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
$$$$ $26 and higher
COOL BEANS
Virginia Vale’s four-month-old Unravel Coffee does things differently: roasting beans in-house; eschewing paper cups in favor of to-go glass jars; and serving simple yet nourishing grain bowls, salads, smoothies, and toasts. Try the prosciutto version with creamy ricotta, tomatoes, and balsamic alongside an Australian flat white and you’ll taste the distinction.
These listings are in no way related to advertising in 5280. If you find that a restaurant differs significantly from the information in its listing or your favorite restaurant is missing from the Dining Guide, please let us know. Write us at 5280 Publishing, Inc., 1675 Larimer St., Suite 675, Denver, CO 80202 or dining@5280.com.
A
9Thai
$$
Hale / Thai Thailand natives Kyla Love and Mae Saevang craft simple-yet-spectacular fare at their pared-down restaurant. Try the signature chicken and rice. Reservations accepted. 4122 E. Colfax Ave., 303-658-0751. Lunch, Dinner
25 BEST
12 at Madison
$$
Congress Park / American With a menu offering 18 small plates meant for sharing (plus one large format dish meant to feed two to four people), Jeff Osaka’s cozy restaurant is ideal for dining with a small group. Reservations accepted. 1160 Madison St., 720-216-0190. Dinner
Ace Eat Serve
$$
Uptown Area / Asian This Uptown Area restaurant and ping-pong hall features Asian-inspired cuisine, 10 ping-pong tables, and house-made juices and sodas. Reservations Accepted. 501 E. 17th Ave., 303-800-7705. Dinner
25 BEST
Acorn
$$
RiNo / American First-class Boulder eatery Oak at Fourteenth dials it down a bit with this Denver iteration, where you’ll find contemporary American cuisine served from an oak-fired oven and grill. Reservations accepted. The Source, 3350 Brighton Blvd., 720-542-3721. Lunch, Dinner
25 BEST
Annette
$$
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 salads, toasts, and wood-grilled fare. Brunch is particularly delightful; try the yeasted waffle. Reservations accepted. Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Ste. 108, Aurora, 720-710-9975. Dinner, Brunch
25 BEST
Arcana
$$$$
Boulder / American This charming Boulder restaurant aims to explore the roots of American heritage through food. Reservations accepted. 909 Walnut St., Boulder, 303-444-3885. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
Ash’Kara
$$$
LoHi / Middle Eastern Chef Daniel Asher offers a playful take on Mediterranean cuisine at this colorful, plant-bedecked eatery. Try the falafel. Reservations accepted. 2005 W. 33rd Ave., 303-537-4407. Dinner, Brunch
Avanti Food & Beverage
$$
Highland / Global Visit this collective eatery to sample new and exciting restaurant ideas. Current tenants include BorraCho Taco, Chicken Rebel, Brava! Pizzeria Della Strada, QuickFish Poke Bar, Quiero Arepas, the Rotary, and Bistro Georgette. 3200 Pecos St., 720-269-4778. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
Avelina
$$$
Downtown / American This upscale LoDo restaurant offers a sleek atmosphere and beautifully composed plates with worldly flavors. Reservations accepted. 1550 17th St., Ste. 120, 720-904-6711. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
Axum Restaurant
$$
South Park Hill / Ethiopian This homey, lively spot on East Colfax is a favorite with expats—one taste of the traditional fare and you’ll understand why. Try the vegetarian combo served atop tangy injera flatbread. Reservations not accepted. 5501 E. Colfax Ave., 303-329-6139. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
B
Bamboo Sushi
$$$
LoHi / Sushi This Portland-born sustainable sushi spot will let you feel good about each bite of sashimi you take. Try the seared scallop with yuzu vinegar. Reservations accepted. 715 17th St., 303-284-6600. Dinner, Brunch
25 BEST
Bar Dough
$$$
Highland / Italian Tuck into wood-fired pizzas and comforting pastas from chefowner Max Mackissock and executive chef Carrie Baird at this casual gathering spot. Reservations accepted. 2227 W. 32nd Ave., 720-668-8506. Dinner, Brunch
Bar Fausto
$$
RiNo / Contemporary This hip, industrial, neighborhood hangout serves seasonal craft cocktails and shareable small plates. Try the seasonal bruschetta. Reservations not accepted. 3126 Larimer St., 720-445-9691. Dinner
Barolo Grill
$$$$
Cherry Creek / Italian Barolo Grill’s waitstaff takes an annual trip to Italy to learn about the cuisine. That dedication to authenticity translates to the food and wine menus, too. Try the agnolotti del plin. Reservations accepted. 3030 E. Sixth Ave., 303-393-1040. Dinner
25 BEST
Basta
$$$
Boulder / Italian This wood-fired eatery offers bold flavors and pizzas made from house-milled grains. Try the tuna panna cotta if it’s on the menu. Reservations accepted. 3601 Arapahoe Ave., 303-997-8775. Dinner
Bastien’s Restaurant
$$$
City Park / Steak House Enjoy hearty, home-style cooking at this local favorite, which has been family-owned for 80 years. Come for the signature sugar-rubbed steaks. Reservations accepted. 3501 E. Colfax Ave., 303-322-0363. Dinner
Beast & Bottle
$$$$
Uptown Area / Seasonal The “farm to fork” mantra permeates a menu featuring everything from local lamb to giant octopus. Reservations accepted. 719 E. 17th Ave., 303-623-3223. Dinner, Brunch
Beckon
$$$$
Five Points / Contemporary Chef Duncan Holmes and the team behind next door’s Call bring an elevated, intimate
