Top 15 Culinary Spots in Denver That Foodies Must Explore

The culinary landscape of Denver has rapidly evolved, leaving food enthusiasts spoilt for choice when determining their next culinary stop. Do they lean towards establishments previously featured by the media or ones recommended by friends? Here’s a list of 15 delectable dining spots across Denver.

15 on our list is the Texas de Brazil, a churrascaria chain born in Texas in 1998. These restaurants are known for their unlimited servings of fire-grilled meats including beef, lamb, pork, chicken, and Brazilian sausage which are directly served at the table from skewers. They also offer a comprehensive salad section featuring an array of seasonal, chef-crafted sides.

At number 14, we have the True Food Kitchen located at Cherry Creek. A brainchild of Dr. Andrew Weil, an integrative medicine physician, this restaurant is a testament to Denver’s commitment to contemporary healthy dining. Created in Arizona in 2008, the seasonal and chef-created menus are designed to not only cater to varied dietary needs but also promote anti-inflammatory diets.

Alteño, the fourth establishment by Johnny and Kasie Curiel ranks 13. This new venture by Michelin-starred chef Johnny Curiel is a tribute to his Jaliscan Highland origins. Mixing heritage tastes and preparations, Alteño exhibits the cuisine and culture of the famous Los Altos de Jalisco.

Kawa Ni, an American take on an izakaya or Japanese pub, is at number 12. Chef Bill Taibe introduced this LoHi sensation that quickly proliferated to Denver, providing delicious dishes accompanied by a hearty selection at the bar.

Renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa who has gained fame worldwide for his innovative approach to Japanese cuisine claims the 11th spot. The menu of his Cherry Creek restaurant reflects his culinary journey through Tokyo, Peru, Argentina, and other locations. Signature dishes include yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño, black cod miso, and whitefish tiradito.

For a more upscale surf-and-turf experience, Ocean Prime at the Denver Tech Center sits on the tenth spot offering a quality selection of seafood and steaks.

Taking the ninth spot is Shanahan’s, named after the co-founder and ex-Denver Broncos football coach. Far from being a sports bar, it’s a contemporary, artistic rendition of a classic steakhouse with exclusive USDA prime-aged Midwestern beef that is unavailable at most steakhouses. Fresh and sustainable seafood is flown in daily.

Quality Italian, part of a national restaurant brand, holds the eighth spot. Featuring a 125-seat restaurant in Cherry Creek, with the elegance of a white-tablecloth steakhouse.

Seasons 52 finds itself at number seven. This eatery offers low calorie but full-flavored seasonal menus that span from burgers and steaks to pastas and salads.

Sixth is Tavernetta, an Italian restaurant widely praised by culinary foundations. The award-winning team has formulated the restaurant group’s lauded Italian cuisine and wine selections.

Denver’s tradition of Italian restaurants continues with recent additions like North Italia in Cherry Creek being a crowd favorite coming in fifth. Their menu, concentrating on pizza and pasta, also includes seafood, pork, and ribs.

Le Colonial, the fourth pick, might seem like the first to introduce Vietnamese-inspired dishes into Cherry Creek, but it continues a tradition, offering the tastes and ambiance of 1920s Saigon.

Linger makes the third position on our list, situated in a previous mortuary, it was among the first to put the emerging LoHi neighborhood on the map. Their pan-Asian and Middle Eastern menu features baos, skewers and a variety of delightful street food options.

At second, we find Guard & Grace, renowned chef Troy Guard’s local gem, celebrated for its fresh take on the American steakhouse. Located in downtown, the restaurant offers an expansive raw bar, a wood-burning oven, and an open kitchen setup.

The crown jewel, coming first, is Sushi Den owned by chef Toshi Kizaki, widely recognized as the original game-changer in the local sushi industry. As one of the pioneers of traditional Japanese street food in Denver, Sushi Den assures the freshness and authenticity of their sushi and sashimi by daily importing fish from Japan.