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Denver's Most Iconic Restaurants

A photo of Red logo
by The OpenTable team
Updated February 12, 2020

Seasons change, trends come and go, but these restaurants have withstood the test of time—and have become integral parts of the Denver dining scene. Here are Denver’s OpenTable Classics: the places that continue to excel after 10+ years. There’s a reason they’re still around: they keep giving us a reason to come back.

A photo of Rioja restaurant
4.7
4.7 (9904)
$31 to $50
Mediterranean
Downtown / LoDo
About the restaurant
Chef Jennifer Jasinski and her team are cooking up a solid menu of consistently delicious dishes worthy of a James Beard award (that’s why they won one). Despite what the name might suggest, this isn’t Spanish food, it’s American with some Mediterranean hints. Though the menu changes often, there are some staples you can count on. Try all of their yummy breads and cheeses, and if there’s a dish with octopus, order it, they really know their way around that mollusk. There’s also a tasting menu, if you want some more variety.
Top review
mcatgirlvip
Dined on Jan 1, 2023
Went for New Year's Day brunch. Food was amazing. The service was not the usual standard we are used to at Rioja. We still enjoyed our meal and will be back.
A photo of Osteria Marco restaurant
4.4
4.4 (4542)
$30 and under
Italian
Downtown / LoDo
About the restaurant
This adorable Italian eatery—where red brick walls line the cozy dining room—could almost be mistaken for a chic little boutique from the street. Sounds surprising, but it’s pretty much all good here. The prices are reasonable, and the pizzas are outrageous. If your neighbor orders the salumi and housemade cheeses, you’ll be saying “I’ll have what she’s having.” Pair it all with their great wine, and order from the menu confidently, you can’t go wrong.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 1 day ago
Very kind and informative staff. The wine was tasty, we had a Chianti. The food was delicious. We had salad which had roasted squash, feta cheese, pecans and dried cranberries for toppings, very delicious. The prosciutto pizza with arugula was also tasty. We followed with gelato with a pour over of espresso with biscotti. Comfortable atmosphere, not too loud and very timely service. Overall, excellent experience and highly recommend.
A photo of Bistro Vendome restaurant
4.6
4.6 (7035)
$30 and under
French
Park Hill
About the restaurant
The ambiance at this French bistro, from James Beard Award-winning chef Jennifer Jasinski, is overflowing with charm. There’s a very romantic patio and one particular indoor seating area that looks like it could be a small Parisian courtyard or alleyway, with twinkle lights strung overhead. They serve all the great staples you’d expect and even have a small section of their menu dedicated solely to steak frites, so definitely get some.
Top review
LieselB
Dined on Jan 1, 2023
We were honored to spend new Years Day eating brunch in the Larimer location on its last day there. Pat, our server, was just perfect: attentive, kind, and well, just, top notch in every way. Our bartender after brunch was also fantastic! He made lovely recommendations and the best Negroni we had ever tasted. Thank you all for a magical day. Best to you in 2023 in your new Park Hill space!
A photo of Duo Restaurant restaurant
4.8
4.8 (3502)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Highlands
About the restaurant
Duo has been a Denver staple—for over a decade now—serving up food that people love to love. From the early days, brunch has been the star here and it still deserves to be. When you can enjoy their basket of pastries, biscuits and gravy, and beloved cider-glazed pork benedict all in one visit, there’s really no other meal as important to come for. Order a duo of each.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 6 days ago
The food was exceptional, and the drink menu was great! The menu is small, but every single option sounded great, and every dish we ordered was delicious. It’s a cozy restaurant with a super nice staff! Will be going back every chance I get.
A photo of North Italia – Denver restaurant
4.8
4.8 (3926)
$30 and under
Italian
Cherry Creek
About the restaurant
You can truly feel the love they cook into their food at this rustic and authentic Italian spot in Cherry Creek, with a staff that’s exceptionally warm and gregarious. Their housemade pasta is absolutely delectable, and is even more wonderful when paired with their (house specialty) bolognese. Their squid ink mafaldine is great, and the calamari, zucca chips, and prosciutto pizza are also hugely popular. People deeply love this place, and you will too.
Top review
Provonevip
Dined on Jan 1, 2023
Our server was great, the food was very good. New Years day so very busy and a little load but understandable. Even with a full house the service was timely and the food came out in a timely manner.
A photo of Tamayo Restaurant restaurant
4.6
4.6 (4153)
$31 to $50
Contemporary Mexican
Downtown / LoDo
About the restaurant
Just above charming Larimer Square—on the second floor of a corner building—you’ll find a lively Mexican restaurant with a fantastic and expansive terrace, showcasing great views of the surrounding mountains. The modern Latin menu, created by celebrated Chef Richard Sandoval (Top Chef Masters), has all the traditional nibbles you’d hope for, but he’s added his own creative touches. Their guacamole (which people fawn over), for example, is offered in three different preparations: traditional, tuna tartare, and bacon. Another great share plate is their queso fundido, which you can add chorizo or mushrooms to. Their super tender (chili & coffee rubbed) carne asada, pork carnitas with avocado purée, and mahi mahi tacos are all superbly delicious. Add on their huge selection of tequilas and agave cocktails, and it’s easy to understand why people love coming here for meals and many margaritas.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined on Jan 2, 2023
My family and I went in for a new year dinner and it was wonderful! Our server was very attentive and had great guest interactions with us! The food was fabulous. We started with the traditional guacamole, and for entrees we had shrimp fajitas and the chicken enchiladas! All three were super flavorful and so good. We ended with the churros that are to die for! Tamayo is a great spot for good mexican and yummy margs!
A photo of Panzano restaurant
4.7
4.7 (5564)
$31 to $50
Italian
Downtown / LoDo
About the restaurant
Inside the Hotel Monaco, you’ll find this Northern Italian gem of a restaurant that’s hard not to fall in love with. Even though Panzano has been around for a while and Italian food is steeped in tradition, they’ve grown with the times and offer separate gluten-free versions of all of their menus (breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner). But back to Italian tradition, they make wonderful fresh-baked breads, handmade pastas, and they’re true gnocchi mavens, which is a feat in itself. Over the years, they’ve served their soft potato pillows (the way you always pray they’ll come out) with everything from duck and rabbit to pumpkin and grouper (and even a prosecco hollandaise at brunch). So get some gnocchi goodness and maybe a side of their truffle risotto and Brussels sprouts with pancetta and honey.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 1 day ago
We always enjoy coming here. Been 12 years now, ever since our son “Enzo” had worked there.
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