10 restaurants for every kind of date in Denver

Enjoy showstopping contemporary tasting menus at BRUTØ. Credit: BRUTØ
Close-up of hands holding a rustic ceramic bowl filled with an elegantly plated dish of broth, dumplings, edible flowers, and green garnishes at BRUTØ., one of the best date night restaurants in Denver.

With a vibrant culinary scene, Denver has a wide variety of romantic dining spots perfect for every type of date night. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, planning a first date, or just looking for a fun evening out, these best date night restaurants in Denver deliver unforgettable experiences. From intimate Italian trattorias to sleek cocktail lounges, Denver has it all.

Enjoy soulful Mexican at a lively MICHELIN-Starred spot in LoHi. Indulge in cocktails and fancy bar snacks at an upscale bar in McGregor Square. Get sophisticated Italian dishes at a glam favorite in Union Station.

Reserve your table on OpenTable and discover Denver’s best dining destinations.

Read on to discover the 10 best date night restaurants in Denver.

For a contemporary take on Mexican cuisine at a MICHELIN-Starred restaurant — check out Alma Fonda Fina (LoHi)

The interior of Alma Fonda Fina, one of the best Denver date-night restaurants available on OpenTable, features cozy wooden tables and chairs, and terracotta decor.
Alma Fonda Fina’s earth-toned, plant-filled interiors set the stage for an unforgettable Mexican feast. Credit: Alma Fonda Fina

MICHELIN-Starred Alma Fonda Fina in LoHi is where you go for soulful, modern Mexican fare. Helmed by celebrated chef Johnny Curiel, the menu contains standouts like cochinita pibil tacos and mole poblano enchiladas. Pair your date night meal with a refreshing mezcal cocktail in the light-filled corner space filled with warm ceramics and woven textiles.


For creative cocktails and fancy small plates at one of the best Denver date night restaurants — check out Call Me Pearl (McGregor Square)

Two appetizer-sized crackers with pearl meat, garnished with chopped vegetables and dressing at Call Me Pearl, one of the best date night restaurants in Denver available on OpenTable.
Celebrate date night with cocktails and fancy small plates of Call Me Pearl. Credit: Call Me Pearl.

This sleek cocktail, oyster, and caviar bar inside the Rally Hotel is as elegant as it gets. Plush banquettes and round leather lounge chairs make it super proposal-friendly, and so do exquisite cocktails and sophisticated snacks like wagyu sliders and oysters Rockefeller. But the focal point is most definitely a dramatic chandelier made with 1,350 glass orbs that look like pearls—the only thing that can rival them is a diamond.


For fine Italian dining at one of the best romantic restaurants in Denver — check out Barolo Grill (Cherry Creek)

White plate holding thinly-sliced amberjack, truffle ponzu, daikon radish, pickled mushroom, and puffed quinoa aligned in a single row at Barolo Grill, among the best date night restaurants in Denver at OpenTable.
Enjoy refined Northern Italian dishes at Barolo Grill. Credit: Barolo Grill.

This sophisticated fine-dining staple in Cherry Creek has been serving up pitch-perfect Northern Italian food since 1992.  Come for refined dishes like lobster ravioli and braised duck with Kalamata olives, paired with wines from the award-winning list. The cozy, candlelit ambiance sets the stage for romantic occasions like anniversaries. Cap celebratory meals here with the torta di formaggio, a decadent cheesecake topped with lavender honey and toasted hazelnuts.


For contemporary American cuisine at a MICHELIN-Starred hotspot — Check out BRUTØ (LoDo)

A shell-based dish with flowers, mussels, and broth is held out by two hands at BRUTO, one of the best date-night restaurants in Denver on OpenTable.
Expect arfully plated contemporary dishes at BRUTØ. Credit: BRUTØ

At BRUTØ, Eleven Madison Park alum Byron Gomez serves up showstopping contemporary tasting menus that marry his Costa Rican roots and fine dining pedigree. Grab a spot at the intimate, 18-seat chef’s counter for a MICHELIN-Starred tasting experience that could include caviar-topped palmito and wood-fired duck hearts with anticucho—and will impress any date.


For sophisticated Italian dishes at one of the best Denver date night restaurants — check out Tavernetta (Union Station)

Assortment of plates and small bowls holding a grilled fish, seared steak with vegetables, fried gnocchi, and a melted cheese dish from Tavernetta, one of the best date night restaurants in Denver available on OpenTable.
Tavernetta is known for its elegant Italian dishes. Credit: Tavernetta.

Tavernetta is a destination for elegant Italian fare from the award-winning team behind Boulder’s Frasca Food and Wine. Stunning interiors—think colorful art and a dramatic open kitchen—set the stage for a date-night feast of refined housemade pastas and wood-fired pizzas. Linger in the fireside lounge or on the outdoor patios with a Venetian spritz or glass of wine from the Italian-leaning list.


For Japanese izakaya-style dining — check out Kawa Ni (LoHi)

The cozy restaurant interior at Kawai Ni - Denver, one of the best date restaurants in Denver on OpenTable, features wooden paneling on the walls, tables set with glasses and napkins, and warm ambient lighting from wall sconces and candles.
Kawa Ni’s cozy interiors scream date night. Credit: Kawa Ni

Izakayas, or informal Japanese bars, were made for laid-back hangouts, so it’s not surprising that Kawa Ni hits all the right notes for an early-in-the-game date. The Denver edition of this Connecticut favorite lives in a former LoHi fire station and specializes in hot and cold Japanese small plates. Chat it up over dumplings, sushi, and pickled tofu bao, best paired with cups of warm sake.


For fresh seafood at one of the best Denver date night restaurants — check out Blue Island Oyster Bar (Cherry Creek)

A table at Blue Island Oyster Bar, one of the best date-night restaurants in Denver, is set with a variety of dishes, including fresh oysters, sushi topped with jalapeños and sesame seeds, deviled eggs with caviar, and a plate of pasta.
Feast on seafood favorites at laid-back Blue Island Oyster Bar. Credit: Blue Island Oyster Bar

The standout seafood menu at Blue Island Oyster Bar is impressive but understated, perfect for a first or second date. Share fried calamari with Thai chile sauce, Manila clam linguine, and Alaskan red king crab legs and take in the nautical-chic vibes. If you’re not ready for a full-fledged dinner just yet, come for the daily happy hour known for some of the city’s best oysters and refreshing elderflower basil martinis.


For sophisticated French fare — check out Le Bilboquet (Cherry Creek)

The interior of Le Bilboquet - Denver, one of the best romantic OpenTable restaurants in Denver, with colorful armchairs and small, low-level tables set with drinks and flowers.
Le Bilboquet is a glam French spot ideal for romantic occasions.

Exquisite French plates, refined service, and fine wines keep couples returning to celebrate at this fine-dining faithful. Like the restaurant’s sibling locations in New York, Atlanta, and Palm Beach, the Denver version is a pro at French classics like duck confit and juicy steaks, ideal for lunches or dinners. Add on beef tartare or a pile of crispy fries for the full French effect.


For fancy steakhouse vibes at one of the best Denver date night restaurants — check out A5 Steakhouse (LoHi)

Au jus is poured from an unseen waiter onto four small pieces of steak garnished with grilled onion slices and set upon a cherry wood tabletop at A5 Steakhouse, one of Denver's best date night restaurants at OpenTable.
A5 Steakhouse is a sophisticated date-night choice. Credit: A5 Steakhouse

For a classic steakhouse experience with a creative take on side dishes like kennebec fries or mac and cheese croquettes, visit A5 Steakhouse in LoHi. Known for its premium cuts and innovative sides, this restaurant also boasts a stellar cocktail program. The sleek interiors set the stage for an upscale, high-end evening tailor-made for romantic celebrations.


For playful dim sum and ping pong  — check out Ace Eat Serve (Uptown)

A tabletop display of various Pan-Asian dishes from Ace Eat Serve, one of the best date night restaurants in Denver.
A Peking duck spread makes up the pan-Asian menu at Ace Eat Serve. Credit: Ace Eat Serve

There’s nothing quite like playing around during dinner, especially on a date. At Ace Eat Serve, it’s all about ping pong and creative dim sum, including four types of chicken wings, pork shoulder-stuffed pot stickers, and more (there are larger plates, too). If it doesn’t mess with your backspin, consider the restaurant’s sake flight to round out your fun evening.

From cozy Italian bistros to energetic Pan-Asian spots, Denver offers something special for every type of date night.

Grab your reservation on OpenTable today to secure a spot at one of these best Denver date night restaurants.

Looking for more dining inspiration? Check out these guides for some of the best restaurants in Denver:

Find your table for any occasion