Best Restaurants in Denver (2025)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.