El Five

"Between the steamy vintage movie posters from Turkey and Egypt, the sparkle of countless mirrors, and the sweeping views of downtown on one side and the mountains on the other, this pan-Mediterranean penthouse has been at the top of the to-do list for canoodling couples since its opening in 2017. But it’s not just the atmosphere that’s sexy: Tapas like truffled dolmas with squash agrodolce and pine nut yogurt, half-portions of paella perfect for parties (and we do mean parties) of two, and splashy cocktails laced with heady ingredients such as fig and lavender all make for an evening to remember." - Ruth Tobias

"Fact: Matzo ball soup dumplings and patatas bravas taste better when paired with a killer view. El Five, which is located on the fifth floor in a LoHi penthouse, has one of the best vistas in town and a tapas menu that covers much of the globe. With its city and mountain views, party-all-the-time vibe, sexy space with risque vintage posters, and top-notch food and drinks from the Edible Beats group—they run other hotspots like Linger, Root Down, and Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox—El Five is one of the busiest restaurants in town, so book ahead for your next date night." - allyson reedy, anne cruz

"The 2017 winner of the Eater Award for Design of the Year is still one of the sexiest haunts in town — and the substance matches the style: elaborate mezze platters, tapas both traditional and modern, luscious paellas, and colorful cocktails are built for sharing with an equally eye-catching crowd. (Equally dazzling decor awaits at sibling Linger around the corner, set in a former mortuary, where the small plates are more global in scope.)" - Josie Sexton, Eater Staff, Ruth Tobias

"Looking like a cross between a midcentury cinema and a souk, this pan-Mediterranean lounge is as sexy as they come in Denver. The kitchen turns out tapas, meze, and paellas that only enhance the date-night experience par excellence; the same goes for the bar, with its flair for flamboyant cocktails and a wine list that whisks you to far-flung lands. Before booking a reservation with anyone here, ask yourself one key question: Would you go on a vacation with them? If so, prepare for your mini–Mediterranean escape right here in Denver—no packing required." - Ruth Tobias

"Just around the corner, Linger’s fabulous Mediterranean sibling El Five awaits with a patio whose skyline views from five floors up positively dazzle. Reservations are strongly recommended, so plan ahead for a night of tapas and sangria in the moonlight." - Eater Staff