If world-class dining is something you'd like to experience without going to multiple countries across the globe, then you should try some of the magnificent Denver Restaurants in Colorado. Not only are many of the restaurants in Denver ranked among the best in the world, but they are designed to meet every budget and tantalize every palate. You don't have to break the bank to get a healthy meal, fine dinner at a locally-owned restaurant, lunch with a view, or a delicious breakfast to start your day. Every country that offers unique, sought after meals across the world, is represented in the Miles High City from South America to Asia. Steak is a big deal in Colorado and whether you like it well done or rare...you’ll get some of the best tasting steak meals in Denver.
Downtown Denver Restaurants
Name your pick, and downtown Denver has it when you're hungry. Let's begin with the unique Aquarium Restaurant where you're served seafood, chicken, or steak under 50,000 gallons of water while watching the sea creatures. It's a casual yet lovely atmosphere, and the desserts are delicious.
Looking for upscale? Head over to Larimer Street for Mediterranean delights, super-expensive steak, and seafood, in very upscale settings, distinctive French cooking with a real Parisian vibe, and talk about pricey, there's an upscale steakhouse chain that offers traditional American fare and a club-like, elegant setting.
For affordable dining, there aren't many options but the available ones come with great ratings. Head over to Blake Street for some barbecue or pizza; 17th St. and Market St. for pizza as well; homestyle breakfast on Curtis Street; delicious Argentinian pastries over on 22nd Street; hearty Indian food on Stout Street; Mediterranean on Grant Street; creative pies on Broadway Street or Mexican on California Street.
If you have children with you, Jelly Cafe, Mimosas, Ship Tavern, Chook, and Urban Putt have family-friendly atmospheres.
Denver Tech Center Restaurants
There are a cool 111 restaurants in the vicinity of the Denver Tech Center. From affordable to upscale, not to mention variety, there is something in close proximity for all the techies to choose from.
Everything is within walking distance. If you want the regular burger and fries or pizza, it's right there. Looking for healthy options, they're in abundance. If you want to go upscale, your options are Korean barbecue, Asian fusion, Italian, Mediterranean, steakhouse, seafood and American. Not everyone delivers, but there are a few options.
Union Station Restaurants
If you are traveling from the Denver Union Station or just waiting for someone you don't need to stay hungry. Be assured that there's an array of restaurants inside from cheap to upscale to satisfy any appetite.
The food offerings are culturally diverse, with Indian, Mexican, Italian, Spanish, American, Chinese, Japanese, Brazilian, French, German, Thai, Vietnamese, fast food, seafood, steak, Asian fusion, sushi, and health food.
Restaurants Around Highlands Denver
There are 110 restaurants of all variables available in the vicinity of Highlands Denver. From cheap to high-end, there are options for everyone.
Italian, American, Latin American, Japanese, Hawaiian, Mexican, Mediterranean, Venezuelan, Thai, Indian, Peruvian, eclectic, Asian fusion, vegan and several pubs await you in the Highlands.
Denver Airport Restaurants
Do you want to hang out at a bar, grab some superfood, pig out, or done in refined style? Whatever your appetite calls for, there's something for you at the airport as you wait to board or when you disembark from a flight.
There's a Brazilian, Mediterranean and two Indian options. However, most of the restaurants are American, Italian and Mexican with a few steakhouses. You do have a few healthy options as well. You will always find fast food like pizza and burger available throughout the airport and its environs.
Restaurants By Streets In Denver
Some streets in Denver appear to be dedicated to restaurants and while some have a greater representation of a particular cuisine, they all feature a wide variety of options.
16th Street
There are many restaurants in the vicinity of 16th Street. in Denver, but on the street itself, you will find 44 restaurants of different varieties. Included in the mix of restaurants is a five star pretzel place. They make unique and amazing flavored cookies and pretzels.
The options are Mexican, Italian, Mediterranean, Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese, Pan Asian, Chinese and many American options including South West American fare.
You can dine on the street, sit inside a fine restaurant or go affordable but everything is usually good on 16th St. and you have breakfast, lunch and dinner options.
17th Street
Corporate Deli and Grille seems to be the top choice for breakfast on 17th Street. If you want to get cozy with a chef and learn a few tricks then visit the BRUTO restaurant and get one of its in-demand chef table seats. Only 12 are available.
French, Italian, American, Vietnamese, vegan, grill and steakhouses are the popular options on 17th St. Not as many options as the neighboring 16th Street. They do have some great food cart choices too if you don't want to go into a restaurant.
Pearl Street
Venezuelan, Caribbean, Greek, Mexican, Japanese, Asian fusion, Northern Italian, Italian and lots of American await you on Pearl Street. You can hit some pubs as well, where you'll get wings, burgers, fries and finger food. There are quite a few sushi options too.
RiNo District Restaurants
This is probably the most hip area in Denver. Food and fun galore is the order of the day amid beautiful contemporary art galleries, concert venues and more.
Italian, Mexican, Colombian, Latin American, Japanese, Chinese, French, Argentinian, Hawaiian, a slew of pubs and more are what will greet you when you head over to the River North District (RiNo). Food prices range from cheap to expensive just like everywhere else in the city. You must visit the RiNo district when you visit Denver, CO, for a thrilling dining experience.
Restaurants Around Cherry Creek
Takeout, delivery, or dine-in; it's all up to you, but Cherry Creek has it all. Multiple steakhouses, Italian cuisine, Japanese, American, Asian, Chinese, sushi are the dining options for you.
This area is known for being home to multiple high-end restaurants. However, you will find a few affordable restaurants in the mix. Therefore, do not let the fanciness be a deterrent if you're on a budget, as you're guaranteed to find excellent cuisine that's inexpensive and in a lovely setting.
South Broadway Restaurants
This is one of the lovelier strips in Denver with some amazing restaurants from cuisine to decor and service. You'll find 110 restaurants here from Chic to basic.
We're talking about Italian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Mexican, American, Thai, Turkish, Asian fusion, Japanese, Irish, French, Colombian, Argentinian and more.
In the mix of restaurants, you'll find Irish pubs, bars and grills, sushi bars, hip locations and cozy restaurants.
One of the most popular restaurants on the strip is Adelitas Cocina Y Cantina, which is moderately priced and offers Mexican delicacies in a colorful setting.
Denver West Restaurants
Denver West is the path to the Rockies. It's therefore essential for this business district and shopping area to represent well when it comes to diverse cuisine.
Mexican, Japanese, American, Italian, Cuban, Nepalese, Greek, Vietnamese, Venezuelan are among your pick of restaurants in Denver West.
Most of the restaurants are American or Mexican. You have healthy options too.
Make sure to try out one of the many inexpensive restaurants or pubs; you won't be disappointed.
Restaurants Near Denver Art Museum
The swanky FIRE restaurant is located inside the Denver Art Museum with a killer view.
Capitol Hill Restaurants
There are 112 restaurants in the Capitol's vicinity, representing multiple cultures and ranging from affordable to expensive. The most common are American and Italian.
The 9th Door Capitol Hill on Lincoln Street offers eclectic tapas in a fashionable lounge setup.
Mexican Restaurants
With more than 120 Mexican restaurants in Denver, you're guaranteed to get varying options at most of them.
They tend to have a colorful theme and overall vibrant atmosphere. Prices range from cheap to upscale so there's a little of everything for everyone.
Many restaurants have their specialty meals, but in general you can enjoy some chicken or steak fajitas, quesadillas, enchiladas, taco plates, guacamole, refried beans and more. Mexican restaurants are represented in every section of town so will not have difficulty finding one.
Italian Restaurants in Denver
The Italian cuisine is well represented in Denver by more than 120 restaurants. They top the list when it comes to romantic places to dine and come in so many different styles and specialties. You have very expensive Italian restaurants and basic ones but they usually have great reviews across the board.
Pizza tops the list of Italian foods available, ranging from casual to specialty. Some of the top Italian foods in Denver are focaccia bread, Caprese salad with pesto sauce, panzanella, bruschetta, pasta carbonara, and Margherita Pizza.
Vegan Restaurants
Denver makes room for diners who want the most healthy options. With that in mind, approximately 40 vegan restaurants are set up across town.
Seafood Restaurants Denver, CO
There are just under 100 seafood restaurants across the city from sushi to Italian. Think crab, oysters, scallops, fish of all kinds, and you'll be right on the money.
Chinese Restaurants
The Chinese restaurants tie with the Korean cuisine at 120 for the number of Chinese food restaurants in Denver. Their cuisine encompasses pad Thai, crab rangoon, fried rice variations and so much more.
Indian Restaurants in Denver
The Indian cuisine is represented among Asian foods in Denver by 31 restaurants. Lentil soup, shrimp, lamb and everything that can be curried, you'll find among the offerings.
Korean Restaurants
Another popular Asian food is Korean. Locals and tourists alike seem to crave the Korean cuisine from the barbecue to poke salads and a range of other dishes in the 120 Korean restaurants.
Vietnamese Restaurants in Denver
Asian food is in abundance in Denver and the value Vietnamese cuisine is well-loved. You can find their many noodle dishes in scores of restaurants across Denver.
French Restaurants
French isn't too famous in Denver, but those that are there mainly fall into the upscale category. There are only three affordable French eateries.
Denver Vegetarian Restaurants
If you want your vegetables done in a special way or away from meats of all sorts, only 10 Denver restaurants offer that luxury including a few vegan restaurants.
Ethiopian Restaurants
There are nine Ethiopian restaurants, most of which are on Colfax Avenue. They serve, Shekla tibs, pan-fried sliced beef and lamb, in butter, garlic and onion, is their main delight.
Steak Restaurants in Denver, CO
Steak is the most common offering in Denver and it is also featured in almost all of the top-rated upscale restaurants. It's a staple in the Mile High City so you won't have a problem finding a restaurant offering some blue rare, medium rare and well done steak.
American Restaurants
There are more than 150 American restaurants in Denver and soul food falls into that category. There is American, featuring burgers, fries etc., New American where other cultures are fused with American and then there's soul food. They are located in every food strip.
Puerto Rican Restaurants in Denver
Nearly 80 restaurants feature Puerto Rican cuisine in Denver. Only two restaurants specifically say Puerto Rican. Their main dishes are empanadillas, rellenos de papa (or papas rellenas), tostones and maduros, pasteles, mofongo, pernil, and pollo guisado.
Japanese Restaurants
There are nearly 100 Japanese restaurants in Denver, and yes, they sell more than sushi. Pork ribs, beef, roasted mackerel, scallops, soups, noodle dishes, and much more. They also have quite a few upscale establishments around town but many affordable ones as well.
German
Five German restaurants who's foods also represent Poland, Czech Republic, and other European countries, serve up some delicious Sauerbraten (Roast Beef Stew) Schweinshaxe (Pork Knuckle), Spätzle (Egg Noodles), Rinderroulade (Beef Roll), Bratwurst (Grilled Sausage) and more.
Soul Food
112 Soul Food restaurants, some called American, are strewn across the Mile High City. They serve everything from fried catfish to BBQ ribs, pulled pork and chicken, delicious baked potatoes, vegetables and some even feature a variety of seafood.
Sushi Restaurants Denver, CO
Hundreds of facilities in Denver feature Sushi on their menus. There are also many Sushi bars. There are two upscale sushi restaurants, multiple moderately priced ones, and several affordable restaurants.
Thai
Sixty-five Thai restaurants scattered across Denver are ready to serve you some egg rolls, noodles, fried rice, duck meals and a whole lot more.
Greek
The Greeks serve some of the healthiest meals around from salads to sandwiches and they are represented by fifty-two restaurants in Denver.
Brazilian
Try one of six Brazilian restaurants, including a food truck for empanadas, beer-braised beef and more.
Turkish Restaurants in Denver
There are only a handful of Turkish restaurants in Denver. However, there are an overall 38 Mediterranean restaurants that offer Turkish cuisine. Eggplants, lentil soup, sultan, falafel and anything that grape leaves can be stuffed with are usually on the menu.
Russian
Twenty-three Russian restaurants are in Denver and a handful on the outskirts of the city. Some famous Russian delicacies are Pelmeni, Beef Stroganov, Borscht, noodle soup and Gnocchi, crab salad, and fried green tomatoes.
Persian
There are only two Persian Restaurants in Denver—House of Kabob and Shondiz with four and five stars, respectively.
Mediterranean Restaurants Denver
The long-running Jerusalem restaurant is very affordable. It offers Gyros and falafel to appease late-night appetites by remaining open 24/7.
Barbecue
There are 35 barbecue establishments in Denver ranging from American to soul food and Korean barbecue.
New Restaurants Denver, CO
Check out any of the 110 new restaurants in the vibrant city. Several Mexican, Mediterranean, Thai, Asian fusion, French, Cuban, soul food, Vietnamese, Japanese, health food, multiple Latin American and Italian and Venezuelan.
Visit Manzo Lobster and Oyster Bar on 19th Avenue for inexpensive indulgences. Go on Tuesdays for a lobster boil box or on Sundays for bouillabaisse.
9+Co. near Colorado Boulevard has two new restaurants, CAVA and Postino. Postino has a vast wine selection and variety of bruschetta board. Cava is new to Colorado and is a casual Mediterranean spot allowing you to create your own bowls.
Michelin Star Restaurants Denver
Whether you have one Michelin Star or a few, as a restaurant, this is something worth bragging about as it shows diners that you serve quality cuisine in a clean atmosphere.
108 Denver restaurants can boast about this honor. Here are a few top-rated Michelin star restaurants in the Mile High City.
Mizuna is a Michelin star restaurant on 7th Avenue, which offers fine dining with Chef Frank Bonanno serving up some creative New American dishes paired with fine wines in a comfortable setting.
Romantic
Where there is great food and wine, there's bound to be romance, and many Denver restaurants have the perfect ambiance and aphrodisiacs to make any couple have a beautiful evening out. Think French, Mediterranean, Japanese, Italian, American, steakhouses, and Sushi. The Italians really take the cake—or maybe the linguine—when it comes to romance.
If you're craving Italian, then the rustic farmhouse-type setting at North Italia is just right. They have outdoor seating too and every meal is handcrafted from the Burrata di Stagione to the roasted butternut squash or Wild Shrimp Scampi. Every meal will leave your taste buds happy.
Barolo Grill on 6th Avenue offers three and five course dinners with wine pairing in a wonderful setting. The food is great, and so is the service. The presentation of food and wine is flawless. Even though it's on the expensive side, you will want to return for the next special occasion.
There's also an Italian restaurant on 6th Avenue. Watching the food preparation is like romance in itself. It offers high-end Italian fare & a vast wine list is shown in stylish quarters with a passionate vibe. Another over on Downing Street is pretty expensive but worth the price. The food and environment sets the tone for a special evening. The Italian restaurant on St. Paul serves fantastic food in a cozy climate and so does the one at the 16th Street Mall.
Also on 6th Avenue is a new American restaurant that is a farm to table yet romantic vibe with popular meals like Seared Diver Scallops, Oysters Rockefeller a delicious Meringue Pie and lovely wine choices.
Other top picks for romantic dining are the steak restaurant on California Street, which is very upscale, but arguably serves you the best steak this side of town or even the country; the Mediterranean restaurant on historic Larimer Street that presents food as a work of art and is pretty expensive but oh so romantic; another Mediterranean on Umatilla fifth floor has an intimate setting, tasty food and a lovely backdrop for photos on the roof; a pricey French restaurant on Larimer Street puts a contemporary twist to traditional French cuisine; and to wrap up the list is another American, this time with mid-range pricing Gaylord Street that has delicious food and wine in a sophisticated setting.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Denver
There are hundreds of family-friendly restaurants among the thousands of restaurants across Denver. We could easily name over 500, but we'll settle for the top ones, which are:
Denver Biscuit Company, Lucile's Creole Cafe, The Bagel Deli and Restaurant, Snooze, Sam's No. 3, Watercourse Foods, Marco’s Coal-Fired, and The Delectable Egg, with its fluffy omelets made from 3 farm-fresh eggs and served with specialty potatoes or hash browns and your selection of toast or English muffin.
Rooftop Restaurants
When you want to get high, literally without climbing the mountains for a view, then one of the scores of rooftop restaurants in Denver will suffice. After all, you're getting your palate wet with mouthwatering delicious meals, brews, great-tasting wines, and of course, many come with a panoramic view of the city or the fantastic Rocky Mountain range.
54Thirty Rooftop is a bar on California Street that gives you a sweeping view of the city and excellent finger food.
Tamayo restaurant on Larimer Street gives you creatively presented modern Mexican dishes and a roof patio with an amazing view.
Dog-Friendly
If you have a dog, then this will make you smile. There are scores of Denver restaurants that allow you to tag along with your pet. Some even have special fun areas designated for your pet while you wine and dine. We're talking about pubs, excellent restaurants, and simple eateries.
Your options include Mexican, American, Vietnamese, Hawaiian, Italian, German, and Indian. There are Irish pubs, sushi bars, grills and many have patios just for your pet.
Restaurants with a View
If you're looking for unique restaurants with a view, then FIRE restaurant and bar is right for you. It's on the fourth floor of the splashy ART Hotel, surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows that gaze over the city skyline. It prepares New American cuisine with a touch of Colorado alongside dashingly prepared specialty cocktails. Fire offers a diverse beer scheme and a vast list of bottled wines nicely displayed in a glass cellar.
Other great restaurants with a view are El Five, which is a Mediterranean restaurant on Umatilla Fifth Floor; Linger is an eclectic eatery on 30th Avenue; Ale House Denver has everything great from view to food and a wide selection of beers on 16th Street; and Avanti Food and Beverage, an eclectic food hall on North Pecos Street with various vendors
Nice Restaurants Denver, CO
18 Denver restaurants attained top ratings of AAA four-diamond, and one has the highest ranking possible, AAA Five-diamond.
Beatrice and Woodsley has one of the most unique decor; Izakaya Den on S. Pearl Street would easily be voted as the number one along with Sushi Den; Edge Restaurant and Bar represents its name well. Nice restaurants in Denver are plentiful.
Fun Restaurants
If you want live music, themed nights, great cocktails and whatever unique thing a restaurant can come with, you're at the right place. There are many Denver restaurants that offer you a lot of fun and excitement, you just need to know where to find them. So let us help you.
Ophelia's Electric Soapbox offers live performances with multi-level dining and entertainment. If you want great food and burlesque, that's the right choice. By the way, upstairs is the right choice if you'd like a birds eye view.
The Fifth String has a fascinating happy hour from the bar to the patio. The inexpensive cocktails help to draw a hip crowd. The small plates served there are perfect too.
Sol Mexican Cocina in Cherry Creek has a modern setting which gives you a feel of being teleported to Mexico when you sit by the fire pit or chill in the spirited bar with live entertainment.
FAQ:
What are the must-try restaurants in Denver?
Woodie Fisher Kitchen & Bar with many fire-infused dishes is a must. He operates from the previous home of the oldest fire station in Denver and makes delectable dishes to honor the firemen.
The award-winning Israeli restaurant Safta should probably top the list. The food bursts with flavor, the wines are unique, and the floor to ceiling windows offer a fantastic view of the city.
Chook Charcoal Chicken had to be on the list because this fun restaurant lets you see the whole process of preparing the bird then cooking it rotisserie style. It's a lovely setting and great to watch if you've never caught a chicken yourself or seen it.
If you've not tried Sushi Den, then you've never really had sushi, seriously! Try the Salmon Tar Tar hand rolls; they're sumptuous.
Jovanina’s Broken Italian, owned by a husband and wife team serves up some wood-fired steaks, fresh seafood, pizza, and pasta made with local ingredients.
How many restaurants are in Denver?
One site shows 2,903 restaurants in Denver, and another shows 3,100. Therefore, we can safely say that Denver has close to 3,000 restaurants there, making it one of the top 20 restaurant-dense cities in the world.