Denver's Top Restaurant Openings of 2026 (So Far)
- Jun 23
- 4 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
It’s been a very good year to be a Denver foodie. With 2026 already flying by, I’ve spent the past several months eating my way through many of the city’s newest restaurant openings—and honestly, the list keeps getting longer. Some are ambitious special-occasion destinations, others are the kinds of neighborhood spots you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. One thing they all have in common: I’ve personally dined at every restaurant on this list and genuinely enjoyed the experience.
Here are my favorite Denver restaurant openings of 2026 so far.
1550 Blake St, LoDo
Le Do Thai brings a fresh, modern take on Thai cuisine to downtown Denver, balancing traditional flavors with a more polished, contemporary presentation. The menu highlights classic dishes like Tom Yum, Papaya Salad, and a whole range of curries — alongside more refined plates, modern plates and upscale ingredients like duck or lobster.
901 Pearl Street, Boulder
One of the most anticipated Boulder openings of the year, Casa Juani brings elegant Spanish seafood and tapas to Pearl Street from former Frasca chefs Eduardo Valle Lobo and Kelly Jeun. Some highlights from my visit included the razor clams, tuna belly & loin, scallops, octopus, and duck — all polished and packed with flavor.
3615 Delgany St (RiNo)
From the team behind the beloved Denver restaurant Olivia, Dear Emilia just opened and is already booked out for months (although the 6-seat chef's counter takes walk-ins at 4pm). In their own words, Emilia "represents a heartfelt ode to Italy, drawing inspiration from the diverse regions of the country with a special emphasis on Emilia-Romagna." These are upscale takes on hyper-regional Italian cuisine, with the parmigiano soufflé being a favorite of mine.
299 Fillmore St, Cherry Creek
Chef Tyson Cole's buzz-worthy RiNo sushi restaurant, Uchi, packs its doors every night with fans of the non-traditional sushi concept that originated in Austin. Uchiko is its sister concept, serving up many of the same sushi favorites popularized by Uchi, but with the addition of fire-driven, smokey, charred elements in its "from the hearth" dishes. It's open for lunch and dinner, and there is a great happy hour with an option for an omakase (9-course tasting) for two for $120.
2906 E 6th Ave
From Riot BBQ’s Chef Manny Barella and Pitmaster Patrick Klaiber, Chicken Riot shifts the spotlight from smoked meats to Mexico’s pollo asado traditions — inspired by Barella’s childhood in Monterrey. Expect the juiciest fire-grilled chicken, bold marinades, and a tight menu of wraps, plates, and sides that feel both nostalgic and dialed-in. This place will make you realize how good chicken can really be and keep you coming back!
3015 E Colfax Ave
Located inside the newly-renovated All Inn Hotel, FiNO is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and wine garden built around the relaxed ritual of aperitivo. The menu leans into fun summer cocktails and shareable coastal dishes — from crudo, to grilled artichokes, to mediterranean salads, to meatballs & pasta. It’s a welcome addition to East Colfax’s ongoing revival, with an emphasis on connection over rushed dining.
Cherry Creek Mall
This stylish new coastal Mexican concept comes from Shucking Good Hospitality — the team behind favorites like Blue Island Oyster Bar and Oliver’s Italian. Think moody interiors, a bright patio, seafood-forward dishes, agave cocktails, and a lively happy hour. Standouts for me include the sea bass ceviche, spicy tuna churros, chargrilled octopus, and queso fundido.
1313 E 6th St, Denver
Located in the former Fruition space on 6th, Madeline serves up seasonal American cuisine in an elegant setting perfect for date night. It's a polished neighborhood spot people will become regulars at quickly. The crab cake with red miso shrimp bisque, as well as the halibut over forbidden rice with green curry, are the menu highlights for me.
3455 Ringsby Ct, Unit 105A (RiNo)
This spot is from the famous Michelin-star team behind Alma Fonda Fina and Mezcaleria Alma, led by Chef Johnny Curiel. It's Denver's first Mexican chef's counter restaurant — bring refined, deeply personal, regionally inspired Mexican cooking with a menu rooted in heirloom corn, open-fire cooking, and bold flavors that go far beyond the usual.
1441 26th St, Denver, CO (RiNo)
Chef Theo Adley’s highly anticipated Heretik features seafood-forward, Basque-inspired dishes. Expect an elegant but lively atmosphere, pristine seafood, rotisserie meats, thoughtful European wines, and beautifully plated small plates that make this one of the city’s most exciting openings of the year.
2900 Baseline Rd Unit 3 (upstairs), Boulder
Boulder’s sushi scene just reached a new level. Chef Duy Pham — a longtime Colorado favorite whose résumé includes early years at Sushi Den, helping launch For[a]ged, the acclaimed omakase at Hana Matsuri — has opened Temaki Joint, an sushi bar that’s already making a strong case for the best sushi in Boulder. The star of the show is the meticulously crafted omakase experience showcasing some of the most unique fish options in Colorado. If you’re willing to venture outside Denver, this belongs at the top of your list.
Yes, there used to be a Mar Bella Boqueria on this list — which was opened in early 2026 by the Michelin-star Chef Johnny Curiel and the team behind the famed Alma Fonda Fina and Mezcaleria Alma. This Spanish spot then became Mar Bella Wine Bar — and then as of July 2026, it is turning into a "pop-up" called Tequileria Alteño (a sister of the nearby Alteño restaurant, also run by Johnny Curiel). I have not been to the new concept yet, so I cannot say anything personally, but stay tuned!
Comments