Denver, known as the Mile High City, offers a culinary scene as diverse as its breathtaking landscapes. From rustic steakhouses to trendy fusion eateries and cozy breakfast spots, the city is filled with food experiences that highlight both tradition and creativity. If you’re planning to savor the best Denver has to offer, this curated list will guide you through the city’s must-try restaurants. Each entry includes practical details—location, average price per person, signature highlights, opening hours, and how you can reserve your spot.
1. Mercantile Dining & Provision
Why visit: Located inside the historic Union Station, Mercantile combines a European-style market with a contemporary restaurant. It’s a hotspot for anyone wanting a taste of seasonal Colorado ingredients prepared with finesse.
- Address: 1701 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202
- Average Price per Person: $40–$70
- Signature Highlights: The lamb shank, house-made pastas, and artisan charcuterie boards are crowd favorites. Don’t miss their rotating seasonal specials that highlight local produce.
- Opening Hours:
- Lunch: Monday–Friday, 11:00 am – 2:30 pm
- Dinner: Daily, 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Reservations: Best made by phone in advance, especially for dinner service and weekends.
2. Guard and Grace
Why visit: This modern steakhouse elevates the classic American steak experience. The sleek design, extensive wine list, and perfectly grilled steaks make it a destination for celebrations or indulgent nights out.
- Address: 1801 California St, Denver, CO 80202
- Average Price per Person: $60–$120
- Signature Highlights: Filet mignon, grass-fed ribeye, and oak-fired oysters. Their seafood tower is also a highlight for those who want a grand experience.
- Opening Hours:
- Monday–Thursday: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Friday: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Saturday: 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Sunday: 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
- Reservations: Call the restaurant ahead; dinner slots book quickly during peak dining hours.
3. Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
Why visit: Denver’s breakfast darling, Snooze has redefined morning dining with inventive twists on classics. Expect a lively atmosphere with colorful interiors and a menu that pushes pancake creativity to the max.
- Address: 2262 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
- Average Price per Person: $15–$25
- Signature Highlights: Pineapple upside-down pancakes, breakfast tacos, and their customizable pancake flights. Pair with a house Bloody Mary for the perfect brunch.
- Opening Hours: Daily, 6:30 am – 2:30 pm
- Reservations: Snooze doesn’t always take reservations; phone ahead to check wait times or join the call-ahead list.
4. Work & Class
Why visit: This laid-back spot blends Latin American flavors with Southern U.S. comfort food. Its cozy, no-nonsense setting makes it a local favorite.
- Address: 2500 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
- Average Price per Person: $30–$50
- Signature Highlights: Slow-roasted lamb, roasted pig, and empanadas. Their rotating cocktails are just as popular as their mains.
- Opening Hours:
- Tuesday–Thursday: 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm
- Friday–Saturday: 4:30 pm – 10:00 pm
- Sunday & Monday: Closed
- Reservations: Limited tables—call in advance, especially for weekends.
5. Rioja
Why visit: Located in Denver’s historic Larimer Square, Rioja brings Mediterranean-inspired cuisine to the city. With a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients and artistic plating, it’s perfect for those seeking a refined dining experience.
- Address: 1431 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202
- Average Price per Person: $50–$90
- Signature Highlights: Handmade pastas, artichoke tortelloni, and the Rioja paella. Their bread basket, served with creative dipping oils, is legendary.
- Opening Hours:
- Lunch: Monday–Friday, 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
- Dinner: Monday–Thursday, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm; Friday–Saturday, 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Sunday Brunch: 10:30 am – 2:30 pm
- Reservations: Recommended by phone, especially for weekend brunch and dinner.
6. Denver Biscuit Company
Why visit: Famous for gigantic biscuit sandwiches, this spot takes comfort food to the next level. It’s casual, fun, and a must-visit for those with hearty appetites.
- Address: 3237 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206
- Average Price per Person: $15–$25
- Signature Highlights: The “Franklin” (fried chicken, bacon, and sausage gravy), biscuit cinnamon rolls, and biscuit pot pie.
- Opening Hours:
- Monday–Friday: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Saturday–Sunday: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Reservations: Walk-ins are common, but calling ahead can save you from long waits on weekends.
7. Root Down
Why visit: Root Down blends global flavors with local produce, creating a menu that caters well to both omnivores and vegetarians. The converted gas station space adds unique character.
- Address: 1600 W 33rd Ave, Denver, CO 80211
- Average Price per Person: $40–$70
- Signature Highlights: Colorado lamb sliders, beet gnocchi, and creative small plates like veggie tacos. Their cocktails are equally inventive.
- Opening Hours:
- Dinner: Monday–Thursday, 4:30 pm – 9:30 pm; Friday–Saturday, 4:30 pm – 10:00 pm
- Brunch: Saturday–Sunday, 10:00 am – 2:30 pm
- Reservations: Call to book; highly recommended for brunch.
8. Hop Alley
Why visit: For Chinese cuisine with bold flavors and a Denver twist, Hop Alley is unbeatable. It’s lively, vibrant, and celebrated for its creative takes on Chinese classics.
- Address: 3500 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
- Average Price per Person: $35–$60
- Signature Highlights: Beijing duck rolls, bone marrow fried rice, and spicy mapo tofu.
- Opening Hours:
- Tuesday–Thursday: 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm
- Friday–Saturday: 5:00 pm – 10:30 pm
- Sunday: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
- Monday: Closed
- Reservations: Phone reservations advised, especially for groups.
9. El Five
Why visit: With sweeping views of downtown Denver, El Five offers Mediterranean tapas in a stylish rooftop setting. The atmosphere is as remarkable as the food.
- Address: 2930 Umatilla St, 5th Floor, Denver, CO 80211
- Average Price per Person: $50–$90
- Signature Highlights: Lamb rib kebabs, paella, and their creative mezze plates. The panoramic skyline view is a bonus.
- Opening Hours:
- Sunday–Thursday: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Friday–Saturday: 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Reservations: Phone ahead early, as tables with skyline views fill quickly.
10. The Cherry Cricket
Why visit: A Denver institution since the 1940s, The Cherry Cricket is known for its no-frills, customizable burgers and casual vibe.
- Address: 2641 E 2nd Ave, Denver, CO 80206
- Average Price per Person: $20–$35
- Signature Highlights: Build-your-own burgers with endless toppings, green chili fries, and milkshakes.
- Opening Hours:
- Sunday–Thursday: 11:00 am – 12:00 am
- Friday–Saturday: 11:00 am – 2:00 am
- Reservations: Walk-ins welcome, but larger groups should call ahead.
Insider Foodie Tips for Denver
- Reservations are crucial for dinner at many top Denver restaurants, particularly Thursday through Saturday evenings. Calling a few days in advance is usually enough.
- Happy Hour Deals: Many spots—like Root Down and Rioja—offer discounted drinks and small plates in late afternoons.
- Explore beyond downtown: RiNo (River North Arts District) and LoHi (Lower Highlands) are foodie neighborhoods filled with creative restaurants and bars.
- Try local flavors: Green chili, bison, and craft beer are integral parts of Denver’s food identity. Don’t leave without sampling them.
- Altitude awareness: At one mile above sea level, alcohol can hit harder. Pace yourself when enjoying cocktails or craft brews.
Denver’s culinary landscape is a delightful mix of hearty, comforting dishes and refined, globally inspired creations. What makes the Mile High City truly stand out is the way it celebrates both tradition and innovation on every plate. Dining here is not just about satisfying hunger—it’s about exploring a city that reflects its cultural diversity, its love for fresh local ingredients, and its adventurous spirit.
If you’re in the mood for indulgence, Denver has you covered with elegant steakhouses serving perfectly aged cuts of beef, often paired with extensive wine lists and intimate atmospheres that make any evening feel like a special occasion. For those seeking something more casual yet equally satisfying, you’ll find playful breakfast cafés offering pancake flights, biscuit sandwiches the size of your head, and morning cocktails that guarantee a cheerful start to the day.
Travelers with an appetite for global flavors won’t be disappointed either. Denver embraces influences from Mediterranean, Latin American, and Asian cuisines, with chefs reimagining classics in bold and creative ways. Imagine savoring handmade pastas in a historic downtown square, or enjoying rooftop tapas with panoramic views of the city skyline—these are the kinds of experiences that make dining here unforgettable.
And of course, no food journey in Denver would be complete without tasting its local specialties. Green chili, often smoky and spicy, appears in everything from burgers to breakfast burritos. Bison, lean yet flavorful, highlights Colorado’s ranching heritage. Pair these dishes with a pint from one of the city’s many craft breweries, and you’ll understand why Denver has become a magnet for food lovers nationwide.
With this guide, you’re equipped not only with a list of outstanding restaurants but also the practical details—addresses, price ranges, opening hours, and reservation tips—that take the stress out of planning. Whether you’re a first-time visitor looking to hit the highlights or a returning traveler eager to uncover new hidden gems, Denver’s dining scene invites you to slow down, savor, and experience the city one bite at a time.
