Margot has been a presence in Denver’s culinary scene since its pop-up days as a little secret in passing culinary conversations.
Chef Justin Fulton and his wife, Maggie, decided to move back to his home state of Colorado to raise their family and hopefully pursue his first solo venture. Fast forward a few years of pop-ups, an expanding family, and Margot held its last pop-up on a Monday and opened the doors to its brick-and-mortar location for friends and family that following Saturday in the spring of this year.
Margot is located on South Pearl Street in Denver’s historic South Pearl Restaurant district, and shares a space with Toshi Kizaki’s omakase experience, Kizaki. Introduced to Toshi through local Japanese ceramicist, Kazu Obu, Kizaki was looking to share its space with a like-minded Chef, and Justin was ready. Opening with an eight-seat Chef’s counter, featuring a twelve-course tasting menu, and a dining room for a more casual experience, Margot has quickly established itself as a core pillar in Denver’s dining scene.
Within its first six months, Margot has received national recognition, including earning its first Michelin star. When asked how it felt to bring this concept to life in Colorado, Chef Justin states, “Bringing Margot home to Colorado has been every bit as rewarding as I’d ever hoped for. Meeting the people who are so excited to find out what we’re all about is a cherry on top.”
Chef Justin and his team, some of whom have been with him from the Coperta pop-up days, showcase local, seasonal, Colorado ingredients with finesse and sophistication. Notable dishes include the Olive Oil Brioche, set out to rise in front of you, then baked fresh for a later course. Additionally, the Kinship Toast course, made with a Boulder-based sourdough, topped with foie gras parfait, and continuing the ode to Colorado producers, paired with North Fork Valley’s Aquila Cellars’ riesling Chamisa.
Whether dining at the Chef’s counter or in the dining room, the ambiance emanates a feeling of home. As courses are served, that feeling is expanded upon by the incredibly charming staff that keep you grounded with personal touches.
The experience is intentional, Chef Justin explains:
"Margot, if she were a person, has always been the easiest to get along with, the life of the party. That still very much is the identity of the restaurant. She makes you feel welcome as if you’ve been there before, but might challenge you to try her new appetizer with snails. From the service staff matching, but not being confined to, a specific uniform, all the way to the disco ball that hangs over the Chef’s table, hopefully cutting any tension a guest might feel in a very intimate Chef’s tasting room."
Margot is open for reservations Tuesday–Thursday from 5–9:00 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 5–10:00 p.m. During South Pearl Farmer’s Market season, be sure to stop in for à la carte brunch in the dining room. Please note that Margot will be closed from January 1–12 as staff rest and maintenance is completed in the dining room. Reservations can be made online at MargotDenver.com.