Denver’s culinary scene is a vibrant reflection of Colorado’s dynamic spirit, blending tradition with innovation, and drawing flavors from across the globe. As a passionate explorer of culture through cuisine, I understand the quest for that single, standout dining experience – “what is the best restaurant in Denver Colorado?” While identifying one definitive “best” is a delicious challenge given the city’s depth, we can uncover exceptional contenders that offer unforgettable experiences.
This article delves into some of Denver’s most celebrated restaurants, recognized for their quality, creativity, and connection to their roots, offering you a guide to navigating this thriving food landscape and perhaps finding your personal best. Whether you’re exploring colorado honeymoon packages all inclusive or just passing through, these spots are essential culinary stops.
Over the past few years, Denver chefs have truly embraced the region’s seasonal bounty and the city’s rich multicultural tapestry. This list, curated from recent expert evaluations, highlights eateries that are not just serving food, but crafting experiences that tell stories. From budget-friendly gems serving up authentic comfort food to high-end destinations pushing the boundaries of fine dining, prepare to embark on a gastronomic journey through the Mile High City.
Let’s explore some of the top-rated restaurants across different price points, each a strong candidate in the discussion of what defines the best dining in Denver.
Affordable Eats: Top Denver Restaurants Under $20
Exceptional flavor doesn’t always come with a high price tag. Denver boasts a collection of casual spots where culinary mastery is evident in every bite, perfect for a relaxed meal while you plan what to do in breckenridge colorado.
Dough Counter: Mastering the Slice
Pizza is a universal language of comfort, and Dough Counter speaks it fluently. Founded by the Dym family, pioneers of certified Neapolitan pizza in Colorado, this fast-casual concept expands their expertise to include New York and Sicilian styles. It’s a place where the crust is king, from the foldable New York slices to the thick, caramelized edges of their Sicilian masterpieces.
Beyond the pizza, their crispy chicken tenders and massive cake slices make it a complete, satisfying experience. It’s a testament to how quality ingredients and passionate technique can elevate even the most familiar dishes, making it a strong contender in the affordable category when considering what is the best restaurant in Denver Colorado for casual dining.
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Owners of Dough Counter pizza restaurant in Denver
Kiké’s Red Tacos: Birria Brilliance
In a city teeming with taco options, Kiké’s Red Tacos carves out a special niche with its dedication to birria. The Silva Gonzalez family slow-simmers goat or beef with a secret blend of spices for hours, resulting in incredibly tender, flavorful meat. Served in various forms, including ramen and tortas, the highlight is undoubtedly the queso taco.
This red corn tortilla, griddled with birria, cheese, onion, and cilantro, achieves a perfect melty-crunchy texture, ideal for dipping into the rich consomé. What started as a food truck has blossomed into a brick-and-mortar with a salsa bar and drinks, maintaining its focus on this beloved, soulful dish. It’s a vibrant cultural expression through food.
Delicious birria queso tacos from Kiké’s Red Tacos Denver
Odie B’s: Sandwich Sensations
Formerly Bodega, Odie B’s has navigated a name change to continue serving up some of Denver’s most talked-about sandwiches and brunch. Known for smart, elevated twists on classics, this fast-casual spot quickly gained a loyal following.
Signature items like the Deviled Chicken sandwich, featuring fried chicken, deviled egg spread, and pickled toppings on Texas toast, showcase creative combinations. Paired with their unique mixed bag of seasoned fries, Odie B’s proves that comfort food can be both innovative and deeply satisfying.
Mid-Range Delights: Discovering Top Restaurants for $21 to $30
Stepping into the $21-$30 range reveals restaurants pushing culinary boundaries, often rooted in rich cultural histories, offering fantastic value for memorable meals.
Baekga: Authentic Korean Comfort
After decades honing skills in French and Japanese kitchens, Chef Sean Baek returned to his roots with Baekga, a Korean restaurant he runs with his wife, Mina Kim. Located in Lowry, Baekga focuses on serving traditional Korean comfort food with refined techniques.
Dishes like galbi served on sizzling skillets and silky japchae are presented with warm hospitality. Baekga stands out for its elevated touches – galbi sweetened with grated pear, kimbap exhibiting sushi-chef precision. It’s a personal journey through Korean cuisine, offering a taste of home with expert execution.
Dân Dã: Beyond Pho and Banh Mi
Dân Dã invites diners to explore the diverse world of Vietnamese comfort food beyond the most common dishes. From the family behind the beloved former New Saigon, this Aurora spot introduces lesser-known specialties like whelks with garlic butter and pickled lotus root salad.
The restaurant excels at balancing the five fundamental tastes: salty, sweet, sour, spicy, and umami. Their signature clay pots, bubbling with meat in a rich caramel sauce, are a prime example of Vietnamese comfort. The Dân Dã Tower, a customizable assembly of skewers, noodles, herbs, and more for making fresh spring rolls, is a fun and delicious way to experience this cuisine.
The Dân Dã Tower featuring Vietnamese delights in Aurora
MAKfam: A Chinese American Narrative
MAKfam, from husband-and-wife duo Kenneth Wan and Doris Yuen, is a vibrant exploration of their Chinese American heritage. The restaurant is infused with playful cultural references, from celebrity table markers to art celebrating MSG and Chinatowns.
The menu reflects this fusion, with inventive drinks like a Hong Kong Iced Tea made with cognac and a savory MSG-infused gin martini. Dishes like sugar-dusted crab and cheese wontons, salt and pepper fried chicken, and weekend brunch items like salted-egg-yolk French toast are creative, flavor-packed nods to their East Coast upbringing as children of immigrants.
Yuan Wonton: Dumpling Perfection
Yuan Wonton began as a mobile operation and has blossomed into a brick-and-mortar thanks to the dedication of chef-owner Penelope Wong, a James Beard Foundation Award finalist. Wong’s commitment to crafting thousands of perfect dumplings weekly is legendary.
Drawing on her Chinese-Thai background, she creates both classic favorites, like chili oil wontons, and innovative new fillings. The North Park Hill spot also offers Friday dim sum lunches with items like Chinese chive pockets and wok-fried eggs over rice. Watching the chefs at work, you appreciate the artistry behind these delicate, flavorful creations.
Elevated Experiences: Top Restaurants for $31 to $50
This price tier showcases restaurants where culinary vision, atmosphere, and service converge to create truly memorable dining moments, ideal after exploring some tourist places in colorado.
Alma Fonda Fina: Modern Mexican Elegance
Chef Johnny Curiel and his wife, Kasie, transformed an intimate LoHi space into Alma Fonda Fina, a haven for modern Mexican cuisine. The dining room, adorned with Mexican textiles, terra cotta, and globally sourced fixtures, sets a warm, inviting stage for Johnny’s elegant cooking.
Alma Fonda Fina successfully balances familiar favorites with rarer-in-Denver dishes. Highlights like roasted sweet potato (camote asada) and striped bass with habanero chile atole showcase refined techniques and deep flavors. The recently earned Michelin star is a testament to their quick ascent and dedication to elevating Mexican fare. Don’t miss their avocado margarita.
Chef Johnny Curiel and Kasie Curiel of Alma Fonda Fina, a top Mexican restaurant in Denver
Carne: A Steakhouse with Global Flair
Dana Rodriguez, affectionately known as Loca, brings her diverse culinary background to Carne, a modern steakhouse in RiNo. Known for acclaimed concepts like Work & Class, Carne allows Rodriguez to showcase her expertise beyond Latin American flavors.
Alongside prime steaks, the menu features Argentinian tri-tip, Italian veal osso buco, and incredibly juicy duck confit, reflecting her time in French and Italian kitchens. Carne also offers versatility, with an afternoon happy hour and a late-night loft bar. Rodriguez calls it a “steak home,” emphasizing its welcoming, versatile nature.
Assortment of meat dishes at Carne steakhouse in Denver RiNo
La Forêt: A French Forest Escape
Stepping into La Forêt is like being transported to a magical forest setting. Located in the space formerly occupied by Beatrice & Woodsley, the new owners have enhanced the arboreal theme, creating a dreamy backdrop for upscale French classics.
With a beverage program led by a Williams & Graham alum, the cocktails are as captivating as the food. Indulge in buttery artichokes, perfectly cooked stag au poivre, and a dazzling tableside café brûlot. It’s a romantic retreat that offers a taste of Parisian elegance in the heart of Denver.
Lucina Eatery & Bar: Latin American & Spanish Rhythms
Lucina Eatery & Bar offers a lively journey through the flavors of Latin America, coastal Spain, and the Caribbean. Whether you visit for happy hour tapas and pintxos (like wagyu meatballs in a rich tomato sauce or fries blanketed in cheese and chorizo) or a Friday/Saturday paella night, Lucina delivers vibrant dishes and a fun atmosphere.
Chef-owners Erasmo Casiano and Diego Coconati create a diverse menu that encourages sharing and exploration. Paired with expertly crafted cocktails, it’s a place designed for enjoying good company and bold flavors.
Marigold: Lyons’ European Gem
Just an hour’s drive from Denver in the charming town of Lyons, Marigold is making a significant impact under chef Theo Adley. Earning a James Beard Foundation Award nomination, Adley’s restaurant draws widely from European gastronomy, offering refined yet approachable dishes. For those exploring what to do in boulder or the surrounding areas, Marigold is a must-visit culinary destination.
While Adley experiments with unorthodox flavor combinations, dishes like half chicken under a brick and ragu-coated rigatoni, elevated with unique ingredients like spigarello or a hint of mint, solidify Marigold as a destination worthy of the trip.
Ototo: The Laid-Back Pearl
Ototo, part of the esteemed Den Corner family (Sushi Den, Izakaya Den), has emerged from a hiatus with a renewed energy. This eight-year-old spot on South Pearl Street focuses on Japanese street food with a more laid-back vibe than its siblings, while still benefiting from the same daily flown-in seafood.
The menu offers inventive plates like wok-seared pork with kimchi alongside a solid selection of sashimi, nigiri, and oshizushi. Ototo also uniquely offers a Sunday brunch, featuring standout dishes like kara age chicken with matcha waffles, proving it has found its distinct voice within the family.
Point Easy: Celebrating Local Ingredients
In Denver’s thriving farm-to-table scene, Point Easy distinguishes itself with its confident approach to showcasing local ingredients. This Whittier neighborhood spot takes familiar concepts and infuses them with surprising, yet harmonious, global flavors.
Their house salad is a perfect example, combining greens from a local farm with Middle Eastern-inspired elements like pistachios, dates, and ras el hanout vinaigrette. Dishes like brick chicken with Latin American flavors and pasta made with heirloom wheat and local produce demonstrate the kitchen’s skill in elevating simple ingredients to create bold, cohesive statements.
Sắp Sửa: Collaborative Vietnamese Modernism
Sắp Sửa on East Colfax Avenue isn’t just serving gussied-up Vietnamese cuisine; it’s cultivating a nurturing, collaborative environment. Chef-owners Ni and Anna Nguyen empower their staff to develop new dishes and drinks, crediting everyone on the menu – a philosophy reflected in the name “Sắp Sửa,” meaning “about to be” or “almost,” symbolizing continuous evolution.
This approach yields creative recipes like tomato vinaigrette-soaked sourdough toast with confit tomatoes and lemongrass pork meatballs with Colorado peaches. Sắp Sửa showcases how a supportive culture can lead to innovative, mouthwatering food and is contributing to a better hospitality industry.
Woman and spread of dishes from Sắp Sửa Vietnamese restaurant in Denver
Spuntino: Italian with an Indian Soul
Spuntino in Highland is a testament to the complementary talents of Cindhura Reddy and Elliot Strathmann. Reddy’s Indian-influenced Italian cuisine offers unique flavor combinations, like capellini with spice-preserved garlic or malai kofta gnocchi in a curry-scented sauce.
Strathmann’s beverage program is equally impressive, featuring cocktails with house-infused liqueurs and a wine list with rare Italian bottles. Asking for his recommendations ensures your drink perfectly complements Reddy’s distinct flavor profiles, creating a harmonious and unforgettable dining experience.
Traveling Mercies: A Coastal Getaway in Aurora
From Chef Caroline Glover, the James Beard Award-winning force behind Annette, comes Traveling Mercies, a seafood-centric bar inside Stanley Marketplace. This spot offers a more casual yet equally refined experience, transporting diners to a breezy, coastal state of mind.
The space, designed with light woods and deep blues, complements the concise menu of wine, cocktails, and seafood bites. Enjoy fresh oysters, classic shrimp cocktail with a twist, or a slab salad at a marble-topped table. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxed escape, proving Glover’s versatility and eye for creating transporting environments.
Woman at counter at Traveling Mercies seafood bar in Aurora
Pinnacle Dining: What is the Best Restaurant in Denver Colorado at $51 and Above?
For those seeking peak culinary artistry, innovation, and luxurious experiences, these restaurants represent the zenith of Denver’s dining scene, often commanding higher prices but delivering unparalleled quality.
Frasca Food and Wine: Boulder’s Italian Institution
Located in Boulder, Frasca Food and Wine is a long-standing beacon of fine Italian dining, now led by executive chef Ian Palazzola and co-owner/master sommelier Bobby Stuckey. Celebrating two decades, Frasca continues to impress with its multi-course menus that blend traditional Italian flavors with modern techniques. If you are exploring what to do in boulder, a meal here is a highlight.
Palazzola’s creativity shines in dishes like squid ink tagliolini or duck breast finished with ajvar. Combined with Stuckey’s renowned wine expertise, dining at Frasca is an immersive journey into Italian gastronomy, focusing on careful ingredient sourcing and refined presentation.
Hop Alley: Modern Chinese Vanguard
For nine years, Hop Alley in RiNo has set the standard for modern Chinese fare in Denver. Chef Tommy Lee’s urban-chic restaurant offers a menu of bold, craveable dishes. While the main dining room is popular, the hidden gem is the chef’s counter, launched in February.
This intimate, six-seat experience is like a restaurant within a restaurant, offering high-end, inventive dishes that push the boundaries of Chinese influence, from char siu beets to umami-rich rib-eye. It’s a culinary adventure that keeps diners returning for more.
Major Tom: Champagne & Culinary Odyssey
Adjacent to the Michelin-starred Beckon, Major Tom offers a similar level of epicurean magic in a more relaxed setting. This glam bar and restaurant, named after the David Bowie song, focuses on small plates, cocktails, and an extensive selection of over 40 Champagnes.
The team, including chef Duncan Holmes, applies the same meticulous attention to detail as they do at Beckon. Guests can curate their own journey with dishes like red-miso charred cabbage, Alamosa bass, or a sophisticated take on McDonald’s fries. It’s a place for indulging your palate without needing a special occasion.
Oysters at Major Tom, a highly-rated restaurant in Denver
Molotov Kitschen & Cocktails: Ukrainian Soul
Chef Bo Porytko honors his Ukrainian heritage at Molotov Kitschen & Cocktails, illuminating the country’s culture and cuisine beyond current headlines. Drawing on his imaginative style from his Misfit Snackbar days, Porytko serves rotating Eastern European specialties with unexpected twists.
Expect elevated borscht with seasonal produce and egg yolk jam, dumplings with creative fillings, and fried kielbasa-stuffed quail. From the food to the decor and cocktails featuring horilka, Molotov encourages visitors to connect with the rich human stories and flavors of Ukraine.
Eastern European dishes from Molotov Kitschen & Cocktails Denver
Noisette: A Parisian Romance
Escape to Paris without the flight at Noisette, a two-year-old French retreat tucked away in LoHi. Owners Tim and Lillian Lu have created a dreamy ambiance with velvet seating, floral arrangements, and pastel hues, perfect for a romantic date night.
Tim’s menu features delicate French plates like foie gras and vol-au-vents, while Lillian’s house-made baguette is a gold-medal-worthy achievement in Denver’s elevation. Dining at Noisette is an intimate, transportive experience that captures the essence of Parisian charm and culinary finesse.
Restaurant Olivia: Pasta Perfection
Since opening in 2020, Restaurant Olivia has made exceptional pasta its watchword. Their program of extruded, twisted, and hand-folded noodles is among the best in Denver. A recent expansion doubled seating and introduced an open pasta station where chef Emily Boyd crafts around 100 pounds of pasta weekly.
These noodles are transformed into seasonal hits like spaghetti al limone and rich gemelli with lamb meatballs and Palisade cherries. Head chef and co-owner Ty Leon even offers classes, allowing diners to learn the art form themselves. It’s a haven for pasta lovers.
Sunday Vinyl: Music, Wine, and Elevated Bites
Sunday Vinyl, located near Union Station, is a wine bar that spins vinyl records while serving an impressive menu. With a new executive chef, Cody Cheetham (also executive chef at sister restaurant Tavernetta), Sunday Vinyl continues to offer elevated bites that complement its extensive wine list.
Cheetham has revived favorites like pommes frites and added new hits like Fish and Chics and a luxurious hash brown with ossetra caviar. The spot maintains an unstuffy attitude while offering sophisticated flavors, making it a perfect place to enjoy great music, exceptional wine, and thoughtfully prepared food.
The Wolf’s Tailor: Sustainability and Culinary Innovation
The Wolf’s Tailor has garnered significant acclaim, including a Michelin star, a Michelin green star for sustainability, and a James Beard Foundation Award for its owners, Kelly and Erika Whitaker. Led by chef de cuisine Taylor Stark, this six-year-old fine-dining restaurant offers luxurious tasting menus focused on local ingredients and minimal food waste.
Expect creative courses like green-tomato pasta, wood-fired lamb with unique accompaniments, and inventive small bites in a bento box trio. Pastry chef Emily Thompson’s creations also shine. The Wolf’s Tailor represents the pinnacle of sustainable, innovative fine dining in Denver.
Unique chocolate dessert at The Wolf’s Tailor restaurant in Denver
Finding Your “Best”
So, what is the best restaurant in Denver Colorado? As you can see, the answer is deeply personal and depends on your taste, budget, and the experience you seek. Denver’s culinary landscape offers incredible diversity and quality across all price points.
This list highlights just a selection of the city’s top contenders, each bringing something unique to the table, from deeply rooted cultural narratives expressed through food to cutting-edge culinary techniques. My advice? Use this as a starting point. Explore these remarkable establishments, savor the flavors, connect with the stories behind the dishes, and discover which one earns the title of “best” in your own culinary journey through Denver and the greater Colorado area, perhaps even inspiring future trips focused on tourist places in colorado or ski packages colorado. Happy dining!