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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Highlands, Denver / Colorado

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76 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Linger restaurant
1. Linger
4.7
Exceptional(7947)
$$$$
• Global, International • Highlands
Booked 98 times today
Housed in a former mortuary, the decor layers macabre remnants with posh details in a window-flanked space overlooking the charming Lower Highland neighborhood. The drink menu features sips and seasonings as savory as the dishes with which they're paired. While the rooftop patio-outfitted with 1975 GMC RV as bar and repurposed food truck as kitchen- beckons patrons towards adventure.
A photo of El Five restaurant
2. El Five
4.7
Exceptional(4809)
$$$$
• Mediterranean • Highlands
Booked 111 times today
Nestled high above LoHi on the fifth floor of 2930 Umatilla, El Five boasts spectacular, unobstructed views of the downtown Denver skyline. The menu is an homage to the Mediterranean and features small plates built on bold flavors found throughout the region: Spain, North Africa, the Middle East. Inside, the space is understated and sensual, flanked by a large, open-air patio for sun-kissed Colorado nights. As the newest restaurant in the Edible Beats family, El Five celebrates the confluence of flavors, ideas and geographies made possible by a subtle shift in perspective. Please join us for Happy Hour 7 nights a week from 4-5pm.
A photo of Duo Restaurant restaurant
3. Duo Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3617)
$$$$
• Contemporary American • Highlands
Booked 8 times today
Duo Restaurant is a beloved gem in the Highlands neighborhood of Denver. Reviewers rave about its 'creative menu' and 'excellent food', with special mentions for its vegetarian options and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant's atmosphere is often described as 'cozy', 'mellow', and 'classy', with 'great service' and a 'great neighborhood vibe'. Duo is also known for its seasonal menu and special dishes, which are consistently praised for their creativity and taste. It's a place that people keep coming back to and it's worth a bit of a trek to enjoy.
A photo of Venice Ristorante & Wine Bar restaurant
4. Venice Ristorante & Wine Bar
4.8
Exceptional(4885)
$$$$
• Italian • Downtown / LoDo
Booked 51 times today
Venice Ristorante & Wine Bar in Downtown Denver provides first class Italian cuisine! Facilitating all of your event needs, from private receptions, corporate events, anniversaries and birthdays. Our amazing wine list showcases 500 Italian wines and 300 worldwide wines. At the moment we do not offer valet parking, however The Crawford offers valet parking and is available in front of Union Station. Please note, we are not affiliated with The Crawfords' Valet Parking or the parking garages around our location, thank you; Ciao!
A photo of Tavernetta Denver restaurant
Icon
5. Tavernetta Denver
4.7
Exceptional(1328)
$$$$
• Italian • Downtown / LoDo
Booked 109 times today
Tavernetta brings Authentic Italian, Genuine Hospitality to Denver’s Union Station neighborhood, inspired by the food, wine, and culture of Italy. Led by Executive Chef Cody Cheetham, the menu features fresh handmade pastas and beloved signatures like Burrata with Pesto Trapanese, Rigatoni with Lamb Ragu, and classic Tiramisu.The Italian-focused wine list and thoughtful spirits program reflect the restaurant’s deep commitment to regional traditions. Tavernetta has been recognized by the Michelin Guide (Bib Gourmand), the James Beard Foundation, the World’s 50 Best Discovery List, and Wine Spectator.The dining room blends sleek, minimalist design with vintage Slim Aarons portraits and warm handcrafted details, creating a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. Guests can also enjoy the lively train-platform patio just steps from Union Station.Tavernetta offers a transportive Italian experience rooted in comfort, craft, and genuine hospitality.
A photo of North Italia – Denver restaurant
6. North Italia – Denver
4.7
Exceptional(4816)
$$$$
• Italian • Cherry Creek
Booked 102 times today
North Italia – Denver is a neighborhood gem due to its exceptional Italian cuisine and lively atmosphere. As one reviewer said, 'North is a Cherry Creek staple. Great food, great service, and great atmosphere.' The restaurant consistently receives high ratings for food, ambience, and service. Their unique, handmade pastas and pizzas crafted from seasonal ingredients are a hit with customers. A reviewer mentioned, 'food is always great and fresh ingredients, never had a dish I did not like.' It's a must-visit spot for any occasion.
A photo of Corinne - Denver restaurant
7. Corinne - Denver
4.4
Awesome(3035)
$$$$
• Contemporary American • Downtown / LoDo
Booked 52 times today
Voted one of the best restaurants in downtown Denver, CO, we cut through the complex to find honesty and effortless simplicity, serving you the food you want with the drinks you crave. Corinne Denver provides an inviting neighborhood environment with a modern design and honest food + drinks, from hearty to healthy. Drop in and stay awhile.
A photo of Urban Farmer restaurant
8. Urban Farmer
4.5
Awesome(2426)
$$$$
• Steakhouse • Downtown / LoDo
Booked 26 times today
Urban Farmer is a neighborhood gem because it offers a unique dining experience with fresh, responsibly sourced food, high-quality ingredients, and down-to-earth values. Reviewers rave about the delicious food, great service, and comfortable ambiance. It's a place where people can create memories and communities can thrive, making it a staple in the Denver dining scene.
A photo of Kobe An - LoHi restaurant
9. Kobe An - LoHi
4.4
Awesome(560)
$$$$
• Japanese • Highlands
Booked 4 times today
Welcome to Kobe An LoHi. In addition to a full sushi and izakaya menu, our signature dish of “shabu shabu” is a traditional Japanese-style hot-pot meal. The phrase “shabu, shabu” means “swish, swish” for the custom nature of cooking this dish. We're not your typical hot-pot or fondue restaurant. Our "Shabu Shabu" style transports you across time and cultures to immerse you in a deliciously fresh and evocative world. Enjoy the skills of our chefs and bar staff as they complement this gastronomy of the past with quality sushi, crafted cocktails and small plates with a modern twist. In our beautiful dining room , or under Japanese lanterns on our patio, come savor not only the food - come savor the swish and the sushi.
A photo of Blue Sushi Sake Grill - Denver restaurant
10. Blue Sushi Sake Grill - Denver
4.8
Exceptional(613)
$$$$
• Sushi • Downtown / LoDo
Booked 27 times today
Blue Sushi Sake Grill is all about good vibes and even better experiences. We bring people together through bold, sustainable ingredients, unforgettable flavors, and a vibrant atmosphere where inspired food, great conversation, and an iconic Happy Hour take center stage.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Hassan
    Denver / Colorado •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Above and beyond everything was amazing the food the staff
    More info
    Venice Ristorante & Wine Bar$$$$• Italian• Downtown / LoDo
    •
    4.8
  • StevenGold
    New York City •76 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We shared four different pastas, three appetizers and the branzino. All were perfect. Wine steward very helpful as were all of the servers. First time here, and I'll return for sure!
    More info
    Tavernetta Denver$$$$• Italian• Downtown / LoDo
    •
    4.7
  • Erika
    Memphis / West Tennessee •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    The food was excellent! The service was excellent! I’m going back again tonight! ❤️
    More info
    Linger$$$$• Global, International• Highlands
    •
    4.7
  • SalGold
    Dallas - Fort Worth •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Exceptional service, inventive and delicious food. An overall superb experience
    More info
    El Five$$$$• Mediterranean• Highlands
    •
    4.7
  • Joede
    Denver / Colorado •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jun 21, 2026
    Our reservation was ontime and we didn't have to wait for our table. The food was outstanding as well as the service. We all loved the ambience of Duo and will difinitely come back for bruch and dinner in the future. Our only disappointment was that you were out of the Bison Short Rib Omelette. Instead I ordered the Fried Chicken Sandwich which was delicious. Someone had the Brioche French Toast, everything writen about it was true. The other person had the Cider Pork Benedict and he loved it. We will come back to try the omelette another time as well as other menu options.
    More info
    Duo Restaurant$$$$• Contemporary American• Highlands
    •
    4.7

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Highlands

Discover the charm and culinary excellence of the Highlands neighborhood in Denver, a true treasure trove for those seeking "neighborhood gems." This vibrant area showcases a variety of restaurants that stand out for their unique ambiance, exceptional service, and creative menus. Each establishment in Highlands offers a distinct dining experience, whether you're craving innovative Italian dishes with a twist, the fresh and exciting flavors of Israeli cuisine, or the heartwarming comfort of classic Italian fare rooted in decades of history. The dining scene in Highlands, Denver, is characterized by its cozy, welcoming atmospheres and a strong commitment to quality and creativity. It's the perfect destination for food enthusiasts looking to explore local flavors in a relaxed, neighborhood setting. These restaurants are praised not only for their culinary delights but also for their ability to maintain a warm, neighborhood vibe that makes each visit memorable. Frequent visitors and locals alike commend these spots for their ability to blend a homely feel with sophisticated dining, making them ideal for both casual outings and special occasions. With a focus on sourcing local ingredients and crafting memorable meals, the Highlands neighborhood gems truly embody the spirit of Denver's dynamic food scene. Whether you're a Denver local or just visiting, a meal at one of these neighborhood gems is sure to be an enriching experience.

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