Denver Best Restaurants: 26 Spots You’ll Want to Add to Your Food Bucket List

Denver has shaken off its old “meat and potatoes” image and transformed into a powerhouse dining city, surprising visitors who expect the coasts to dominate the conversation. Today, the best places to eat in Denver rival the country’s top culinary destinations, with chefs turning it into a serious food lover’s stop.

Travelers don’t want a tourist trap with mediocre menus—they want the real deal, the Denver best restaurants that locals line up for on weekends and brag about to out-of-town friends. This list dives into the spots that have become part of the city’s fabric, not just places with a Denver address.

Whether you’re in the mood for refined dining, hearty comfort food, or a hole-in-the-wall gem, Denver delivers variety at every turn. Keep reading, because this list will change the way you think about eating in the Mile High City!

Fine Dining Spots Perfect for Celebrations and Special Moments

Alma Fonda Fina

Tucked into LoHi, this MICHELIN-recognized gem transforms Mexican classics into modern works of art. Signature plates like the duck mole negro and handmade tortillas arrive with layers of flavor that demand slow appreciation.

The cocktail program leans mezcal-heavy, with smoky blends that pair beautifully with the food. For nights when you want a little sparkle without stuffiness, Alma delivers every time.

Annette

In Aurora’s Stanley Marketplace, Annette earns accolades with its chef-driven, New American plates. Standout dishes include the rabbit sausage with mustard cream and their perfectly crispy potatoes served with aioli.

The open kitchen and neighborhood vibe make it approachable despite its award-winning pedigree. For those willing to venture just outside downtown, Annette feels like the ultimate reward.

Beckon

At this intimate chef’s counter, dinner unfolds like a performance with each course unveiled in real time. Past menus have featured dishes such as dry-aged duck with foraged herbs or scallop crudo kissed with citrus and sea salt.

Wine pairings feel equally thoughtful, sourced from boutique vineyards that elevate each bite. Beckon is an experience designed for diners who crave connection as much as cuisine.

Brutø

Minimalist in design but bold in flavor, this Michelin-starred kitchen celebrates seasonal ingredients with fire-driven techniques. Favorites include ember-roasted carrots dressed with housemade miso and perfectly seared wagyu bites that melt on the tongue.

Even the bread service, made with freshly milled grains, deserves applause. No wonder Brutø continues to rank among the Denver best restaurants for both locals and food critics alike.

Guard and Grace

With soaring ceilings and a sleek downtown setting, this steakhouse redefines what a night out looks like. The filet flight—featuring wagyu, grass-fed, and prime cuts—remains the star of the menu.

Seafood options like wood-grilled octopus or tuna tartare add balance for groups who want variety. Pair your meal with a glass from the extensive wine list and you’ll see why Guard and Grace is a go-to for both business and celebration.

Mercantile

Union Station’s shining star Mercantile balances casual charm with serious culinary chops. A favorite order is the roasted chicken with seasonal vegetables, though their house-made pastas and pastries are equally worth the trip.

Part artisan market, part restaurant, it’s ideal for anyone who wants a polished meal without the formality. Dining here proves that Union Station is more than just a transit hub—it’s a showcase of Denver’s evolving taste.

Rioja

Located in historic Larimer Square, this Mediterranean-inspired favorite turns seasonal Colorado ingredients into dishes that taste as beautiful as they look. Handmade pastas like the artichoke tortelloni have earned cult status, and the creative cocktails are just as memorable as the food.

Chef-driven precision makes it a must for anyone exploring the best restaurants in Denver. Add a glass of Rioja’s namesake wine, and you’ll understand why locals keep coming back.

Tavernetta

Steps away from Union Station, this elegant Italian retreat pairs handmade pastas with warm hospitality straight out of northern Italy. The lobster tagliatelle and the wood-grilled New York strip are two dishes that have locals and visitors raving.

Few spots capture the essence of dining as an experience better than Tavernetta, easily making it one of the best places to eat in Denver. Don’t skip dessert—their tiramisu is as classic as it gets.

The Wolf’s Tailor

This Michelin-starred restaurant thrives on blending Nordic, Italian, and East Asian flavors into a single, ever-changing tasting menu. Expect courses like squid ink noodles with local vegetables or charred lamb with fermented accompaniments.

Sustainability is key here, with much of the produce grown on-site and the kitchen operating almost entirely waste-free. The Wolf’s Tailor is a bold, creative dining experience that feels at once global and deeply tied to Colorado.

Wildflower

Inside the Life House Hotel in LoHi, this cozy dining room feels like stepping into a jewel box of Italian and Mexican flavors. Menu standouts include the agnolotti with ricotta and herbs or a pork belly dish layered with smoky spice.

The cocktails are stunningly crafted, often infused with botanicals and wildflowers that tie into the name. With its intimate vibe and inventive plates, Wildflower is one spot that makes any night feel special.

Best Spots for Laid-Back Dining, Lazy Sundays, and Everything In Between

Work & Class

In RiNo, the buzz of the neighborhood flows right into Work & Class, where Southern comfort food meets Latin American flavor. Fan favorites include the roasted carnitas with house salsas and the buttermilk fried chicken that’s crispy perfection.

Strong cocktails and hearty portions make it the ideal spot for groups. It’s casual but clever, proving you don’t need white tablecloths to have a memorable meal.

Linger

High above Denver’s skyline sits Linger, a former mortuary turned global street food playground. Signature dishes like Mongolian BBQ duck buns and Korean fried chicken sliders keep tables full of shareable plates.

The rooftop patio offers one of the best sunset views in the city, matched by playful cocktails. It’s eclectic, adventurous, and easily one of the Best Spots for Laid-Back Dining, Lazy Sundays, and Everything In Between.

Corinne Denver

Inside the Le Méridien hotel you’ll find Corinne Denver, a restaurant that elevates comfort food with a sleek, modern touch. Popular orders include wagyu beef tartare with truffle chips and golden-brown Brussels sprouts.

The space feels stylish without being intimidating, making it a favorite for business dinners or brunch with friends. Among Denver restaurants, this one stands out for getting both flavor and atmosphere just right.

Culinary Dropout

At the heart of Denver’s social scene is Culinary Dropout, a gastropub that blends bold food with plenty of fun. Pretzel bites with provolone fondue and honey-drizzled fried chicken are the dishes people can’t stop ordering.

Add in live music, quirky décor, and a lineup of cocktails that keep the energy buzzing, and you’ve got a night out wrapped into one venue. It’s proof that casual dining can still feel like an event.

Atomic Cowboy

Housed in quirky warehouse-style spaces, Atomic Cowboy doubles as a late-night bar and a home base for two beloved eateries: Fat Sully’s Pizza and Denver Biscuit Co. Giant New York–style slices and decadent biscuit sandwiches are the star attractions, perfect for sharing after a brewery crawl.

The atmosphere is playful and unfussy, with multiple locations that make it easy to find one near you. It’s the kind of spot where a casual meal turns into a lingering night with friends.

Steuben’s Uptown

Rretro vibes meet modern comfort at Steuben’s Uptown, a diner-inspired favorite with a loyal following. Classic fried chicken and green chile cheeseburgers headline the menu, while the cocktails—like their popular Moscow Mule—round out the experience.

The energy is lively and nostalgic, with a design that feels like a throwback without being kitschy. Locals know this is one of the city’s most dependable go-to’s for both brunch and dinner.

The Pig & The Sprout

Just steps from Union Station, The Pig & The Sprout blends playful design with a menu that balances indulgent meat dishes and creative plant-based options. Try the short rib grilled cheese if you’re feeling decadent, or the roasted veggie bowl for something lighter.

The industrial-chic setting and funky décor make it perfect for groups with different tastes. It’s a fun reminder that you don’t have to choose between hearty and healthy in Denver.

Four Friends Kitchen

On a sunny morning in Stapleton, Four Friends Kitchen is the kind of brunch spot that draws both families and locals looking for Southern-style comfort. Chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and pecan praline pancakes headline a menu that makes weekends feel indulgent.

The rooftop patio is a major draw, offering fresh air alongside bottomless coffee. With its bright, welcoming vibe, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to return to again and again.

Carbs, Cheese, Repeat: Where to Find the Most Delicious Slices in the City

Blue Pan Pizza

Blue Pan Pizza has built a reputation for serving the best Detroit-style pies in Denver across its multiple locations. The caramelized cheese crust on the Brooklyn Bridge pizza is legendary, layered with sausage, pepperoni, and ricotta.

Even the plain cheese slice comes with a perfect balance of airy dough and crispy edges. Once you try it, you’ll understand why locals claim it ruined all other pizza for them.

Hops & Pie

Inside a cozy corner in the Highlands, Hops & Pie combines its artisan sourdough pizzas with one of the city’s best craft beer lists. Their signature pies include the Hog, loaded with pepperoni, sausage, and bacon, as well as inventive specials that rotate weekly.

Sicilian and New York–style options make this more than just one kind of pizza joint. It’s the kind of place where beer nerds and pizza lovers unite in harmony.

Pizzeria Lui

In Lakewood, Pizzeria Lui has become a cult favorite thanks to its wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas. The margherita, with blistered crust and fresh mozzarella, is a local go-to, while specials like spicy soppressata keep the menu exciting.

The atmosphere is warm and unpretentious, with staff who clearly care about the craft. Loyal fans say it’s the kind of neighborhood spot that feels like home from the first visit.

Cart-Driver RiNo

At the lively RiNo outpost, Cart-Driver delivers wood-fired Southern Italian pies in a setting that feels equal parts rustic and urban. The Clam pizza with lemon and chili oil is a favorite, and the Daisy pie shows off the perfection of simplicity with tomato, mozzarella, and basil.

Oysters and spritzes add a coastal Italian vibe that’s rare in Denver. It’s small, stylish, and perfect for a night out with friends.

Under-the-Radar Restaurants Denver Locals Love (Oops, We Just Spilled)

Hop Alley

Tucked away in RiNo, Hop Alley serves bold, modern Chinese dishes that will leave you wondering, “Why didn’t I know about this?” The Beijing duck rolls and the bone marrow fried rice are cult favorites that keep locals raving.

Neon lights and hip-hop beats set a fun, high-energy mood that makes dinner feel like a party. Once you go, you’ll quickly see why it’s one of Denver’s most beloved not-so-secret spots.

Go Fish

Along South Broadway, Go Fish is a laid-back Japanese eatery that sneaks onto many locals’ shortlists for sushi. Specialty rolls like the 911 with spicy tuna and jalapeño or the Mango Tango with salmon and mango salsa hit all the right notes.

Beyond sushi, warming bowls of ramen round out a comfort-focused menu. It’s a sleeper pick among the best restaurants Denver, perfect for a casual night that doesn’t compromise on quality.

La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal

At this downtown cantina, La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal proves that a single dish can define a restaurant. Bowls of hominy-rich pozole come in multiple varieties—verde, rojo, and blanco—each topped with fresh garnishes for layering flavor your way.

A mezcal menu that spans smoky to smooth makes it just as much about the drinks as the food. It’s a destination that turns a comfort dish into a culinary star.

Somebody People

In Platt Park, Somebody People embraces a stylish, plant-forward approach that feels both modern and celebratory. The rotating menu often features fresh pastas like tagliatelle with walnut pesto or vibrant small plates built around seasonal vegetables.

Cocktails lean bright and herbaceous, pairing effortlessly with the food. Dining here proves that vegetable-driven cuisine can be indulgent, fun, and absolutely crave-worthy.

Which of These Spots Will Be Your First Reservation?

Denver has officially earned its spot on the foodie map, surprising even seasoned travelers with its range of flavors and creative kitchens. From MICHELIN darlings to neighborhood gems, the best places to eat in Denver prove the city is more than just a stopover.

Now’s the perfect time to start planning your adventure, and Tripster makes it easy to bundle everything into one seamless itinerary. With vacation packages through us, you can lock in the best rates on Denver attractions and hotels while saving time and stress.

Exploring the Denver best restaurants alongside breweries, markets, and mountain views makes for a trip that satisfies every craving. Don’t wait—your next unforgettable meal is waiting in the Mile High City!

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