In a historic moment for Colorado's culinary scene, The Wolf's Tailor in Denver's Sunnyside neighborhood has been awarded two Michelin stars—the first and only restaurant in the state to achieve this prestigious distinction. The September 2025 announcement sent waves of celebration through the Mile High City's dining community.
Kelly and Erika Whitaker, the husband-and-wife team behind Id Est Hospitality Group, have spent years building something truly extraordinary at their Tejon Street location. What started in 2018 as an ambitious fusion concept combining global cuisines with local ingredients has evolved into one of America's most compelling dining experiences.
"We are honored and grateful," the team wrote on Instagram shortly after the announcement. "Thank you to our teams and the Michelin guide for this incredible and impactful recognition."
The Wolf's Tailor's approach is unlike anything else in Denver. The restaurant features a constantly changing multicourse tasting menu that seamlessly blends techniques and flavors from around the world—think chilled Dungeness crab in honeydew ponzu with yuzu and nori, or Colorado bison with sourdough kvass, nam prik pao, eggplant, and plum. The kitchen also boasts a binchotan grill, wood-fired oven, and an innovative fermentation program that produces house-milled heritage grains.
This achievement builds on an already remarkable year for the Whitakers. In 2024, they received the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurateur, recognizing their contributions not just to The Wolf's Tailor but to Denver's broader hospitality community.
For Denver food lovers, this recognition validates what locals have known for years: the Mile High City has arrived as a serious culinary destination. The Wolf's Tailor's success proves that innovation, dedication to craft, and a zero-waste sensibility can create world-class dining right here in Colorado.