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Cucina Bella

We've got the top restaurants and best places to eat in Denver to take the guesswork out of your next meal, whether it be a new trendy spot or a city staple.

Photo courtesy of Hard Knoch PR

Denver’s culinary scene never ceases to impress. It may even be the one city to see such an exponential rise in openings of new—and damn-good—restaurants coming out of the pandemic. After all, starting off 2023 with nine James Beard semifinalist nominations in Denver alone is just another testament to the magic happening here. And no concept is ever the same, from places specializing in pozole and mezcal to traditional French cuisine with a Colorado twist; there are even several noteworthy bars serving up snacks that rival some of the city’s best sit-down eateries. The short of it: There’s always excellent food in the Mile High, you just have to know where to go. That said, this list is just for you.

Denver’s culinary scene never ceases to impress. It may even be the one city to see such an exponential rise in openings of new—and damn-good—restaurants coming out of the pandemic. After all, starting off 2023 with nine James Beard semifinalist nominations in Denver alone is just another testament to the magic happening here. And no concept is ever the same, from places specializing in pozole and mezcal to traditional French cuisine with a Colorado twist; there are even several noteworthy bars serving up snacks that rival some of the city’s best sit-down eateries. The short of it: There’s always excellent food in the Mile High, you just have to know where to go. That said, this list is just for you.

The gist: New on the scene in Cherry Creek and at home at the Clayton is this cozy, whimsical spot serving Greek island fare from the team behind Quality Italian, Cretans, and Chez Roc. The food: Easily shareable but with the caveat that you’ll probably want everything for yourself, with a focus on spreadable, splittable, fresh-from-the-ocean-or-pasture small bites and mains. Dip toasty flatbreads into smooth-as-butter whipped goat cheese or creamy, black garlic oil chickpea spreads and let your senses delight in the simple flavors of the lemon herb cottage fries (not to be missed). Ordering your main dish is like playing a game of taste roulette—and there are no losers. How to book:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.opentable.com/r/kinis-denver" target="_blank">Make a reservation on OpenTable</a>

Kini's

KINI’S

The gist: Husband-and-wife team Tim and Lillian Lu—both classically trained alum from The French Culinary Institute in New York—opened this elegant French restaurant and bakery in late 2022 and it’s been a hit ever since. The food: Classy. Refined. Packed with flavor but polished to perfection. The bakery is where you’ll probably have a religious experience tasting the buttery, flakey delight of a croissant, quiche, or tart, and staying for dinner will transport you to the land of romance and opulence itself. The menu features a curated list of by-the-book traditional French dishes and accoutrements, including foie gras, potato confit, apple puree, and cassoulet. And if there’s one dessert you should stick around for, it’s this one. How to book:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.exploretock.com/noisette" target="_blank">Visit Tock for reservations</a>

Noisette Restaraunt & Patisserie

The gist: Yet another James Beard nominee of 2023, Chef Bo Porytko reinvents the concept of bar food at East Colfax’s Middleman. The food: Let’s just say this ain’t your mama's pub grub. Bo Porytko and co-owner Jareb Parker know that folks heading to Middleman are looking for innovative, slam-punch craft cocktails—and that the food offerings need to match their rep. That’s how you get crispy, gooey ham and cheese croquettes, poached potatoes with curd cheese and salmon roe, and “My F*cking Burger” (fries an additional $3). Despite being a drink hotspot, it’s understandable to head here just for the snack menu. How to book: Walk-ins only; no reservations required

Misfit snackbar

Misfit Snack Bar

The gist: Once a popular Zeppelin Station vendor, Japanese-French fusion Koko Ni now has a permanent home in RiNo with Chef de Cuisine James Gnizak and James Beard Award-Winner Paul Qui running the show. The food: Farm-driven omakase that’s heavy on sustainable American seafood. With, of course, the added flourishes that make Maine lobster, (exclusively) Colorado greens, and handmade pasta elevated yet approachable. The space seats 24 guests—with chef’s counter seating—who can expect a salad “bouquet” dipped in a lemon juice and burnt onion oil dressing, local wagyu with squid emulsion, and an ice cream amuse bouche with caviar. How to book:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.exploretock.com/kokoni/" target="_blank">Visit Tock for reservations</a>

Photo by Shawn Campbell

Koko Ni

The gist: While hearts across Denver were saddened by the closure of North Cap Hill’s Beast + Bottle, Paul and Aileen Reilly certainly weren’t done making restaurant magic. They opened this conceptin a sprawling space in the Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver in 2021. The food: All the facets you loved about Beast + Bottle plus a ton of wonderful new dishes in the form of seasonal American fare that relies almost entirely on home-grown ingredients. Charred and dressed veggies, chestnut ravioli and rigatoni with lamb bolognese, roasted skate wing, and spice rubbed pork tenderloin are just a taste of what you’ll find. How to book:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.opentable.com/r/apple-blossom-denver" target="_blank">Make a reservation on OpenTable</a>

Apple Blossom

The gist: Though not new, Spuntino and Chef Cindhura Reddy continue to impress (hence yet another James Beard nomination for best mountain chef) with globally inspired Italian food in a warm, relaxed spot on LoHi’s West 32nd Avenue. The food: Nothing is really off-limits in terms of influence when it comes to Spuntino’s menu, though Reddy’s South-Indian heritage certainly takes the spotlight on many dishes. You’ll find Italian standards like pappardelle but with goat ragu and Pecorino cheese alongside varying daily pasta specials or plates like the veggie-forward giardino, with yogurt and spice-marinated cauliflower, aloo tikki, pakora fried red onions, coconut peanut chutney, and mint-cilantro oil. In short: Everything is good here. How to book: <a href="https://www.opentable.com/spuntino" target="_blank">Make a reservation on OpenTable</a>

Spuntino


The gist: The latest (greatest?) concept from Chef Ludo Lefebvre, Chez Maggy is a traditional French brasserie at the base of the Thompson Denver. In a way that blends Lefebvre’s French roots with the flavors and ingredients of the mountain West, the restaurant also pays homage to Lefebvre’s mother-in-law, Margaret (“Maggy”), who lived in Denver. The food: Upscale, French-as-French-gets starters, shareables, and mains with Colorado flair. Think: julienne carrot salad; foie gras tartine on country toast; escargots in divine garlic butter; trout almandine; duck confit; and Colorado lamb chops over a dandelion puree. The wine list is varied and unsurprisingly well-paired with the food, but the cocktails are equally impressive. And you already know not to miss dessert. How to book: <a href="https://resy.com/cities/den/chez-maggy?date=2023-02-21&amp;seats=2" target="_blank">See Resy for reservations</a>

Chez Maggy Denver

Chez Maggy

The gist: Paying homage to—and “reinventing”—the corner store, Bodega brings a new level of cool to Sunnyside, from coffee to cocktails to stuff-your-face-worthy snacks. The food: The delicious and rewarding taste of what you’d find in your local bodega, curated into full-on meals and refined by the great ingredients of Denver’s backyard and beyond. Munch on the kitchen sink salad or mixed bag of fries with Bodega dust to start, then go in heavy with the Hustler sandwich (chorizo, scrambled egg, green chiles, and cheddar jack) or one of the many other great handhelds. Treat yourself to a pudding cup for the road. How to book: Walk-ins only; no reservations required

Photo by Lauren DeFilippo Jackson

Bodega

The gist: Your favorite Po’Boy deli—once a beloved pop-up—is now comfortably settled at its brick-and-mortar location next to Union Station. The food: Infallible Po’Boys, sandwiches, soups, and salads, including but not limited to: the NOLA-style BBQ shrimp dip sando, cubano, griddled bologna with “fancy sauce,” and gumbo. Lip-smacking, finger-licking, and just like you stepped out into good ol’ NOLA herself. How to book: Walk-ins only; no reservations required

Photo courtesy of Werk Creative

Pirate Alley

The gist: Brothers Luis and Heriberto Gutierrez have been working in Italian restaurants across Denver for over 20 years. Now, they have a spot of their own in Lowry serving up Italian comfort food. The food: There’s plenty of pizza and sandwiches to share (or not), though the varieties of pasta and mains are all winners. Enjoy sauteed salmon over fusilli, pesto linguine, meat lasagna, or opt for the classic chicken parm that never misses. Brunch is available on weekends, and dessert is a star, with Tiramisu, panna cotta, and gelato. How to book:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.opentable.com/r/cucina-bella-denver" target="_blank">Make a reservation on OpenTable</a>

Cucina Bella Denver

The gist: Now a regular fixture when it comes to James Beard nominations—and the guiding light of Casa Bonita 2.0—Dana Rodriguez (better known as Loca) brings Mexico City-inspired tacos, enchiladas, and snacks to her first solo-owned restaurant. The food: It’s all about fun at Cantina Loca, from chicharrones with salsa to the Loca-approved, flavor-filled tacos with barbacoa, house-made chorizo, and tempura fried fish. The tacos are a steal at $4 - $5 a piece, but don’t overlook the large plates like al pastor Colorado lamb and red chile chicken. Wash it all down with Rodriguez’s own Doña Loca mezcal and tequila. How to book: Walk-ins only; no reservations required.

Photo courtesy of Cantina Loca

Cantina Loca

The gist: The vibe and decor of Three Saints Revival are just as interesting as the food, meaning your Mediterranean tapas come with a side of kaleidoscopic colors and dreamy touches. The food: While they do have a short menu of large plates, it’s way more fun to sample a slew of tapas. The choices change often, but if they’re available, try the harissa carrots, lamb meatballs with sofrito, patatas bravas, and shrimp and chorizo. Definitely save room for dessert, as pastry goddess Yasmin Lozada-Hissom creates confectionary magic. The vibe is all vibrant Parisian daydream, so grab a drink, settle in, and let yourself be transported. How to book:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.opentable.com/r/three-saints-revival-denver" target="_blank">Make a reservation on OpenTable</a>

Three Saints Revival

The gist: Chef Jose Avila, of the X’Tabai Yucateco food truck and El Borrego Negro fame, has brought to Denver its first restaurant dedicated to pozole. Avila sources heirloom ingredients from Mexico, sticks to traditional methods like nixtamalization to prep corn for his dishes, and relies on whatever supplies are available to him each week, meaning offerings are constantly rotating. The food: There’s never a bad time for pozole, though winter offers more opportunities to seek something warm and comforting; cozy up and stay awhile at La Diabla for food that truly hits the spot. Several variations of the flavorful Mexican soup are available with or without meat, including a common Rojo (red), white, and green variety (representing the Mexican flag, of course). And because La Diabla is also a mezcaleria, don’t miss one of the signature cocktails, 1oz pours, or flights of distilled Mexican goodness. How to book: Walk-ins only; no reservations required.

La Diabla Denver

La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal

The gist: Chef Ty Leon, beverage director Austin Carson, and front-of-house master Heather Morrison opened this fresh pasta haven in the former Cafe Marmotte space in January 2020. The food: When Leon and his team first purchased Cafe Marmont in 2019, they kept the French cuisine intact, but after a brief makeover, they reopened with a new name and a dedication to Italian cuisines with a focus on Leon’s area of expertise: handmade pasta (do not skip the lobster spaghetti with black truffle). Carson’s cocktails are impeccably crafted whether you opt for a classic or one of his creative spins, like the caprese negroni (yes, there’s tomato and basil involved). How to book:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.exploretock.com/restaurantolivia/" target="_blank">Visit Tock for reservations</a>

Restaurant Olivia

The gist: This everlasting spot by Chef Kelly Whitaker (founder of Boulder’s Basta) is where seasonal ingredients, house milled grains, and playful cooking techniques come together in unexpected ways. The food: Heritage grains milled in house take center stage here in the form of house made pasta, although the preparations often jump the borders of global cuisines, taking your taste buds from Italy to Japan. How to book: Reserve on <a href="https://www.exploretock.com/wolfstailor/" target="_blank">Tock</a>.

The Wolf's Tailor

The gist: Known for his eponymous New Orleans restaurant, award-winning chef Alon Shaya brought his take on modern Israeli cuisine to Denver in 2018, and pita lovers all over the Mile High have rejoiced ever since. The food: It’s nearly impossible not to fall in love with this spot after just one bite of the insanely fluffy, perfectly charred wood-fired pitas. And it only gets better from there. Pair those pitas with oh-so-smooth hummus topped with decadent lamb ragu or lutenitsa, a flavorful blend of roasted eggplant, tomato, peppers, and garlic. Then move on to harissa roasted chicken or pomegranate braised lamb shanks or charred cabbage or anything really. There are no bad moves to be made here. How to book:&nbsp;<a href="https://resy.com/cities/den/safta?date=2023-02-22&amp;seats=2" target="_blank">See Resy for reservations</a>

Safta Restaurant

Safta

The gist: Uncle owner Tommy Lee opened this Chinese powerhouse in 2015, where bold flavors continue to make it a must-visit spot today. The food: If you still think Chinese in Denver means too-sweet beef and broccoli and chow mein, you’re missing out. The hip-hop soundtrack and high energy atmosphere pair perfectly with dishes that are ideal for sharing. Don’t skip the la ji zi (mouth-numbing—in a really, really good way, Szechuan fried chicken), bone marrow fried rice, and chilled tofu with bang bang sauce. How to book:&nbsp;<a href="https://resy.com/cities/den/hop-alley?date=2023-02-22&amp;seats=2" target="_blank">See Resy for reservations</a>

Hop Alley

The gist: Aurora’s first James Beard Award winner (for Best Chef: Mountain region), Caroline Glover kills it night after night at the seasonal, modern American Annette. The food: Glover’s driving goal for Annette is to make each service feel like a dinner party among friends, whether that means sharing snacks like house popcorn and chive-covered deviled eggs or conversing between bites of oysters and fresh, seasonal salads. While many items are perfect in their simplicity, like the sherry-glazed roasted half chicken, Glover’s also not afraid to tackle less common ingredients and transform them into comfort food, like the grilled beef tongue + marrow toast that’s become a staple on the menu. How to book:&nbsp;<a href="https://resy.com/cities/den/annette?date=2023-02-22&amp;seats=2" target="_blank">See Resy for reservations</a>

Photo courtesy of From the Hip Photo 

Annette

Yuan Wonton

<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/authors/erica-buehler" target="_blank">Erica Buehler</a>&nbsp;is a Denver-based freelance writer. Follow her @e_buehler on Instagram and @e_buehler_ on Twitter for more updates on Denver food and other Mile High shenanigans. 
 
<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/authors/allyson-reedy" target="_blank">Allyson Reedy</a>&nbsp;is a Thrillist contributor. 
 
<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/authors/molly-martin" target="_blank">Molly Martin</a>&nbsp;is a Denver-based freelance writer. Follow her @mollydbu on Instagram and Twitter for more updates on food, fun, and life in the Mile High.

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