In our previous journey, we checked the best sports in the Downtown area.
But this time, we decided to go even further and make a selection of the best restaurants in the whole of Denver.
Keep in mind that this is only our first impression. Things could change. But for now, these are our top choices. All of them are 10/10.
Before we continue with the reviews of these restaurants, I made an interesting guide for you who are planning to visit Denver for the first time. The interesting part- I fitted these restaurants in so that you can always take a break while checking all those attractions. Download the guide here.
1. Fruition Restaurant
Fruition Restaurant is a cozy spot right in the middle of Denver, located at 1313 E. 6th Avenue.
It’s a special place that Chef Alex Seidel, who’s won some big awards, started in 2007.
They make modern American dishes, and they really like to use fresh, local stuff that changes with the seasons.
We kicked off our dinner with the Smoked Trout Rillette, which was a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. The sweet onion creme fraiche mixed with the smoked trout roe was simply delicious.
For the main event, I had the Pan Seared Scallops and my wife chose the Bison Carpaccio. They were both amazing, but the scallops were the star( at least for me).
Fruition really stands out because of the love and imagination they put into their food. Chef Jarred Russell and his crew care about bringing Colorado’s finest to the table, and you can tell with every bite.
- Working Hours: Monday – Sunday 17:00 – 20:00
- Average Meal Price: Approximately $20 – $60
2. The Wolf’s Tailor
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The Wolf’s Tailor is a one-of-a-kind eatery at 4058 Tejon Street in Denver, where you’ll find a creative mix of Italian, Japanese, and local Colorado flavors.
We couldn’t put it on our latest review of Japanese BBQ restaurants since it is diverse, but would surely fit there.
Chef Kelly Whitaker opened it in 2018, and it’s really made a name for itself with its eco-friendly approach to cooking.
They use every part of the animals, grind their own old-school grains, and even pick wild ingredients themselves. It’s all about being smart with resources and coming up with new ways to enjoy food.
Walking into The Wolf’s Tailor, you’re immediately welcomed by a modern yet warm setting. My wife and I couldn’t wait to try out their menu, which promised a fusion of different culinary traditions.
We decided to go for the tasting menu to get a real sense of what the place is all about.
And wow, were we amazed!
The smoked trout was a masterpiece of taste and texture, just perfectly put together. Then came the garganelli pasta, which was simply divine.
But what really makes The Wolf’s Tailor special is the thought and care they put into their food.
They’re all about local ingredients, being kind to the planet, and cooking up new ideas.
Plus, the service was top-notch. The staff knew so much about the food and their stories made our meal even better.
- Working Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Monday: Closed.
- Average Meal Price: $100 and over
3. El Five
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El Five sits atop Denver’s Lower Highlands, on the fifth floor at 2930 Umatilla. It’s a great place to enjoy breathtaking views of the city’s skyline while dining.
They’re open for dinner from 5 to 10 PM, Sunday through Thursday, and 5 to 11 PM on Friday and Saturday. Plus, they offer valet parking, making it easy for anyone driving to visit.
As soon as you step into El Five, the stunning view of Denver’s skyline grabs your attention.
Our dinner began with the Mushroom Turkish Pizza, and I have to add that it is just amazing! The blend of smoked feta and yogurt spiced with lemon was something I never knew existed before. Who knew that a simple pizza could be such a great experience?
And that was not even our mean dish that night. For the main thing, we went with the Tunisian Couscous and the Longs Peak Lamb Shank.
The couscous was delightful, thanks to the spiced almonds and veggies. The lamb shank was incredibly tender, and the mix of herbs de Provence and olives created a rich taste.
- Working Hours: Monday to Thursday, Sunday: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday: 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Average Meal Price: $50 and over.
4. Mizuna
Mizuna is tucked away at 225 East 7th Avenue in Denver, offering a charming neighborhood vibe with the sophistication of a top-notch restaurant.
The menu is a monthly surprise, always changing to bring you the best and freshest ingredients.
It was really special to chat with the staff at Mizuna.
They knew so much about where the ingredients came from and the ideas behind each dish. It made our dinner even more enjoyable and gave us a greater appreciation for the whole experience.
We wanted a full fine-dine experience, so we both went for the Wellington. Honestly, one of the best I ever had!
- Working Hours: Tuesday to Thursday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Average Meal Price: $100 and over.
5. Safta
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Safta is a delightful escape into the flavors of the Mediterranean and Israel, nestled at 3330 Brighton Blvd #201 in Denver. It’s a place where every dish takes you on a flavorful adventure.
The moment you walk into Safta, the warm atmosphere and the scent of fresh, wood-fired pita bread promise a dining experience you won’t forget.
My wife and I were really taken with the hummus selection. Each type had its own special touch, mixing classic tastes with some clever new ingredients.
The mushroom hummus with chermoula butter was especially good, with a rich flavor that was both surprising and delicious.
The salatim was a cool, crisp treat, with the whipped feta and muhammara topping our list. Every dish was perfectly balanced, really showing off Safta’s dedication to real, quality flavors.
For our mains, we had the lamb kebabs and the mujadra stuffed squash, and they were both amazing. The kebabs were soft and tasty, with tahini and matbucha making them even better.
The stuffed squash was like a hug on a plate, with lentils and sweet caramelized onions making it a really fulfilling meal.
- Working Hours: Monday to Sunday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday Brunch: 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM
- Average Meal Price: $50 – $100.
6. Work & Class
Work & Class, found at 2500 Larimer, Suite 101 in Denver, is a lively place that’s all about simple, good food and generous portions. It’s a great spot for a meal that feels like home.
Right from the get-go, the menu at Work & Class caught our eye. I mean, there are so many things I wanted to try. We asked the waiter for advice in the end.
We began with the Chickpea Croquettes and Empanadas de Rajas. The Massive Attack Salad came next – a must-try for sure!
When it came to the main dishes, we had to try the meats. The Pork Carnitas were soft and packed with flavor, and the Habanero BBQ sauce was the perfect touch. The Guajillo Red Wine Braised Short Rib was the highlight, with its rich flavor that just melted away in your mouth.
We wrapped up with Butterscotch Pudding and Key Lime Pie, which were the cherry on top of a meal that reminded us why we love simple, well-made food.
Work & Class has a knack for making dishes that are both fulfilling and classy, all without being over the top.
- Working Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday – 17:00 – 22:00, Friday, Saturday – 17:00 – 23:00
- Average Meal Price: $30 – $50
7. Barolo Grill
Barolo Grill gives you a taste of Northern Italy without leaving Denver. Situated at 3030 East Sixth Avenue, it’s celebrated for its amazing selection of wines and genuine Northern Italian dishes.
The Fritto Misto was a perfect beginning, light and full of taste, setting the tone for what was to come. The Tagliatelle ai Funghi was a standout in the Primi Piatti, with its wild mushrooms and al dente pasta showcasing the pure and rich flavors of Italian cuisine.
The Secondi Piatti’s star was the Anatra di Barolo, a Barolo-style braised duck that was tender and flavorful, harmoniously paired with fresh veggies and potatoes.
We finished with the Torta di Formaggio, a castelmagno cheesecake that was a true discovery. Its distinctive taste, enhanced by the sweet lavender honey and crunchy hazelnuts, left a lasting impression on us, capping off a truly remarkable meal.
- Working Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM, closed on Sunday and Monday
- Average Meal Price: $100 and over
8. The Capital Grille
The Capital Grille in Denver, situated at 1450 Larimer Street, is a top spot for fine dining right in the city’s bustling center.
Dining at The Capital Grille is an absolute delight, especially their steaks. Each cut is expertly cooked to perfection, with just the right seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of the beef.
The side dishes are equally impressive. The creamy mashed potatoes and crisp green beans are just the right combo with the meat.
And let’s not forget about their impressive wine selection. It’s a well-curated collection from vineyards around the world.
- Working Hours: Monday to Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Saturday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Sunday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Average Meal Price: $100 and over
And For the End
I will add that this list surely isn’t a final one. But we couldn’t check out so many restaurants at once. So I thought of updating it from time to time, or even adding a whole new one on our blog.
In that matter, stay with us and be sure to check out all about the best things to do in our beloved city.
HI, I’m Richard. Me and my wife are on a journey to show you all those special places in Denver and around it. I am also the guy with the camera, responsible for capturing each moment and giving you a hands-on experience.
