33 Best Restaurants in Denver

"There’s only one problem with choosing Coperta for date night: You need more bodies around the table to explore every section of the menu. Even the selection of salumi and formaggi, a token gesture at far too many restaurants, is special here, incorporating numerous house-made items as well as such delightful stuff as spuma di lardo and sottocenere al tartufo. And while the kitchen does a bang-up job of classics like calamari fritti, cacio e pepe, and pollo alla diavola, it’s the seasonal creations that make lasting impressions. Maybe it’ll be luscious prosciutto-wrapped octopus dotted with cannellini and diced fennel in a pool of Sherry-sage vinaigrette that moves you. Maybe it’ll be a sprightly bite of green garlic casarecce tossed with lemony goat cheese and pickled walnuts or confit duck leg over soft polenta, brightened by a dollop of apricot-pine nut relish and a sprinkle of lemon balm." - Ruth Tobias