Denver, the capital city of Colorado, is making a name for itself as a culinary destination. Surrounded by a staggering variety of dining options — from world-class restaurants (Denver is home to 26 Michelin-recognised restaurants as of 2023) to boutique breweries and craft cocktail lounges.
For wine and craft beer enthusiasts, Denver is brimming with wine bars (try Denver’s longest-running bar Cruise Room), innovative breweries such as Blue Moon and the Denver Beer Trail. For those seeking a hands-on experience, culinary tours and cooking classes led by local chefs provide a deeper insight into the city’s diverse food culture.
Keep reading for our comprehensive guide on the best Michelin-recommended places to eat and drink in Denver, Colorado.
Must-visit restaurants in Denver
Tavernetta
Sommelier Bobby Stuckey and chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson (Frasca Hospitality Group) are the brains behind this swish Italian restaurant. With an open kitchen, pasta station and Slim Aarons portraits celebrating la dolce vita, the glamorous venue is an instant ticket to Italy, as is the menu. Expect well-executed antipasti, generous mains of fish and meat and indulgent pastas ranging from rigatoni with lamb ragù to saffron-spiced bucatini.
tavernettadenver.com
A5 Steakhouse
What to expect at restaurateur Juan Padró and chef-partner Max Mackissock’s interpretation of the all-American steakhouse? The answer lies in retro-style interiors paired with an extensive wine list, diverse steak selection and seasonal menu with riffs on familiar favourites. Mackissock’s crab cakes, for instance, reinvent traditional steakhouse dining by fusing Jonah crab with cucumbers and yuzu kosho aioli, topped with togarashi-dusted potato chips.
Mercantile Dining & Provision
Located in the vibrant Union Station in the centre of the city, Mercantile opened in 2014 with an artisanal market, barista station, chef’s counter, two patios, a spice treasury and impressive wine library. Since then, the expansive farm to table venue led by chef Alex Seidel has evolved to a culinary museum of sorts, complete with a hallway of jarred produce, plus a lunch and dinner menu highlighting modern American cuisine (you can’t go wrong with a robust burger).
Barolo Grill
Located in charming and lively Cherry Creek North, this northern Italian restaurant is the perfect place for an intimate date night. The romantic atmosphere (think gentle lighting, a fireplace and white-clothed tables for two) is enhanced by the beautifully crafted pasta dishes and bottles of Barolo — the venue’s namesake. Expect warm and knowledgeable service from the staff, who take annual Europe trips to hone their expertise. Visit for excellent service and one of the most attractive dining rooms in the city.
Guard and Grace
This modern American steakhouse is the latest venue by chef and restaurateur Troy Guard. The well-appointed interior space — with its crescent-shaped booths, lavish bar seating and glass-enclosed wine cellar — is just as impressive as the beef and seafood-centric menu starring wagyu and grass-fed steaks, oysters and lobsters.
For more Michelin-recommended bars and restaurants in Denver, explore here.
Flight Centre’s ‘Downtown Denver Sips & Sights’ is the ultimate three-day holiday package, including accommodation, a Denver cocktail tour for two and optional return flights. Book now to make the most of your USA holiday.
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Welcome to Denver, a vibrant outdoor city, basking in 300 days of sunshine. With a walkable downtown, diverse neighbourhoods, a thriving arts and culture scene, chef-driven dining and a stunning Rocky Mountain backdrop, Denver offers year-round affordable adventures for travellers of all kinds.
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