62 Best Denver Restaurants in 2024 (According to Locals)

SuperMegaBien

🍽️ Latin American | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (720) 269-4695

While dim sum style Latin American fare may not be a culinary combination you’re used to, SuperMegaBien is known for unique experiences that break the mold.

SuperMegaBien is located below the Ramble Hotel in Denver’s RiNo neighborhood, just across the street from its sister establishment Work & Class. SuperMegaBien is an energetic restaurant with a fun ambiance that draws a young and hip crowd. 

SuperMegaBien is a great place to eat in Denver for a date or with a group of friends.

Dishes are served in small “dim sum style” plates. Popular dishes include the puerco negro (braised pork, Yucatan style), carne asada, and arepas de queso. SuperMegaBien’s menu is mostly gluten free. And no reservations are accepted.
-Nate

Linger 

🍽️ Asian Fusion | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (303) 993-3120

Located inside a former hillside mortuary overlooking the LoHi neighborhood, Linger is definitely one of the most unique restaurants in Denver.

The menu at Linger consists of an array of street food dishes from around the world. You’ll find unique menu sections like “India” and “Americas & Europe.” For desert, be sure not to miss the Italian Coffee & Doughnuts, a personal favorite. 

Linger also features an expansive where cocktails are served from a converted van under a giant neon sign. The lighting for the sign, originally created for “O’Linger mortuaries,” has been tweaked to only light up “linger eatuaries”. Linger’s rooftop is a popular place for happy hour or sunset drinks. 

Advance reservations strongly recommended. 
-Nate

Misfit Snack Bar

🍽️ International | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (303) 353-4207

If I had to pick one cocktail bar in Denver, Middleman and Misfit Snack Bar might be it. The establishments share one trendy lounge on East Colfax.

The vibe is moody and the ambiance is modern, but it’s a non-pretentious hangout that draws a variety of patrons. Come in for a happy hour or any hour and be treated to boozy cocktails and creative bites. 
-Abigail

Kachina Cantina  

🍽️ Mexican | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (720) 460-2728

Kachina Cantina is such a fun Denver restaurant that it even makes our list of the top things to do in Denver. If you have friends visiting town, this is the place to take them out. It’s located in the middle of Denver’s hip Dairy Block microdistrict in Lodo.

The menu features adventurous spins on traditional Mexican fare like tacos and pazole. The bar serves up creative margaritas, sangrias, and a range of cocktails. What really makes this place special is the ambiance – the bright and fun interior is the perfect place for socializing. 

Advance reservations are recommended. 
-Nate

D Bar Denver

🍽️ American | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (303) 861-4710

Found in Uptown, one of Denver’s best neighborhoods, D Bar Denver offers “fun dining at its finest.” The dessert restaurant is most known for its sweet confections created by pastry chef owners Keegan Gerhard and Lisa Bailey. Sitting at their bar, visitors can watch these incredible desserts come together — which is almost as enjoyable as tasting them. 

Caramelized crème brûlée, lemon beignets, and molten chocolate cake are a few crowd favorites. But if you can’t decide, go for the 3-course dessert tasting. Here, no one will judge if you order sweets first. But if you’re in need of sustenance, you’ll find savory plates on the menu, too, alongside an extensive wine list. 

It’s definitely one of the best dessert restaurants in Denver!
-Abigail

Rioja 

🍽️ Mediterranean | ($$$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (303) 820-2282

While you can pop into Rioja for a cocktail and some apps at the bar, it’s one of those fancy Denver restaurants that’s best appreciated with a full sit-down dinner. Rioja consistently ranks as one of the best restaurants in Denver, and Chef Jennifer Jasinski is a local legend. 

Be sure to order a dish featuring Jasinski’s handmade pasta. You can also ask for a tasting menu if you want to sample some of the kitchen’s best (we’re right there with you). 

While you don’t want to come just for the cocktails, you’ll certainly want to indulge in one or two! The sangria, in either red or white, was delicious and went great with tempura artichokes as a starter. 
-Laura

El Taco de Mexico 

🍽️ Mexican | ($) | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (303) 623-3926

When you’re looking for authentic Mexico City-style food without anything fancy or fussy, El Taco de Mexico is your spot.

There’s always a line. And, be warned: there’s a good chance you won’t get your food quickly. But when you do, your cheese-covered burrito drenched in chile verde will be well worth the wait. It’s the kind of meal that can only be eaten with a knife and fork! 
-Laura

Work & Class 

🍽️ Southern & Latin American | ($$$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (303) 292-0700

Work & Class has simple, delicious food that’s not overly fancy, along with solid cocktails. The bartenders are friendly and chatty, and the atmosphere is relaxed so we felt like old friends the first time we visited. 

The mojitos are made with house-made ginger beer, and you can definitely tell the handcrafted difference. The food (currently) includes green chili cheese fries, red wine-braised ribs, and shrimp & corn grits. 

Everything is served in metal pans so no one gets too fancy-pants about anything. Actually, considering the restaurant is in a shipping container, that’s hard to do anyway. In keeping with this casual atmosphere, you can’t make reservations at Work & Class. Grab a drink and hang out with the bartender for a while until a table is ready.
-Laura

MAKfam

🍽️ Chinese | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (720) 769-2952

MAKfam was a vendor at Avanti Food & Beverage before opening its brick-and-mortar space late last year. The newly renovated interior is casual but curated with pops of green and neon lights. It’s great for a quick lunch bite, as well as dinner and drinks with friends. 

The menu of small plates and entrees is inspired by traditional Chinese dishes. Savor mouth-numbing málà wings and shrimp wontons with housemade XO chili sauce. There’s also tons of vegan options which I can’t recommend enough. Try the scallion pancake, stir-fried greens, and sizzling spicy noodles with tofu. 

Place your order at the counter, then grab a seat at the bar. Every drink is stellar, though the hūng daó máō cocktail (pictured above) is especially Instagram-able. 

– Abigail

The 9th Door 

🍽️ Tapas | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (303) 832-7027

If you’ve been eating out in Denver for a long time, you might remember the (now-closed) LoDo location of The 9th Door. But its outpost in Capitol Hill has been open since 2013. It’s a lot smaller, with a more intimate vibe than the original. 

Fortunately, years later, the menu at The 9th Door still has plenty of original favorites! The Spanish tapas make this a great happy hour spot, or a stop on a foodie tour of Denver. The menu covers both hot and cold small plates, plus some great wines and cocktails.  
-Laura

Bistro LeRoux

🍽️ French | ($$$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (720) 845-1673

Bistro LeRoux is found between YumCha and ChoLon, all of which are part of the restaurant group by Chef Lon Symensma. Unlike the Asian menus next door, LeRoux is a fine dining establishment known for contemporary European cuisine. 

The beautiful interior creates a warm, romantic ambiance. Elevate the mood with a bottle of wine, charcuterie, and chilled bites from the oyster bar. Try the French onion soup and short rib with Gruyère potatoes, a main course favorite — for now. With an ever-changing menu, each visit to LeRoux offers a unique dining experience. 
-Abigail

Sassafras American Eatery

🍽️ Southern American | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (303) 433-0080

Sassafras American Eatery has two locations that serve sumptuous Southern-inspired dishes. One is found in nearby Golden and another lies in the Highlands neighborhood, one of the best places to stay in Denver. Regardless of which you visit, expect matching menus, mismatched furnishings, and down-to-earth charm.

Here, award-winning bloody marys are served alongside generous brunch plates. Favorites on the menu include the fried green tomato benedict and smoked bison hash with chicken fried eggs. You won’t leave Sassafras hungry, that’s for sure. 
-Abigail

El Five

🍽️ Spanish / Mediterranean | ($$$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (303) 524-9193

El Five is my favorite Denver restaurant for special occasions. Start by ordering sangria in a traditional glass pitcher, followed by an array of tapas. 

My husband raved about the lamb shank and I’m still dreaming about the harissa eggplant fries. There’s also several paellas on the menu — seafood, turmeric chicken, and a to-die-for mushroom option. El Five is perfect for those with dietary restrictions, as many of its dishes can be made vegan or gluten-free. 

The ambiance is effortlessly cool with dark lighting, bespoke art, and a skyline view. Finish with a nightcap at its sister concept Linger, located next door. 

– Abigail

My Neighbor Felix

🍽️ Mexican | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (720) 826-4880

With locations in LoHi, Centennial, Boulder, and Colorado Springs, My Neighbor Felix is a favorite in the Mile High City and across the Front Range. Each colorful and spacious dining room serves up traditional Mexican dishes from all seven of the country’s regions. 

Start your meal with the salsa trio served with house-made hibiscus chips. Order a personal entrée, or better, a shareable meal of fajitas or Felix’s “legendary” rotisserie chicken with mole de castilla. Libations are also abundant at this casual restaurant, with a number of flavored margaritas and a lengthy tequila menu. 
-Abigail

The Wolf’s Tailor

🍽️ New American | ($$$$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (720) 456-6705

The Wolf’s Tailor is one of the most experimental restaurants in Denver and recently earned a Michelin star. Behind its unassuming doors, Chef Taylor Stark creates ambitious multi-course menus. Their Sommelier ensures that each taste is paired with the perfect wine. 

Summer plates highlight fresh produce. Winter brings about innovative uses of grains and fermented foods. With a heavy emphasis on meat-based dishes, The Wolf’s Tailor may not be an ideal choice for vegetarians or those with less adventurous palettes. But if open to the kitchen’s creativity, you can expect the experience to be nothing short of stellar. 
-Abigail

The Capital Grille

🍽️ American | ($$$$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (303) 539-2500

No list of the best restaurants in Denver would be complete without Denver’s iconic The Capital Grille. Long considered one of the fanciest places to eat in Denver, The Capital Grille feels half like a country club, half like a steakhouse. 

The Capital Grille restaurant is located in Denver’s Larimer Square, and during the warmer months it’s possible to dine outside under the lights of Larimer Square. If you have a company meeting or just want somewhere to impress a date, consider The Capital Grille. 
-Nate

The Kitchen American Bistro

🍽️ International | ($$$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (303) 623-3127

The Kitchen is one of the best restaurants in Denver for large groups, corporate events, or family nights out. Located in LoDo on the 16th Street Mall, The Kitchen has an expansive and warm interior that is perfect for social gatherings.

The menu is a mix of American and international fare, with favorites including dishes like gnochetti, double cut pork chop, and lobster rolls. There’s a good selection of options for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten free diners. 

The Kitchen also has a long bar that is fun to sit at if dining solo or with a friend, and the craft cocktails are top notch. Overall, The Kitchen is a can’t miss choice for where to eat in Denver.
-Nate

The Original

🍽️ American | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (720) 769-1414

The Original is a modern version of the classic American diner

The Original is my favorite brunch spot in the buzzy Ballpark district. It’s located in The Rally Hotel at the center of McGregor Square. Coors Field is just across the way.  

Kick off the morning with breakfast cocktails or go big with bottomless mimosas. The cinnamon croughnuts are an obvious next step. For your entree, I recommend the avocado toast with green goddess dressing. Though, you can’t go wrong with the green chile-smothered breakfast burrito or classic country fried steak. 

The OG takes cues from the traditional American diner. But the dishes and ambiance are elevated, yet welcoming. It’s a great spot for big groups, as well as solo dining at the bar. 

– Abigail

Machete Tequila + Tacos 

🍽️ Mexican | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (720) 612-7698

I have been gnawing at tacos and downing tequila at Machete’s Union Station location for almost a decade. The reason? My friend Wilbert insists Machete has the most reliably solid tequila and mezcal drinks in town. And, well, he’s not wrong. Machete is definitely one of the best Denver restaurants for cocktails.

The food is also solid though, and the interior makes for a fun vibe if you’re getting ready for a night out. Reservations are recommended, but there are usually seats at the long bar. 
-Nate

Vinh Xuong Bakery 

🍽️ Vietnamese | ($) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (303) 922-0999

If you’ve never tried banh mi, the crunchy and flavorful Vietnamese sandwich, you’re missing out. Thankfully, Denver is one of the best restaurants to give your taste buds a tour of this flavorful creation.

Vinh Xuong Bakery is an unassuming but incredibly popular cafe and bakery located off West Alameda Avenue. You can dine in at one of the self-service tables, or pick up your food to go.

Vinh Xuong Bakery’s menu offers something for everyone, including traditional bbq pork, gluten free options, and tofu banh mi. Vinh Xuong Bakery is definitely one of the top lunch restaurants in Denver! 
-Nate

Señor Bear 

🍽️ Latin American | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (720) 640-7093

Señor Bear is always one of the most lively restaurants in the LoHi neighborhood of Denver. The menu includes modern spins on Latin American fare, like Argentinian chorizo or milanesa de chuleta (pork chop). The bar also serves fun cocktails with equally fun names like “Hips Don’t Lie” and “Matcha Business.” 

The interior features an expansive wrap-around bar, the perfect place to sit and socialize if visiting for Señor Bear’s popular happy hour. Or you can settle at one of the window side tables or the outdoor patio. 
-Nate

Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs

🍽️ American | ($) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (720) 746-9355

Rattlesnake? Reindeer? Fried mac and cheese sticks? 

Yes, yes, and yes! Biker Jim’s is definitely one of the most creative eateries in Denver. It’s unusual sausages and dogs have attracted the likes of Anthony Bourdain, and earned Biker Jim’s something of a cult following in the Denver foodie scene. 

Located on 24th and Larimer, right in the middle of LoDo’s nightlife district, Biker Jim’s is one of the best cheap places to eat in Denver before (or after) a long night out.
-Nate

Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

🍽️ American | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (303) 736-6200

It’s worth going to Snooze just to try the incredible pineapple upside down pancakes. If that doesn’t float your breakfast boat, they also serve strawberry shortcake pancakes, 

Snooze isn’t just about pancakes though: you can also order benedicts, sandwiches, tacos, burritos, and more. The drink menu features spins on classic brunch drinks like bloody marys and mimosas. 

Snooze has several locations around Denver and Boulder, including a large location right in the middle of Denver’s Union Station. If you’re just visiting Denver and want to visit one of the most unique and famous restaurants in town, Snooze is it! Just be aware that this restaurant is very popular, so we suggest joining the waitlist before heading out.
-Nate

Lady Nomada

🍽️ Mexican | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (303) 900-2980

Lady Nomada is one of the best gems in the suburbs. It has locations in Arvada and Lakewood, both with the same Baja-inspired vibe. The interiors are colorful but muted, as though washed out by the sun. Desert plants and beach umbrellas on the patios add to the ambiance.

The food and drinks also whisk you away to Mexico. Spicy fans like me will love the “Cali Caliente” margarita. My go-to order also includes chips and salsa, along with mushroom tacos. The carne asada fries and birria tacos are other popular items on the menu.   

– Abigail

Stoic & Genuine 

🍽️ Seafood | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (303) 640-3474

Stoic & Genuine is consistently heralded as the best seafood restaurant in Denver.

The restaurant sits in a prime location in Denver’s Union Station. Stoic & Genuine is the perfect Denver restaurant for a date night, corporate meeting, or just a fancy dinner before a night out in Lower Downtown. 

The open air kitchen serves up octopus, calamari, oysters, tuna, and a variety of other seafood favorites. You’ll also find a few steak, salad, and noodle dishes on the menu.

Visit Monday through Friday from 2 pm to 5 pm for “Oyster Hour,” for $2 chefs-choice oysters (they call it “two buck shuck”!). 
-Nate

Cozy Cottage

🍽️ American and Mexican | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (720) 855-9800

Cozy Cottage is the perfect place for a homey and comfortable brunch in Denver. The menu is a mix of traditional American and Mexican breakfast fare like omelets, skillets, and breakfast burritos. There’s a rustic dining room interior, and a large patio exterior that is perfect for brunch on a sunny day. 

The Cozy Cottage is located right on Tennyson street, which makes it a great restaurant to visit for brunch before an afternoon of strolling and window shopping the many nearby boutiques. 
-Nate

Citizen Rail

🍽️ American | ($$$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (303) 323-0017

Citizen Rail is a classic American restaurant with a posh interior located near Denver’s Union Station in the Hotel Born, one of the top Denver hotels.

The menu at Citizen Rail features locally sourced ingredients, and hearty dishes like oak grilled swordfish, roasted ricotta dumplings, and braised oxtail. The restaurant butchers its own Colorado lamb, and ages their meat in Citizen Rail’s dry aging room.  
-Nate

Tavernetta

🍽️ Italian | ($$$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (720) 605-1889

If you’re looking for one of the best restaurants in Denver on the higher end of things, look no further than Tavernetta, which is located right next to Union Station. Enjoy handmade pastas like rigatoni and balanzoni, as well as an extensive wine list composed entirely of vintages from Italy.

The upscale layout features a fireplace lounge, a community table, and an outdoor terrace. Tavernetta also has several private dining rooms, making it a good Denver restaurant for corporate events or gatherings. 

If Tavernetta’s dinner menu is just a tad too luxurious for your wallet, check out their popular happy hour from 4 to 6 pm.
-Nate

Wellness Sushi

🍽️ Vegan | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (720) 306-4989

Last year, Wellness Sushi was the only Denver restaurant recognized on Yelp’s “Top 100 US Restaurants” list. It’s a winner in my book, too, given that everything on the menu is plant-based. 

And these aren’t sad, unfilling cucumber rolls we’re talking about. The sushi here takes inspiration from Americanized favorites. Dine on vegan versions of the California roll, Philadelphia roll, shrimp tempura roll, and more. 

Wellness Sushi also serves onigiri — and you won’t believe that the “Spam” isn’t the real thing. Ramen, rice bowls, and small plates (including incredible grilled vegetable gyoza) round out the menu. The vibe here is casual, perfect for lunch or a no-fuss dinner. 
– Abigail 

Lazo Empanadas

🍽️ Argentinian | ($) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (720) 526-5514

Empanadas are one of Denver’s must-try foods, and Lazo Empanadas is part of the reason why. Unlike many Argentine restaurants, their empanadas are baked, not deep-fried. Along with that, their dough is unique in that it’s light and flaky, similar to phyllo dough.

There are a dozen tasty options to choose from at each of their locations. Pair your pick with a glass of Malbec to get the full experience. 
-Abigail

Cherry Cricket 

🍽️ American | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (303) 297-3644

Famed as “one of the best burger joints in America,” Cherry Cricket has been serving up beef patties since 1945. Despite its approachable menu, the Denver eatery first appeared in the ritzy Cherry Creek neighborhood.

Still, the Cherry Cricket’s legacy and laid-back vibe draw even the wealthy locals craving a hearty burger and hot green chile. 

Cherry Creek has another location in Ballpark right by Wynkoop Brewery, which actually took ownership of the restaurant two decades ago. Given that it’s one of the best breweries in Denver, consider visiting both eateries. Afterward, catch a game at nearby Coors Field, one of the best things to do in the Mile High City.
-Abigail

Happy Camper

🍽️ Italian | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (720) 259-1044

Happy Camper is the perfect place to eat in Denver when you just want good pizza, a lively atmosphere, and a spacious accommodating to groups of friends or families. The large astro-turf covered patio seating area is fantastic on those warm Denver summer evenings, and there’s a fire pit perfect for spring and autumn. 

Pizza is the main food on offer, but you’ll also find “happytizers” like pulled pork nachos and elote dip. The bar serves fun and cleverly named cocktails (care for a “Trailer Park Queen?”) and Happy Camper is also a popular spot for weekend brunch.

Overall, Happy Camper is one of the best restaurants in Denver for a fun night out with friends or family.
-Nate

Vital Root

🍽️ Vegan / Vegetarian | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (303) 474-4131

Owned by Edible Beats (the same group behind the Denver restaurants Linger, Root Down, and El Five), Vital Root describes itself as a “fast-casual approach to the Omnivore’s Dilemma.” This Tennyson Street mainstay serves up hearty plant-based meals made of fresh ingredients. 

If you’re looking for a healthy place to eat in Denver, Vital Root is a great choice. They offer pickup, delivery through Uber Eats, and an expansive dining area with both indoor and outdoor seating. 
-Nate

Postino

🍽️ Italian | ($$) | 📍 Google Maps (LoHi location) | 📞 (303) 433-6363

Postino is a popular chain of wine cafes with several locations in the Denver area, including in LoHi and on South Broadway. In my opinion, the cozy booth style seating, energetic vibe, and accessible wine menu make it one of the best restaurants in Denver for socializing with friends before a night out on the town.

Try the OMG Grilled Cheese, the Maitake Mushroom, or one of the many bruschetta boards (perfect for sharing). 
-Nate

Glo Noodle House

🍽️ Ramen | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (303) 993-4180

When ramen started becoming trendy, I had a hard time mentally switching from the 13-cent noodles I ate in my dorm room to the creative noodles chefs make today. Back in my day, kids…

The moral of this story is that the noodles at Glo Noodle House are flavorful, interesting, and exceptionally tasty. And while they’re the focal point, there are lots of other excellent dishes. I had the Takoyaki Hush Puppies (highly recommend) and pork dumplings. The cocktails are great, and you can stop in for a happy hour each day from 4-6 pm.

Found at 38th and Tennyson, Glo Noodle House is near the original location of Elitch Gardens. The restaurant’s fun area is just one more reason to stop by.  
-Laura

Adrift Tiki Bar 

🍽️ Polynesian/Caribbean | ($) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (720) 784-8111

Polynesian-inspired dishes and cocktails from Adrift Tiki Bar

Adrift is a fun tiki bar that goes beyond kitsch to celebrate Polynesian culture with authentic food and drinks. Cocktails are often rum-based, and you’ll find Polynesian and Caribbean dishes like jerk chicken, coconut shrimp, and musubi (Spam sushi – it’s delicious!). 
-Laura

Venice Ristorante & Wine Bar

🍽️ Italian | ($$$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (303) 534-2222

The classic Venice Ristorante & Wine Bar remains one of the best Italian restaurants in downtown Denver.

Situated just across the street from the entrance to Union Station, Venice serves Venetian style Italian cuisine, like ravioli, gnocchi, and veal. The restaurant has a long-earned reputation for reliability, so you can be sure your pasta is going to be delicious. 

The white tablecloth and mood-lit interior makes it a great restaurant in Denver for romantic dates. Venice also features a popular happy hour, with some of the best small plates you’ll find at any happy hour in Denver. 
-Nate

City O’ City

🍽️ Vegan / Vegetarian | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (303) 831-6443

City O’ City is one of the most popular Denver restaurants for plant-based Denverites (and those who dine with them). The cozy bohemian interior is always buzzing with some of the best ambiance in Capitol Hill. The progressive crowd attracts everyone from the politically-minded to popular poets.

City O’ City offers delicious vegetarian and vegan options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as a late night happy hour from 10 pm to midnight. 

If you have food allergies, City O’ City is also one of the more accommodating Denver restaurants.
-Nate

Humboldt Kitchen + Bar

🍽️ American | ($$$) | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (303) 813-1700

Executive Chef Luke Enockson’s menu focuses on a variety of New American fish and meat dishes, including charred octopus, hickory smoked pork ribs, and steelhead trout. Cocktail and craft beer lovers will also find plenty to satisfy their cravings. 

The expansive and fun interior, which sometimes hosts live performances, makes Humboldt a fun place for date in Denver or for dining out with a group of friends. 

Humboldt Kitchen + Bar is also a popular brunch restaurant in Denver. Brunch is served from 10 am to 3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Just be careful with the $20 pitchers of mimosas! 
-Nate

Barcelona Wine Bar

🍽️ Tapas | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (303) 816-3300

If a trip to Spain isn’t quite in your budget, you can still get a taste of Spanish-style tapas right here in Denver. Located in the RiNo district, Barcelona Wine Bar is one of the highest-reviewed Denver restaurants. 

Patrons love the rustic industrial dining room and the wide selection of award-winning Spanish and South American wines. For food, try the paella or enjoy your dinner Spanish-style by selecting a variety of small plates like “Queso a la Plancha” or “Spiced Beef Empanadas.”

Overall, Barcelona Wine Bar is one of the best restaurants in Denver for a romantic night out. It’s also home to a popular happy hour. Reservations are recommended at Barcelona. 
-Nate

Casa Bonita

🍽️ Mexican | ($$$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (303) 232-5115

Beginning to end, Casa Bonita is a joyful experience.

Casa Bonita is everything Cartman promised it would be and more. South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone purchased the iconic restaurant in 2021. Last year, they told CBS News that they spent over $40 million in renovations and it shows. 

The pink tower literally glows, drawing crowds to a strip mall parking lot in Lakewood. Inside is even more unexpected, and even the food has seen an upgrade. Now, the kitchen is run by the same chef that oversees Super Mega Bien and Work & Class. I loved the chile relleno and my husband highly recommends the taco salad. Of course, we raised the flag for more sopapillas. 

After dining, visitors can take in all the entertainment. I’m talking cliff divers, a puppet show, a magic act, and yes, you can even wander Black Bart’s cave. There are also several bars throughout the venue — but go slow because they make their margaritas strong! 

👉 Heads Up: Casa Bonita is currently on a lottery ticketing system. Click the website link above to get on the list! 

Jelly Cafe

🍽️ American | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (303) 831-6301

When friends come to town, Nate always brings them to Jelly Cafe for brunch. It’s just one of the most fun and unique places to eat breakfast in Denver. The walls of the retro themed interior sport vintage cereal boxes, and the pastel color scheme makes for an energetic vibe. 

As the name might imply, Jelly’s menu is heavy on the sweeter side of breakfast, with highlights including french toast, pancakes, and the signature made-to-order donut bites. But if you have a savory tooth, you’ll also find the benedicts, scrambles, and biscuits and gravy attractive. 

Be aware that both locations consistently draw a line during peak weekend brunch times.

Pro tip: you can use Yelp to get on Jelly’s waitlist as you head out in the AM. When you get to Jelly, grab a cup of coffee from the bar while you wait for your seat. It’s worth the wait! 
-Nate

Osteria Marco

🍽️ Italian | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (303) 534-5855

For 15 years Osteria Marco has been serving up casual Italian cuisine in the middle of Larimer Square. This rustic restaurant serves delicious cheese boards, pizzas, pastas, and cured meats. 

I recently took my sister here to celebrate her recent wedding and absolutely loved it. It’s perfect for smaller groups or for date nights. The ambiance is energetic but relaxed enough to carry on a conversation. Osteria Marco is definitely one of the best Italian restaurants in Denver! 
-Nate

Root Down

🍽️ New American | ($$$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (303) 993-4200

Root Down is a Denver classic with a cult following. This Highlands-area restaurant is a sister to Linger, and focuses on fresh, locally-sourced foods. It’s housed in an old filling station and has a retro, funky vibe and a great patio for warmer weather. 

While there’s meat on the menu, veggies are a big part of the dishes and often are the star. Dinners include vegan options, and the carrot cake French toast at brunch is definitely a wise choice! 
-Laura

Avanti Food & Beverage 

🍽️ Italian, American, Mexican | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (720) 269-4778

Avanti is my favorite spot when I’m headed to dinner with several people! The six restaurants and two bars mean everyone can pick the type of food they want. 

There’s plenty of seating, indoors and out, with lots of communal tables that make this a friendly atmosphere. You’ll also get great views of the city, and it’s a special feeling to sit on the deck for a summer sunset and watch the buildings light up for the night. 
-Laura

The Ginger Pig

🍽️ Asian | ($) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (720) 324-8416

The Ginger Pig began as a food truck, serving up Asian street food. It was the creation of former lawyer Natascha Hess who began working on some of these recipes while living with a host family in Beijing. 

In the middle of the pandemic, The Ginger Pig nabbed a permanent spot in Denver’s Berkeley neighborhood. You can order the famous Bangkok Balls (red curry rice balls), vegan egg rolls, and tasty Vietnamese garlic noodles. Then, sit down and enjoy eating these tasty bites on-site. 
-Laura

Sushi-Rama 

🍽️ Sushi | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (720) 476-4643

Conveyor belt sushi is a wild ride! The thrill of grabbing a plate before it passes you by… the new rolls you try because they look so tasty as they’re sauntering past you… the fact that you can fill awkward conversation gaps with a little activity while you grab a new dish. It all combines for a fun night where you have to work a little bit for your dinner. Try some sake or a Sapporo to wash down your rolls and sushi. 

Sushi-Rama has several locations, but we like the RiNo spot. Also, if you’re unfamiliar with conveyor belt sushi, you’ll be charged based on the number and color of your plates when you’re all done with your meal.
-Laura

Hop Alley

🍽️ Chinese | ($) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (720) 379-8340

This RiNo restaurant is named after Denver’s Chinatown, which existed in the 1800s and was called Hop Alley. Owner and chef Tommy Lee puts a modern twist on classics like fried rice and drunken chicken. Even the cocktails are unique – try the Old Fashioned with smoked tea. 
-Laura 

The Grateful Gnome Sandwich Shoppe & Brewery

🍽️ American | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (720) 598-6863

The Grateful Gnome is a casual New York / New Jersey-style deli combined with a brewpub. It’s located just off Tennyson Street on 44th Ave. The open industrial interior is quintessentially Colorado. The tap offers 12 rotating craft beers, a cider, and a non-alcoholic root beer. 

The menu features cold and hot sandwiches, including favorites like reubens and grilled cheese. They also serve salads, soups, and wings. Overall, The Grateful Gnome is one of the best lunch restaurants in Denver (especially if you like grabbing a beer with lunch!).
-Nate

Cheba Hut 

🍽️ American | ($) | Website | 📍 Google Maps (Colfax location) | 📞 (720) 420-0806

The first three digits of Cheba Hut’s phone number are “420” and, well, that ought to tell you what you need to know about the crowds this iconic Denver restaurant attracts. 

Just imagine what would happen if a bunch of stoners opened a Subway, made the food actually taste good and fresh, and tossed in a fun and lively bar for good measure. 

Whether it’s lunch or dinner, Cheba Hut is one of my favorite places to dine on a budget (or when the munchies strike). You’ll find several locations around town, including in the Central Business District, on Colorado Avenue, and on both West and East Colfax. 
-Nate

Watercourse Foods

🍽️ Vegan / Vegetarian | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (303) 832-7313

Watercourse Foods persuades many that plant-based is an equally flavorful alternative. Since 1998, the vegetarian-turned-vegan restaurant has served meals you wouldn’t guess were meatless. 

Cauliflower is transformed into savory “chorizo” and “fried chicken.” Mushrooms, tofu, seitan, and other ingredients create umami flavors to mimic meat, and vegan cheeses are made in-house. The same care goes into their house-infused spirits, featured in a seasonal menu of craft cocktails.  
-Abigail

Uchi Denver

🍽️ Japanese | ($$$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (303) 444-1922

Translating to “home,” Uchi holds a fitting title. Here, James Beard Award winner Chef Tyson Cole and his culinary team welcome visitors into their home’s upscale atmosphere. Whether visiting for happy hour or the ten-course omakase tasting menu, expect a warm welcome and incredible Japanese cuisine. 

Signature dishes at this sleek restaurant include yokai berry, oak-grilled walu walu, and fried milk dessert. An extensive sake menu, Japanese-style old fashioned, and yuzu-infused G&Ts add to why this is one of the best restaurants in Denver, CO. 
-Abigail

Adelitas Cocina Y Cantina

🍽️ Mexican | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (303) 778-1294

For stellar Mexican food and a fun, approachable ambiance, head to Adelitas Cocina Y Cantina. This South Broadway restaurant serves mouth-watering tacos, tamales, fajitas, and other traditional fares. 

If you prefer family-style plates, order the molcajete, a bubbling bowl of vegetables and cheese in a spicy tomato sauce. A surf and turf option is also available, and both are served with warm tortillas. To complete your square meal, order Adelitas house margarita or one of their “world famous” micheladas. 
-Abigail

Sushi Den

🍽️ Japanese | ($$$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (303) 777-0826

One of our top Denver travel tips is that when here, eat like a local. Since 1985, Denverites have been supporting Sushi Den on Pearl Street. It’s a sophisticated restaurant that’s perfect for date night and any special occasion. 

You might not think that you’d find stellar seafood in land-locked Colorado. But owners Toshi and Yasu Kizaki source and prepare only the highest quality ingredients. With this, they create delectable platters of sashimi and sushi rolls.

Ask your server for sake pairing suggestions, and save room for dessert. You don’t want to miss a Japanese take on a banana cream pie.  
-Abigail

The Bindery

🍽️ New American | ($$$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (303) 993-2364

Set in a former book bindery (see what they did there?), this is a popular spot for brunch on weekends. If you don’t want a full brunch, you can grab a spot on the patio and simply have coffee and something from the bakery. 

The Bindery is also a great hangout for cocktails, and dinner is an upscale event where you’ll want to dress up a little. There are some delicious seafood menu offerings, along with smoked rabbit pecan pie if you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary.
-Laura

Comal Heritage Food Incubator

🍽️ Latin American | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (720) 674-3973

The Comal Heritage Food Incubator is a working restaurant that teaches immigrant and refugee women the skills they need to find a job or even start their own business. Meanwhile, you get to eat the mouth-watering dishes the women create, you lucky duck. 

A garden just outside the restaurant space grows many of the vegetables used in their food, and everything served is made from scratch.

The menu does change every day, as the women work on their recipes and dishes, but generally reflects a Latin American flavor. Then again – you never know! Come with a spirit of adventure and see what they surprise you with. 
-Laura

Fruition Restaurant

🍽️ New American | ($$$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (303) 831-1962

The small kitchen at Fruition Restaurant produces some of the greatest, most memorable flavors in all of Denver, CO. Since opening in 2007, celebrated Chef Alex Seidel has refined and redefined farm-to-table cooking. 

Located less than an hour south, his 10-acre pasture grows seasonal produce and raises local heritage pork.

The Fruition Farms Creamery on-site also supplies the downtown establishment with fresh ingredients. From the lamb tartare amuse-bouche to the pork belly carbonara and lemon meringue pie, this cozy restaurant is a delight.
-Abigail

Torchy’s Tacos 

🍽️ Mexican | ($) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (303) 436-1704

If you want affordable, quick, and tasty tacos, Torchy’s is your spot. Several locations are found throughout Denver and the surrounding suburbs, each serving up street food favorites.

Visit Torchy’s in the morning for breakfast tacos, or join the lunch crowd to sample more than a dozen options. Like a true Denverite, get ‘em with a side of green chile — and maybe a mid-day marg, too. 
-Abigail

Denver Biscuit Co.

🍽️ American | ($$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (303) 377-7900

Hands down, Denver Biscuit Co. is one of the best restaurants in Denver for brunch. Come hungry, because their giant breakfast sandwiches are practically enough to feed two. Still, most order their own — it’s too hard to decide on just one plate when overviewing their mouth-watering menu.

Locals start with coffee and a stout-infused bloody mary. Order their giant biscuit cinnamon roll for the table, then move on to the mains.

The Dahlia sandwich is a favorite, a combination of eggs, sausage, maple syrup, and house-made apple butter. Or wear your stretchy pants and opt for the Franklin, featuring buttermilk fried chicken, cheddar, and bacon. 
-Abigail

Beckon

🍽️ American | ($$$$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (303) 749-0020

Beckon is one of Colorado’s first Michelin star-awarded restaurants. It has a $175 per person prix fixe dinner that’s a two-and-a-half-hour dining experience. The eight-course tasting menu follows the phases of the moon and emphasizes seasonal ingredients. Let the staff suggest wine pairings and go along for the ride. 

Guests can sit at the 18-person chef’s counter or its patio when the weather allows. You’ll want to make reservations well in advance given the extra attention from the Michelin award. 

-Laura

BRUTØ

🍽️ International | ($$$$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (720) 325-2195

Chef Michael Diaz de Leon combines Latin American and Asian cuisine to create his six-course tasting menus at Bruto. Diners lucky enough to grab one of the 15 seats around the chef’s counter get an up-close view of their food being prepped. This Michelin-starred restaurant is also committed to zero-waste.

Staff is knowledgeable about each dish, and there’s an excellent drink-pairing menu. You can opt for wine, cocktails, or non-alcoholic drinks that are carefully selected to accompany your dishes.

-Laura