Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Denver

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Denver? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Mezcaleria Alma

5.0

5 (221)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Mexican

LoHi

About the restaurant

Chef Johnny Curiel debuts Mezcaleria Alma in Denver’s LoHi neighborhood, bringing the dynamic spirit of Mexico City to life with CDMX-inspired small plates and an expansive Mexican spirits menu. Located beside Curiel’s first solo restaurant, Alma Fonda Fina, Mezcaleria Alma marks the natural next chapter in Curiel’s culinary journey to share the beauty of Mexico through food. Each dish and drink draws from Curiel’s experiences in one of the world’s most renowned culinary capitals—a city where culture and tradition merge with global inspiration and constant innovation.

While Alma Fonda Fina is a love letter to the home-cooked traditions of Chef Curiel’s childhood—the comfort food found at traditional fondas across Mexico—Mezcaleria Alma embodies the unbridled innovation that defines CDMX.

Top review

LyndseyVIP

Dined 5 days ago

This is our new favorite place in town. Amazing service, food, drinks, and atmosphere. Thank you for an unforgettable experience every time.

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Experience

Chef's Counter

Experience

Dining Room Reservation

Kizaki

5.0

5 (60)

$50 and over

Sushi

Platt Park

About the restaurant

Kizaki is Chef Toshi Kizaki’s long-awaited solo omakase restaurant, representing the pinnacle of his celebrated career and decades of influence in Denver’s culinary scene. After more than 40 years of success with Sushi Den, Chef Toshi returns to his roots with deep reverence for Edomae-style sushi—a 200-year-old Tokyo tradition that highlights the true character of each ingredient through precise Japanese techniques. Kizaki brings Denver its first authentic Edomae omakase, offering around 20 courses featuring raw, cured, seared, cooked, and dry-aged preparations. Guests can enjoy a full bar along with carefully selected sake, wine, or combined pairings to complement the experience. Omakase at the counter or table is $225 before tax. Drinks, additional sushi, and gratuity are not included. Reservation times are at 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Once all guests have arrived, we will transition to Kizaki, where the Omakase experience begins approximately 15 to 20 minutes after the scheduled time.

Top review

Dave

Dined 4 days ago

The was my second visit to Kizaki. Everything was truly outstanding and I found it to be impeccable on all levels. I have now been to both time slots and personally I prefer the 5:00 seating. I will certainly go again but will for a couple of months for a seasonal food change. If you are looking for exceptional experience, this is not to be missed.

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Experience

Kizaki Omakase

Go Fish - Denver

4.9

4.9 (114)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Baker

About the restaurant

Go Fish Japanese restaurant fits right in amongst the trendy shopping, eating, and drinking destinations on South Broadway - packed with personality and local flavor, this well kept secret is a favorite of locals looking for some quality food to go with a night on the town. If sushi isn't your thing, Go Fish also has a whole menu of Asian goodness and a full bar, serving up traditional drinks as well as the occasional wasabi shot. A must-visit for anyone looking for quality Asian food in Denver.

20% Gratuity will automatically be applied to parties of 6+

Top review

McKenzie

Dined 1 day ago

Always love GoFish - this time we had our 3 year old with us and they made him the chicken without the spicy sauce and he loved it. We were able to enjoy our rolls. 10/10

Bistro Barbes

4.9

4.9 (679)

$50 and over

Contemporary French / American

Park Hill

About the restaurant

Cancellations after 12pm day of reservation, will be charged $50 per guest. Please be aware that Bistro Barbes is only offering a 4 course Chef's tasting menu for $90 per person. Please contact us if there are any dietary restrictions or allergies because last minutes substitutions may not be available.

Top review

Bill

Dined 7 days ago

This is a place for special occasions. In our case it was our 59th wedding anniversary. It's an expensive meal, no doubt about it. But it's worth it - for that special occasion. Each course was excellent, the service was great, it was quiet enough that we could have a conversation. The space is nothing special, but it was clean. Nice table linens and eating utensils. I rated it down for value because it's too expensive to go to frequently. We'll go back, but only when the occasion is really special.

Cirrus Social Club

4.9

4.9 (92)

$30 and under

Lounge

Congress Park

About the restaurant

Denver's Premiere Cannabis Experience! Now open to the public 4 days a week.

Cirrus is an entirely new experience for Colorado and soon, the world. Share cannabis with the people you love in an environment designed to create joyful moments and fond memories. Whether you're a first-time consumer or as we like to say, "sophisticated stoner", our Flight Attendants will guide you through a sesh experience featuring cannabis, munchies, and beverages.

Cirrus is perfect for: Special Occasions, Date Night, Friends Night, the Adults of the Family, and Guests Visiting Denver!

Learn more on our website.

Top review

sadie

Dined on Jun 28, 2025

This place was absolutely amazing, the service was incredible and the atmosphere was perfect!

Xiquita

4.7

4.7 (210)

$30 and under

Mexican

Denver

About the restaurant

Xiquita is a highly anticipated restaurant that brings the vibrant flavors and rich culture of Mexico City to the Mile High City. Inspired by the diverse culinary traditions of Mexico, Xiquita offers a unique dining experience that celebrates the country's indigenous ingredients and cooking techniques. Led by Chef Erasmo Casiano, the restaurant's name, Xiquita, is a playful twist on "chiquita," a term of endearment for Casiano's mother, and a nod to the indigenous languages of Mexico.

At Xiquita, diners can expect to find dishes that are both authentic and innovative. The menu features a variety of traditional Mexican dishes, such as tamales and tortillas, made with locally sourced ingredients. Guests can also enjoy unique creations like the Infladita de Carne Apache, a play on steak tartare, and the Tikin Xic, a Yucatan dish featuring fish grilled over charcoal in a banana leaf.

Join us for a dining experience you won't soon forget!

Top review

Renee

Dined on Jun 25, 2025

We had a wonderful experience eating at Xiquita. The food was amazing - unique, flavorful and thoughtfully prepared. Our server was excellent. She did a great job of explaining each dish and helped with ordering. Her friendliness, knowledge and rapport made our dining experience a joyful one.

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Experience

Our México: A Regional Dinner Series | OAXACA

Experience

Our México: A Regional Dinner Series | CDMX

Experience

Our México: A Regional Dinner Series | GUADALAJARA

Ace Eat Serve

4.6

4.6 (956)

$30 and under

Asian

Uptown

About the restaurant

A Modern & Exciting Take On Asian Cuisine.

Located at the vibrant corner of 17th Avenue and Pennsylvania Street, Ace Eat Serve combines three unique concepts into an award-winning culinary and social destination. From our inviting dining room and lively ping pong hall to our expansive outdoor patio and bar, we offer an exceptional experience blending modern Asian cuisine, craft cocktails, and dynamic event spaces. Join us for a taste of Denver's finest, where every visit promises culinary delight and memorable moments.

Top review

JohannaVIP

Dined on May 31, 2025

Such a fun spot with tasty food, lots of vegetarian options, friendly staff and great vibe.

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Popular dish

Crispy Beef & Broccoli

Experience

Peking Duck Dinner

Bang Up To The Elephant

4.6

4.6 (274)

$30 and under

Vegetarian / Vegan

Central

About the restaurant

Bang Up to the Elephant blends the intimacy of indoor dining with the natural enchantment of the outdoors, providing a sultry space for escape and rejuvenation. The restaurant’s namesake, a Victorian-era phrase for 'properly done,' is reflected in every detail, from its spirited atmosphere to its thoughtfully prepared dishes, creating one of the more unique dining experiences in Denver.

Prioritizing the well-being of our life-sustaining oceans and land, the restaurant serves 100% plant-based dishes that are considerately crafted. Bang Up to the Elephant’s lush ambiance embodies our passion for focused and always-evolving menus that are globally inspired. With adventurous spices and heat, our ingredients are always vegan, fresh-from-scratch, and carefully sourced.

Amidst the tree–lined heart of our historically artistic Capitol Hill neighborhood, the restaurant hosts local art and entertainers through ongoing events – a must-visit for Denver's socially vibrant dining and arts scene.

Top review

Karla

Dined on Jun 10, 2025

We wanted a restaurant with an interesting ambiance and Elephant definitely provided this. The interior is an artwork and it was fun just looking at it. The weather was lovely and we sat near the open windows. Service was attentive and pleasant. The food was good, but nothing special, I would call it comfort food. I felt that I could prepare our dishes at home myself just as successfully. But when you're a vegetarian dining in Denver, you are often grateful just to having something to order other than the extra large salad. The drinks were very good.

Sunday Vinyl

4.6

4.6 (129)

$50 and over

Wine Bar

Downtown / LoDo

About the restaurant

Nestled in Denver's vibrant Union Station neighborhood, right next to Tavernetta, Sunday Vinyl is where every night feels like a joyous dinner party. We're spinning the greatest vinyl records, pouring exceptional wines, and serving show-stopping food that delights the senses.

Our menu is all about simplicity and excellence: we source the finest ingredients, treat them with the utmost respect, and create crave-worthy dishes designed to pair perfectly with our award-winning wine program. Whether you're dropping in spontaneously or have a reservation, you'll find a warm welcome and a memorable dining experience.

Sunday Vinyl has garnered impressive accolades, including being a James Beard Foundation semi-finalist, included in 5280's Best Restaurants in Denver, and earning recognition from Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast. Join us and discover why every night at Sunday Vinyl is a celebration of great food, wine, and music.

Top review

MarkVIP

Dined 3 days ago

A favorite of ours for 6 years; last meal (+ wine flight) was the best yet!

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Experience

Flight Night - August

Experience

Flight Night - September

Experience

Flight Night - July

Pasque

4.6

4.6 (162)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Denver

About the restaurant

Located on the ground floor of Populus In Downtown Civic Center, Denver, Pasque features a seasonally driven, nature-based cuisine with a refined perspective on the riches of each season in an elevated dining experience..

Top review

Markus

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

Beautifully composed and flavorful dishes. This chef knows what they’re doing!

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