Chef
Chris Thompson
Culinary affiliations
Social
A Telluride native and Michelin-recognized chef, Chris Thompson returns home after earning Bib Gourmand honors and national acclaim to redefine mountain dining through bold, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
Chris Thompson, Co-Owner and Executive Chef of The National, returns to his hometown of Telluride with a career shaped by nationally recognized kitchens and award-winning restaurant concepts. Raised in the San Juan Mountains, Thompson’s culinary perspective is rooted in both place and experience, bringing his journey full circle.
Prior to opening The National, Thompson served as Chef and Partner with Meadowlark Hospitality in Chicago, where he helped develop and lead multiple acclaimed concepts, including Lardon and Union in Logan Square. During his tenure, the group earned two Michelin Bib Gourmand distinctions, recognizing his ability to deliver high-quality, ingredient-driven cuisine in an approachable format.
His earlier career includes time in Michelin-starred kitchens and acclaimed restaurants such as A16 in San Francisco, a James Beard Award–winning concept, and Spruce, further refining his technique and global culinary perspective.
At The National, Thompson draws inspiration from across the Mediterranean, with influences from Italy, Morocco, Israel, and beyond. His cooking emphasizes bold flavors, seasonality, and a balance between refinement and accessibility.
He operates the restaurant alongside his wife and Co-Owner, Kate Thompson, an industry veteran. Together, they are focused on creating an elevated yet approachable dining experience, contributing to the continued evolution of Telluride’s culinary landscape.
