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Michelin-star chef Johnny Curiel and his wife Kasie are expanding their acclaimed Mexican restaurant Alteño from Denver to Charleston. The new location will open this summer at The Charlee on Cannon, bringing cuisine inspired by Mexico’s Jaliscan Highlands and highlighting Charleston’s local coastal ingredients. (Photo/Alteño)
Michelin-star chef Johnny Curiel and his wife Kasie are expanding their acclaimed Mexican restaurant Alteño from Denver to Charleston. The new location will open this summer at The Charlee on Cannon, bringing cuisine inspired by Mexico’s Jaliscan Highlands and highlighting Charleston’s local coastal ingredients. (Photo/Alteño)
Michelin-star chef brings Denver restaurant to Charleston
Hollie Moore // May 4, 2026//
Summary:
- Johnny Curiel co-owns Michelin-recommended Alteño in Denver
- Alteño Charleston location opening summer at The Charlee on Cannon
- Johnny Curiel named Michelin Colorado Young Chef of the Year 2024
- Curiel’s restaurants earned Michelin stars and Esquire accolades
After success nearly 2,000 miles west of the Lowcountry, two Denver-based restauranters will bring their Mexican cuisine to Charleston.
Alteño, which translates to “highlander,” is opening a location this summer on the ground floor of The Charlee on Cannon. The restaurant serves food from Mexico’s Jaliscan Highlands, a cuisine passed down by the father of the head chef and co-owner, Johnny Curiel.
“We’ve always been inspired by Charleston’s vibrant restaurant community and strong sense of place,” Johnny Curiel said in a news release. “Much of my cooking draws from Mexico’s coastal traditions, so it feels natural to connect that with Charleston’s own deep coastal identity. We’re excited to highlight the region’s beautiful local ingredients through our cultural lens. For us, choosing Charleston was a deeply personal decision. The warmth and welcome we’ve already felt from this community make our family excited to call it our home away from home.”
Johnny and Kasie Curiel opened the original Alteño in Denver, earning a Michelin recommendation, one of Esquire Magazine‘s Best New Restaurants of the Year in 2025, and one of Conde Nast Traveler’s Best New Restaurants in the World in 2026.
The pair is also behind Alma Fonda Fina and Mezcaleria Alma in Denver, both of which have received one Michelin star. According to the release, Johnny Curiel was also recognized as Michelin Colorado’s Young Chef of the Year in 2024, as well as being a James Beard Best Chef mountain region finalist.
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