Dining out is one of the best ways to experience the culture and flavor of a city. It’s practically a rite of passage to visit at least one Denver microbrewery while you are there; the well-designed restaurants and the lip-smacking food add to the experience!
Not only is Denver brimming with award-winning breweries, but it also has an array of eclectic restaurants on and near the bustling 16th Street Mall. Even if you live in a city like Denver, where the dining options are limitless, it’s hard to pick the best ones and decide where you want to eat. So, don’t miss your chance to look through our curated list of best restaurants in downtown Denver, Colorado.
Tavernetta
When you hear the name Tavernetta, your first thought is probably food. If not, they’ve got you right where they want you – hungry from the mouth-watering description. If you have never been to Tavernetta you are missing out on something really big. Go there now because this place is seriously outstanding. Tavernetta is great for any occasion, be it a business lunch or celebrating with friends and family.
Address: 1889 16th St Mall, Denver, CO 80202, United States | Timings: 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/k4ToskFTJddGphsu5 | Phone Number: +1 720-605-1889
Rioja
Rioja is one of the best restaurants in Denver. It is the epitome of Denver fine dining, nestled in the heart of downtown Littleton and Continental’s Wash Park Campus. Rioja is the perfect choice for your next special occasion. Treat your family to a lingering meal alfresco and get ready to be fully impressed (and to fall just a little in love) with the food.
Address: 1431 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202, United States | Timings: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/RiojaDenver?share | Phone Number: +1 303-820-2282
The Kitchen American Bistro
Sitting at The Kitchen’s bar, you catch a glimpse of the open kitchen as the staff prepares ingredients for the evening’s dishes. What looks like a cacophony of activity in the kitchen is actually an orchestrated collaboration between chefs and cooks as they expertly plate savory Italian & Continental foods. As you munch on bread and sip on cocktails, listening to music wafting throughout the main dining area, you wonder how such a small space like The Kitchen can offer so much to bustle every night of the week.
Address: 1560 Wazee St, Denver, CO 80202, United States | Timings: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/tLY6WbeHb12L4Gxu5 | Phone Number: +1 303-623-3127
Cuba Cuba Cafe & Bar Denver
Cuba Cuba Cafe & Bar Denver is one of the top restaurants in Denver, Colorado. Whenever you are looking for great food, be it Cuban or American cuisine, search no more – just visit this place at 1001 16th St, not far from Larimer Square. The place attracts a lot of tourists because of its food and friendly atmosphere so they have a big list of cocktails to choose from. Known as a Cuba-ish bar and cafe, Cuba Cuba’s diverse menu has everything to make you happy – tacos, burritos, and sweet pies.
Address: 1173 Delaware St, Denver, CO 80204, United States | Timings: 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/RSMmwDMquijHyC9N8 | Phone Number: +1 303-605-2822
Steuben’s Uptown
Steuben’s is one of the top restaurants in downtown Denver for a few reasons. It is located in Larimer Square, an amazing shopping and eating place right in the middle of Denver. Steuben’s has great deals during lunch, but it is also great for dinner too. The menu serves some serious options that will have you drooling before you even order anything! If you are a steak lover, this is the place to go. Plus, if you don’t feel like going all out, be sure to check out their food truck that serves Italian and Continental cuisines. It pairs a nice meal with a good walk.
Address: 523 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80203, United States | Timings: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WSP6ebvQ3w736ZoJ7 | Phone Number: +1 303-830-1001
Jabroni & Sons
Are you one of those who can survive on sandwiches? Then Jabroni & Sons should be your go-to place. It is a sandwich shop where you will find the creative fillings in between freshly baked breads along with some old favorites. The people behind this place like to call their initiative chef-driven. However, owing to the pandemic they are currently taking it a bit slow with only pre-booked takeaway orders.
Address: 2227 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211, United States | Timings: The timings may have changed due to the pandemic. Please visit their social media page https://www.facebook.com/Jabroni-and-Sons-108700374158699/about for more information on the current timings | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/bardough?share | Phone Number: +1 720-668-8506
Frasca Food & Wine
It is hard not to have heard about Frasca Food & Wine, an award-winning restaurant in Denver. It has been open for over a decade and has consistently been receiving accolades from the Denver dining scene. If you are looking for an unforgettable meal experience, look no further than Frasca Food & Wine located in Denver.
Address: 1889 16th St Mall, Denver, CO 80202, United States | Timings: 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/AfG3aqAwTVKqfVxy8 | Phone Number: +1 303-442-6966
Bistro Vendome
Bistro Vendome is a romantic little restaurant found in the heart of Larimer Square. It is surrounded by antique stores, boutique shops, and some of Denver’s finest destinations. Bistro Vendome is one of the few restaurants left in Denver that serves dinner nightly. It also shows nightly movies on their projector screen in their very own Theatre Room.
Address: 1420 Larimer St UNIT 1705, Denver, CO 80202, United States | Timings: 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/66Na6rJCtTXjrqyp7 | Phone Number: +1 303-825-3232
Williams & Graham
This place is popular for its cocktails that are handcrafted with a lot of care and precision. Housed in a bookstore in an upscale locality, the award-winning bar is well-stocked with alcohol of all kinds. It offers an amazing ambiance, good food, great hospitality, and, last but not least, a wide range of impeccable drinks. Drop by for some cool times with your partner or friends to catch up over smashing cocktails like Sazerac, New Old Fashioned, Blackberry-Sage Smash, Ye Be Warned, etc.
Address: 3160 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211, United States | Timings: 05:00 pm to 01:00 am | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/williamsandgraham?share | Phone Number: +1 303-997-8886
American Elm
If you’re looking for a fantastic date spot or planning to entertain someone from out of town with good food, you really can’t go wrong with American Elm. Not only is the atmosphere perfectly rustic and elegant an ideal setting for a date or special occasion, but the food is absolutely amazing. Everything tastes fresh and light, yet it’s still filling enough that you won’t leave feeling sick. Plus, the cocktails add a nice touch to an already exciting evening.
Address: 4132 W 38th Ave, Denver, CO 80212, United States | Timings: 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/American-Elm-Denver?share | Phone Number: +1 720-749-3186
Basta
Nestled in a turn-of-the-century warehouse building just blocks from the 16th Street Mall, Basta aims to be a family dining establishment for the entire neighborhood. The restaurant’s recipe for success seems to be a hint of elegance with just enough casual comfort. Its menu boasts mouth-watering delights like wine-braised sablefish, duck confit pasta, and a short rib torta to name a few (pun intended).
Address: 3601 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80303, United States | Timings: 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Wednesday to Saturday | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/zYimrU24oiEHqWKb9 | Phone Number: +1 303-997-8775
The Wolf’s Tailor
Hailing from Southwick, Massachusetts, The Wolf’s Tailor is a modern eatery that focuses on farm-to-table food. For this reason, the menu changes continually to ensure the use of fresh ingredients. The Wolf’s Tailor is a must-stop for those of you who are visiting Denver. The Italian & Continental cuisine is delicious with a great selection of items on the menu. On top of that, it’s a very unique restaurant with a mix of retail and fine dining menu options.
Address: 4058 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211, United States | Timings: 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/2XnNpydRdG6dFcMG6 | Phone Number: +1 720-456-6705
Comal Heritage Food Incubator
If you’re in the mood for a unique food experience, you’ll love what the Comal Heritage Food Incubator offers. This Colorado-based, non-profit organization provides culinary entrepreneurs with a creative environment in which to develop their culinary skills and ultimately get their businesses up and running. The incubator is an innovative business model that will help more people find jobs in the food industry.
Address: 3455 Ringsby Ct #105, Denver, CO 80216, United States | Timings: 11:00 am to 3:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/comalheritagefoodincubator?share | Phone Number: +1 720-500-3455
Owlbear Barbecue
Owlbear BBQ is a quaint little counter-service restaurant and bar in the midst of a bustling city. It has a wide variety of options for everyone, even for those with sensitive palates. The hardest decision a person could have here is what to wash down with one of their delicious cocktails or milkshakes! Located in front of the convention center, Owlbear is your most accessible barbecue option. The meats are cooked over cherry and applewood, which gives them a nice sweetness and amount of smoke flavor without being overpowering.
Address: 2826 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205, United States | Timings: 11:00 am to 8:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/OwlbearBBQ?share | Phone Number: +1 720-667-1181
Safta Restaurant
The highly-rated Safta Restaurant should definitely be on your list of places to check out. There’s no doubt that this eatery is a top contender in the Denver crowd. It is new and serves international cuisine that’s sure to make your stomach growl with delight. This modern establishment doles out Italian & Continental flavors with a unique twist — it’s unlike anything you’ve probably had before!
Address: 3330 Brighton Blvd #201, Denver, CO 80216, United States | Timings: 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/eatwithsafta?share | Phone Number: +1 720-408-2444
Hop Alley
Founded by a husband-and-wife team, Hop Alley brings Asian comfort food with a modern twist to LoDo (Downtown Denver). The menu is full of a tasty selection of traditional and fusion dishes for you to choose from. The cocktails are also inspired by different cultures. If you’re in Denver, be sure to give Hop Alley a try — you won’t regret it!
Address: 3500 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205, United States | Timings: 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/XvaY13uGKuCoC1e79 | Phone Number: +1 720-379-8340
Annette
Annette is a great restaurant located in Denver, Colorado. What makes it so unique are the owners. They invite local artists and musicians to perform on their stage and have live music shows with an animated menu. Annette has a cocktail bar as well as an outdoor patio with fun outdoor games for adults and children alike! The Italian & Continental cuisine is great with a carefully chosen cocktail list. This place is sure to become one of your favorites if you decide to give it a try!
Address: 2501 Dallas St STE 108, Aurora, CO 80010, United States | Timings: 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/XnNJ146DG988gbpm6 | Phone Number: +1 720-710-9975
Dio Mio
Dio Mio is one of the best Italian restaurants located in the LoDo region of Denver, CO. The name can be translated to “My God”. Many guests have been blown away by the rich history of this fine establishment, which dates back to 1896. With authentic cuisine and attentive service, this restaurant is a delicious delight!
Address: 3264 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205, United States | Timings: 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/diomiopasta?share | Phone Number: +1 303-562-1965
Restaurants in Denver range from contemporary American, modern Italian, and seafood. The variety of restaurants downtown offers something for everyone.
We’d say even although there are many great places to eat out at, the competition is still pretty stiff because there’s so much good food and so little time. That is why we have compiled this list so you can leave the research to us and enjoy your experience! If you’re searching for the best restaurants in Denver, then this is it. You can thank us later.