Denver's Most Iconic Restaurants

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.

The OpenTable team

7 Restaurants

Updated February 12, 2020

Restaurants:	Rioja, Bistro Vendome, Duo Restaurant…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$
Cuisines:	Mediterranean, French, Contemporary American…
Neighborhoods:	Downtown / LoDo, Highlands…

Rioja

$$$$

Mediterranean

Downtown / LoDo

4.8

9333 reviews

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.

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Takeout available

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Bistro Vendome

$$$$

French

Downtown / LoDo

4.8

6525 reviews

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.

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Takeout available

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Duo Restaurant

$$$$

Contemporary American

Highlands

4.8

3392 reviews

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.

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Experiences available

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North Italia – Denver

$$$$

Italian

Cherry Creek

4.8

3571 reviews

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.

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Experiences available

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Table 6

$$$$

American

Cherry Creek

4.7

2435 reviews

After more than a decade serving delicious American staples, this Denver mainstay—with a seasonal and constantly changing menu—keeps things interesting by introducing quirky (and expertly prepared) dishes alongside their more traditional items, but even those come with a decadent twist. Two of their tastiest starters are also pretty playful, so don’t hesitate to order the tater tots (with fried mushrooms and a caramelized onion cream) or the chicken sliders (with gruyere and a mustard gravy). Though a chicken breast entré might sound standard, theirs is stuffed with ham and foie gras and served with a candy yam puree, so it’s definitely not boring, and neither is their duck confit with mustard and onion jam. Regardless of what you order, it will be one-of-a-kind, intensely flavorful, and cooked with great care.

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Tamayo Restaurant

$$$$

Contemporary Mexican

Downtown / LoDo

4.5

3898 reviews

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.

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Experiences available

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Panzano

$$$$

Italian

Downtown / LoDo

4.6

5381 reviews

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.

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OpenTable Classics: Iconic Restaurants on OpenTable