Best Restaurants in Denver (2025)

@postcardnews
 on 2025.08.19
12 Places
@postcardnews
A hand-picked mix of Denver’s essential tables and fresh standouts—independent, open now, and rooted in local culture. Cross-checked with Michelin, 5280, Eater, and respected critics so you can book with confidence.

Beckon

Fine dining restaurant · Five Points

An intimate, 18-seat counter in RiNo where chef Duncan Holmes choreographs a seasonal tasting menu with polished hospitality. Consistently lauded by the Michelin Guide, which also recognized the team for outstanding service, it’s Denver fine dining at its warmest.

https://guide.michelin.com/en/colorado/denver_1261491/restaurant/beckon
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Beckon (@beckon_denver)

BRUTO

Restaurant · Union Station

At this Dairy Block chef’s counter, hearth cooking, house-milled grains, and a deep fermentation program shape an inventive tasting. Michelin awarded a star and a Green Star for sustainability, and critics praise its tight narrative and craft.

https://guide.michelin.com/en/colorado/denver_1261491/restaurant/bruto
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BRUTØ (@brutodenver)

The Wolf's Tailor

Restaurant · Sunnyside

A creative, sustainability-minded tasting where Colorado produce meets technique spanning Asia to Italy. Michelin bestowed a star and a Green Star; local writers celebrate the boundary-pushing ferments and smart beverage pairings.

https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/colorado/denver_1261491/restaurant/the-wolf-s-tailor
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Baldío (@baldio.mx)

Alma Fonda Fina

Restaurant · Highland

Chef Johnny Curiel channels Mexican roots into crudos, masa, and those famed sourdough tortillas. Michelin awarded a star, and the restaurant was a 2025 James Beard Best New Restaurant nominee—expect high demand and high payoff.

https://www.jamesbeard.org/stories/2025-james-beard-awards-restaurant-and-chef-nominees
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Alma Fonda Fina (@almalohidenver)

Hop Alley

Chinese restaurant · Five Points

Tommy Lee’s spirited spot nods to historic Chinatown with bold, Sichuan-leaning plates and a serious bar. A Michelin Bib Gourmand and frequent Eater and 5280 favorite, it’s a go-to for groups and adventurous palates.

https://guide.michelin.com/en/colorado/denver_1261491/restaurant/hop-alley
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by H O P ALLEY || The Chef’s Counter (@hopalleydenver)

La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal

Mexican restaurant · Five Points

Denver’s pozolería offers rojo, verde, blanco, and even black pozole alongside a deep mezcal list. Michelin’s Bib Gourmand confirms what locals know, and chef José Avila’s work is often cited by regional critics as essential Denver dining.

https://guide.michelin.com/en/colorado/denver_1261491/restaurant/la-diabla-pozole-y-mezcal
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal (@ladiabladenver)

Temaki Den

Sushi restaurant · Five Points

From the team behind Denver’s Den Corner, this Source Market Hall favorite rolls pristine hand rolls to order and torches aburi nigiri at the counter. Michelin-recommended and praised by local editors for quality and value.

https://guide.michelin.com/en/colorado/denver_1261491/restaurant/temaki-den
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 5280 Magazine (@5280magazine)

Sap Sua

Vietnamese restaurant · Congress Park

A Colfax standout reimagining Vietnamese flavors with verve—think tomato toast with culantro or bún chả with Colorado fruit. Featured in The New York Times Restaurant List coverage and celebrated by 5280 for its progressive team culture.

https://www.westword.com/restaurants/three-colorado-spots-make-nyt-50-best-us-restaurants-list-22039530
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Patrick Hallahan (@patrickthallahan)

Lucina Eatery & Bar

Restaurant · Park Hill

Park Hill’s Latin kitchen draws on Caribbean, Mexican, and Mediterranean influences for sunny, shareable plates. Praised by local critics and a 2025 James Beard Best Chef Mountain semifinalist team, it’s a neighborhood star with destination cooking.

https://www.jamesbeard.org/index.php/blog/the-2025-james-beard-award-semifinalists
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by DiningOut Denver (@diningoutdnvr)

Mercantile

Restaurant · Union Station

An Union Station anchor from James Beard winner Alex Seidel, recently refreshed with a 2025 renovation. Critics highlight its Colorado producer ties, flexible café-by-day format, and seasonal dinner menu for travelers and locals alike.

https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/03/21/alex-seidel-chef-mercantile-restaurant-industry-denver
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Denver Union Station (@denverunionstation)

Tavernetta

Italian restaurant · Union Station

From the Frasca team, this Union Station-adjacent favorite balances regional Italian classics with gracious service. A Michelin Bib Gourmand and frequent critic pick for well-executed pastas and a savvy wine list.

https://guide.michelin.com/en/colorado/denver_1261491/restaurant/tavernetta

Yuan Wonton

Asian restaurant · Park Hill

Penelope Wong’s beloved dumpling shop graduates from food truck to brick-and-mortar with limited lunch and pop-up dinners. Recognized by national and local editors and a 2025 James Beard Best Chef Mountain semifinalist, it’s worth planning around the hours.

https://www.jamesbeard.org/index.php/blog/the-2025-james-beard-award-semifinalists
@postcardnews
Globey
Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.