As a content creator dedicated to exploring the intersection of travel, culture, and gastronomy, I believe that truly understanding a place begins with its food. Over the past year, Denver’s culinary scene has flourished, with chefs crafting menus that capture the essence of Colorado’s seasons and its diverse population.
From vibrant international flavors to innovative American classics, the city’s eateries offer an incredible array of experiences. I’ve personally delved into dozens of establishments to curate this guide, highlighting the top restaurants in Denver that not only serve exceptional dishes but also tell compelling stories through their ingredients and techniques. Get ready to embark on a delicious journey through the Mile High City’s best bites.
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Delicious Dining Options by Price Point
Whether you’re seeking budget-friendly eats or a luxurious dining experience, Denver’s restaurant landscape offers something for every palate and wallet. Here, I’ve categorized some of the city’s standout culinary destinations based on average dinner price per person (excluding beverages).
Price for Dinner*: Less Than $20
Dough Counter
- Price point: $
- Cuisine: Pizza
- Location: University Hills Plaza, 2466 S. Colorado Blvd., University Hills
- Noteworthy: First-time winner on this list.
Mark and Kristy Dym, the visionaries behind Marco’s Coal-Fired, Denver’s first certified Neapolitan pizza spot, bring their dough expertise to fast-casual with Dough Counter. Opened in September 2023, this spot masters both Sicilian and New York–style pizzas, alongside classic starters, chicken strips, and decadent cake slices. While the foldable New York slices are perfection, the standout is undoubtedly the Sicilian – thick, cheesy masterpieces with caramelized edges. Don’t miss the Hot Honey Pepperoni or the unique Big Mac pie featuring a Thousand Island-like sauce.
Group of people, including staff and owners, at Dough Counter pizza shop
Kiké’s Red Tacos
- Price point: $
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Location: 1200 W. 38th Ave., LoHi
- Noteworthy: First-time winner on this list.
In a city abundant with taco joints, Kiké’s Red Tacos distinguishes itself with exceptional birria. The Silva Gonzalez family simmers goat or beef for eight hours with a dozen spices, resulting in incredibly tender meat served in various forms, including tacos, ramen, and tortas. The absolute must-try is the queso taco: a red corn tortilla filled with birria, cheese, onion, and cilantro, grilled until crispy and melted. Dunked in rich consomé, these tacos have garnered a cult following since Kiké’s (pronounced “kee-kays”) began as a food truck in 2020. The brick-and-mortar location offers an expanded menu, including drinks and a salsa bar.
Odie B’s
- Price point: $
- Cuisine: American
- Location: 2651 W. 38th Ave., Sunnyside
- Noteworthy: First-time winner on this list.
Formerly Bodega, Odie B’s made a memorable entry into Denver’s brunch and sandwich scene in summer 2022, known for smart twists on classics. Despite a name change due to trademark issues, the fast-casual spot retains its popular menu items. The Deviled Chicken sandwich, featuring fried chicken, deviled egg spread, pickles, arugula, and pickled red onion on Texas toast, is a favorite, as are their burger and breakfast sandwich (available in vegan versions). Pair your handheld with a “mixed bag of fries” – four potato varieties seasoned with a nutritional-yeast dust. Odie B’s continues to deliver flavorful, satisfying options in Sunnyside.
Price for Dinner*: $21 to $30
Baekga
- Price point: $$
- Cuisine: Korean
- Location: Lowry Town Center, 200 Quebec St., Lowry Field
- Noteworthy: First-time winner on this list.
After two decades honing his skills in French and Japanese cuisine, chef Sean Baek turned his focus to the Korean fare of his heritage. Opened in May, Baekga, run with his wife Mina Kim, offers comforting Korean dishes in a simple yet inviting setting. Tables are laden with sizzling galbi, silky japchae, and an array of rotating banchan. Baekga elevates these classics with warm hospitality and refined touches, like galbi sweetened with grated pear or kimbap showcasing skilled technique. Don’t miss the roasted beet powder-dusted beignets for a taste of Baek’s fine-dining background. This spot brings authentic and expertly prepared Korean cuisine to Lowry.
Dân Dã
- Price point: $$
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
- Location: 9945 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora
- Noteworthy: First-time winner on this list.
For those ready to venture beyond pho and banh mi, Dân Dã (pronounced “yuhng yaa”) in Aurora is a must-visit. From the family behind the former New Saigon, this six-month-old restaurant excels at introducing diners to lesser-known Vietnamese comfort foods. Expect dishes like whelks with garlic butter and XO chile crisp or a refreshing salad with pork belly, shrimp, squid, jellyfish, and pickled lotus root. Their flagship clay pots, bubbling with meat in a sweet-salty caramel sauce, are incredibly satisfying. For a fun, interactive experience, try the Dân Dã Tower, a three-tiered spread of ingredients meant for wrapping in fresh spring rolls.
Stacked dishes and ingredients for the Dan Da Tower at Dan Da Vietnamese restaurant
MAKfam
- Price point: $$
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Location: 39 W. First Ave., Baker
- Noteworthy: First-time winner on this list.
Kenneth Wan and Doris Yuen celebrate their Chinese American heritage at MAKfam, their fast-casual restaurant in Baker. The space is filled with playful nods to Chinatowns and even features vibrant artwork celebrating MSG. Their menu creatively blends traditional flavors with modern twists. Start with a Hong Kong Iced Tea cocktail served in a Vita tea carton or a savory MSG-infused gin martini. Dishes like sugar-dusted crab and cheese wontons and flavor-packed salt and pepper fried chicken reflect their East Coast upbringing as children of immigrants. Weekend brunch offers unique items like salted-egg-yolk French toast and steak and eggs over garlic rice.
Yuan Wonton
- Price point: $$
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Location: 2878 Fairfax St., North Park Hill
- Noteworthy: First-time winner on this list.
Penelope Wong, a James Beard Foundation Award finalist, dedicates herself to crafting exceptional dumplings at Yuan Wonton. Starting as a food truck, her brick-and-mortar location opened in September 2023, allowing her to expand offerings while maintaining the focus on meticulously prepared dumplings. Drawing from her Chinese-Thai background, Wong creates innovative dishes like Hainanese chicken wontons alongside beloved favorites such as the OG chile oil wontons. Visit during Friday’s dim sum lunch for Chinese chive pockets or yam khai dao (wok-fried eggs). Grab some ube-filled sesame balls for later and watch the chefs at work behind the counter.
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Price for Dinner*: $31 to $50
Alma Fonda Fina
- Price point: $$$
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Location: 2556 15th St., LoHi
- Noteworthy: First-time winner on this list, recently earned a Michelin star.
Stepping into Alma Fonda Fina in LoHi is like entering a warm, inviting hideaway, thanks to the Curiel family’s transformation of the space. Chef Johnny Curiel and his wife Kasie, with the help of Agatha Jane Interior Design, created a backdrop with reclaimed wood, succulents, and textiles from Mexico that perfectly complements Johnny’s modern Mexican cuisine. His open kitchen produces elegant takes on familiar items like tacos and crudos, as well as rarer finds. Building a feast with a mix of both is highly recommended. Don’t miss the camote asada (roasted sweet potato) or the lubina rayada (striped bass). Raising an avocado margarita is the perfect way to celebrate the quick yet skillful creation of this Michelin-starred gem.
Double portrait of chef Johnny Curiel and Kasie Curiel, owners of Alma Fonda Fina
Carne
- Price point: $$$
- Cuisine: Steak house
- Location: 2601 Larimer St., RiNo
- Noteworthy: First-time winner on this list.
Dana Rodriguez, affectionately known as Loca, brings her extensive culinary range to Carne, her modern steak house in RiNo, opened in July. Known for acclaimed concepts like Work & Class, Rodriguez blends flavors from South America, her native Mexico, and her experience in French and Italian kitchens. The menu features a selection of steaks alongside Argentinian tri-tip and chorizo, Italian veal osso buco, and exceptionally juicy duck confit. Carne is also versatile, offering an Afternoon Delight happy hour, dinner service, and a late-night menu in the upstairs loft with a disco ball. Rodriguez calls it a “steak home,” inviting guests to linger and enjoy.
Three meat dishes presented on a table at Carne steakhouse
La Forêt
- Price point: $$$
- Cuisine: French
- Location: 38 S. Broadway, Speer
- Noteworthy: First-time winner on this list.
Stepping into La Forêt on South Broadway, which took over the former Beatrice & Woodsley space, is like entering an enchanted forest, albeit an amped-up version. Owners Mike Huggins and Lenka Juchelkova added even more flora to the already nature-inspired setting. However, the true magic lies in the menu of upscale French classics and a standout beverage program by Jason Patz. Sip a Summer in Provence cocktail while indulging in buttery, charred-lemon-drizzled artichokes or sliced stag au poivre in a rich peppercorn and cognac sauce. Finish with berry-capped crème brûlée and a tableside-flamed café brûlot for a truly transportive experience that prepares you for the return to the urban jungle outside.
Elegant dining room setting at La Forêt restaurant featuring forest-themed decor
Lucina Eatery & Bar
- Price point: $$$
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Location: 2245 Kearney St., South Park Hill
- Noteworthy: Appeared on list in 2023.
Lucina, a two-and-a-half-year-old eatery in South Park Hill, is always a good idea. Specializing in the vibrant flavors of Latin America, coastal Spain, and the Caribbean, it offers something for everyone. Stop by happy hour (Tuesday-Friday, 3-5 p.m.) for discounted tapas like papas con todo (fries with chorizo, jalapeño, queso, and ají verde) and albondigas (wagyu meatballs), perfectly paired with a rosemary cosmopolitan. On Friday or Saturday nights, chefs Erasmo Casiano and Diego Coconati prepare impressive paella orders that can feed up to three. Save room for desserts by Hannah Lavoy, like satisfying éclairs with espresso cream.
Marigold
- Price point: $$$
- Cuisine: European
- Location: 405 Main St., Lyons
- Noteworthy: Appeared on list in 2023.
Located in Lyons, just a drive outside of Denver, Marigold has made a significant impact since opening in 2022. Chef Theo Adley earned a James Beard Foundation Award semifinalist nomination for his “fine yet humble” European-inspired dinner fare. Adley’s creative flavor combinations, like sea urchin with polenta, corn, and Basque peppers, have garnered national recognition. However, approachable dishes like half chicken under a brick (with heirloom spigarello) and ragu-coated rigatoni (with a hint of mint) make it a beloved neighborhood bistro. The hour-long drive from Denver is truly justified for this elevated culinary experience.
Ototo
- Price point: $$$
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Location: 1501 S. Pearl St., Platt Park
- Noteworthy: First-time winner on this list.
Ototo, the eight-year-old sibling to South Pearl Street’s famous Sushi Den and Izakaya Den, has found its footing since reopening in spring 2023 after a three-year break. Offering a more laid-back vibe with a focus on Japanese street food, fresh seafood flown in daily (like its sisters), and inventive dishes, Ototo is now garnering well-deserved attention. Explore less common plates like wok-seared shaved pork with kimchi or scallop carpaccio with citrusy shiso pesto, alongside a selection of sashimi, nigiri, and oshizushi. Unlike the other Dens, Ototo offers a must-try Sunday brunch, featuring standout kara age chicken with matcha waffles.
Point Easy
- Price point: $$$
- Cuisine: Contemporary
- Location: 2000 E. 28th Ave., Whittier
- Noteworthy: First-time winner on this list.
In a city known for its farm-to-table movement, Point Easy in the Whittier neighborhood stands out as an exemplar. This two-year-old restaurant makes bold statements even with seemingly simple dishes. Their house salad, using greens from Boulder’s Cure Organic Farm, is adorned with a subtle Middle Eastern twist of pistachios, dates, chiles, ricotta salata, and a ras el hanout vinaigrette. The brick chicken incorporates Latin American flavors like salsa macha and plantains, while the Three Sisters chitarra pasta features local beans, corn, and squash with nutty heirloom wheat pasta. Point Easy’s respect for ingredients and confident seasoning make it a clear favorite among the top restaurants in Denver.
Sắp Sửa
- Price point: $$$
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
- Location: 2550 E. Colfax Ave., Congress Park
- Noteworthy: First-time winner on this list.
Located on East Colfax Avenue, one-year-old Sắp Sửa offers elevated Vietnamese cuisine within a nurturing and equitable hospitality environment. Chef-owners Ni and Anna Nguyen foster a collaborative atmosphere, encouraging staff input on new dishes and crediting the team on the menu. The name “Sắp Sửa,” meaning “about to be” or “almost,” reflects their mission for continuous evolution. This philosophy yields creative recipes like bánh mì cà chua (sourdough toast with confit tomatoes and herbs) and bún cha (lemongrass pork meatballs with peaches). These mouthwatering creations contribute to a more positive and innovative restaurant world.
Woman and spread of dishes on a table at Sap Sua Vietnamese restaurant
Spuntino
- Price point: $$$
- Cuisine: Italian
- Location: 2639 W. 32nd Ave., Highland
- Noteworthy: Appeared on list in 2023.
At Spuntino in Highland, the partnership between chef Cindhura Reddy and Elliot Strathmann is a recipe for success. Reddy’s Indian-influenced Italian cuisine is consistently impressive – don’t miss the capellini aglio e olio with spice-preserved garlic or the malai kofta gnocchi with curry-scented tomato sauce. Strathmann complements this with an exceptional beverage program. Try a cocktail with house-infused liqueurs or explore the unique bottles on the wine menu’s Off List, focusing on niche Italian makers. Ask Strathmann for recommendations to perfectly pair your drink with Reddy’s flavorful creations for a truly harmonious dining experience.
Traveling Mercies
- Price point: $$$
- Cuisine: Seafood
- Location: Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Aurora
- Noteworthy: First-time winner on this list.
Opened in late 2023 by James Beard Award winner Caroline Glover and Nelson Harvey, Traveling Mercies in Aurora’s Stanley Marketplace showcases Glover’s culinary versatility beyond her acclaimed Annette. This spot offers a concise selection of wine, cocktails, and seafood-centric bites in a breezy, light-wood-accented space designed by FAM Design to evoke a coastal escape. Plan your next getaway over oysters, shrimp cocktail with mustard sauce, and a slab salad with pancetta and blue cheese. Or enjoy an extra-dry martini at the window-facing counter, soaking in the transportive atmosphere.
Price for Dinner*: $51 or More
Frasca Food and Wine
- Price point: $$$$
- Cuisine: Italian
- Location: 1738 Pearl St., Boulder
- Noteworthy: Appeared on list in 2023.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Frasca in Boulder remains a benchmark for fine Italian dining. Executive chef Ian Palazzola, promoted in spring 2023, brings his fine-dining pedigree and knack for incorporating trends to Frasca’s multicourse menus. He expertly procures local ingredients, transforming them into innovative dishes like squid ink-dyed tagliolini or duck breast finished with ajvar relish. Palazzola’s talent and commitment to quality ensure Frasca continues to impress the next generation of diners, carrying forward its mission with excellence.
Hop Alley
- Price point: $$$$
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Location: 3500 Larimer St., RiNo
- Noteworthy: Appeared on list in 2019.
For nine years, Hop Alley in RiNo has set the standard for modern Chinese cuisine in Denver. Chef Tommy Lee’s urban-chic restaurant offers a unique “restaurant within a restaurant” experience at its chef’s counter, launched in February. This six-seat bar top provides an innovative culinary adventure beyond the daily menu, focusing on high-end, craveable dishes with Asian influences. Expect creations like sweet-sour char siu beets or umami-rich rib-eye with veal jus. Whether opting for the tasting menu or ordering à la carte, savor every bite of this creative and boundary-pushing Chinese fare.
Major Tom
- Price point: $$$$
- Cuisine: American
- Location: 2845 Larimer St., RiNo
- Noteworthy: First-time winner on this list.
Adjacent to the Michelin-starred Beckon, Major Tom in RiNo offers a similar caliber of epicurean magic in a more casual setting and at a more accessible price. The team behind Beckon, including chef Duncan Holmes and director of experience Allison Anderson, prepares ingredients with the same meticulous attention. This glam bar and restaurant, themed after the David Bowie song, lets patrons curate their own experience from small plates, cocktails, and an extensive wine list featuring over 40 Champagnes. With limited seating, reservations are key to enjoy dishes like red-miso charred cabbage, Alamosa bass with mushrooms, or an elevated take on McDonald’s fries. It’s fine dining that doesn’t require a special occasion.
Oysters on a bed of ice presented at Major Tom restaurant
Molotov Kitschen & Cocktails
- Price point: $$$$
- Cuisine: Eastern European
- Location: 3333 E. Colfax Ave., City Park
- Noteworthy: First-time winner on this list.
Chef Bo Porytko honors his Ukrainian heritage at Molotov, a nearly two-year-old spot illuminating Eastern European culture and cuisine. Known for his imaginative cooking style from the former Misfit Snackbar, Porytko brings unconventional twists to traditional dishes. Borscht features seasonal produce like potatoes and egg yolk jam, dumplings are filled with chive sour cream and served in snap pea foam, and kielbasa-stuffed quail is fried in buttermilk batter. From the food to the decor and horilka-based cocktails, Molotov urges visitors to look beyond headlines and engage with the rich culture of Ukraine.
Dishes on a scarred wooden table at Molotov Kitschen & Cocktails
Noisette
- Price point: $$$$
- Cuisine: French
- Location: 3254 Navajo St., LoHi
- Noteworthy: Appeared on list in 2023.
For a romantic escape to the City of Love without the flight, visit Noisette in LoHi. This two-year-old Parisian retreat, located slightly removed from the neighborhood bustle, offers an intimate setting with chic velvet seating, floral arrangements, and a soft pastel palette. Tim and Lillian Lu curate a dreamy ambiance and a menu of delicate French plates. Practice your French pronunciation ordering foie gras with brioche or vol-au-vents (filled puff pastry). Don’t miss Lillian’s house-made baguette – achieving the perfect chewy-pillowy-crispy texture at high elevation is a remarkable feat. It’s an ideal spot for a date night that feels truly special.
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Restaurant Olivia
- Price point: $$$$
- Cuisine: Italian
- Location: 290 S. Downing St., Washington Park
- Noteworthy: First-time winner on this list.
Since opening in January 2020, Restaurant Olivia in Washington Park has been synonymous with exceptional pasta. Their program of extruded, twisted, and hand-folded noodles stands out even in Denver’s strong Italian restaurant scene. A 1,200-square-foot expansion in May added an open-concept pasta station where chef Emily Boyd prepares around 100 pounds of pasta weekly. These noodles are transformed into seasonal delights like spaghetti al limone with mussels or gemelli with lamb meatballs and Palisade cherries. To try your hand at pasta-making, sign up for classes with head chef and co-owner Ty Leon.
Denver boasts a vibrant and growing culinary landscape, offering everything from casual tacos to high-end tasting menus. If you’re keen to dive deeper, explore more options in our guide to the Top 10 restaurants in Denver.
Sunday Vinyl
- Price point: $$$$
- Cuisine: Wine bar
- Location: 1803 16th Street Mall, LoDo
- Noteworthy: Appeared on list in 2023.
Sunday Vinyl, the popular wine bar near Union Station known for spinning its extensive record collection, welcomed executive chef Cody Cheetham this spring. Already the executive chef at sister restaurant Tavernetta, Cheetham brings his expertise without changing Sunday Vinyl’s core identity. He’s revived favorites like pommes frites with Comté and beef tallow and introduced new hits like Fish and Chics (lightened with chicory and cauliflower) and a brilliant hash brown topped with ossetra caviar, inspired by McDonald’s. The spot maintains its unstuffy attitude while serving high-quality, creative dishes alongside its impressive wine list.
The Wolf’s Tailor
- Price point: $$$$
- Cuisine: Seasonal
- Location: 4058 Tejon St., Sunnyside
- Noteworthy: Appeared on list in 2023, Michelin-starred.
The Wolf’s Tailor in Sunnyside has earned numerous accolades, including a Michelin star, a Michelin green star for sustainability, and a James Beard Foundation Award for owners Kelly and Erika Whitaker. Led by chef de cuisine Taylor Stark, the restaurant offers a luxurious tasting menu focused on local ingredients and minimizing waste. Expect innovative courses like green-tomato pasta, wood-fired lamb chop with lingonberry tonkatsu, and a bento box trio featuring oyster, truffle panna cotta, and tuna tartare. Pastry chef Emily Thompson’s creations, like stone-fruit layer cake, are also award-worthy. Every element here showcases culinary excellence and a commitment to conscious dining.
Chocolate dessert served in a cocoa pod at The Wolf’s Tailor
*Price reflects the average amount spent on food at dinnertime, excluding beverages, per person.
Conclusion
Exploring the top restaurants in Denver reveals a city with a dynamic and ever-evolving culinary landscape. From affordable, flavor-packed hidden gems to refined dining experiences pushing creative boundaries, these establishments not only satisfy the palate but also offer a window into the diverse cultures and passionate individuals shaping the city’s food scene. Whether you’re a local seeking new favorites or a visitor planning your trip, delving into Denver’s best restaurants is an essential part of experiencing the Mile High City’s unique charm and vibrant energy. Bon appétit!