Denver’s culinary landscape is more vibrant and diverse than ever, reflecting the city’s dynamic growth and multicultural spirit. As your guide to travel and experiences around the world, I’ve explored this thriving scene to bring you a curated list of the Best Restaurants Denver is home to right now. Forget the usual tourist traps; these are the places where flavor tells a story, blending fresh Colorado ingredients with global traditions. From cozy neighborhood spots to acclaimed dining destinations, join me on a journey through Denver’s most exciting kitchens.
Best Restaurants Denver Under $20
Experiencing incredible food in Denver doesn’t have to break the bank. Some of the most exciting flavors can be found at accessible price points, offering a taste of local culture and global influences without a hefty bill. These spots prove that affordability and culinary excellence can absolutely go hand-in-hand in the Mile High City.
Dough Counter: Among the Best Restaurants Denver for Pizza Lovers
Owners Mark and Kristy Dym stand proudly inside Dough Counter.
Mark and Kristy Dym, the masterminds behind the acclaimed Marco’s Coal-Fired, have brought their pizza prowess to University Hills Plaza with Dough Counter. This fast-casual spot offers a delightful selection beyond just Neapolitan, delving into the comforting realms of Sicilian and New York-style pies. Their ultra-thick Sicilian slices boast caramelized, cheesy edges that are simply divine, while the New York style delivers that perfect foldable slice. Don’t skip the crispy chicken tenders or a slice of their big cake for a complete, satisfying meal. It’s a top contender when searching for the best restaurants denver offers for a casual, delicious pizza fix.
Kiké’s Red Tacos: Finding the Best Restaurants Denver for Birria
Several red birria tacos are piled high on a plate with consommé.
In a city brimming with taco joints, Kiké’s Red Tacos distinguishes itself with its focus on melt-in-your-mouth birria. This family-run spot simmers goat or beef for hours with a dozen spices, resulting in intensely flavorful, tender meat. While they offer birria in various forms like ramen or tortas, the quintessential experience is the queso taco. A red corn tortilla is griddled with birria, cheese, onion, and cilantro until perfectly crisp and melty, ideal for dunking into the rich consommé. What started as a food truck has blossomed into a beloved brick-and-mortar on Denver’s Northside, cementing its place among the best restaurants denver for authentic, crave-worthy Mexican flavors, especially birria.
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Odie B’s: A Sunnyside Gem Among Best Restaurants Denver
Formerly known as Bodega, Odie B’s has quickly become a fan favorite in Sunnyside for its inventive take on classic sandwiches and breakfast fare. Despite a name change, their cult-favorite menu items remain, like the sensational Deviled Chicken sandwich featuring fried chicken, deviled egg spread, pickles, and arugula on Texas toast. Their burger and breakfast sandwich also impress, with vegan options available for all three. Pair any handheld delight with their famous mixed bag of fries, seasoned with a unique, flavorful dust. Odie B’s embodies the lively, creative spirit of Denver’s casual dining scene, making it a solid pick for the best restaurants denver has for a fun, satisfying brunch or lunch.
Best Restaurants Denver $21 to $30
Stepping up slightly in price point reveals a world of diverse and expertly crafted cuisines in Denver. These restaurants offer refined experiences and unique menus that highlight global traditions and innovative approaches, all while remaining relatively approachable for a dinner outing.
Baekga: Experiencing Korean Comfort Food
Chef Sean Baek, after two decades honing skills in French and Japanese kitchens, returns to his roots at Baekga in Lowry. Joined by his wife, Mina Kim, Baekga serves comforting, elevated Korean cuisine with warm hospitality. Dishes like sizzling galbi (short ribs), silky japchae, and a rotating array of vibrant banchan showcase traditional flavors with refined technique. The grated pear in the galbi sauce or the skilled preparation of the kimbap highlight Baek’s fine-dining background, making Baekga a notable addition to the list of best restaurants denver for authentic yet subtly elevated Korean fare.
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Dân Dã: Adventure Beyond Pho in Aurora
A tiered tower holds various Vietnamese components like pork skewers, fried shrimp paste, noodles, and herbs for making spring rolls.
Located in Aurora, Dân Dã (pronounced “yuhng yaa”) invites diners to explore the depth of Vietnamese cuisine beyond the familiar. From the family behind the respected New Saigon, this restaurant specializes in comfort food that balances salty, sweet, sour, and spicy. Unique offerings like whelks with garlic butter and XO chile crisp sit alongside harmonious dishes meant to feel universally beloved. The flagship clay pots, featuring meat bubbling in a sweet-salty caramel sauce, are a prime example. For a fun, interactive meal, the Dân Dã Tower allows you to build your own fresh spring rolls. It’s a brave and successful venture that solidifies its place among the best restaurants denver (and nearby areas) for an authentic Vietnamese culinary adventure.
MAKfam: Chinese American Heritage on a Plate
At MAKfam in Baker, Kenneth Wan and Doris Yuen celebrate their Chinese American heritage through playful, inventive dishes and drinks. The fast-casual restaurant is steeped in cultural nods, from table markers featuring icons like Jackie Chan to wall art celebrating MSG. The menu creatively blends Eastern and Western influences, offering refreshing Hong Kong Iced Tea, MSG-infused gin martinis, and dessert-worthy crab and cheese wontons. Standouts include flavor-packed salt and pepper fried chicken and unique brunch items like salted-egg-yolk-stuffed Hong Kong French toast. MAKfam is a testament to multicultural identity expressed through food, making it one of the best restaurants denver offers for a fun, flavorful, and personal dining experience.
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Yuan Wonton: A Dumpling Destination Among Best Restaurants Denver
Penelope Wong’s Yuan Wonton, now with a brick-and-mortar location in North Park Hill, is a dedication to the art of the dumpling. Wong, a James Beard Foundation Award finalist with a Chinese-Thai background, meticulously preps thousands of dumplings weekly. While her OG chile oil wontons are a fan favorite, she constantly creates new delights like Hainanese chicken wontons. The restaurant also offers dim sum lunch on Fridays, including Chinese chive pockets and yam khai dao (wok-fried eggs). Watching the chefs pleat dumplings behind the counter is part of the experience. Yuan Wonton’s commitment to craft and flavor secures its spot on any list of the best restaurants denver for exceptional Chinese fare, particularly dumplings.
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Best Restaurants Denver $31 to $50
This price tier introduces diners to Denver’s sophisticated side, featuring restaurants that often focus on higher-quality ingredients, intricate preparation, and enhanced ambiance. Here, you find spots perfect for a special occasion or simply for savoring expertly crafted meals.
Alma Fonda Fina: Modern Mexican Elegance in LoHi
Chef Johnny Curiel and Kasie Curiel, owners of Alma Fonda Fina, pose together in their restaurant.
Alma Fonda Fina, a Michelin-starred gem in LoHi, offers a dining experience that marries modern Mexican cuisine with elegant design. Chef Johnny Curiel and his wife Kasie transformed the space into an inviting hideaway with reclaimed wood, terra cotta, and Mexican textiles. The menu features elevated variations of familiar dishes like tacos and crudos, alongside rarer finds such as camote asada (roasted sweet potato) and lubina rayada (striped bass). Building a feast from their diverse offerings, paired with an avocado margarita, celebrates the Curiels’ deft handiwork and the restaurant’s recently earned Michelin star. It’s undoubtedly one of the best restaurants denver provides for a refined Mexican culinary journey.
Carne: Dana Rodriguez’s Steak House Vision
Dana Rodriguez, known affectionately as “Loca,” is a celebrated figure in Denver’s restaurant scene. With Carne in RiNo, she brings her diverse culinary background – rooted in South America and Mexico, but influenced by French and Italian techniques – to a modern steak house. Beyond a selection of prime steaks, the menu features Argentinian tri-tip, Italian veal osso buco, and incredibly juicy duck confit. Carne is designed for versatility, offering an “Afternoon Delight” happy hour and a late-night scene in the upstairs loft. Rodriguez envisions Carne as a “steak home,” a place where guests feel comfortable staying for a while to explore her culinary range, making it a standout among the best restaurants denver for meat lovers seeking more than just a steak.
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La Forêt: A French Escape on South Broadway
The dining room at La Forêt is decorated with faux aspen trees and soft lighting.
Transport yourself to a forest-themed Parisian retreat at La Forêt on South Broadway. Owners Mike Huggins and Lenka Juchelkova have enhanced the space with even more flora, creating a dreamy ambiance. The real draws, however, are the upscale French classics and the exceptional beverage program led by Jason Patz. Indulge in buttery artichokes, perfectly cooked stag au poivre, and finish with a classic crème brûlée or a tableside-flamed café brûlot. La Forêt provides a romantic, transportive dining experience, making it one of the most atmospheric best restaurants denver offers for a taste of France.
Lucina Eatery & Bar: Latin American & Spanish Flavors
Lucina Eatery & Bar in South Park Hill is a versatile spot specializing in the vibrant flavors of Latin America, coastal Spain, and the Caribbean. Whether you visit for their popular happy hour featuring discounted tapas like papas con todo and albondigas, or come on a Friday or Saturday night for their impressive paella, Lucina offers delicious options for any occasion. Chef-owners Erasmo Casiano and Diego Coconati, alongside beverage director Henry Ottrix and pastry chef Hannah Lavoy, ensure every aspect of the meal, from perfectly shaken cosmopolitans to delightful éclairs, is a pleasure. It’s a lively and consistently satisfying choice among the best restaurants denver for diverse Latin-inspired cuisine.
Marigold: European Excellence Worth the Drive
Located in Lyons, just outside of Denver, Marigold is a culinary destination worth the short drive. Chef Theo Adley, a James Beard Foundation Award semifinalist, has put this small town on the culinary map with his fine yet humble European-inspired fare. While some dishes feature adventurous flavor combinations, the menu also offers approachable yet refined plates like half chicken under a brick and ragu-coated rigatoni, always with Adley’s special touch (like heirloom greens or a hint of mint). Marigold offers a unique dining experience that showcases creative European gastronomy, solidifying its reputation as a destination among the best restaurants denver and the surrounding Front Range area.
Ototo: Revitalized Japanese Street Food
Ototo, part of the esteemed Den Corner family on South Pearl Street, has emerged from a hiatus with a newfound energy, focusing on Japanese street food and fresh seafood. While its siblings, Sushi Den and Izakaya Den, are legendary, Ototo offers a more laid-back yet equally inventive experience. The menu features less-common plates like wok-seared shaved pork with kimchi and scallop carpaccio, alongside a quality selection of sashimi and nigiri. Notably, Ototo offers a Sunday brunch with unique items like kara age chicken with matcha waffles. Its relaxed vibe and inventive menu make it a compelling choice among the best restaurants denver for exploring Japanese flavors beyond traditional sushi.
Point Easy: A Farm-to-Table Exemplar
In Whittier, Point Easy stands out as an exemplar of Denver’s farm-to-table scene. This two-year-old restaurant masterfully blends fresh, local ingredients with global influences, creating a cohesive yet adventurous menu. Their house salad, featuring greens from a local farm, is elevated with a Middle Eastern-inspired combination of pistachios, dates, and ras el hanout vinaigrette. The brick chicken incorporates Latin American flavors, while the pasta uses local heirloom wheat with seasonal beans, corn, and squash. Point Easy’s respect for ingredients and steady hand with seasoning make it a clear leader among the best restaurants denver focusing on contemporary, locally-sourced cuisine.
Sắp Sửa: Modern Vietnamese with a Mission
Chefs Ni and Anna Nguyen stand in their kitchen with a spread of Vietnamese dishes on a wood table.
Sắp Sửa on East Colfax Avenue is more than just a restaurant; it’s a reflection of a mission to create a more equitable hospitality industry while serving gussied-up Vietnamese cuisine. Chef-owners Ni and Anna Nguyen foster a collaborative environment, crediting staff contributions on the menu. The name “Sắp Sửa” (“about to be”) symbolizes their journey of continuous evolution. This philosophy results in creative dishes like bánh mì cà chua (sourdough with tomato vinaigrette) and bún cha featuring lemongrass pork meatballs with Colorado peaches. Sắp Sửa is paving the way for a new kind of restaurant world while offering mouthwatering, innovative Vietnamese flavors, establishing its place among the best restaurants denver for modern interpretations of classic cuisine.
Spuntino: Italian with an Indian Twist
Spuntino in Highland is a testament to the harmonious partnership between chef Cindhura Reddy and Elliot Strathmann. Reddy’s unique Indian-influenced Italian cuisine shines through dishes like capellini aglio e olio with spice-preserved garlic and malai kofta gnocchi. Strathmann complements this with an exceptional beverage program featuring house-infused liqueurs and a carefully curated “Off List” of rare Italian wines. Their collaboration creates a distinct and memorable dining experience that blends unexpected flavors with expert execution, making Spuntino a fascinating and delicious entry on the list of best restaurants denver for innovative Italian food.
Traveling Mercies: A Seafood Getaway at Stanley Marketplace
Chef Caroline Glover stands behind the counter at Traveling Mercies bar.
From the team behind the James Beard Award-winning Annette, Traveling Mercies at Stanley Marketplace offers a breezy, seafood-focused escape. Chef Caroline Glover and Nelson Harvey created a space that transports diners with its light wood accents and deep blue hues. The concise menu centers on fresh seafood bites like oysters, shrimp cocktail, and a delicious slab salad. Paired with a carefully chosen selection of wines and cocktails, it’s the perfect spot to plan your next adventure or simply unwind. Traveling Mercies confirms Glover’s culinary range and offers a delightful, transportive experience, earning its place among the best restaurants denver provides for a refined seafood experience outside the city center.
Best Restaurants Denver $51 or More
This tier represents the pinnacle of Denver’s dining scene, featuring establishments known for exceptional service, curated tasting menus, and truly unique culinary artistry. These are places where dining becomes an immersive experience, showcasing the highest level of skill and creativity.
Frasca Food and Wine: Boulder’s Italian Institution
While technically in Boulder, Frasca Food and Wine is a necessary inclusion when discussing the best dining experiences near Denver. This Italian institution, celebrating its 20th anniversary, continues to impress under Executive Chef Ian Palazzola. Drawing on fine-dining experience, Palazzola brings innovation to the multi-course menus, incorporating striking presentations like squid-ink tagliolini and complex flavors like ajvar with duck breast. Paired with Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey’s expert wine pairings and the restaurant’s renowned hospitality, Frasca offers a world-class Italian dining journey that remains a benchmark for excellence.
Hop Alley: Modern Chinese Innovation
Hop Alley in RiNo has set the standard for modern Chinese fare in Denver for nearly a decade. Chef Tommy Lee’s urban-chic restaurant offers an innovative culinary adventure, particularly at its exclusive chef’s counter. This six-seat experience provides a high-end tasting menu that pushes beyond the regular boundaries, blending Asian influences with unexpected techniques and ingredients. Dishes like char siu beets or umami-laden rib-eye showcase creativity and skill. Even without the chef’s counter, Hop Alley’s regular menu delivers exceptional, craveable modern Chinese dishes, solidifying its place among the best restaurants denver for innovative Asian cuisine.
Major Tom: Elevated American Fare with Champagne
A plate of oysters is presented with garnishes.
Adjacent to the Michelin-starred Beckon in RiNo, Major Tom offers a similarly high level of epicurean magic in a more casual, glamorous setting. Chef Duncan Holmes and his team apply the same meticulous attention to detail to a menu of small plates, cocktails, and an expansive wine selection, particularly featuring over 40 Champagnes. Patrons can curate their own culinary journey with dishes like red-miso-kissed charred cabbage, Alamosa bass, and a widely acclaimed take on McDonald’s french fries. Major Tom provides an intimate yet indulgent experience that feels accessible without compromising on quality, making it a standout among the best restaurants denver for elevated American small plates and bubbles.
Molotov Kitschen & Cocktails: Celebrating Ukrainian Culture
Multiple vibrant dishes are arranged on a rustic wooden table.
Bo Porytko celebrates his Ukrainian heritage at Molotov Kitschen & Cocktails in City Park, offering a creative, rotating list of Eastern European specialties. Drawing on his imaginative cooking style, Porytko elevates familiar dishes like borscht with seasonal produce and unique garnishes (like egg yolk jam) and fills dumplings with chive sour cream served in snap pea foam. The menu, along with cocktails featuring horilka (a Ukrainian spirit) and cultural elements in the decor, urges visitors to explore the depth of Ukrainian culture through its cuisine. Molotov is a powerful culinary statement and a compelling choice among the best restaurants denver for an eye-opening taste of Eastern Europe.
Noisette: Parisian Romance in LoHi
Tucked away in LoHi, Noisette offers a romantic escape to Paris with its dreamy ambiance and delicate French plates. Owners Tim and Lillian Lu have created an intimate space with chic decor that perfectly complements Tim’s menu featuring classics like foie gras and vol-au-vents. A highlight is Lillian’s house-made baguette, a rare feat of achieving the perfect texture at high elevation. Noisette provides an authentic and intimate Parisian dining experience, making it one of the most romantic and skillfully executed best restaurants denver has for classic French cuisine.
Restaurant Olivia: Denver’s Pasta Paradise
Since opening in 2020 in Washington Park, Restaurant Olivia has made exceptional pasta its watchword. Their program of extruded, twisted, and hand-folded noodles is considered superlative within Denver’s strong Italian scene. With a recent expansion, the restaurant now features an open pasta station where Chef Emily Boyd crafts around 100 pounds of fresh pasta weekly. These noodles are transformed into seasonal dishes like spaghetti al limone with mussels and gemelli with lamb meatballs and Palisade cherries. For those passionate about pasta, Restaurant Olivia is undeniably among the best restaurants denver offers for incredible, handmade Italian noodles.
Sunday Vinyl: Wine Bar with Elevated Bites
Located by Union Station, Sunday Vinyl is a chic wine bar that spins vinyl records and offers an elevated food menu curated by Executive Chef Cody Cheetham (also the executive chef at sister restaurant Tavernetta). Cheetham has revived beloved items like pommes frites with Comté and dry-aged beef tallow and introduced inventive new dishes. Offerings like the “Fish and Chics” and a McDonald’s-inspired hash brown topped with ossetra caviar showcase an unstuffy yet creative approach to cuisine. Sunday Vinyl combines a cool ambiance, excellent wine, and surprisingly sophisticated bites, making it a top choice among the best restaurants denver for a stylish evening.
The Wolf’s Tailor: Seasonal Excellence and Sustainability
A chocolate dessert is presented inside a hollowed-out cocoa pod.
The Wolf’s Tailor in Sunnyside has garnered national acclaim, including a Michelin star, a Michelin green star for sustainability, and a James Beard Foundation Award for its owners. This fine-dining restaurant offers a luxurious tasting menu focused on local ingredients and minimal waste, led by Chef de Cuisine Taylor Stark. Dishes reflect the seasons, featuring inventive pairings and techniques, from pasta made with heritage flour to wood-fired lamb. Pastry Chef Emily Thompson’s creations are equally impressive. The Wolf’s Tailor represents the pinnacle of seasonal, sustainable, and creative dining, solidifying its reputation as one of the absolute best restaurants denver has to offer.
FAQs: Finding the Best Restaurants in Denver
How were these restaurants chosen as the best in Denver?
These restaurants were selected based on extensive dining experiences by critics who visited over 70 establishments in 2024. The list highlights places offering exceptional flavors, unique culinary perspectives, and memorable dining experiences across various cuisines and price points, recognizing both new standouts and established favorites.
Are reservations required at these best restaurants in Denver?
For restaurants in the $$$, and $$$$ price tiers, especially those with accolades like Michelin stars or James Beard awards, reservations are highly recommended and often necessary, particularly for weekend dining. For $ and $$ options, reservations may be less critical or not an option (fast-casual), but checking their website or calling ahead is always a good idea, especially during peak hours.
Do the best restaurants in Denver cater to dietary restrictions?
Many of the top restaurants in Denver are increasingly accommodating of dietary needs. It is always best practice to inform the restaurant of any restrictions when making a reservation or upon arrival. While some kitchens are more flexible than others, chefs often strive to provide excellent alternatives or modifications when possible, especially at higher-end establishments.
Denver’s dining scene is a true reflection of its spirit – diverse, innovative, and constantly evolving. Exploring these best restaurants denver offers is more than just eating; it’s experiencing the culture, history, and passion that infuse the city’s food. From casual bites to fine dining, there’s a culinary adventure awaiting every palate.