Dining Guide
SYMBOL KEY
NEW
Indicates a restaurant featured in 5280 for the first time (though not necessarily a restaurant that has just opened).
25 BEST
Indicates inclusion in our annual list of Denver’s best restaurants, released each October. These selections are at the discretion of 5280 editors and are subject to change.
PRICE KEY (Average Entrée)
$ under $10
$$ $11 to $15
$$$ $16 to $25
$$$$ $26 and higher
A
25 BEST 12 at Madison $$
Congress Park / American With a menu offering 18 small plates meant for sharing (plus one large-format dish meant to feed two to four people), Jeff Osaka’s cozy restaurant is ideal for dining with a small group. Don’t miss the French dip. Reservations accepted. 1160 Madison St., 720-216-0190. Dinner
25 BEST Acorn $$
RiNo / New American Contemporary American cuisine with Southern and Moroccan notes is served from an oak-fired oven and grill at this mainstay inside the Source. Don’t miss the bar’s inventive cocktails. Reservations accepted. The Source, 3350 Brighton Blvd., 720-542-3721. Lunch, Dinner
American Elm $$
Berkeley / American Elevated American fare and classic cocktails anchor the menu at this neighborhood spot, where you can get $2 oysters and $3 shrimp cocktail every day. Go for the lollipop chicken wings or the steak frites. Reservations accepted. 4132 W. 38th Ave., 720-749-3186. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
25 BEST Annette $$$
Aurora / American Acorn’s former sous chef, Caroline Glover, brings a warm dining experience to Stanley Marketplace with Annette. Enjoy a family-style menu featuring seasonal salads and wood-grilled fare. Reservations accepted. Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Ste. 108, Aurora, 720-710-9975. Dinner, Brunch
25 BEST Arcana $$$$
Boulder / American This charming Boulder restaurant aims to explore the roots of American heritage through food. Pair a cider with the Colorado lamb or the farmer’s cheese toast. Reservations accepted. 909 Walnut St., Boulder, 303-444-3885. Dinner, Brunch
Avanti Food & Beverage $$
Highland / International Current tenants of this hip food hall include Street Feud, Meta Asian Kitchen, Brava! Pizzeria Della Strada, Quiero Arepas, the Rotary, and Bistro Georgette. 3200 Pecos St., 720-269-4778. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
B
Barcelona Wine Bar $$
RiNo / Spanish This trendy wine bar specializes in Spanish wine and food. Order a charcuterie board or the paella mariscos to share. Reservations accepted. 2900 Larimer St., 303-816-3300. Dinner, Brunch
25 BEST Barolo Grill $$$$
Cherry Creek / Italian Dedication to authenticity translates to the food and extensive wine menu at this elegant eatery focused on the cuisine of northern Italy’s Tuscany and Piedmont. Reservations accepted. 3030 E. Sixth Ave., 303-393-1040. Dinner
Basta $$$
Boulder / Italian This wood-fired eatery offers bold flavors and interesting wine. Try the lasagna with seasonal ingredients. Reservations accepted. 3601 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303-997-8775. Dinner
