Denver has it all! Nature, mountain views, over 300 days a year with sunshine to lift the spirits, an incredible art and culture scene. Coinciding with this mecca of fun and beauty is the amazing food scene. Denver serves up some of the most unique and recognized dishes in the country. Eclectic atmospheres with electric food, everyone can taste the flavors of Denver! The food scene here is worth the climb!
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Tavernetta
Are you craving Italian flavor? Worry no more! Tavernetta in Denver, Colorado, serves Italian dishes alongside its extensive wine list. Tavernetta lives up to its belief in "Authentic Italian, Genuine Hospitality," making it one of the best Italian restaurants in Denver, CO. Its nice and cozy interior complements the excellent dishes it serves.
Reviewer: WOW, just wow... I see why this restaurant is Michelin rated as is now one of the best restaurants I've tried. This restaurant is very unique as they are always changing their menu but still have a handful of items on the menu that does not change. This makes me want to come back all the time to try everything!
The food is to die for! We started off with the freshly made focaccia and the burrata. Don't skip on either of these as it was unlike any other focaccia and burrata I've ever had! You won't regret it.
For the main entree we got the gnudi pasta and it was one of the most flavorful meal I've ever had. It was rich, not too rich, creamy, and delicious! We also tried the rigatoni which is a classic favorite and doesn't get removed from the menu, also very good!
The service was excellent, we were very well taken care of and was given a tasting of their special wine for our anniversary which made it special. 100% would come back and would 100% recommend anyone to come here to try it or for a nice date night!
Click here to learn more about Tavernetta
Work & Class
Work & Class is a trendy and casual bar and restaurant where you can enjoy a wide selection of meat dishes. They also have happy hour, during which you can enjoy drinks, from beers to wines to sodas, to pair with the good food they offer. You can also try their freshly baked goodies, breads, and tortillas. It's a must-try place in Denver.
Reviewer: Amazing service - chef and staff in the kitchen were unbelievably welcoming - sit at the chef's bar to watch them cook! Went during happy hour and the zucchini and corn frittatas (not pictured - we ate them too fast) with jalapeño aoli were so flavorful that each bite was a flavor explosion. Picanha was def my fave - chef gave us samples of the lamb and chickpea croquettes, as well as the butterscotch pudding. Everything was so good and we got so full, we ordered some brisket to go ... great place to go for dinner with friends and family - be careful ordering too much - you will get full super fast!
Click here to learn more about Work & Class
Jack's on Pearl
If you happen to be in Denver, CO, you may try to eat at Jack's on Pearl, a steak and seafood bar. They serve one of the best prime steaks cooked on a pecan wood-fired grill. Jack's on Pearl is also known to be the only restaurant in the state of Colorado to serve dry-aged fish. They also have vegan options, making the place perfect for everyone. You can also enjoy their happy hour specials after dinner.
Reviewer: my boyfriend and i decided to come here during denver restaurant week and we're so glad we did. it's a cute little spot with an upscale feel! Shawn, our server was great and was excited for us to try this place for the first time. he never rushed us and was friendly. we both started with the dry aged sashimi combo which was amazing, highly recommend. we had the salmon and seafood risotto which were both phenomenal. plus the drinks were really good!
definitely check it out. we can't wait to come back and try different menu items.
Click here to learn more about Jack's on Pearl
Rioja
If you are looking for a new place to hang out or catch up with your family and friends, Rioja is the place to be! Its cozy interior complements the good food and drinks it offers. Rioja has a seasonal menu because it focuses on local and sustainable products, which makes the place more interesting.
Reviewer: On our first night in Denver, we ate at Rioja in Laramie Square, and were impressed. The dining area and bar were fabulous in design between the modern art hanging on the dark gray walls and the curtain of Edison lighting draped around the bar area. The restaurant and bar has outdoor seating as well with nouveau wooden tables and metal seating if you want to people watch those walking and hanging around Laramie Square. When we went the street was closed off to traffic, which was nice to see only people walking about as opposed to cars rushing back and forth.
The bar was well stocked with an selected array of spirits where the bartenders made excellent cocktails such as the Lion's Tail and the Nude & Notable. The former was made with Old Forester bourbon, St. Elizabeth all spice dram, lime juice, and sage simple - my favorite of the two. The other was made with Union mezcal, Aperol, spiced honey, and lemon juice.
The kitchen makes fresh biscuits at the start of the meal that includes whipped butter made from scratch with Himalayan sea salt. Probably my favorite order of the meal was the fresh bacon, comprising tantalizing pork belly, cardamom, and curried garbanzo bean purée that was savory deliciousness. It melted in your mouth and sent my senses into outer space with every bite. The seared venison was addition tasty, served with wild mushrooms, braised red cabbage, bitter greens, and huckleberry venison jus. My wife enjoyed the halibut with its serving of summer vegetables and herbs, Calabrian chile broth, and black olives.
Rioja is fabulous. We would return the next time we are in downtown Denver, especially in CBD.
Click here to learn more about Rioja
Root Down
Root Down is not just a restaurant; it's like a neighborhood passionate about good food, making the dining experience excellent and homey. They also have outdoor tables, which is excellent for groups, kids, or your "me" time. You can also enjoy their happy hour offerings after dinner or have some takeout to share the experience with your loved ones at home.
Reviewer: We had a lovely birthday celebration at Root Down tonight. We were greeted by Joey - what a fun and engaging host! - and were quickly impressed by the ambiance as well as how many gluten free options were available on the menu. Al, our server, was attentive and thoughtful. The staff brought over an espresso chocolate truffle for a birthday treat for my sister. Love this place!
Click here to learn more about Root Down
Izzio Bakery
Izzio Bakery is your go-to destination in Denver for lovers of bread, pastries, breakfast meals, and brunch. They have an excellent selection of foods that you can take home! You can also dine at their place in the Denver Central Market, as they have a cozy interior where you can enjoy breakfast, brunch, or a snack.
Reviewer: The pastries are INSANE!! So delicious. The only bad thing about this place, is being forced to choose something.
The breakfast was EXCELLENT! My husband's breakfast burrito was huge and hearty, and my croissant eggs Benedict was HEAVEN! I substituted the ham for a Mushroom Onion Mix, to make it vegetarian.
We will be back!
Click here to learn more about Izzio Bakery
Alma Fonda Fina
Chef Johnny Curiel created a contemporary Mexican concept through Alma Fonda Fina. It's a great place to satisfy your craving for Mexican flavors. Its interior is trendy and elegant, with a touch of moderate noise. It's a great place to catch up with friends and family or have a date. Do not skip the dining experience that allows you to connect with Mexican culture through food.
Reviewer: Alma Fonda Fina is an absolute gem and one of the best dining experiences I've had in while! We were visiting Denver for a few days and even though the restaurant was fully booked for the days we were there, I kept checking their reservation website a few days before we visited and got a last minute reservation!
Sitting at the chef's counter was hands down the best decision--we got a front-row seat to the action and were able to interact with the incredibly talented chefs and friendly servers throughout the night. They were so passionate about their craft, explaining each dish with enthusiasm and sharing little behind-the-scenes details that made the experience feel so personal.
The food was also amazing--highly recommend the guacamole alma (can't go wrong with guac), camote asado (very rich with a strong kick), and tacos. We weren't a big fan of the fish with butter rice, but everything else was so good that it made up for it.
We also happened to be celebrating a birthday so they gave us free non-alcoholic drinks and scallop crudos which made the occasion extra sweet & special!
If you're looking for a dining experience that feels intimate, interactive, and absolutely delicious, Alma Fonda Fina is a must-visit. I'll definitely be back next time I'm in Denver!
Click here to learn more about Alma Fonda Fina
Happy Camper
Happy Camper is a pizza bar that only allows guests 21 years old and up. Guests must present legal identification. Minors are welcome, but only accompanied by their parents, and only on weekdays before 7 PM and weekends before 2 PM. You should make reservations and enjoy a great time with adults for a moment. You can bring home their good food or best-selling pizza as they offer takeout.
Reviewer: Place was so hip to walk into. You park on the street and you're greeted with multiple photo opportunities. The food was delicious, as a die hide NYC are is the only place for good pizza I was actually surprised that this was very far off from a CT style pizza which to me isn't ½ bad. I highly recommend if your from NYC area to give it a try(it'll be more ct style then ny but still good). We also got some garlic bread as an appetizer which kept us wanting more it was so good.
Click here to learn more about the Happy Camper
Porchetta House
Enjoy the classic porchetta sandwich at The Porchetta House in Denver. You'll never experience a porchetta sandwich like this. They also offer loaded fries that can be enjoyed with a porchetta sandwich or other sandwiches on their menu. It's an excellent place if you are a fan of sandwiches.
Reviewer: Had been wanting to try Porchetta House since it had great reviews. We finally made it in, met AJ, the chef and are so glad we did.
Ordered the Original Bundle and the Al Pastor sandwich. I had no expectations since I've never had this type of sandwich.
All I can say is YUM! Delicious and original flavors, well cooked porchetta, fresh veggies and very filling.
Little bit of a hole in the wall and not a lot of space but as AJ said, this is temporary. He has plans to expand and I'm so glad since this is a must try!
The location is a bit hidden. Using Google, it'll take you to a bar so we were confused. Just walk around the corner and you'll see The Porchetta House entrance.
Click here to learn more about the Porchetta House
Wildflower
If you are looking for a bar and restaurant around Denver, Colorado, you should give Wildflower a try. They showcase locally sourced plants, natural wines, and cocktails. Wildflower gets its inspiration from Mexican and Italian settlers and the Western landscape. They have vegan-friendly dishes and excellent drinks to pair with them.
Reviewer: Located inside the Lower Highlands' Life House Hotel, Wildflower gave me one of my best meals ever last year.I originally did the chef's tasting menu (aka The Wildflower Bouquet) and was so impressed I've been telling everyone about it ever since.
I went back for happy hour later that year, but this past month was my first time returning for a full dinner. And honestly, more for myself than anyone else, I'm thrilled to say it was just as good if not better.
The decor is intimate and welcoming. Interesting without being gimmicky. The service? Outstanding. From the welcome bite to the second we were greeted by the amazing hostess, everyone was warm, attentive, and clearly passionate about what they do. It's a well-oiled machine with a vibe that feels effortless.
I genuinely tried to find something to critique and if I had to say anything, it's that I wish I could eat here every day. Without a doubt, Wildflower is one of my favorite restaurants in the city. Easily top five.
What we ordered:
Scallop Crudo: Kiwi, Avocado Aguachile, Plantain, Macadamia Nut
Wildflower Focaccia: Rosemary, Preserved Tomato, Herbs, Whipped Garlic
Grilled Artichokes: White Bean, Grapes, Fennel, Castelvetrano Tapenade
Spanish Octopus: Oregano Emulsion, Farro Verde Arrancini, Fresno Chili, Turnip
Croquetas de la Patata: Kohlrabi, Horseradish, Pea Shoots, Spicy Sofrito
Moulard Duck: Smoked Apple, Beet Tartare, Yogurt, Pistachio
7X Wagyu Picanha: Huitlacoche, Smoked Tea, Cipollini, Axiote, Salsa Macha
Strawberries and Cream: Basil, Pine Nut, Elderflower, Lemon & Thyme
Best Bites:
Chef Aidan absolutely kills it. My top 3:
The Wildflower Focaccia is the best focaccia I've ever had. Probably in my top 3 breads, period.
The Strawberries and Cream dessert was so elegant, clever, and refreshing without being overdone.
The Duck? WOW. Perfectly crispy skin with sides that elevated the whole dish.
Okay, I'm cheating. The Potato Croquettes were a 12/10. No notes.
I can't wait to go back. What a freaking great meal. See you there.
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