$$$Contemporary, Fusion
Perched above Tennyson Street, Hey Kiddo stands out as the hippest of Denver powerhouse Chef Kelly Whitaker’s empire. The third-floor venue encompasses a rooftop bar area and a bespoke cocktail lounge in the back (referred to as “Ok Yeah”) but the restaurant is the heart of the operation. The playful menu centers around broadly Asian-inflected shareable plates like an exceptionally crunchy take on Korean fried chicken, or tender pork ribs with a salted plum barbecue sauce, accompanied by compelling sides like crispy potato pavé with a trout roe gravy, or an assortment of house-made pickles and
$$Japanese, Contemporary
Housed in a brick building that was once a firehouse, this unconventional izakaya from Chef Bill Taibe offers approachable Japanese cooking by way of Connecticut (home of the original location). To match the freewheeling cuisine, the vibe is lively and relaxed, with an ample bar reserved for walk-ins that offers an ideal spot to nibble while tippling an assortment of sakes and cocktails. The menu has a bit of everything, from creative shareable plates like a scallop crudo with grapefruit, ginger, and dill, or a kung pao chicken karaage; more substantial dishes of noodles, as in a carbonara-lik
$$$$Steakhouse, American
With its prime corner location, large picture windows and beautifully framed doors, A5 Steakhouse beckons diners with an instant warmth. Inside, an attractive bar is particularly welcoming, especially at happy hour, while the dining room shares a retro vibe complete with kitschy artwork. The kitchen is headed by Partner/Chef Max MacKissock who doles out classic steakhouse favorites with slight variations, as in a wedge salad with cubes of avocado, tomato confit, pickled red onion and crisp guanciale doused in Roquefort dressing. The Denver steak does its namesake proud, with anterior chuck fro
$$$$Japanese, Fusion
Tucked in the basement of a restaurant and only accessible through an unmarked alleyway door, Ukiyo has a classic speakeasy feel. With just two seatings nightly, this secretive spot serves a multicourse tasting menu rooted in Japanese technique but layered with bold influences from Southeast Asian and Peruvian cuisines. Global influences are seen in starters like focaccia bread with tom yum butter and dishes like raw black seabass with Peruvian pepper sauce atop a shiso leaf. Nigiri is at once traditional (think otoro with scallion and ginger) and iconoclastic (minced chicken with lemongrass a
$$$American
They may have their own entrance, but it's worth the walk through Union Station to arrive at this handsome spot complete with wood floors and tables, tufted leather banquettes and a soothing palette of brown and blue. The elevated take on American cuisine is inflected with global touches with plenty of appeaing choices. There's even a lunch prix fixe with two courses (plus the option to add a wine pairing if you’re in the mood). Go for the roasted broccoli Caesar, followed up by the fried chicken banh mi for a treat.
$$$Contemporary
Tucked inside the Gravity Haus hotel in the LoHi district, step past two sets of doors to find this moody-eclectic spot with a vintage vibe and a contemporary, plant-forward menu. Whether you order a la carte or choose a customizable tasting menu, expect bold and creative dishes with plenty of personality and character. Take the butternut squash soup that's far from a typical bowl. Here, butter-poached Dungeness crab takes center stage in a bowl with a ginger and pepita crumble and sunchoke chips, plus a tableside pour of soup. Salmon is sided by a crispy fennel cake with sunchoke puree and ro
$$$$Steakhouse, American Contemporary
Guard and Grace occupies an enviable location at the base of the 56-floor Brookfield Building in downtown Denver. Expectations at this restaurant in one of the city's tallest skyscrapers are deservedly high, as this ultra-sleek space delivers day and night. The vast space is stunning, with an oak fire roaring in the open kitchen, a floor-to ceiling wine room and a sophisticated blend of modernity and rusticity. Steaks are the obvious draw but a full seafood bar is a close second. Artichoke and spinach dip is a rich and flavorful starter before tucking in to filet mignon with lime smashed potat
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews
Guard and Grace is an upscale American contemporary steakhouse in Arvada, holding a 4.5/5 average on TripAdvisor. Food quality is generally praised, with standout items including Wagyu New York steaks, octopus, and fish dishes, though some guests reported tough meat or salty sides. Service is largely commended for being attentive and celebratory, yet criticized for slow pacing or intrusive behavior. The atmosphere is lively and bustling; while the main dining room can be loud with techno-style music, back rooms offer quieter settings. Value perceptions vary significantly, with some finding it worth the cost while others deem it overpriced given the inconsistent experience.
Ideal for diners seeking high-quality steaks and a vibrant atmosphere, but booking off-peak hours or private rooms is recommended for a better experience.
$$Pizza
Set in the shadow of Coors Field, Marco's takes pride in being the only spot in Colorado to be certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana—a stamp of approval from the Italian birthplace of this beloved foodstuff. The crust alone makes a strong case, made with flavorful, hand-stretched dough, expertly fired in a traditional oven, with beautifully blistered, flame-kissed edges, but the quality of the toppings impresses as well, from San Marzano tomatoes, to prosciutto di parma, to aged pecorino. No substitutions are allowed on the Neapolitan pies, but non-traditional offerings will gi
$$$Eastern European
This hand-built gift from Dushanbe, Boulder's sister city in Tajikistan, offers a respite from quotidian life. Walk through the front garden and you'll be instantly transported to a zen-filled, magical space. If the bucolic setting doesn't lower your blood pressure, the stunning interior that transports you to a faraway culture will. As the name suggests, tea is the raison d'être here, and the selection is comprehensive. From apple strudel and samosas to feijoada and plov (a buttery rice dish studded with chickpeas, dried fruit and grilled beef), the menu reads like a world explorer's diary. N
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.2/5 · 80 reviews
Boulder Dushanbe Tea House offers a diverse menu featuring Eastern European and American fusion dishes, with cheese curds, burgers, and fish tacos receiving high praise for quality. The atmosphere is lively and distinctive, though some guests note potential noise or seating constraints. Service is inconsistent; while regulars appreciate attentive care, peak hours often bring delays in ordering and slow responses, particularly at the bar, affecting meal pacing. Value is mixed: although portion sizes are sometimes considered small, happy hour deals and lunch specials provide reasonable options. Overall, it suits travelers seeking unique culinary experiences who can tolerate occasional service variability.
Suitable for travelers seeking unique fusion cuisine who can tolerate occasional service variability.
$Chinese
This humble operation wears its charms on its sleeves: a mother-and-son collaboration between businessman Edwin Zoe and Chef Anna Zoe, who cooks up her take on traditional from-scratch recipes using high quality ingredients, resulting in soul-satisfying, homey dishes—the appeal is not hard to find. The pint-sized space is counter service only—you’ll seat yourself and bus your own table—but the exceedingly reasonable prices make this an easy value proposition. Staples like dan dan noodles and potstickers are top-notch, but look out for rotating daily specials like Sichuan braised beef soup nood
$$$Italian, Contemporary
Partners Ty Leon, Austin Carson and Heather Morrison bring their talents to bear at one of the city's hottest tables, respectively overseeing cooking, beverages and warm hospitality (Morrison's daughter is also the restaurant's namesake). House-made pasta occupies the bulk of the menu, from bronze-die extruded gemelli with Umbrian sausage and pecorino cream, or hand-shaped tortellini filled with braised duck. The offerings range from fairly traditional, like the tagliatelle Bolognese, to inventively globe-trotting, as in ricotta gnocchi paired coconut lobster bisque and black garlic, but asser
$$$Italian, Contemporary
The entrance flies a bit under the radar (hint: look for the "S" on the door), but once inside owner Stella Spanu's Italian gem, nothing is held back. The place is utterly stunning with a discernible 1930s sexy speakeasy ambience. The menu impresses with a focused selection of pan-regional Italian dishes. If comfort is what you need, start with ribollita, that traditional, thick Tuscan soup brimming with vegetables, beans and silky bread. Limone e uova di mare offers a dramatic presentation with a nest of spaghettone alla chitarra, while Milanese di vitello, with a properly thick chop of satin
$$$American
It's a farmhouse-meets-lodge vibe at Jill and Chef Eric Skokan's Bramble & Hare, where wood paneled walls and wood floors keep things rustic, and chairs and loveseats are draped with fur throws for an extra dose of charm. The couple's own farm supplies most of the inspiration for the dishes on this American menu—even down to the prosciutto they age in-house from their own pigs. Those impressive ingredients aren't gussied up in this kitchen, where a smart but straightforward cooking style allows them to truly shine. Many items are married in new and creative ways. Case in point? The salted turn
$$$Contemporary
Smack dab in the heart of charming downtown Boulder, Oak at Fourteenth invites guests to settle in to a space where light wood floors, white walls and a minimalist design aesthetic set a modern tone. The kitchen echoes the contemporary mindset with a hearty menu focused on meat, but with equal care shown to vegetarian dishes. To begin, a vibrant disc of beet tartare is served with mustard ice cream and a beet-colored rice cracker for a dramatic start. Rotisserie chicken with a green apple and celery root slaw is a go-to, but save room for a slice of their peanut butter tart. With its thick coo
$$Barbecue, American
This counter service fast-casual concept in the Source Hotel may have an approachable, no-frills ambiance, but Chef Bill Espiricueta, an Austin native, is clearly serious about barbecue. From succulent brisket to jalapeño sausage links studded with oozing cheddar cheese, the restaurant's namesake is deployed skillfully, pervading the food with a subtle, savory aroma that doesn't overpower. Typical sides like slaw and mac & cheese are passable, but shouldn't distract from the meaty main event—fried fare like sweet potato tots and French fries might tempt those with truly outsize appetites, and
$$$Israeli
Safta may mean "grandmother" in Hebrew, but there's nothing old school about this restaurant, Chef Alon Shaya's first outside Louisiana. Instead, this hot spot is located in the trendy Source Hotel. At first glance, it looks like you’re walking toward a coffee counter (and you are), but it wraps around to the restaurant and the kitchen. It's all airy and upbeat, just like the Israeli menu that lists many favorites but feels original and interesting. There must be hummus, of course, but here it's given a fresh take with roasted chanterelle mushrooms and chermoula butter served with freshly bake
$$$Japanese
Temaki Den is nestled within The Source Hotel + Market Hall. It's an open space, tucked among other vendors, and a dark color palette lends a modern, if moody, feel to this spot. As the name suggests, it is all about temaki, or handrolls, though they do feature aburi (flame-seared) nigiri as well. Begin with broccolini goma-ae, a nicely balanced dish of blanched bright green broccolini dressed in a sesame dressing, before moving on to temaki, available à la carte or as a set. Rolled for guests, one at a time, the Scottish salmon belly with yuzu kosho and crispy shallots is a standout. Don't sk
$$American, Mexican
Chef Hosea Rosenberg draws inspiration from his hometown of Taos, in northern New Mexico, to deliver a menu of satisfying, rustic cooking. Guests can stop in at all times of day to satisfy a craving for southwestern fare. In the morning, grab-and-go breakfast burritos are the mainstay, while at lunch, casual counter service encompasses a broader array of options from pozole to tortas. Finally, at dinner, full table service accommodates a livelier crowd where margaritas flow with the full menu in play, featuring specialties like roasted chicken mole with red pepper polenta.
$$Italian, Contemporary
Chefs/owners Spencer White and Alex Figura have a background in fine dining, but this popular fast-casual concept thrives on an accessible, laid-back format. Creativity and a clear understanding of flavor go hand in hand on a small, seasonal menu, with house-made forming the centerpiece of the operation (both literally and figuratively—a pasta production table is visible at the heart of the kitchen), from tradition-adjacent mafaldine cacio e pepe, boosted with pink peppercorn, to totally iconoclastic combinations like casarecce with shrimp, dill and toasted parmesan.
$$$$Mexican, Contemporary
Slightly moody with statement lighting and a vibe-y ambience, Chef Johnny Curiel's vibrant spot taps into his roots in the Jalisco Highlands of Mexico. Inspired by the rustic dishes of his upbringing and the regional flavors of Los Altos, Alteño offers a fresh, thoughtful take on traditional Mexican cooking—think bold flavors and a clear respect for regional ingredients. The menu moves from bright seafood and raw plates into soulful appetizers, tacos and larger-format entrees meant for sharing. You’ll find everything from aguachile and carne apache to roasted sweet potatoes, tacos packed with
$$$American, Steakhouse
Chef/owner Hosea Rosenberg is a familiar name in these parts, and Blackbelly Market is just one of the reasons why. There are plenty of spots to sip and snack here, whether at the counter facing the open kitchen, the well-stocked bar area, or the polished, dark wood tables. Take a peek at the refrigerated, glassed-in butchery room, where you may see Head Butcher Kelly Kawachi holding court. You'll taste her handiwork across the menu, and in the charcuterie boards showcasing duck rillette, pork terrine, headcheese and saucisson. Koji-cured pork is supremely flavorful, while agnolotti made of ca
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 80 reviews
Blackbelly Market in Boulder maintains a strong reputation with high overall ratings. Food quality is generally praised, particularly for small plates like chicken liver mousse, beef tartar, and bone marrow, which are described as fresh and flavorful. However, some guests note inconsistencies, citing overly spiced lunch items or tough steaks. Service is highlighted as professional and attentive, with staff offering helpful recommendations. The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed, suitable for post-hike dining without judgment. Value perceptions vary significantly: dinner experiences are often deemed worth the cost, while lunch visits frequently receive criticism for high prices relative to portion sizes and quality. Overall, the restaurant excels in dinner service and culinary creativity, making it a solid choice for those seeking a refined American steakhouse experience.
Recommended for diners seeking high-quality small plates and dinner experiences, avoiding lunch visits.
$$$French
The owners of this cozy spot in North Denver drew its inspiration from their love of the casual bistros and wine bars of Montreal, resulting in a certain approachable charm that makes it a neighborhood restaurant par excellence. It also comes through both in the rustic aesthetic, and moreover in the small menu of staples like steak frites with creamy pepper sauce, rib-sticking chicken fricassee with Boursin pomme purée, and comforting French onion soup, alongside more inventive items like blood sausage fried wontons with tamari vinaigrette. There's also an excellent burger. Well-crafted cockta
$$$$Italian, Regional Cuisine
Here you'll find one of Denver's most esteemed and longstanding fine dining establishments, which keeps a loyal stable of regulars thanks to its singular hospitality and finely tuned, flavorful take on Northern Italian cuisine. The service is among the warmest and most knowledgeable you'll find anywhere, a fact that surely owes something to annual staff trips to Europe. The team is only too glad to provide expert assistance plumbing the depths of one of Colorado's most impressive wine lists—which encompasses a nearly biblical amount of the restaurant's namesake—to match a menu that might inclu
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.6/5 · 80 reviews
Located in Centennial, Barolo Grill is noted for authentic Italian cuisine and an extensive wine list. Reviews frequently praise high food quality, attentive service, and a welcoming atmosphere, particularly recommending the tasting menu with wine pairings. However, some guests reported issues such as overly salty dishes, slow pacing, or noisy environments. While the strip-mall location may deter some, the interior experience is generally well-regarded, though value perceptions vary.
Ideal for diners prioritizing wine pairings and authentic Italian flavors; reservations are recommended.