Denver is like a second home to me. I go a couple times a year and each time, I’m pleasantly surprised with the restaurant scene and how it’s growing. Here’s a list of some of my favorite restaurants in Denver.
Safta
This modern restaurant from Chef Alon Shaya takes you through a culinary journey of Israel. It’s the perfect place for any occasion.
Must Try: Lamb Ragu Hummus, Labneh, Whipped Feta, Crispy Eggplant, Lamb Kebabs, Half Harissa Chicken
Address: The Source Hotel, 3330 Brighton Blvd #201, Denver, CO 80216
Hours: Everyday 5:00PM–10:00PM
Matsuhisa
From Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Matsuhisa blends Japanese dishes with Peruvian ingredients. With locations all over the world, Denver is lucky to have the amazing Matsuhisa.
Must Try: Tuna Chip, Yellowtail Tataki, Japanese Eggplant
Address: 98 Steele St, Denver, CO 80206
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 5:00PM-9:00PM / Friday & Saturday 5:00PM-9:30PM
ChoLon
This modern Asian restaurant quickly became one of my favorites in Denver. From Executive Chef Lon Symensma, Cholon plays on interpretations of traditional dishes found in Far East, combined with slight nods European classics.
Must Try: French Onion Soup Dumplings, Pork Belly Bao Buns, Kimchi Fried Rice, Colonel Cho’s Fried Chicken
Address: 1555 Blake St #101, Denver, CO 80202
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11:30PM-9:00PM / Friday & Saturday 11:30PM-11:00PM / Sunday 2:00PM-8:00PM
Quality Italian
Coming from New York City, Quality Italian made its way to Denver and I couldn’t be happier. Between the presentation of food and intricate design details, Quality Italian is a must.
Must Try: Housemade Ricotta, Scallop Crudo, Spicy Lobster Rigatoni Alla Vodka, Dry-Aged Distecca Fiorentina
Address: Halcyon Hotel, 241 Columbine St, Denver, CO 80206
Hours: Sunday-Monday 3:00PM-9:00PM / Tuesday-Saturday 3:00PM-10:00PM / Saturday & Sunday 10:30AM-2:00PM
El Five
Nestled high above the LoHi neighborhood of Denver on the fifth floor of 2930 Umatilla, El Five is the newest and coolest restaurant on the block. The menu is an homage to the Mediterranean and features a wide variety of small plates.
Must Try: Goat Cheese Croquettas, Kauai Shrimp Al Ajillo, Seafood Paella
Address: 2930 Umatilla St Unit #500, Denver, CO 80211
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 5:00PM-10:00PM / Friday & Saturday 5:00PM-11:00PM
My Neighbor Felix
The pan-Mexican kitchen with cuisines from all seven regions from Mexico is a must while in Denver. It’s laid-back vibe is the perfect place to grab a quick drink as well.
Must Try: Flautas de Chorizo, Roasted Butternut Squash Enchiladas, Pollo Rosizado, Corn on the Cob
Address: 1801 Central St, Denver, CO 80211
Hours: Sunday 10:00AM-10:00PM / Monday 11:00AM-10:00PM / Tuesday-Thursday 11:00AM-11:00PM / Friday 11:00AM-12:00AM / Saturday 10:00AM-12:00AM
Linger
Also by Edible Beats, Linger is inspired by makeshift kitchens and street side nooks around the world.
Must Try: Bao Bun Trio, Wagyu Sliders, Prok Tamales, Hangover Ramen
Address: 2030 W 30th Ave, Denver, CO 80211
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 5:00PM-10:00PM / Friday & Saturday 5:00PM-11:00PM
Uchi Sushi
Founded by James Beard Award‑winning Chef Tyson Cole, Uchi is one of the best sushi spots in Denver. Even with locations around the country, Uchi does not fall short.
Must Try: Hama Chili, Gai Lan, Lobster Miso, Hot Rock, Fried Milk
Address: 2500 Lawrence St Unit #200, Denver, CO 80205
Hours: Everyday 4:00PM-10:00PM
Tavernetta
In the Union Station neighborhood, Tavernetta serves fresh handmade pasta with an open kitchen and a cozy fireplace lounge area.
Must Try: Focaccia, Fritto Misto, Rigatoni, Gnocchi Ai Funghi, Manzo
Address: Kimpton Hotel Born, 1889 16th St Mall, Denver, CO 80202
Hours: Monday-Friday 11:30AM–2:00PM, 5:00PM–10:00PM / Saturday & Sunday 5:00PM–10:00PM
Wildflower
Wildflower celebrates the Western landscape, with a plant-forward, shared plates style offering with Italian & Mexican influences. The interior is exquisite and everything I would want my restaurant to look like.
Must Try: Wildflower Focaccia, Spanish Octopus, Croquetas de la Patata, Ricotta Cavatelli, Spice Rubbed Duroc Pork Shoulder
Address: 3638 Navajo St, Denver, CO 80211
Hours: Monday-Saturday 4:30PM–10:00PM / Sunday Closed
Corinne
The locally-sourced ingredients and modern, comfortable design of Corinne are what makes this restaurant so good.
Must Try: Sweet Corn Cake Eggs Benedict, Chicken Sausage Sandwich, Roasted Carrots, Spicy Tuna Bruschetta, Truffled Bucatini, Belly-On Pork Chop
Address: 1455 California St, Denver, CO 80202
Hours: Monday-Wednesday 6:30AM–10:00PM / Thursday & Friday 6:30AM–11:00PM / Saturday & Sunday 7:00AM–2:00PM, 5:00PM–11:00PM
Coohills
Coohills menu focuses on the freshest food each season. Sit at the kitchen-view Chef’s Counter for the full experience.
Must Try: Crab Cake, Market Fish, Baumanière Potatoes, House-Made Bread
Address: 1400 Wewatta St, Denver, CO 80202
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 4:00PM–9:00PM / Sunday-Tuesday Closed
Barolo Grill
Everything on Barolo’s menu is pure comfort. The interior gives off a romantic vibe while serving upscale Italian fare.
Must Try: Soufflé di Formaggio, Risotto, Tajarin con Coniglio, Anatra di Barolo
Address: 3030 E 6th Ave, Denver, CO 80206
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 5:00PM–9:00PM / Friday & Saturday 5:00PM–10:00PM / Sunday & Monday Closed
La Mai Thai
La Mai Thai is our latest and greatest find in Sloan’s Lake. Everything just melts in your mouth.
Must Try: Drunken Noodles, Basil Fried Rice, Panang Curry, Crispy Chicken Khao Soi
Address: 2001 Sheridan Boulevard Unit C, Edgewater, CO 80214
Hours: Monday & Tuesday 4:00PM–9:00PM / Wednesday-Sunday 11:30AM–9:00PM
Edgewater Public Market
This public market is a collective of local food stalls, retail boutiques, and rotating events.
My favorite food stalls are Lazo Empanadas, Lucky Bird, Tilford’s Wood Fired Pizza, Glady’s and Metaburger.
Address: 5505 W 20th Ave, Edgewater, CO 80214
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11:00AM–9:00PM / Friday 11:00AM–11:00PM / Saturday 9:00AM–11:00PM / Sunday 9:00AM-9:00PM
Zoe Ma Ma
This street food Chinese classic is not one to miss. Cozy up inside or order for delivery.
Must Try: Ma Ma’s Potsticker, Roast Duck Bao, Pork Belly Bao, Dan Dan Mian, Chicken Curry
Address: 1625 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202
Hours: Everyday 11:00AM–8:00PM
Little Man Ice Cream
I had to add my favorite ice cream joint Little Man. It always hits the spot when I want dessert and it’s adorable.
Address: 2620 16th St, Denver, CO 80211
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 12:00PM–10:00PM / Friday & Saturday 12:00PM–11:00PM
THE WATERS EDIT 