Matt Vawter is an acclaimed chef and restaurateur based in Breckenridge, Colorado, known for his modern American cuisine with a focus on seasonal and local ingredients. He is the owner of multiple successful dining...
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SteakhouseSeafoodLocal ModernVegetarian Vegan FocusVegan-friendlySeafoodFine diningDinnerFine DiningFarm To Table
Last updated: 7/23/2026, 4:54:43 AM
Key Information
Rootstalk is an innovative and intimate restaurant located in the heart of Breckenridge, Colorado. It offers seasonal American dining with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. A unique selling point is the Chef's Counter tasting experience, allowing guests to observe the kitchen. The owner is also noted for being community-focused.
Customers consistently praise Rootstalk for its impeccable service, gorgeous and creatively inspired food, and welcoming atmosphere. Many describe it as one of the best dining experiences in Colorado, perfect for special occasions. The staff is highly regarded for being knowledgeable, attentive, and accommodating, even signing menus and providing extra touches for celebrations. While generally considered fine dining, it maintains a comfortable, 'cozy mountain town' vibe.
Additional Details
The restaurant offers both a seasonal à la carte menu with shareable plates and multi-course tasting menus (7-course and 11-course options, including a dedicated vegan tasting menu). The Chef's Counter provides an intimate dining experience where chefs explain each dish.
Vegan (7-course tasting menu available upon request)Accommodates allergies (e.g., tree nut allergy)
Best Times to Visit
The restaurant is open year-round for dinner. Given its popularity and fine dining nature, reservations are highly recommended, especially for the Chef's Counter or during peak tourist seasons in Breckenridge.
Awards & Recognition
James Beard Award Winner (Chef Matt Vawter) • 2024
5
We booked the chefs table for our 20th anniversary and it was one of the most memorable experiences of our life! The service was so impeccable, our dining companions were a blast, and watching the kitchen made me feel like i was in an episode of The Bear!
The food was absolutely gorgeous and my only regret is i had no room left to finish everything. The care and beauty put into the dishes was evident.
The chefs and servers signed our menu and gave us a card, along with an extra dessert. It was an incredible experience and i would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a very special experience. Thank you Rootstalk for an amazing evening!
One of the best dining experiences we’ve had in Colorado. It was my wife’s birthday, and from the moment we entered, staff were all wishing her happy birthday and bringing complementary items. I’ve never had a restaurant where the whole staff signed a happy birthday card before and it felt so wholesome. The food itself was very fresh and vibrant. We got the burrata, carrots, and squid to start and shared a New York strip. We were super impressed with the complexity of the flavors in the carrots and the burrata was very fresh tasting. We got the cheesecake parfait for dessert and it was one of my favorite desserts I’ve tried in Colorado. Between the top tier service and food, we definitely plan to come back.
The whole experience was amazing. The atmosphere and staff were incredibly welcoming. Chris, our waiter, was a delight to speak with, incredibly knowledgeable about the food and sources, and worked with us due to my tree nut allergy. Everyone was friendly we encountered and made us feel at home. The food, from the first bite, was delicious and mesmerizing. The local fresh ingredients were the showcase and every bite brought a new and wonderful surprise. Highly recommend.
We came here for our wedding dinner and had the 11 course tasting menu. All of the staff was very friendly and it felt like a welcoming place and I'm so happy we chose it for our post wedding meal!
We sat downstairs by the chef's counter and one of the chef's explained each dish. The tasting menu seats 4 so it was an intimate experience and our dining partners were nice to talk to and at the same time you're not cramped next to strangers so both parties still had some privacy.
We were given a congratulatory card, prosecco toast, and our menu at the end of the meal. It was a great experience and we were able to try many new things like white asparagus sorbet.
EAT HERE, it'll change your life!
They have a VEGAN 7 COURSE TASTING MENU. Yes. You read that right, you just have to ask for it!! Every bite was somehow the most delicious thing I have ever eaten. It just got better and better.
The food and flavors were creative and inspired. I genuinely got the sense the staff was proud of their food, excited to see us try each new thing, and everyone was friendly and attentive. It felt like a very comfortable environment to be in despite it being fine dining (which can sometimes feel a little sterile). This had cozy mountain town vibes mixed with a top tier food experience.
The day afterwards I heard from a local that the owner is very community-focused and it feels great to support an establishment that is also working to "do good"! :)
