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There’s no denying that Denver’s dining scene has been evolving in some delicious ways, even as the industry continues to struggle amid rising costs. Chefs in the Mile High have been getting more and more national recognition, and the launch of the state’s first Michelin Guide in 2023 has motivated many restaurants to step up their culinary game.
But the food scene here isn’t just about what’s happening in fine dining. Some of the best bites in town can be found at places that are much more casual — and, as always, we aimed to offer a wide range of options across cuisines, neighborhoods and price points.
Before you can compile a list of the top dining options in town, you need to determine what constitutes a truly exemplary restaurant. The answer can change day to day and even hour to hour, depending on the diner. This list reflects the spots we're most excited about right now — the places we're most likely to choose for a meal out or to recommend to a friend.
As we set out to make this year's picks, we decided to split the list into five categories, just as we did with our Top 100 Bars list.
While we’re celebrating our new favorites on the scene, we’re also giving well-earned props to the classics that have served the city for two decades or more. For times that call for a truly memorable meal, you'll find a smattering of splurge-worthy spots, along with a selection of eateries where you can dine well on a budget. And the city’s culinary landscape wouldn’t be the same without the neighborhood eateries — the places we go for comfort, community and a well-cooked meal.
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Find your new favorite Denver restaurant
Dig in! Here's our new list of the Top 100 Restaurants in Denver:
A spread from La Forêt, one of the best new additions to the scene.
Connor Stehr">
A spread from La Forêt, one of the best new additions to the scene.
Connor Stehr
New and Noteworthy Denver Restaurants
The top spots to open between Labor Day 2023 and Labor Day 2024.
The buzziest new addition to the scene is Alma Fonda Fina, which earned its first Michelin star less than a year after opening, but this list includes some under-the-radar options, too, like Wok Spicy, which is serving Sichuan specialties in the former Twin Dragon in Englewood or the dreamy La Forêt, where it feels like you're dining in an enchanted forest.
El Taco de Mexico's smothered burritos are a Denver classic.
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El Taco de Mexico's smothered burritos are a Denver classic.
Molly Martin
The Best Classic Denver Restaurants
Restaurants that have stood the test of time.
All of these spots have been open for twenty years or longer — a huge achievement in an industry that is famously tough and has only gotten harder in recent years. Some celebrated milestone anniversaries in 2024, like Rioja, which is ready for its next era after two decades on Larimer Square, and Jax Fish House, which has been a leader in the local seafood scene for thirty years.
Wildflower is a great date night spot.
Molly Martin">
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Wildflower is a great date night spot.
Molly Martin
Splurge-Worthy Denver Restaurants
The eateries where you should go all-in.
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, there are many options in the metro area where you can feast on a memorable meal, from the foie gras and fried chicken at Stone Cellar Bistro in Arvada to modern Vietnamese standout Sap Sua, which was recently named one of the best new restaurants in the country by Bon Appétit.
Spice Room offers big portions for affordable prices.
Molly Martin">
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Spice Room offers big portions for affordable prices.
Molly Martin
Denver Restaurants Serving Budget-Friendly Bites
The places dishing up a bang for your buck.
Dining out is getting more expensive, but there are still places that impress without breaking the bank, including Gaia Masala, one of our favorite late-night go-to's for tikka masala cheesesteaks and fries loaded with lamb masala, and La Diabla, a Michelin Bib Gourmand eatery that has some of the best weekly deals in town on tacos, pozole and more.
Revival Denver Public House is the kind of place where you'll want to be a regular.
Molly Martin">
Revival Denver Public House is the kind of place where you'll want to be a regular.
Molly Martin
Neighborhood Restaurant Favorites in Denver
The regular go-to's for a satisfying meal.
Whether you live near these restaurants or not, it's tempting to become a regular because they each deliver a consistently good meal and — maybe even more important — a good time. From the Greenwich, which revamped its menu with an Italian focus in 2024, to Vine Street, which made a long-awaited comeback after a four-year hiatus (and recently brought back its OG breaded wings, too), we hope these favorites stick around for years to come.
Hungry for more? Check out our curated Restaurant Guide.
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