The 18 best restaurants in Denver

What is it? An 18-seat, 11-course Michelin-starred (twice if you include the green star) sensory experience in Lower Downtown (LoDo)’s historic Dairy Block, showcasing a sustainable culinary technique derived from brutalist concepts (hence, the name): raw, stark, bold, unapologetic and built around full utilization (as in, nothing goes to waste) of ingredients that are seasonal, local and regeneratively farmed when possible.

Why we love it: There’s really nothing like it. Executive chef Byron Gomez (under lauded restaurateur Kelly Whitaker) helms an intimate and ever-changing dinner service built around practices like fermentation and dehydration that make use of every flavor and texture the team can eke out of an ingredient. (Fancy looking drink? That might be recycled pea pulp dust coating the rim. Melon on your plate? Chef might tell you he’s soaking the rinds to make a fruity martini brine.) Each dish has an ingredient backstory so you truly—truly—know the origins of your meal.

Time Out tip: All this recycling of ingredients and small-space intimate cooking makes cross contamination a bit of a thing if you’ve got certain allergies (mushrooms, soy, nightshades); make sure to discuss well before your reservation.

Address: 1801 Blake St, Denver, CO 80202

Opening hours: Tue–Sun 5–8:30pm

Expect to pay: $175 per person for the tasting menu format, plus beverages.

What is it? From the same team behind Brutø comes the only other Denver restaurant to hold both a Michelin star and a Michelin green star, thanks to the zero-waste, seasonal unexpected flavor journey the multi-course tasting menu provides. Charcoal and wood-fired cooking transforms local grains, proteins and produce into sparkling little edible packages, deeply nuanced and full of whimsy, that arrive in a carefully timed cadence.

Why we love it: The entire experience makes you feel a little like you’re part of a secret club for diners with elevated palates. Highly detailed culinary techniques like fermentation, preservation, dehydration, wood parching and foraging (the list goes on) tell a food origins story that your server will happily share with each delivery of the almost-too-pretty-to-eat bites.

Time Out tip: If available, book an outdoor private dining tent. It totally ups the exclusive in-the-know vibe.

Address: 4058 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211

Opening hours: Tue–Sun 5–9pm

Expect to pay: Tasting menu is $175 per person, but a beverage pairing could set you back another $150 per person.

What is it? In a city full of Mexican-inspired eats, chef Johnny Curiel burst onto the scene in late 2023 with a repertoire of playful, outside-the-box dishes like decadent camote asado (agave roasted sweet potato with silky-smooth fennel whipped requesón, or Mexican ricotta-like cheese)—and did it better than everybody else. Not only was Alma the only new Mile High restaurant to snag a Michelin star in 2024, but Curiel was also named the Michelin Guide Colorado 2024 Young Chef Award winner.

Why we love it: This place is pure fun packed into an adorably tiny space with a dozen-ish two-tops and a chef’s counter. Three chefs and a bartender move in a harmonious hustle behind the counter as they take orders, slice garnishes, stir sauces and plate ingredients—all the while chatting with eager patrons mesmerized by the creative visions coming together in real time. Order the Hokkaido scallops, which come drenched in a heavenly serrano ponzu with tomato butter, all plated prettily in a jumbo scallop shell.

Time Out tip: Even if you’re not a margarita person, give it a whirl while you’re here. Avocado and sweet corn play starring roles in the Alma versions for zippy concoctions that have just the right amount of smooth from-the-earth freshness to feel good about ordering another.

Address: 2556 15th St, Denver, CO 80211

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 2–10pm, Fri 2–11pm, Sat 4–11pm, Sun 4–10pm

Expect to pay: $15 to $21 for small plates, $38 to $49 for dishes to split, $15 for cocktails.

What is it? An understated-yet-elegant Michelin-recognized Wash Park addition that shines with the freshest handmade pasta in half a dozen varieties at any given time, from perfectly pillowy agnolotti stuffed with bison short rib to creamy gemelli alla norcina (pecorino, fennel sausage, black truffle). You’d be hard-pressed to find better tagliatelle in Bologna itself.

Why we love it: Everything feels warm and intentional at Olivia, from the greeting to the knowledgeable servers to the menu, which lists the pastas as the headliners followed by the subtext of proteins, fillings, sauces and herbs, and includes thoughtful drink pairings with each dessert.

Time Out tip: There’s something about rolling and cutting your own pasta that makes it that much more delicious, which is why Olivia’s pasta-making classes are such a great call. Group classes ($125 plus 20 percent service charge; includes a snack and a jar of Olivia’s pasta sauce) tend to sell out, but private sessions may be available Tuesday through Saturday.

Address: 290 S Downing St, Denver, CO 80209

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 5–9pm

Expect to pay: $200 for a modest two-top dinner (small plate, pasta and a glass of wine apiece).

What is it? White tablecloths, twinkling lights, thoughtful wine pairings and French sophistication in Governors’ Park, all at the hands of Frank Bonanno—arguably the top chef-restaurateur in the city.

Why we love it: For a special occasion that warrants caviar or Wagyu, beef Wellington or duck confit, and piña colada brème brûlée. The menu changes monthly at the chefs’ discretion, but thankfully, the butter-poached lobster mac and cheese—an indulgent bite of beurre-blanc heaven and Food Network Challenge winner—is a staple.

Time Out tip: Keep an eye out for Mizuna’s “Reimagined” series: a recurring collaborative evening with another eatery in town that showcases both chefs’ culinary flair in reinterpreted dishes that blend the styles and creativity of each cuisine into a one-night-only multi-course tasting experience ($135, including wine pairing).

Address: 225 E 7th Ave, Denver, CO 80203

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 5–9pm

Expect to pay: Tasting menus run $100 to $150 per person, plus cocktails from $17 to $19. Wine varies.

What is it? The sushi at these sister spots, occupying swanky digs right next door to each other on bustling Old South Pearl Street in Platt Park, is so fresh you’ll swear you’re in Japan.

Why we love it: You’d be right, kinda, about that Japan feeling; the Kizaki brothers, who own the two spots and have been setting the sushi standard in Denver since 1984, have another brother in Japan who sources the catch from one of the biggest fish markets. That sashimi on your plate? Swimming off the coast of Japan less than 24 hours ago.

Time Out tip: Can’t get a reservation at one of the brothers’ sushi spots? Fret not. They also run a little brother restaurant, Ototo—look for more casual noodles and robata skewers along with the same fresh fish—across the street to round out the “Den Corner.” Plus, in April 2025, one of the brothers, Toshi, opened a fourth eatery, Kizaki (yep, just down the block), to showcase the “edomae” (old Tokyo) style of sushi offerings at an intimate nine-seat omakase counter.

Address: Sushi Den: 1487 S Pearl St.; Izakaya Den: 1487-A S Pearl St; Denver, CO 80210

Opening hours: For both: Mon–Thu 5–9:30pm; Fri, Sat 4:30–10pm; Sushi Den only: Sun 5–9:30pm; Mon–Fri 11:30am–2pm

Expect to pay: Appetizers and (non-vegetarian) rolls range from around $10 to $24. Kitchen entrees (fish) and sushi platters (non-vegetarian) run in the mid-$30s. Grab noodles for $20 to $22.

What is it? An upscale yet unpretentiously playful Michelin-recognized purveyor of Japanese izakaya tucked into a cute Lower Highland (LoHi) nook. We can’t get enough of the sesame-kissed hamachi cushioned in a tangy miso-citrus-chili cloud.

Why we love it: The chill factor. Kawa Ni’s minimalist, wood-paneled, bamboo aesthetic; laid-back walk-in vibe; and unapologetic but not overdone flavors suggest that this is a place to settle in at the bar and get cozy with the menu.

Time Out tip: You can’t beat the happy hour. A $10 shaken Sake-It-Tumi and a $5 biang biang chicken bao dripping with hot honey and pickles might be the best deal in town.

Address: 1900 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 4–9pm; Fri 4–9:30pm; Sat 11:30am–2:30pm, 4:30–9:30pm; Sun 11:30am–2:30pm, 4:30–8pm

Expect to pay: You won’t find much over $26 on the menu (with mid-priced beverages as well), so let the adventure begin.

What is it? A daring, stylish take on regional Chinese cuisine in River North (RiNo) that challenges its throngs of diners to explore the unexpected and earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand nod.

Why we love it: Take everything you know about Chinese food and toss it—this ain’t no stomping ground for General Tsao. We’re talking bone-marrow fried rice; whole fried local bass with tangy black bean chili sauce and tender Hakurei turnip; Dungeness crab prepared in three different styles (ask your server); flank steak with honeycomb tripe and pickled fresno; and cocktails that are too much fun. Did we mention there are separate vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and even pescatarian menus? Yes, there will be a wait.

Time Out tip: For all you planners out there: Reservations for the exclusive six-seat chef’s counter (Thursday to Saturday starting at 5pm, $170 deposit per person) drop 21 days out. The nine-course tasting menu—think seasonal, local, out-of-the-box—is not available in the main dining room, nor can you order off the main menu at the counter.

Address: 3500 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 5–10pm

Expect to pay: Roughly $20 to $30 a dish, with seafood entrees hitting the high end at $55 and $78

What is it? A melange of Israeli flavors and textures spread across the interactive, shareable dips, spreads, and breads makes dining at this Michelin-noted River North (RiNo) darling an entertaining event from start to finish.

Why we love it: Safta is somehow at once a place to celebrate a major milestone and to roll in for family dinner for no reason at all; the airy second-story digs are both elevated and approachable, the cuisine both worldly and comforting.

Time Out tip: Portions can be confusing in these formats; ask your server for a recommended number of dishes to order from each menu section.

Address: 3300 Brighton Blvd #201, Denver, CO 80216

Opening hours: Daily 5–10pm; Sat, Sun 10:30am–2pm

Expect to pay: Depends on your dining and sharing style: Apps and spreads start at $10, hummus and small plates run up to $22, and entrees up to $64.

What is it? This elegant downtown steakhouse, courtesy of renowned restaurateur and chef-about-town Troy Guard, eschews the stilted dark-leather ambience of its same-old counterparts in favor of an inviting light-and-glass vibe.

Why we love it: With subtle modern twists on classic steakhouse fare (think: Wagyu tartare with black garlic and Vietnamese vinaigrette and oak-grilled octopus with white bean celery salad) and detail-oriented non-beef entrees (see: kurobuta bone-in pork chop with barley risotto and pickled stone fruit), the menu is refreshing—but the steaks really are the star of the show. Splurge on the filet flight for true decadence of the prime, Wagyu and grass-fed variety.

Time Out tip: Dress codes are few and far between in a town where Patagonia is practically the uniform, but G&G wants you to “dress for the experience.” Collared shirts and dress shoes, please—leave the tees and athleisure wear at home.

Address: 1801 California St, Denver, CO 80202

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 11am–2pm; daily 4–10pm; happy hour Mon–Fri 3–6pm

Expect to pay: Special (very special) occasion prices. Eight-ounce steaks range from $48 to $96, you won’t find a non-beef entree for under $50, and à la carte sides ring in at $13 to $24. There’s a glass of red for everybody at $15 to $50.

What is it? This airy, contemporary, pan-Asian Lower Downtown (LoDo) institution is a favorite for power lunches and grown-up nights out, with beautifully executed small and shareable plates that hit both southeast Asian and Coloradan notes flawlessly.

Why we love it:  Soup dumplings, soup dumplings, soup dumplings. The brothy French onion filling surrounded by perfect little pouches that burst in your mouth are what made this place a perennial favorite. Those, and the coconut-y kaya toast. And the tamarind caramel glazed chicken thigh…

Time Out tip: Missed out on the dumplings while you were visiting downtown? Don’t sleep on your second chance to grab them from ChoLon’s most recently opened outpost (December 2024) at Denver International Airport’s Concourse C. (Heck, even if you’re not flying out of C, might we suggest you get to the airport early enough to build in a dumpling run? They’re that good.)

Address: 1555 Blake St #101,  Denver, CO 80202

Opening hours: Sun, Mon: Happy hour 3–5pm, dinner 5–9pm; Tue–Sat: 11:30am–9pm (happy hour 3–5pm)

Expect to pay: Small plates for $14 to $19, large plates for $24 to $38, cocktails for $12 to $16.

What is it? From the same visionary (Justin Cucci) behind neighborhood all-stars Linger and Root Down, El Five made a splash in Lower Highland (LoHi) in 2017 with unbeatable fifth-floor city skyline views, provocative decor and a bold Mediterranean tapas menu.

Why we love it: El Five is where you go to see and be seen, to experiment with the mélange of shareable flavors (choose from Spanish, North African, and Middle Eastern-influenced tapas) and to soak up the energy and exuberance of an always-happening it-spot.

Time Out tip: The menu can be a bit overwhelming if you’ve got a sizable group: Scallop escabeche? Tunisian couscous? Smoked burrata? Make it easy on yourselves and order a mezze platter with hummus and dips galore, followed by a round of steaming, fragrant paella chock full of meat, veggies or seafood.

Address: 2930 Umatilla St, 5th Floor, Denver, CO 80211

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 5–10pm; Fri, Sat 5–11pm

Expect to pay: Sexy prices for a sexy spot: $21 to $55 Mezze options; $15 to $25 small plates; and paella that runs $39 (half portion) to $76 (full). You’ll certainly need a glass of Tempranillo or Alvarinho for about $15.

What is it? Wood-fired pizzas, briny oysters on the halfshell, a prosecco-forward drink menu and—largely at the Lower Highland (LoHi) location—an array of Italian-inspired shareables like seasonal risotto and Mafalde carbonara. The trendy River North (RiNo) flagship has been likened to a shoebox; in actuality, the 640-square-foot nook is a revamped shipping container (true to the neighborhood vibe), while the LoHi outpost houses 80 seats in carefully restored historic digs built in 1890.

Why we love it: File this place under “so-random-it-works.” The pizza is bubbled and charred to chewy perfection (order the clam—trust us); the oysters are crave-worthy on a sunny summer afternoon; and the cocktails are hip (try the “Messed Up” Negroni, which sparkles with prosecco).

Time Out tip: Ask about the Cocktail for a Cause program before ordering your drink: Every month, the Cart-Driver barkeeps dream up a new cocktail to support a worthy local nonprofit. Buy that drink, and 100 percent of those proceeds go toward that organization.

Address: RiNo: 2500 Larimer St, Suite 100, Denver, CO 80205; LoHi: 2239 W 30th Ave, Denver, CO 80211

Opening hours: RiNo: Daily noon–midnight; daily happy hour 3–5pm and 10pm–midnight. LoHi: Sun, Mon 4–9pm; Tue–Sat 4–10pm; daily happy hour 4–5pm

Expect to pay: Dinner for two (small plate, pizza, a half dozen oysters and a cocktail each) might run you around $100.

What is it? Executed by the same decorated team behind Boulder’s legendary Frasca, this more approachable spin-off, which has earned Michelin Bib Gourmand status, showcases Italian cuisine with a wider focus in an inviting space overlooking the tracks at Union Station.

Why we love it: Casual but exemplary service, an exciting location and a versatile vibe make this eatery appealing to the everyman. Fireplace lounge cocktails? Check. Seating by the open kitchen? Check. Chef’s table dining? Check. Homey Colorado feel with just enough urban polish to fit the downtown scene? Check. It’s the perfect place to tuck into a plate of lamb ragu over handmade rigatoni.

Time Out tip: Make this place your go-to fuel stop if you’ve got travel out of Union Station planned. The bar and lounge are open all day here during the week—perfect for a cocktail and “ciccetti” (small bites) if you’re killing time waiting for a train.

Address: 1889 16th St, Denver, CO 80202

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 11:30am–2pm, 5–10pm; Sat, Sun 4–10pm; daily happy hour 3–6pm

Expect to pay: $20-plus for antipasto, $30-plus for pasta, $40-plus for entrees, $12 for sides.

What is it? This sleek-yet-casual noodle shop in Lower Highland (LoHi) has held fast and hard to its ramen throne since opening in 2012, reigning so supreme that it became the precursor to the wildly popular Chinese-influenced Hop Alley (see No. 8) and spawned another Uncle iteration across town in West Wash Park.

Why we love it: Uncle does a well-curated selection of small plates (think silky chilled tofu and grilled hanger steak lettuce wraps) and crowd-pleasing buns (the soft shell crab is a fun one), but the rich, brothy ramen—choose from the chicken- and pork-based shoyu or spicy sesame broth and the vegan miso option that still bursts with umami—is a no-brainer. Every time.

Time Out tip: We became hooked on Khao Soi—a traditional northern Thai noodle soup with a rich coconut curry base—on a trip to its actual birthplace in the Chiang Mai province of Thailand. The Uncle version? It might be better.

Address: LoHi: 2215 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211; West Wash Park: 93 S Pennsylvania St, Denver, CO 80209

Opening hours: LoHi: Mon–Thu 5–9pm; Fri, Sat 5–10pm; West Wash Park: Mon–Thu 5–9:30pm; Fri, Sat 5–10pm

Expect to pay: About $20 for ramen, $6 to $22 for starter small plates and other bowls.

What is it? A family-owned taco shop that’s been slinging mouthwateringly rich birria since it launched as a food truck in 2020 and, due to ravenous popular demand, opened a brick-and-mortar just three years later. Choose from a variety of fillings—beef, goat, pork, chicken and cactus—and pick your vessel: red corn or flour tortilla taco, quesadilla, burrito, torta and more.

Why we love it: The oversaturated taco trade is a tough field to break into these days in Denver, which makes Kiké’s humble beginnings in the truck and wild line-out-the-door goodness all the more impressive. Any time a foodie trend like birria explodes, there will be watered-down versions galore. No such thing here; the flavors are authentic, bold and true to the owners’ Mexican roots.

Time Out tip: The menu sports a birria ramen option. Does it seem a little odd with its dueling cuisines? Yes. Should you trust us, order it and die happy with your belly full of sinfully rich steaming noodles and beef soaked in consommé? Also yes.

Address: 1200 W 38th Ave, Denver, CO 80211

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 11am–9pm

Expect to pay: $50 buys you a generous lunch for two.

What is it? Helmed by Frank Bonanno, one of Denver’s most beloved and talented chef-restaurateurs (see: Mizuna), this sleek 11-venue food hall anchors the buzzy Dairy Block in Lower Downtown (LoDo), which was once the home of the Windsor Dairy circa 1920.

Why we love it: For the Mexican-style shrimp ceviche. And the artisan bucatini pomodoro. And the zesty poké bowls. And the hot (spicy fried) chicken. And the scoop of iconic Little Man Ice Cream we can never resist. And… need we go on?

Time Out tip: Four words: Drag Queen Bingo Brunch. Every Sunday, from 11am to 2pm, let loose and scarf down some lemon ricotta pancakes or crab cake Benedict. Okay, two more words: bottomless mimosas.

Address: 1800 Wazee St, Suite 100, Denver, CO 80202

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 11–8pm; Fri, Sat 11–9pm

Expect to pay: Typical urban food hall prices: You’ll walk away with a $20 to $25 tab at most vendors.

What is it? Seven rotating eateries housed in modified shipping containers surround community-style tables in Lower Highland’s industrial-chic food hall that includes three bars, an airy lounge and two killer rooftop patios.

Why we love it: The casual bites are big on taste, easy on the wallet and perfect for groups (young professionals, rejoice!). Venezuelan-style arepa? Juicy burger? Poké bowl? Thai noodles? Napoletana pizza? Take a lap, put your order in, grab your buzzer and snag a seat upstairs with a view of the city skyline.

Time Out tip: An early 2025 remodel debuted an early-hours coffee shop (Lattes! Pastries! Breakfast burritos!) that now makes setting up shop at Avanti for an all-day WFH stint entirely plausible (before, we had to wait till 11am).

Address: 3200 Pecos St, Denver, CO 80211

Opening hours: Hours vary by day and vendor location (upstairs, downstairs, café, bar) 

Expect to pay: Typical counter-order prices: $12 to $15 for an oversized arepa, barbacoa taquitos or a protein-and-veggies rice bowl.