Denver is a thriving city with an impressive culinary scene that continues to grow and evolve. With a diverse range of restaurants, there’s something for every palate, from classic steakhouses to innovative fusion cuisine. Here are some of the top restaurants in Denver that you won’t want to miss:
Quality Italian
Address: 241 Columbine St, Denver, CO 80206
Quality Italian is a high-end Italian restaurant located in the Cherry Creek neighborhood of Denver, Colorado. This restaurant is a must-visit for special occasions, offering a classic New York City dining experience with exceptional service and delicious food.
The menu at Quality Italian features a variety of Italian-inspired dishes, including pasta, seafood, and steak. Some of the standout dishes include the chicken parmesan, the veal chop, and the rigatoni alla vodka. The restaurant is also known for its delicious seafood dishes, such as the grilled octopus and the whole branzino.
The atmosphere at Quality Italian is elegant and sophisticated, with a warm and inviting ambiance. The restaurant features a spacious dining room with high ceilings, large windows, and a stunning chandelier. The bar area is also a popular spot, offering a wide selection of cocktails, wines, and spirits.
The service at Quality Italian is exceptional, with a knowledgeable and attentive staff that is dedicated to providing a memorable dining experience. The staff is happy to make recommendations and answer any questions, ensuring that every guest leaves feeling satisfied and impressed.
Overall, Quality Italian is a must-visit for anyone looking for a high-end dining experience in Denver. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a delicious meal, this restaurant is sure to impress with its exceptional service, delicious food, and elegant atmosphere.
Fish N Beer
Address: 3510 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
Fish N Beer is a popular seafood restaurant located in the RiNo neighborhood of Denver, Colorado. The restaurant is known for its fresh, sustainable fish and seafood dishes, as well as its rotating oyster and beer menu.
The menu at Fish N Beer features a variety of seafood dishes, including their signature poke bowl and sea scallops. The restaurant prides itself on sourcing the highest quality seafood from both coasts and developing the menu around what is fresh at the moment. They also work with local cheese, bakery, and farming industries to create seasonal starters and side dishes that complement the seafood.
Fish N Beer also has a great selection of craft beers on tap, with a certified beer specialist who shares the same passion for their beer selection. The beer menu changes frequently to showcase the flavor profiles that enhance the seafood. They also offer a well-balanced wine list featuring some local favorites, as well as creative cocktails.
The atmosphere at Fish N Beer is warm and rustic with a touch of industrial, making it feel right at home in the RiNo neighborhood. The restaurant has a spacious dining room with high ceilings, large windows, and a stunning chandelier, as well as a bar area that is a popular spot for happy hour.
The service at Fish N Beer is exceptional, with a knowledgeable and attentive staff that is dedicated to providing a memorable dining experience. The staff is happy to make recommendations and answer any questions, ensuring that every guest leaves feeling satisfied and impressed.
Overall, Fish N Beer is a must-visit for seafood lovers in Denver. Whether you’re looking for a casual dinner or happy hour spot, this restaurant is sure to impress with its fresh seafood, rotating beer menu, and cozy atmosphere.
Ocean Prime Denver Tech Center
Address: 8000 E Belleview Ave #100, Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Ocean Prime Denver Tech Center is a high-end steak and seafood restaurant located in the Denver Tech Center at 8000 E Belleview Ave #100, Greenwood Village, CO 80111. The restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience with exceptional service and a stunning atmosphere.
The menu at Ocean Prime features a variety of seafood and steak dishes, including their signature poke bowl, sea scallops, red bird farms chicken, chilean sea bass, teriyaki salmon, and filet mignon. They also offer a variety of sides such as jalapeño au gratin, roasted garlic mashed, parmesan truffle fries, smoked gouda tater tots, black truffle mac & cheese, asparagus & hollandaise, bacon creamed spinach, miso-chili roasted broccoli, roasted brussels sprouts, and sautéed mushrooms.
Ocean Prime Denver Tech Center is not only a great place for dinner but also a perfect venue for events, whether it’s a business meeting, bridal shower, sales presentation, family gathering, holiday party, graduation dinner, anniversary party, luncheon event, baby shower, rehearsal dinner, bar or bat mitzvah, retirement party, birthday celebration, or wedding party. They offer various rooms with different capacities and features, such as flatscreen TVs, to accommodate different types of events.
The restaurant has received excellent reviews from customers, with an average rating of 4.5 in food, service, value, and atmosphere on Tripadvisor. Customers have praised the restaurant for its impeccable service, delicious food, and beautiful atmosphere.
Piggin’ Out Smokehouse
Piggin’ Out Smokehouse is a popular barbecue restaurant in Denver, Colorado, that has been serving delicious smoked meats since 2018. Located at 3455 Ringsby Ct #105, Denver, CO 80216, Piggin’ Out Smokehouse is a must-visit for anyone who loves barbecue.
The restaurant is known for its delicious smoked meats, including brisket, ribs, and pulled pork. They use only the highest quality meats, which are smoked for up to 16 hours over hickory and oak woods, resulting in a rich and smoky flavor that is sure to satisfy any barbecue lover.
Piggin’ Out Smokehouse also offers a variety of sides, such as mac and cheese, coleslaw, baked beans, and potato salad, to complement the smoked meats. They also have a selection of sauces available, including their signature barbecue sauce, which is made in-house and has a unique and delicious flavor.
The restaurant has a casual and welcoming atmosphere, with a rustic and industrial decor that reflects its location in the RiNo neighborhood of Denver. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they are happy to answer any questions and make recommendations.
Piggin’ Out Smokehouse has received excellent reviews from customers, with an average rating of 4.5 in food, service, value, and atmosphere on Tripadvisor. Customers have praised the restaurant for its delicious food, friendly service, and reasonable prices.
In addition to their regular menu, Piggin’ Out Smokehouse also offers catering services for events and parties. They can provide a variety of options, including smoked meats, sides, and desserts, to suit any occasion and budget.
Tacos Tequila Whiskey Highlands
Tacos Tequila Whiskey Highlands is a trendy Mexican restaurant located at 3300 West 32nd Avenue, Denver, CO 80211. The restaurant offers a modern twist on Mexican street food, with an expanded menu and a selection of quality, small-batch tequila and whiskey, as well as award-winning cocktails and desserts.
The restaurant is known for its delicious tacos, which are made with local products and a modern gringo twist on regional recipes. They specialize in making the absolute best street tacos anywhere, with a variety of options to choose from. In addition to tacos, they offer a range of other Mexican-inspired dishes, including appetizers, soups, salads, and entrees.
Tacos Tequila Whiskey has won numerous awards and accolades, including being named one of the top 50 new restaurants in the nation by Bon Appetit Magazine. They have collected more restaurant awards and accolades than they know what to do with, from critics and diners alike.
The restaurant has a unique liquor menu, with a focus on quality, small-batch tequila and whiskey. They take their booze seriously, offering only the best brands that give back to their communities, support fair wages, and limit their impact on the environment. They also offer a selection of mezcals, sotols, and cordials, with each location curating a unique collection specific to their neighborhood.
Tacos Tequila Whiskey Highlands is open Monday through Thursday from 4 pm to 9 pm, and Friday through Sunday from 11 am to 9 pm. They offer happy hour all day on Monday and from 4 pm to 6 pm Tuesday through Sunday. The restaurant has a modern and trendy atmosphere, with a sit-down dining experience and an expanded menu compared to their food truck offerings.
In summary, Tacos Tequila Whiskey Highlands is a must-visit for anyone looking for delicious tacos and modern Mexican cuisine in Denver. With its award-winning food, quality liquor menu, and trendy atmosphere, it’s no wonder why this restaurant has received so much acclaim.
The Kitchen American Bistro Denver
The Kitchen American Bistro Denver is a farm-to-table restaurant that offers a seasonal menu made with locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant is part of The Kitchen Restaurant Group, which was founded in Colorado in 2004 and is known for creating restaurants that feel like the kitchen in one’s home, offering an imaginative array of globally-inspired shared plates and killer drinks crafted in stylish, casual spaces.
The Kitchen American Bistro Denver is located in LoDo at 1530 16th St Mall #150, Denver, CO 80202. The restaurant offers lunch from 11 am to 3 pm from Monday to Friday, brunch from 10 am to 3 pm on Saturday and Sunday, and dinner from 4:30 pm to 9 pm daily. They also offer happy hour from 3 pm to 5 pm daily, where all collected tips are shared with the front of house hourly employees who helped create the dining experience.
The Kitchen American Bistro Denver’s menu changes seasonally, and they source their ingredients from local farmers and producers. They offer a variety of dishes, including shared plates, salads, sandwiches, entrees, and desserts. Some of their popular dishes include the roasted beet and goat cheese salad, the Kitchen burger, the roasted chicken, and the braised short rib.
The restaurant has a modern and stylish atmosphere, with a casual and welcoming vibe. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they are happy to answer any questions about the menu or the sourcing of the ingredients. The Kitchen American Bistro Denver is a great place for a casual lunch or dinner, as well as for special occasions.
In summary, The Kitchen American Bistro Denver is a farm-to-table restaurant that offers a seasonal menu made with locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant has a modern and stylish atmosphere, with a casual and welcoming vibe. They offer a variety of dishes, including shared plates, salads, sandwiches, entrees, and desserts, and their menu changes seasonally. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they are happy to answer any questions about the menu or the sourcing of the ingredients. The Kitchen American Bistro Denver is a great place for a casual lunch or dinner, as well as for special occasions.
Sushi Ronin
Address: 2930 Umatilla St, Denver, CO 80211
Sushi Ronin is a popular sushi restaurant located in the vibrant RiNo district of Denver, Colorado. The restaurant is known for its fresh, high-quality sushi and other Japanese-inspired dishes.
The restaurant offers a unique atmosphere that combines a seamless indoor/outdoor space, perfect for Colorado’s weather, with an attractive dining area and bar/lounge. The atmosphere is modern and stylish, making it a great spot for a date night or a night out with friends.
Sushi Ronin’s menu is omakase-forward, meaning that guests can trust the chef’s expertise and selection of dishes. The menu features a variety of sushi rolls, sashimi, and nigiri, as well as other Japanese-inspired dishes such as ramen and tempura. The restaurant also offers a curated sake and spirits list to complement the menu.
The restaurant has received excellent reviews from both critics and customers. It has been featured in Westword’s Denver Restaurant Guide and has a 4.5-star rating on Yelp based on over 250 reviews. Customers have praised the restaurant for its fresh and high-quality sushi, as well as its attentive and knowledgeable staff.
In addition to its main location in RiNo, Sushi Ronin also has a second location in Congress Park, which offers a similar menu and atmosphere.
Overall, Sushi Ronin is a must-visit for any sushi lover in Denver. Its fresh and high-quality sushi, unique atmosphere, and excellent service make it a standout among the city’s many sushi restaurants.
Barolo Grill
Address: 3030 E 6th Ave, Denver, CO 80206
Barolo Grill is a highly-rated Italian restaurant located in the Cherry Creek neighborhood of Denver, Colorado. The restaurant is known for its cozy atmosphere, exceptional service, and delicious Italian cuisine. The menu at Barolo Grill features a variety of Northern Italian dishes, including handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and high-quality meats. The restaurant is also known for its extensive wine list, which includes a wide selection of Italian wines.
Barolo Grill has received numerous accolades, including being recognized as one of Denver’s most esteemed and longstanding fine dining establishments by the MICHELIN Guide. The restaurant’s service is described as warm and knowledgeable, with staff who are happy to assist with wine pairings and menu recommendations. The restaurant has a romantic atmosphere, making it a popular spot for special occasions and date nights. The interior features a fireplace and cozy seating areas, while the outdoor patio offers a more casual dining experience during warmer months.
Barolo Grill offers private dining options for groups of up to 30 people, making it a great choice for business dinners or private events. The restaurant also offers takeout options for those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home.
The menu at Barolo Grill changes seasonally, with a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The restaurant’s signature dishes include delicate spinach and parmesan sformato, handmade tortellini filled with roasted squash and taleggio, and a signature braised duck with kalamata olives.
Overall, Barolo Grill is a must-visit for Italian food lovers in Denver. The restaurant’s cozy atmosphere, exceptional service, and delicious cuisine make it a standout choice for special occasions and date nights.
El Five
Address: 2930 Umatilla St #500, Denver, CO 80211
El Five is a trendy Mediterranean restaurant located in the Highlands neighborhood of Denver, Colorado. The restaurant offers stunning views of the city from its fifth-floor location, with an unrivaled sunset mountain vista. The dining style is casual elegant, and the price range is $50 and over. The cuisine is Mediterranean, Spanish, and Middle Eastern, and the restaurant is open for dinner from Monday to Sunday, with additional offerings such as delivery, takeout, and weekend brunch.
The restaurant has received excellent reviews, with a 4.7 rating for food, 4.8 for service, and 4.3 for ambiance on OpenTable. Customers have praised the restaurant for its delicious food, exceptional service, and cozy atmosphere. The menu features a variety of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, including handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and high-quality meats. The restaurant also offers a curated wine list and a selection of signature cocktails to complement the menu.
In addition to its excellent food and service, El Five is known for its stunning views of the city. The restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the Denver skyline, making it a popular spot for special occasions and date nights. The restaurant also features a spacious outdoor patio, which is perfect for al fresco dining during warmer months.
El Five is owned and operated by a diverse group of individuals, including Latinx or Hispanic, LGBTQ+, Native/Indigenous, and Women. The executive chef, Justin Cucci, is known for his innovative approach to Mediterranean cuisine, which combines traditional flavors and techniques with modern twists.
Overall, El Five is a must-visit for anyone looking for a trendy Mediterranean restaurant with stunning views of the city. The restaurant’s delicious food, exceptional service, and cozy atmosphere make it a standout choice for special occasions and date nights.
Tavernetta
Address: 1889 16th St Mall, Denver, CO 80202
Tavernetta is a high-end Italian restaurant located in Denver, Colorado’s bustling Union Station neighborhood. The restaurant is brought to you by the James Beard Award-winning team of Frasca Hospitality Group. Tavernetta offers a la dolce vita style dining experience, with a focus on fresh handmade pastas, an Italian-directed wine and spirits list, and world-class hospitality.
The restaurant is open for dinner from Monday to Sunday, with additional offerings such as delivery, takeout, and weekend brunch. The dinner menu features a variety of Italian-inspired dishes, including focaccia, burrata, cicchetti, piatti di formaggi, piatti di salumi, insalate, primi piatti, secondi piatti, and contorni. The menu is designed to inspire a sense of conviviality and sharing, with dishes that are meant to be enjoyed with good company and good wine.
Tavernetta’s wine and spirits list is directed by Italian wines, with a focus on small producers and unique varietals. The restaurant also offers a selection of classic Italian cocktails, as well as a rotating selection of seasonal cocktails.
The atmosphere at Tavernetta is cozy and elegant, with a focus on design details that encourage lingering and relaxing. The restaurant features a spacious patio, a bar and lounge area, and a dining room that can accommodate up to 100 guests.
Tavernetta has received numerous accolades, including being recognized as a Bib Gourmand by the MICHELIN Guide Colorado 2023. The restaurant’s service is described as warm and knowledgeable, with staff who are happy to assist with wine pairings and menu recommendations.
Overall, Tavernetta is a must-visit for anyone looking for a high-end Italian dining experience in Denver. The restaurant’s delicious pasta dishes, seafood options, and other Italian-inspired dishes, combined with its exceptional service and cozy atmosphere, make it a standout choice for special occasions and date nights.
Final Words
These are just a few of the many incredible restaurants that Denver has to offer. Whether you’re in the mood for steak, seafood, barbecue, or something in between, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings in this vibrant city.