Top 25 Restaurants in Denver
Posted on October 5, 2015 by
Xploritall announces the list of the 25 Best Restaurants in Denver. Using a complex algorithm (not really), we sorted through several key diner and critic ranking lists to determine the overall winners. This "poll of poll" balances the opinions of dining critics with actual diners. The winners represent a diverse offering of cuisines and ranging from casual to fine dining.
Please note that Xploritall places less emphasis on opinions and rankings than other sites or media. There are lots of other great eats you should investigate while visiting Denver, so consider this list as just a starting point when planning your trip to the Mile High City. And don't forget to sign up to add these places to your travel planner.
Without further delay, the list:
1
1313 E 6th Ave
New American
$$$
Located just outside downtown, Chef Alex Seidel offers a seasonally changing farm to table modern take on comfort food in his small, intimate neighborhood venue. Also features an eclectic wine list.
2
1487 S Pearl St
Japanese, Sushi
$$
When you think of landlocked Denver, you might discount the sushi offerings to be found here. But Chef Toshi has incredibly been keeping high standards at Sushi Den since 1985, flying in fresh fish from markets in Japan. Also check out its sister restaurants next door, fellow Top 25 placer Izakaya Den and the newly opened Ototo.
3
1431 Larimer
Mediterranean
$$$$
Head Chef Jennifer Jasinski, for 10 years a key member of the Wolfgang Puck franchise and a finalist on Top Chef Masters season 5, chose Denver to settle down and begin her own dining empire in the Larimer Square neighborhood. At Rioja, she created a seasonal, Mediterranean inspired menu using local ingredients.
4
1600 W 33rd Ave
New American
$$$
This Highlands neighborhood sister restaurant of fellow Top 25 Linger and newly opened Ophelia's has a field to fork mentality, and emphasis on organic, local ingredients. The menu focuses on vegetarian, vegan, food allergy concerns, as well as humanely raised meat products.
5
2267 Kearney St
American
$$
Dustin Barrett and Amy Vitale, chefs and co-owners, created this small Park Hill neighborhood bistro with a similar approach to the menu and decor -- both seek to provide comfort and charm. A seasonally changing menu keeps things fresh.
6
2500 Larimer St
American & Latin American
$$
Quick-riser Work & Class describes itself as a “square meal, stiff drink, and fair price.” Its influences reflect the Midwestern and Latin American heritage of the owners. Work & Class is surging up the ranks of 5280's Best of list, and sits at #1 on Yelp at the time we compiled our list.
7
1701 Wynkoop St
European Style Market and Restaurant
$$$
A European inspired market and restaurant situated in the trendy, newly reconfigured Union Station. A market serving breakfast, lunch and pastries during the day, the restaurant takes over for dinner. Another venture by Chef Alex Seidel, who also runs Fruition.
8
3350 Brighton Blvd
New American
$$
Chef/owner David Redzikowski and Bryan Dayton, Beverage Director/owner, brought a bit of their seasonal, wood-fired, eclectic American fare to Denver. They successfully established this format at their sister restaurant, OAK at fourteenth in Boulder. Acorn is situated within The Source, a repurposed 1880's foundry building in the River North district.
9
225 E 7th Ave
New American
$$$
This is restaurateur Frank Bonanno's flagship location (he also owns Top 25 placer Luca), though he gives the staff free reign. The ever changing menu features American-style food with traditional French techniques.
10
3333 E Colfax Ave
Bistro
$$
A small bistro that is quickly becoming a hot seat to get in the area. The menu changes with the availability of ingredients - we're talking daily! There are no reservations, so you may want to plan an alternative if you're not willing to wait.
11
2262 Larimer St
Breakfast & Lunch
$$
Snooze is a semi-regional chain, with locations popping up in Arizona and southern California. But it’s still an institution in Denver. Serves breakfast and lunch in a retro, busy atmosphere. Leave room for their HUGE pancakes.
12
1487A S Pearl St
Japanese
$$$
The second restaurant launched by the owners of Sushi Den, Izakaya Den offers small plate style selections with international influences, as well as a large sake menu. It recently moved next door to Sushi Den inside a stylish, modern building.
13
3030 E 6th Ave
Italian
$$
Located in the Cherry Creek North neighborhood, Barolo Grill's menu recreates the tastes of the Piedmont and Tuscany regions of northern Italy, cracking the top lists for both critics and diners.
14
1555 Blake St 101
Asian Fusion
$$
Executive Chef/Owner Lon Symensma showcases his Asian-influenced menus of traditional ingredients with a modern touch, from small plates to family styled dishes.
15
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, 321 17th St
New American
$$$
Located inside the historic Brown Palace Hotel, Palace Arms is consistently named as one of the best restaurants in the country, let alone Denver. Palace Arms is the place for special occasions, or for a well-earned splurge.
16
2401 15th St
Japanese, Sushi
$$
A 3rd place on Zagat shot Sushi Sasa into the list. Features an extensive menu of Japanese dishes and sushi with an American twist.
17
1401 S Federal Blvd
Vietnamese
$
Denver’s most popular Vietnamese Pho restaurant, and for good reason. They even had to move to a bigger location a few years ago, and there’s a second location in Littleton. A nice, clean, lively restaurant and mighty tasty food, whether you’re in the mood for Pho or noodle dishes.
18
3163 Larimer St
New American
$$
The emphasis at The Populist is on community. Most of the seating is communal tables, and sharing the regularly changing line-up of small plate fare is strongly encouraged. A fresh idea that is quickly catching on.
19
2030 W 30th Ave
Street food from Americas, Morocco, Turkey, Italy, Asia and India
$$
Linger's niche is small plate takes on street food from around the world. Linger gets its name in a nod to the building's former life as a mortuary, and where the body of Buffalo Bill was reportedly kept for 6 months. But owner/chef Justin Cucci, who also runs Top 25 restaurant Root Down, embraces this history and calls Linger an "eatuary."
20
1801 California St
Steakhouse
$$
One of several TAG restaurant Group restaurants owned by Chef Troy Guard, Guard & Grace specializes in wood-fired dishes, especially steak and seafood.
21
711 Grant St
Italian
$$
One of many restaurants owned by Chef Frank Bonanno (other Top 25 winner Mizuna is as well), the specialty at Luca is rustic Italian comfort food. 11 years old, Luca is not a fly-by-night location, but it has changed over the years without losing its appeal.
22
7225 E Colfax Ave
Ethiopian
$$
You won't find much info on the internet about Queen of Sheeba. There doesn't seem to be an official website. You might even pass by the location without even noticing, even more so because of its faded sign. But it has quietly garnered so many favorable reviews from diners to have made the top lists on Zagat and TripAdvisor, as well as repeatedly winning the award for best Ethiopian restaurant in Denver by Westword newspaper. This might be one of the best examples of not judging a book by its cover.
23
719 E 17th Ave
New American Steakhouse
$$$
Siblings Paul and Aileen Reilly serve rustic American craft cuisine centering on “farm-focused food.” Fresh local ingredients and utilization of the whole animal reveal a commitment to inventive and responsibly-sourced cuisine. A thoughtfully curated drink and wine menu is paired to the dishes.
24
2129 Larimer St
Pizza
$$
As an East Coast transplant, finding a decent pizza in Denver took a bit of searching. Marco's ended that quest. Their crust is the perfect balance of crunch on the outside, and soft on the inside that only a proper coal fired oven can produce. There are lots of specialty pies to choose from, or you can build your own.
25
1465 Larimer St
Seafood
$$$
Ocean Prime is a semi-chain with new restaurants expanding to select cities around the United States. Serving up seafood (of course) and steak, it has been previously been recognized as the best seafood in Denver.
Please note that Xploritall places less emphasis on opinions and rankings than other sites or media. There are lots of other great eats you should investigate while visiting Denver, so consider this list as just a starting point when planning your trip to the Mile High City. And don't forget to sign up to add these places to your travel planner.
Without further delay, the list:
1
Fruition Restaurant
1313 E 6th Ave
New American
$$$
Located just outside downtown, Chef Alex Seidel offers a seasonally changing farm to table modern take on comfort food in his small, intimate neighborhood venue. Also features an eclectic wine list.
2
Sushi Den
1487 S Pearl St
Japanese, Sushi
$$
When you think of landlocked Denver, you might discount the sushi offerings to be found here. But Chef Toshi has incredibly been keeping high standards at Sushi Den since 1985, flying in fresh fish from markets in Japan. Also check out its sister restaurants next door, fellow Top 25 placer Izakaya Den and the newly opened Ototo.
3
Rioja Restaurant
1431 Larimer
Mediterranean
$$$$
Head Chef Jennifer Jasinski, for 10 years a key member of the Wolfgang Puck franchise and a finalist on Top Chef Masters season 5, chose Denver to settle down and begin her own dining empire in the Larimer Square neighborhood. At Rioja, she created a seasonal, Mediterranean inspired menu using local ingredients.
4
Root Down
1600 W 33rd Ave
New American
$$$
This Highlands neighborhood sister restaurant of fellow Top 25 Linger and newly opened Ophelia's has a field to fork mentality, and emphasis on organic, local ingredients. The menu focuses on vegetarian, vegan, food allergy concerns, as well as humanely raised meat products.
5
Tables
2267 Kearney St
American
$$
Dustin Barrett and Amy Vitale, chefs and co-owners, created this small Park Hill neighborhood bistro with a similar approach to the menu and decor -- both seek to provide comfort and charm. A seasonally changing menu keeps things fresh.
6
Work & Class
2500 Larimer St
American & Latin American
$$
Quick-riser Work & Class describes itself as a “square meal, stiff drink, and fair price.” Its influences reflect the Midwestern and Latin American heritage of the owners. Work & Class is surging up the ranks of 5280's Best of list, and sits at #1 on Yelp at the time we compiled our list.
7
Mercantile Dining & Provision
1701 Wynkoop St
European Style Market and Restaurant
$$$
A European inspired market and restaurant situated in the trendy, newly reconfigured Union Station. A market serving breakfast, lunch and pastries during the day, the restaurant takes over for dinner. Another venture by Chef Alex Seidel, who also runs Fruition.
8
Acorn
3350 Brighton Blvd
New American
$$
Chef/owner David Redzikowski and Bryan Dayton, Beverage Director/owner, brought a bit of their seasonal, wood-fired, eclectic American fare to Denver. They successfully established this format at their sister restaurant, OAK at fourteenth in Boulder. Acorn is situated within The Source, a repurposed 1880's foundry building in the River North district.
9
Mizuna
225 E 7th Ave
New American
$$$
This is restaurateur Frank Bonanno's flagship location (he also owns Top 25 placer Luca), though he gives the staff free reign. The ever changing menu features American-style food with traditional French techniques.
10
To The Wind Bistro
3333 E Colfax Ave
Bistro
$$
A small bistro that is quickly becoming a hot seat to get in the area. The menu changes with the availability of ingredients - we're talking daily! There are no reservations, so you may want to plan an alternative if you're not willing to wait.
11
Snooze An AM Eatery - Larimer
2262 Larimer St
Breakfast & Lunch
$$
Snooze is a semi-regional chain, with locations popping up in Arizona and southern California. But it’s still an institution in Denver. Serves breakfast and lunch in a retro, busy atmosphere. Leave room for their HUGE pancakes.
12
Izakaya Den
1487A S Pearl St
Japanese
$$$
The second restaurant launched by the owners of Sushi Den, Izakaya Den offers small plate style selections with international influences, as well as a large sake menu. It recently moved next door to Sushi Den inside a stylish, modern building.
13
Barolo Grill
3030 E 6th Ave
Italian
$$
Located in the Cherry Creek North neighborhood, Barolo Grill's menu recreates the tastes of the Piedmont and Tuscany regions of northern Italy, cracking the top lists for both critics and diners.
14
ChoLon Modern Asian Bistro
1555 Blake St 101
Asian Fusion
$$
Executive Chef/Owner Lon Symensma showcases his Asian-influenced menus of traditional ingredients with a modern touch, from small plates to family styled dishes.
15
Palace Arms
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, 321 17th St
New American
$$$
Located inside the historic Brown Palace Hotel, Palace Arms is consistently named as one of the best restaurants in the country, let alone Denver. Palace Arms is the place for special occasions, or for a well-earned splurge.
16
Sushi Sasa
2401 15th St
Japanese, Sushi
$$
A 3rd place on Zagat shot Sushi Sasa into the list. Features an extensive menu of Japanese dishes and sushi with an American twist.
17
Pho 95 Noodle House - Asia Center
1401 S Federal Blvd
Vietnamese
$
Denver’s most popular Vietnamese Pho restaurant, and for good reason. They even had to move to a bigger location a few years ago, and there’s a second location in Littleton. A nice, clean, lively restaurant and mighty tasty food, whether you’re in the mood for Pho or noodle dishes.
18
The Populist
3163 Larimer St
New American
$$
The emphasis at The Populist is on community. Most of the seating is communal tables, and sharing the regularly changing line-up of small plate fare is strongly encouraged. A fresh idea that is quickly catching on.
19
Linger
2030 W 30th Ave
Street food from Americas, Morocco, Turkey, Italy, Asia and India
$$
Linger's niche is small plate takes on street food from around the world. Linger gets its name in a nod to the building's former life as a mortuary, and where the body of Buffalo Bill was reportedly kept for 6 months. But owner/chef Justin Cucci, who also runs Top 25 restaurant Root Down, embraces this history and calls Linger an "eatuary."
20
Guard & Grace
1801 California St
Steakhouse
$$
One of several TAG restaurant Group restaurants owned by Chef Troy Guard, Guard & Grace specializes in wood-fired dishes, especially steak and seafood.
21
Luca
711 Grant St
Italian
$$
One of many restaurants owned by Chef Frank Bonanno (other Top 25 winner Mizuna is as well), the specialty at Luca is rustic Italian comfort food. 11 years old, Luca is not a fly-by-night location, but it has changed over the years without losing its appeal.
22
Queen Of Sheeba Restaurant
7225 E Colfax Ave
Ethiopian
$$
You won't find much info on the internet about Queen of Sheeba. There doesn't seem to be an official website. You might even pass by the location without even noticing, even more so because of its faded sign. But it has quietly garnered so many favorable reviews from diners to have made the top lists on Zagat and TripAdvisor, as well as repeatedly winning the award for best Ethiopian restaurant in Denver by Westword newspaper. This might be one of the best examples of not judging a book by its cover.
23
Beast + Bottle
719 E 17th Ave
New American Steakhouse
$$$
Siblings Paul and Aileen Reilly serve rustic American craft cuisine centering on “farm-focused food.” Fresh local ingredients and utilization of the whole animal reveal a commitment to inventive and responsibly-sourced cuisine. A thoughtfully curated drink and wine menu is paired to the dishes.
24
Marco's Coal Fired Pizzeria - Ballpark
2129 Larimer St
Pizza
$$
As an East Coast transplant, finding a decent pizza in Denver took a bit of searching. Marco's ended that quest. Their crust is the perfect balance of crunch on the outside, and soft on the inside that only a proper coal fired oven can produce. There are lots of specialty pies to choose from, or you can build your own.
25
Ocean Prime Denver
1465 Larimer St
Seafood
$$$
Ocean Prime is a semi-chain with new restaurants expanding to select cities around the United States. Serving up seafood (of course) and steak, it has been previously been recognized as the best seafood in Denver.
