Boulder's beloved Frasca Food and Wine added another trophy to its already impressive collection in June 2025, taking home the prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant—the fourth James Beard recognition in the restaurant's remarkable 20-year history.
Master sommelier Bobby Stuckey and chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson have built Frasca into one of the most respected dining establishments in the country. Their focus on intricate Friulian cuisine, paired with an exceptional wine program and above-and-beyond service, has made the restaurant a bucket-list destination for food lovers across Colorado and beyond.
At the awards ceremony in Chicago, Stuckey delivered a moving acceptance speech that celebrated the immigrant workforce that makes American restaurants possible. "If you are new to the country and you don't speak the language, the hospitality industry is here for you," he said from the stage, drawing applause from the assembled culinary world.
This latest honor joins an illustrious collection: Mackinnon-Patterson won Best Chef: Southwest in 2008, the restaurant earned Outstanding Wine Service in 2013, and Outstanding Service in 2019. In 2023, Michelin also awarded Frasca a star and an Outstanding Service designation.
The multi-course tasting menus at Frasca abound in seasonal intricacies—game such as venison and rabbit, unusual pastas like balanzoni or cjalsons, luxuries like caviar and truffles, and unexpected flavor combinations that surprise and delight. The considerate floor staff expertly guides guests through a wine list emphasizing small, sustainable producers.
For Colorado's food scene, Frasca's continued success demonstrates that a commitment to excellence, hospitality, and celebrating diverse culinary traditions can achieve the highest recognition in American dining.