The 5 Best Chefs Around Summit County

Chefs are more than cooks — they are storytellers who use ingredients as their language, crafting dishes that speak to both tradition and creativity. In a mountain town like Summit County, where food culture continues to grow, chefs shape the community’s dining scene with innovation, skill, and a touch of artistry. The Best of Summit highlights culinary leaders whose work elevates local kitchens into memorable dining destinations.

Matt Vawter - Rootstalk

Matt Vawter brings fine dining sensibilities to Breckenridge through Rootstalk, his restaurant that emphasizes elevated comfort food. With a background rooted in Summit County and experience working at award-winning establishments, Vawter marries local pride with refined technique. His menus change seasonally, allowing him to highlight the freshest ingredients and create dishes that feel both familiar and inventive. Rootstalk’s reputation for multi-course dinners and thoughtful hospitality reflects Vawter’s dedication to the craft of cooking.

Allison Buffum - Saved by the Wine

At Saved by the Wine, Allison Buffum balances the challenge of creating dishes that complement an extensive wine selection while also standing out on their own. Her approach to food is thoughtful and creative, blending locally inspired ingredients with culinary artistry. Buffum’s role goes beyond cooking — her dishes support the restaurant’s mission of pairing great meals with philanthropy, since profits help animal rescue efforts. Guests experience cuisine that satisfies the palate while also contributing to a larger cause.

Cameron Baker - Radicato

Cameron Baker brings a modern Italian influence to Breckenridge at Radicato, where pasta and seasonally driven plates anchor the menu. His cooking philosophy highlights simplicity done well, with attention to detail in each dish. By focusing on fresh ingredients and traditional techniques presented with contemporary flair, Baker has crafted a dining experience that feels both comforting and sophisticated. His leadership in the kitchen shows in Radicato’s ability to create meals that linger in memory long after the last bite.

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