Alteño

Alteño reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. T

   Tyler VIP

   San Francisco1 review

   3.0

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   This place was decent. For the hype and 3 week wait for a reservation, I felt it did not meet expectations. The food was very heavy, tons of butter and creams, we left feeling uncomfortable and but still hungry. They say the meals are to share but everything was much more single serving than sharing size. The food tasted good and the drinks were excellent, but this place felt way over hyped, if you can just walk in and get a table it would be great, but waiting weeks feels unnecessary.
   

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2. L

   Linda VIP

   Denver3 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Johnny Curiel and his folks simply shine. Food & service amazing. Every time I eat at his restaurants, I am so happy both for the experience and for their success!
   

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3. C

   Carol VIP

   Philadelphia1 review

   5.0

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Food was perfection, both in creativity and presentation. Service was great and very knowledgeable. I look forward to returning!
   

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4. T

   Tracy VIP

   Denver18 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We took our waiter's every recommendation and it did not disappoint! The sweet potato dish was fantastic, as was the cornbread, the fresh tuna with fennel salad and the stuffed mushroom was unique and delicious. My husband LOVED the fresh fish entree and our son said the chicken was fantastic they "should stop now because it doesn't get better than THIS!" Literally every morsel of food was fantastic.
   

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5. n

   nancy

   Chicago6 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Best meal we’ve had since moving to Denver 5 years ago
   

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6. B

   Barbara

   Denver3 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Overall great experience. The food, service, and ambience were all excellent.
   

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7. C

   Christy VIP

   Denver11 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The best meal I’ve had in a while. Exceptional service and just an overall great dining experience. The striped bass and the elote cornbread are a must try!
   

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8. B

   Brent VIP

   Denver6 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We had a great dinner at Alteño with friends and were excited to try it after loving Alma Fonda Fina—both led by Chef Johnny Curiel. The service was fantastic—our server walked us through the menu and made great recommendations. Cocktails were excellent (the Avocado Margarita and Carajillo were standouts), and we shared a variety of dishes that felt well worth the price. Highlights included the Pan de Elote Jalapeño Cornbread, Camote Asado, Gringa al Pastor, and Chile Relleno with Huitlacoche. Every dish felt intentional, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Highly recommend for anyone looking for elevated, creative, authentic Mexican cuisine in Denver!
   

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9. N

   Nick

   New York City2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Alteno is one of those rare places where every detail feels intentional—from the moment you walk in, you’re wrapped in warmth, flavor, and an atmosphere that’s effortlessly cool without trying too hard. The menu is inventive but deeply rooted, full of bold, layered flavors that showcase serious culinary skill without ever being pretentious. We had the tacos and the pollo a la brasa, and both were absolutely unforgettable. The tacos were bursting with flavor, perfectly balanced, and the pollo a la brasa had this smoky, tender richness that made it the star of the night. The tuna green apple aguachile was a bright, electric opener—refreshing and plated like a work of art. And don’t skip the jalapeño cornbread with huitlacoche truffle butter—it’s savory, earthy, and downright addictive. I paired everything with a whiskey sour that was sharp, smooth, and clearly made with care—simple done right. Service was top-notch—attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely welcoming. It’s clear the team takes pride in what they’re creating, and it shows. Whether you’re local or just passing through, Alteno is a must. Come hungry and leave already planning your next visit.
   

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10. S

    Samantha

    Seattle2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    I loved how right when we sat down our waiter walked us through the entire menu and gave wonderful suggestions on what to try. Each dish had so much fun, unique and incredible flavor.
    

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