All My Favorite Restaurants in the Denver Area
Updated February 2026
Below are my favorite spots in Denver by category, based on my experience eating and drinking all around the Denver area for the last 15+ years (slightly heavy on downtown and neighboring areas). If you think I’m absolutely missing a local gem, please email/message me and let me know!
Click on a category below to jump down to that section:
African / Ethiopian
-
African Grill & Bar (S Lakewood): One of my personal favorite spots in all the Denver area, serving up a wide variety of pan-African cuisine, but leaning Ghanaian (where the wonderful owners are from). They have tons of different fufu options, which is a must-try with the spicy goat soup.
-
Queen of Sheba Ethiopian (E Colfax): This is a tiny spot widely acclaimed as the best Ethiopian in Denver, and it is indeed a special spot. The lovely lady who runs it is your server, bartender, and cook — so have patience when you come here. It feels like you’re in grandma’s kitchen, in the best way possible. You can call ahead several days for gluten-free injera (Ethiopian bread/crepes used to scoop up the meat and veggies).
-
Konjo Ethiopian Food (Edgewater Public Market): This one is in a food hall, so it’s a bit quicker and trendier, and the food quality is no less excellent. Gluten-free injera is available upon request.
BBQ
-
Riot BBQ (S Denver): My favorite BBQ in Denver — and it’s only gotten better since Top Chef contestant Manny Barella took over the space that previously housed AJ’s BBQ (whose pit master stayed on with Riot). Manny's touch of Mexican flavors (like the pork ribs al pastor) and the chili-pepper-infused sides are bomb!
-
Smok (RiNo): Located in The Source, this is a bit more boujee of a BBQ spot than you may be used to, but sometimes cocktails and table service is what you want. It has a decent selection of all the options: brisket, burnt ends, smoked pork belly, pulled pork, pork ribs, and smoked hot wings — along with a full list of cocktails. My favorite here is actually the smoked chicken, though.
-
Seasoned Swine (Golden): Food-truck turned restaurant, this is one of my personal favorites on the west side of Denver for their brisket with the spicy chipotle cherry BBQ sauce — plus the fresh-made margaritas.
-
G Que BBQ (multiple locations): Dependable dine-in or catering spot with multiple locations that is always a good go-to in a pinch.
Caribbean / Jamaican
-
Reggae Pot (Centennial): Since Jamaican Grille closed recently, this is my only favorite left in town. The menu here is extensive — and the goat and chicken curry are probably my favorites. I also highly recommend the oxtail, beef patties, and classic sides like cabbage, plantains, and rice & beans.
-
Cuba Cuba (Golden Triangle): I think Cuban food and mojito pitchers are always a fun time, and this place makes super authentic versions — but the real standout is the atmosphere. The restaurant is inside 2 connected older houses, with palm leaf ceiling fans, painted wood furniture, and on-theme music. It really transports you.
Cajun / Creole
-
Lincoln’s Roadhouse (S Pearl): One of my current favorite hole-in-the-wall spots, with great Cajun and comfort food, wonderful staff, and live music on Fridays/Saturday. The po’boys and etouffee are definite standouts for me.
-
NoNo’s Café (Highlands Ranch): This lovely spot in a residential neighborhood has a lovely, old-school, friendly feel and a beautiful wrap-around porch. Definitely try the etouffee-smothered catfish.
-
Lucile’s Creole Café: Lucile’s is a Denver institution with multiple locations — but this is a breakfast & brunch only spot (and there’s usually a long line for brunch). Worth the wait, but pro tip is to keep your eye on the bar and snag a spot there for small groups.
-
Bayou Boys: This isn’t a location, but rather a group of awesome guys who know how to make the best Louisiana-style crawfish boil. They only do them in the Spring, and the location varies every weekend (check their website to see which brewery they’re boiling at every weekend).
-
Crawling Crab (S Federal / Lakewood): Ok, so this spot is a bit more Vietnamese than Cajun, but they can do a great crab and crawfish boil, too. My go-to is the dungeness crab, clams, and crawfish (only when they’re fresh / in season, though). Their original S Federal location is my favorite, although they do also have a bigger one in Lakewood.
Chef’s Table / Omakase
-
Wolf’s Tailor (Highlands): Probably the most expensive meal I’ve had in Denver, but also one of the best. Prices have only gone up since they got their Michelin star, and then got upgraded to 2 Michelin stars — but I still highly recommend it. The drink pairing is absolutely worth it, too. Both beginners and true wine connoisseurs will appreciate the pours.
-
Beckon (RiNo): A 17-seat chef’s counter (or covered patio seating), with rotating seasonal menus that change every quarter. Since they got their Michelin star, I’d expect to pay $500/pp here for food with the premium drink pairing. If that’s a little high for you, I highly recommend checking out Major Tom next door (same chef and sommelier, but a much more affordable menu).
For sushi-specific omakase, please see my post on the best sushi in Denver and the explosion of omakase.
Chinese / Dim Sum
-
Nana’s Dim Sum & Dumplings (LoHi, Aurora, Boulder): A newcomer to the Denver scene at the end of 2023, Nana’s quickly jumped to the top of my favorites list for dim sum. The vibe here is very trendy, they have great cocktails, you can order off a menu (instead of pointing at carts), and the food is fantastic. It’s pricier / fancier than the spots on S Federal, but I love the vibes.
-
Star Kitchen (S Federal): This has been considered as the best traditional dim sum in town for many years now, but be prepared to arrive early or wait in a long line. It doesn't compare to NYC or SF or Hong Kong — but it's good for Denver.
-
Hong Kong Station (Centennial, E Colfax): One of my favorite platter-style (not dim sum) Chinese food in town and a great spot to order delivery from, too. You absolutely have to get the spicy beef & tendon curry, as well as anything Szechuan style (I like the tripe and pig intestine, but there’s also calamari, beef, chicken, and other “normal” meats).
-
Yuan Wonton (Park Hill): These guys have a huge following in Denver, and deservedly so. Their pop-ups used to have lines down the block, and they now have a permanent location specializing in those famous dumplings.
-
MAKfam (S Broadway): A New York City-area pop-up turned Denver food hall concept, MAKfam finally opened its doors off Broadway in Denver's Baker neighborhood in late 2023. It doesn't take reservations, so there's often a line to get a table at this tiny little spot, and for good reason. They serve my favorite wings in town (and the gluten-free ones are even better). For vegetarians, they have fried tofu sticks that are just as good, too! The fried rice and Hong Kong curry are also a must.
Comfort Food
-
Steuben’s (Uptown): The vibe at this Denver classic is old school diner, the menu is full of items like fried chicken and meatloaf and roast beef, the brunch is amazing, and the gravy cheese fries are not to be missed.
-
Lincoln’s Roadhouse (S Pearl): One of my favorite hole-in-the-wall spots, with great Cajun and comfort food, wonderful staff, and live music on Fridays/Saturday. The meatloaf burger and pot roast burrito have been on the menu for 20+ years, meaning they must be good.
-
Chook Chicken (multiple locations): I actually order from here at least once a month, but they also have 3 locations (8th & Birch, S Pearl, and Greenwood Village). It’s my favorite roast chicken in town, juicy and full of flavor and miles above a grocery store roast chicken. Get a side of mashed potatoes and the celery-apple slaw and don’t forget to try all their delicious sauces: piri-piri, macha (hot), chimichurri, and BBQ.
-
Le French (S Denver / 9+CO): Founded by Senegalese French sisters, Le French is a casual, bistro-style French spot with a second location recently opened at 9+CO. Their dinner menu features some of the best French comfort food classics, like beef bourguignon and the most tender salmon on a bed of mashed potatoes.
Farm-to-Table
-
Blackbelly (Boulder): This spot got a green star from Michelin at one point, recognizing it’s commitment to sustainability and farm-to-table. Despite the green stars being phased out, we know Blackbelly does a fantastic job with sourcing and butchering. It’s all the way up in Boulder, but 100% worth the drive.
-
Bramble & Hare (Boulder): With their farm in Longmont supplying most of their ingredients, it’s easy to see how these guys also got a green Michelin star.
-
Potager (Cap Hill): A Denver mainstay open since 1997, this has become a popular neighborhood institution that everyone loves. There’s no theme — just locally sourced foods driven by the seasons.
-
duo (Highlands): This is another one of the original farm-to-table spots in Denver, having opened in 2005 and been recognized by many a magazine and accolade since then. The mission here is to create a menu around the best local ingredients, as this enables the creation of satisfying food.
-
Wildflower (Highlands): The plant-forward menu draws inspiration from Colorado landscapes mixed with Italian and Mexican influences, featuring many local partners and growers from the state.
-
Root Down (LoHi): Root Down is in the same family of restaurants as the acclaimed Linger, El Five, and Vital Root. Nearly everything on the menu is certified organic, 20% of the produce comes from their very own 6,000-square-foot garden, and the rest supports more than 50 local growers in the region.
French
-
Brasserie Brixton (NE Denver): This is European-leans-French style of food in a cozy, unpretentious setting with fantastic cocktails and dishes. Despite not being 100% French, it’s my favorite on the list! They definitely have a bomb French onion soup, too.
-
Le Bilboquet (Cherry Creek): The inside is a little too white-tablecloth for me, but the outdoor patio is one of the best in town. The famous “Cajun Chicken” is a must-try (expect it to be flavorful and juicy, but not exactly “Cajun” though). I also think their beef tartar is the best in town.
-
Chez Maggy (LoDo): Located in the Thompson hotel on Market, Chez Maggy is run by the Michelin-star French chef Ludo Lefebvre (whom you might also recognize from TV’s The Taste) — and is probably the only French place still left standing within miles of downtown. The French Onion Soup and the desserts here are the standouts for me, as is their trendy patio in good weather.
-
Le French (S Denver / 9+CO): Founded by Senegalese French sisters, Le French is a slightly more casual, bistro-style spot with a second location recently opened at 9+CO. Their dinner menu features some of the best French comfort food classics, like beef bourguignon and the most tender salmon on a bed of mashed potatoes.
Hamburgers
-
Hopdoddy (Union Station / 9th & Co): Even though it’s a “chain” — I love the sourcing/ingredients here. They only buy high-quality bison, beef, chicken, and sushi-grade tuna — sourced from small farms whenever possible. The menu is the perfect length, with just enough variety — but nothing too crazy. They also do burger bowls (which I recommend over the gluten-free buns). And the milkshakes churned on-site are some of the best I’ve ever had — a must-try.
-
TAG Burger (Central Park): This place comes from the famous Denver chef Troy Guard, and it doesn’t disappoint — as none of his places do. Great ingredients, great flavor combinations, great everything.
-
Slater’s 50/50 (RiNo): This is the perfect spot if you’re looking for those crazy huge burgers with fun options, as well as boozy milkshakes. I know it sounds weird, but the PB&J burger is fantastic.
-
Punch Bowl Social (S Broadway): I know this place is about so much more than just burgers (like the boozy punch bowls and bowling lanes), but I have to mention them for the best house-made gluten-free buns.
Hot Pot
-
Tasty Pot (Aurora & LoHi): Not “traditional” in the sense that you get to dip your own meats, but I prefer this style of concept actually. You pick a broth and pre-set selection of things that come in it, but can also customize as needed. They have some amazing broth flavors here — like savory Taiwanese or aromatic Thai Curry (similar to Tom Yum) — and that alone makes it better than most other places I’ve been. You can pick seafood-focused options, beef, or even lamb — and customize as much as you wan.
-
Sorry Umma (Westminster): This is a 2024 newcomer from a former chef at the acclaimed OAK restaurant in Boulder, and it’s my favorite “traditional” hot pot in town — albeit Korean — in the sense that all table settings come with their own cooktop and pot, and you do all the cooking. The spicy tteok-boki broth (which can also be mixed with the bulgogi) is a standout!
Indian
-
Mint (Downtown): This has been my go-to downtown Indian spot to order from in Denver for years. The location itself feels a little more like a buffet/café, but the food quality is top notch. They do have a lunch buffet, but I prefer dinner when I can order what I want. Try the goat vindaloo if you can.
-
Little India (Highlands): This place has many locations, but the Highlands one is the only one I like. It’s super cute and trendy inside, there’s live music on weekends, the food is great (and nicely-plated), and the bar is immense (especially on the tequila selection, since there used to be a Mexican restaurant here).
-
Godavari (Centennial): I'm pretty sure this spot has the biggest Indian selection in Denver. The menu is absolutely immense, with items I've never heard of (and I love Indian food so much, I had an Indian buffet at my wedding). I discovered a new favorite here: Andhra Mamsam Kura (baby goat cooked with Andhra spices). It's a great spot for a casual lunch (yes, there is a buffet) or a date night. The decor isn't too fancy, but it's definitely cute!
Italian
-
Cattivella (Eastbridge / formerly Stapleton): This flagship restaurant from award-winning Denver chef Elise Wiggins is one of my favorite of the trendier Italian spots in Denver, with a fantastic little tinge of Cajun mixed it. Try the charbroiled oysters, lamb ragu, or pasticcio. The gluten-free pasta and pizza is amazing, too (Elise is truly a genius at gluten-free Italian options).
-
Angelo’s Taverna (6th St or Littleton): This is a long-time neighborhood favorite spot with an amazing happy hour, chargrilled oysters, lamb lollipops, and all sorts of fantastic pastas and pizzas (also available gluten-free). The bruschetta is a mini pizza topped with fresh tomato, melted cheese, and lots of zesty pesto — and it’s a must-try.
-
Olivia (Wash Park): Olivia has garnered an almost-cult following for its pasta, which makes it a less-frequented spot for me now that I eat mostly gluten-free. There are not a ton of gluten-free options (like the meat dishes you'd expect at most other Italian spots), but definitely give it a try if you're a lover of pasta!
-
Lo Stella Ristorante (Golden Triangle): A family-owned hidden gem of a spot with a sister location in Portofino, Italy. Super authentic Italian food made the way you’d expect it in Italy. The seafood ravioli is a must-try — as is anything finished in the huge cheese wheel. Be patient with the service — but if you’re a regular, they’ll always remember you.
-
Florence Supper Club (Wash Park): This spot has been lauded by many of my friends as their "new favorite Italian restaurant in Denver" since it opened in 2025 — for both the intimate, lively, old-school feel, as well as the authentic renditions of much-loved Italian classics like lasagna and chicken parmesan.
-
North Italia (Cherry Creek): Yes, it’s a chain — but the happy hour specials are bomb, the atmosphere is fun and upbeat, and the bolognese is delicious.
-
Postino (multiple locations): More wine café than Italian restaurant, I’m still putting Postino in this category due to their focus on bruschetta boards. The bruschetta options are pretty incredible (try the apple, brie, fig — and the goat cheese and sweet & spicy pepper jam).
-
Tavernetta (Union Station): Brought to you by Chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson of Frasca fame (and James Beard and Top Chef), this downtown hotspot is on the fancier side, so I recommend getting in for happy hour if you can. Their gluten-free house-made focaccia made fresh every day is a must-try! One of my favorite dishes here, funnily enough, is the NY Strip with some creatively plated veggies.
Japanese: Sushi
Please see my post on the best sushi in Denver and the explosion of omakase.
Japanese: NOT Sushi (e.g., Ramen)
-
Glo Noodle House (Highlands): Newest to the ramen scene and my new favorite, Glo not only has great ramen, but also some great fresh sashimi (the yellowtail is a must). Any place that has a “Deathwish” spicy ramen has my vote! Mild options also available, of course. I can see why they earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand.
-
Kawa Ni (LoHi): This is a Japanese Izakaya (neighborhood drinking spot with a variety of Japanese food) that quickly became one of my new favorite restaurants when it opened in 2023. They have some sushi, but that’s not the focus. There are great veggies, bao buns, noodles, fried rice dishes, and more. It’s also just a great spot to hang out at the bar.
Korean
Please see my post on the history of Korean cuisine in Denver and my current favorite spots.
Mediterranean / Israeli
-
El Five (LoHi): One of my favorite spots in Denver, with beautiful views of downtown and delicious Mediterranean food (from Spain, Israel, Morocco, and all around the area). It can be a bit pricy, but you can keep costs down by sharing a paella. I also love coming here for happy hour, but if you’re walking in without a reservation, get here 15 minutes before they open.
-
Mazevo (Highlands): This is a lovely little hidden gem in Highlands that is easy to pass by — but they have the friendliest staff and I love their lentil soup, harissa chicken, whole harissa cauliflower, lamb tagine, lamb chops, and the spicy lamb with hummus.
-
Safta (RiNo): Acclaimed Israeli food from Chef Alon Shaya, the James Beard Award-winning chef behind New Orleans’ perennially packed Saba.
-
Shondiz (Centennial): Shondiz doesn't look like much from the outside, but it has the best kebabs and Persian cuisine in Denver. All the different skewers, from chicken to beef, are tender and delicious — but the real standout is the lamb lollipops. You don’t need a knife for these. They melt in your mouth. And everything is super affordable — plus available for catering on short notice.
Mexican / Latin
Please see my post on the evolution of Mexican cuisine in Denver and my current Mexican favorites.
Pizza
-
Walnut Room (RiNo): This has been my personal favorite for many years. Super thin crust and so many creative, gourmet topping options. Great gluten-free option also available.
-
Blue Pan (Highlands, Congress Park, Golden): A locally-acclaimed favorite specializing in Detroit-style pizza. Gluten-free versions are available.
-
White Pie (Uptown): You guessed it, thin-crust white pies (without tomato sauce) are the specialty here. Everything is delicious — especially if you get that cracked egg on top.
-
Cart Driver (RiNo/LoHi): Fancy Southern Italian wood-fired pizza that’s gotten a bit of a cult following since it opened. Gluten-free sourdough crust available.
-
Kaos Pizzeria (S Pearl): One of my personal favorites, nestled in a cozy little house on South Pearl Street. I love their pizza that has fresh, heirloom sliced cherry tomatoes on top.
Seafood
-
Jax Fish House (LoDo): There are several locations, but the one that opened in 1996 in LoDo is my favorite (and my go-to spot for happy hour going on 15 years now). Great atmosphere, dominated by the long bar that runs the length of the entire little restaurant — with friendly bartenders who make you feel right at home. Highlights include freshly-shucked oysters, fantastic gumbo (or gumbo fries), and crab in Cajun butter. Sundays they also have the best Cioppino in town!
-
Fish N Beer (RiNo): Great neighborhood spot in RiNo with an awesome happy hour and my favorite chargrilled devil butter oysters in town.
-
Blue Island (Cherry Creek & Lone Tree): One of my favorites for raw clams and for clam chowder, but they also have great specials like $1 oyster Mondays, 50% off bottles Tuesdays, etc.
-
Fin N Tonic (RiNo): 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.
-
Crawling Crab (S Federal / Lakewood): Great crab and crawfish boil spot. I’ve tried a lot of different ones, and their flavors are the best. My go-to is the dungeness crab, clams, and crawfish (only when they’re fresh / in season, though). Their S Federal location is my favorite, although they do also have a bigger one in Lakewood now.
-
Bayou Boys: This isn’t a location, but rather a group of awesome guys who know how to make the best Louisiana-style crawfish boil. They only do them in the Spring, and the location varies every weekend (check their website to see which brewery they’re boiling at every weekend)
Spanish / Tapas
-
Barcelona Wine Bar (RiNo): This is a happening spot in the middle of RiNo that can definitely get packed, so make a reservation or come early and snag a spot at the bar.
-
Mar Bella Boqueria (Cherry Creek): From Chef Johnny Muriel and the acclaimed team behind his list of Michelin-star Mexican restaurants comes his first non-Mexican spot, a high-end Spanish restaurant in Cherry Creek featuring some amazing sharable plates like oxtail-stuffed piquillo peppers and crab fritters topped with toro/tuna — as well as an absolutely fantastic chef's counter with a pre-fixe menu.
Steakhouses
This is Denver, so there are a lot of good steakhouses here. The Denver Chophouse, 801 Chophouse, Steakhouse 10, Perry’s, Hillstone, Del Frisco’s, Elway’s, EDGE (inside the Four Seasons), Eddie V’s, Eddie Merlot’s, STK, and a bunch of others are all great. I recommend all of those if one is near you. However, I didn’t want to have a list of 10 steakhouses and leave you struggling to choose, so I’ve picked out just my top 3 favorites.
-
Guard & Grace (Downtown): This is my personal favorite steakhouse, from famed local chef Troy Guard (who has a 2nd location in Houston now). It’s got a bit more of a modern feel than many other steakhouses, but still very classy. I’ve never had a bad experience here. The octopus and fish here are also amazing, not just the steak.
-
The Capital Grille (LoDo): It’s a chain, but the white-glove service is always impeccable, the wine list is expertly put together, the steak is consistently perfectly prepared, and you just can’t go wrong in a pinch. Plus it has my favorite cocktail in town, the Stoli Doli!
-
Broadway 10 (Cherry Creek): Another chain, but I love their steaks grilled over pecan, hickory, and oak — as well as the best scallops and salads in town. Don't miss the dessert cocktails!
Taiwanese
-
Pig & Tiger (Five Points): A new 2025 spot in Denver, 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). I'm hoping they bring back the LA rolls!
Thai
-
Daughter Thai (Platte St): Fancy Thai in an elegant dinner atmosphere with cocktails. Make sure you try the ribs, volcano beef, and massaman lamb curry.
-
Som Dee (Uptown): This newcomer opened at the end of 2024 and quickly became one of my favorite restaurants in town. The space is beautiful, complete with golden chandeliers straight out of Thailand; the cocktails range form a delicious spiked Thai Iced Tea to all sorts of creative concoctions; and the food is super authentic while still being upscale.
Vietnamese / Pho
-
Dan Da (E Colfax): This is a recent opening, but from the people behind long-standing institutions in Denver like New Saigon and Savory Vietnam. It’s the perfect location to get a taste of the full gamut of authentic Vietnamese dishes from the pros. The only thing I don’t love is the location.
-
Com Nha (Lakewood): A fun newcomer to the Denver Vietnamese dining scene, Com Nha offers both traditional and modern dishes, playful cocktails, great service, and a great setting for a party.
-
Le Colonial (Cherry Creek): This is the newest place on the list, and it is from a NY-based chain that also owns Le Bilboquet, and you can see the professional influence. The decor is upscale and absolutely beautiful, the cocktails are incredibly creative, and the dishes are highly refined. The perfect special occasion French-Vietnamese outing.
-
Saigon Bowl (S Federal): My favorite spot for pho — but I recommend its cousin “bun bo hue” instead (a beef broth heavy on lemongrass and a little spicy).