The 17 Hottest Denver Restaurant Openings of 2025
- Natalia Story
- Dec 31, 2025
- 4 min read
Denver’s dining scene never stands still, and 2025 was no exception. Over the course of the year, the city welcomed a steady stream of notable openings — three omakase sushi counters, four Mexican restaurants (plus a Latin one), a steakhouse, a BBQ joint, an Italian classic, a Taiwanese standout, and more. Somehow, I managed to personally try them all (looking back, a truly impressive amount of food to fit inside one human) — and these are my top 17 restaurant openings from 2025, in alphabetical order. If you’re looking for your next reservation, neighborhood go-to, or just something new to work into your Denver dining rotation, this is a solid place to start!
Cherry Creek North
From the famed team behind Michelin-star Alma Fonda Fina and Mezcaleria Alma, this spot is an homage to Chef Johnny Curiel's father's roots in the Highlands of Jalisco, with a focus on wood-fired cooking and traditional Mexican ingredients reimagined.
RiNo
Located in a small, underground space right in the heart of RiNo, BearLeek is a great date night spot — with red-lit, moody vibes, a friendly team, fun cocktails, and an always changing "globally-inspired" seasonal menu.
Cherry Creek North
Broadway 10 Bar & Chophouse (or B10 for short) is a new steakhouse in Cherry Creek that not only serves up perfect steaks grilled over pecan, hickory, and oak — but also some of the best scallops and salads in town. Don't miss the dessert cocktails!
The Source Hotel, RiNo
Located at the top of The Source Hotel, Cimera features Peruvian-inspired Latin American cuisine, elevated cocktails, and iconic skyline views of Denver. The atmosphere here is probably the main draw, although I also highly recommend the coal-fired skewers and other small plates.
RiNo/Downtown
Nestled in the alley behind Chef Jose Avila's bib gourmand hotspot La Diabla, this weekend-only breakfast & lunch pop-up features mouth-watering traditional Mexican lamb and pork barbacoa (made by slow-cooking the whole animal in an underground pit all night). The rabbit tacos are also a must-try!
RiNo/Downtown
A new happy hour go-to for me, this affordable seafood & cocktail lounge is a much-needed addition to Denver. Their house Gin & Tonic features celery bitters and house Martini has anchovy olive brine — making these takes on the 2 classics a must-try! Don't skip the bass ceviche or seafood tower either.
West Wash Park
This spot has been lauded by many of my friends as their "new favorite Italian restaurant in Denver" — for both the intimate, lively, old-school feel, as well as the authentic renditions of much-loved Italian classics like lasagna and chicken parmesan. It's no surprise this charming neighborhood eatery is already booked out.
South Pearl Street
Recently awarded a Michelin star, Kizaki is the latest concept from Chef Toshi Kizaki — a true Denver icon who pioneered Japanese dining in the city with Sushi Den in 1984. Expect ~23 courses of only the best-sourced sushi from around the world, prepared simply but impeccably. Reserve spots at the chef's counter if you can (not the side rooms).
Downtown/LoHi
Located on Platte Street between downtown and LoHi, Malinche is a mezcal bar and restaurant blending Mexican and Japanese flavors in a cool, moody setting with vintage vinyl, craft cocktails, and friendly service. It comes from Chef Jose Avila (of El Borrego Negro and La Diabla), mentioned above.
South Pearl Street
Having recently earned a Michelin star, Margot offers elegant, contemporary American dining featuring seasonal Colorado ingredients. Join Chef Justin Fulton for a 12-course tasting menu at the intimate chef's counter — or order a la carte in the more casual, airy dining room.
Stanley Marketplace, Aurora
From award-winning Chefs Michael Diaz de Leon and Tommy Lee, Molino Chido strives to bring Mexico City taqueria vibes to Aurora, complete with metal folding chairs and plastic tables. Rather than the tacos, my favorite dishes here are actually the aguachiles, curried potato flautas, whole branzino, and carne asada steak.
Highland
A hidden world of cherry blossoms, twinkling lights, and paper cranes — this is a Saturday-night-only sushi "speakeasy" tucked below Sushi Hai in Denver's Highland neighborhood. Expect a carefully-curated menu of high-end cocktails and bites in a beautifully whimsical setting.
Five Points
Pig & Tiger showcases Taiwanese cuisine — both traditional classics and modern re-interpretations — in a trendy, upbeat atmosphere with a phenomenal wine list that keeps me coming back. A surprise favorite for me here is the jellyfish salad, although they're known for their 5-spice fried chicken (gluten-free).
S Denver (off Evans)
My new favorite BBQ spot in Denver, Riot is a fusion of fiery Texas-style smokiness and Northern Mexico's asado traditions — brought to you by Top Chef alum Manny Barella and longtime AJ's pitmaster Patrick Klaiber. Don't miss the pork ribs al pastor or esquites cornbread, as well as the mural of the BBQ greats on the patio.
Five Points
This Five Points hidden gem is from the award-winning cocktail team behind Yaht Club, so it's no surprise the first thing I noticed here was the amazing cocktails (perhaps 2 of my favorite martinis in town). The menu is a fresh, creative take on Louisiana-style Southern food, with standout dishes like spicy pickled shrimp and creole tofu.
Downtown (Larimer Square)
This is probably my favorite experience on this list, despite the hefty price tag. Featuring more than 17 courses of indulgent sushi bites at a 10-seat speakeasy-style omakase counter, optionally paired with some exceptional sake pours, it's worth every penny. Head Chef Munetoshi Taira is a standout!
Glendale (S Colorado Blvd)
Neon-lit Sushi by SYC is another fantastic sushi omakase concept — this one a bit more affordable than the other two on this list. It comes from Shuang "Sherry" Crossland, the female powerhouse behind a string of popular local Asian restaurant concepts (SYC Concepts).
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