Heirloom Heaven: Boulder’s Tomato Flights Are the Taste of Summer

Summer in Boulder is a celebration of color, sunshine, and the joy of fresh, local food. And this season, one item is stealing the show: the heirloom tomato. Restaurants and markets across the city are embracing the latest food trend—tomato flights—and locals can’t get enough.

A tomato flight is exactly what it sounds like: a curated tasting of vibrant heirloom tomato varieties, sliced and artfully arranged, each paired with a flavor accent—sea salt, basil, burrata, olive oil, even fresh peach slices. It’s more than a dish; it’s a sensory experience.

Black Cat Bistro
One of Boulder’s most respected farm-to-table restaurants, Black Cat Bistro brings tomato flights to life by using heirlooms picked directly from their own certified organic farm. Expect slices of Brandywine, Cherokee Purple, and Sun Gold served with fresh goat cheese, house-made crisps, and balsamic glaze. With the menu changing weekly based on what’s ripe in the fields, every visit offers something new. Black Cat’s deep roots in local agriculture make it a leader in the seasonal food movement.

Basta
Located in the Peloton West building, Basta delivers rustic Italian flavor with a Boulder twist. Their tomato-forward tasting features heirlooms paired with wood-fired sourdough, rich ricotta, and peppery olive oil. The presentation is minimalist, but the flavors are bold. Known for working with top local purveyors, Basta has quietly become a go-to for seasonal tasting experiences, especially during the summer tomato harvest.

Boulder Farmers Market
At the Boulder County Farmers Market, tomato flights take on a fun, picnic-ready twist. Several vendors now offer “DIY tomato flight kits” that include pre-sliced heirlooms, tasting-sized condiments like chili salt and Colorado honey, and compostable trays—perfect for enjoying by Boulder Creek or under a shady tree. For those who prefer to build their own, a visit to booths from farms like Cure Organic Farm or Oxford Gardens is all you need to create your own masterpiece at home.

This seasonal trend also fits perfectly with the “tomato girl summer” aesthetic taking over Instagram and TikTok—a celebration of rustic, slow living, fresh food, and garden beauty. But here in Boulder, it’s not just an aesthetic—it’s a way of life.

A vibrant tomato flight featuring heirloom slices topped with burrata, basil, olive oil, and a touch of balsamic—Boulder’s summer flavor on full display.

What makes tomato flights even more appealing? Their combination of beauty, health, and flavor. Tomatoes are loaded with antioxidants like lycopene, and when paired with healthy fats like olive oil, those nutrients are absorbed even more efficiently. It’s indulgent without being heavy—Boulder’s version of guilt-free dining.

Whether you’re experiencing a flight on a fine-dining patio, crafting your own picnic flight from the market, or recreating one at home, tomato flights are the summer dish you didn’t know you needed. They capture everything Boulder stands for: local flavor, creativity, health, and joy.

To explore Basta’s full seasonal menu, visit their official website, and for market days, vendor highlights, and what’s fresh this week, visit the Boulder Farmers Market.

This summer, skip the complicated recipes and let the tomatoes do the talking. In Boulder, that’s more than enough.

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