Alma Fonda Fina
Restaurant · Highland
2556 15th St, Denver, CO 80211
Highlights
Avocado margaritas, agave-roasted sweet potatoes, and soulful Mexican plates
Avocado margaritas, agave-roasted sweet potatoes, and soulful Mexican plates
"This Denver establishment was a finalist in the Best New Restaurant category at the James Beard Awards but did not take home the prize." - Paolo Bicchieri
"By turns bold and intricate, grounded in tradition and wildly creative, Guadalajara-bred rising star Johnny Curiel’s seasonal repertoire packs a wallop of intrigue for its size. For the ultimate Alma experience, book seats at the chef’s counter and order at least one item from every section of the menu: Think frijoles puercos with chorizo and fabulous sourdough tortillas, adobo-seared hamachi with roasted pineapple puree and tepache oil, enmoladas de pollo in mole pipián rojo, and halibut a la Veracruzana in tomato-olive broth with chive-serrano butter. Make sure to order an avocado margarita. (All that said, don’t sweat it if reservations are proving hard to come by following Alma’s Michelin Guide recognition — instead, check out adjacent cantina Mezcaleria Alma or brand-new Cherry Creek sibling Alteño, which are every bit as commendable.)" - Ruth Tobias
"This place lives up to its name in spades. Alma is Spanish for “soul,” which emanates from every inch of the earth-toned decor, every interaction with the thoughtful staff, and every inspired bite of Mexican food that chef-owner Johnny Curiel and his team painstakingly present over the course of a meal here — be it diver scallop crudo in serrano ponzu and tomato butter, enmoladas de pollo, or Sakura pork belly with frijoles charros and salsa verde. Aeats at the chef’s counter may be the hottest ticket in town." - Ruth Tobias
"Feel like the ultimate it couple with seats at the chef’s counter of one of the hottest spots in town hands down, where Johnny Curiel’s team is engaging yet discreet as they serve up adobo-seared hamachi in roasted pineapple puree, sopes de asada with cactus salad, lamb shank with refried corn beans, and other dishes to warm the heart and stir the soul. (Given that reservations aren’t easy to come by, it should be noted that a similarly stimulating experience awaits at dark charmer Mezcaleria Alma next door.)" - Ruth Tobias
"This Denver restaurant is known for its Camote Asado—a roasted sweet potato dish with agave and salsa macha, showcasing technical finesse and mastery of flavor." - MICHELIN Guide
