is a must of boulder.

Centro

950 pearl street near pearl and 10th, 303 442-7771.

Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse

1770 13th street, 303-442-4993, (http://boulderteahouse.com/). 8am-9pm. a great place to enjoy a cup of tea and enjoy architecture from half way around the world. the food is moderately portioned and deliciously prepared. in the summers, outside dining is available, and when the rose garden is in bloom it is amazing.

Illegal Pete's

1530 16th street, 303-623-2169, (http://illegalpetes.com/). a favorite for students of cu-boulder, there is a location on "the hill," close to jones drugs, across the street from the cu economics building, and one on the far east side of the pearl street mall. economically priced, very generously proportioned mexican food and beer. perfect college town restaurant. the burritos are out of this world.

West End Tavern

926 pearl street, 303-444-3535, (http://thewestendtavern.com/). the classic american tavern is reborn! the rooftop deck is open weather permitting, affording remarkable views of the flatirons beneath 300 days of sunshine a year. visit the boulder locals' favorite for a cold brew and some good eats.

Brasserie 1010

1011 walnut street, 303-998-1010, (http://brasserietenten.com/). for a more expensive meal, visit brasserie 1010, on walnut street downtown, where french-inspired cuisine is served in an elegant setting with delicious daily specials.

A fantastic neighborhood bistro that sources most of its food from local growers and producers. Open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Located at the west end of Pearl Street. Check out Monday night's Community Dinner, a $35 prix fixe meal that's off-menu, served family style around a huge table -- it's the best deal in town for the variety, quality, and quantity of food reservations recommended.

Q's Restaurant

2115 13th street, 303-442-4880, (http://qsboulder.com/). q's is in the hotel boulderado. q's delivers it's extraordinary cuisine at reasonable prices. for a truly exquisite display of the culinary arts, this is the place to be.

Boulder Chophouse

1735 19th street #100, 303 296-0800, (http://rockbottomrestaura...). yes, it's part of a national chain, but it's still worth a visit to experience wonderful beef and seafood in a moderately priced environment.

Flagstaff House

303 442-4640, (http://flagstaffhouse.com/). su-f 6pm-10pm, sa 5pm-10pm. tucked up on flagstaff mountain, the flagstaff house has breathtaking views of the city of boulder just below it. visit for cocktails, dessert, or stay for a full meal, the views will astonish you. located up baseline ave, on flagstaff mountain, just 3 minutes outside of town. if you are just visiting boulder, this is a definite must!

The Cork

3295 30th st., 303 443-9505, (http://bouldercork.com). a high quality restaurant since 1969, serving excellent dishes from prime rib to lobster ravioli. located on the west side of 30th street.

Jax Fish House

Home to Top Chef Season 5 winner Hosea Rosenberg