DINING GUIDE
PRICE KEY (Average Entrée) ▪ $ UNDER $10 ▪ $$ $11 TO $15 ▪ $$$ $16 TO $25 ▪ $$$$ $26 AND HIGHER
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SYMBOL KEY
NEW
Indicates a restaurant featured in 5280 for the first time (though not necessarily a restaurant that has just opened).
25 BEST
Indicates inclusion in our annual list of Denver’s best restaurants, released each October. These selections are at the discretion of 5280 editors and are subject to change.
A
25 BEST 12 at Madison $$
Congress Park / New 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
Abejas $$$$
Golden / Seasonal The ever-changing, seasonal menu features farm-fresh produce, sustainable fish, and organic meats, and the bar highlights small wineries and local brewers. Try the hanger steak with asparaus three ways. Reservations accepted. 807 13th St., Golden, 303-952-9745. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
Ace Eat Serve $$$
Uptown Area / Asian This Uptown restaurant and family-friendly ping-pong hall features Asian-inspired cuisine and 11 ping-pong tables. Try the Szechuan shrimp wontons and the duck confit ramen. Reservations accepted. 501 E. 17th Ave., 303-800-7705. Dinner
Acova $$
Highland / American A diverse gluten-free menu of American classics and dishes spotlighting international flavors are the draw at Acova. Try the honey-drizzed fried chicken and enjoy the contemporary atmosphere. Reservations accepted. 3651 Navajo St., 303-736-2718. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
25 BEST Acorn $$
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 cockails and mocktails. Reservations accepted. The Source, 3350 Brighton Blvd., 720-542-3721. Lunch, Dinner
Acreage by Stem Ciders $$
Lafayette / Seasonal Stem Cider’s ciderhouse and eatery pairs its drinks with house-grown produce and sustainable sourcing by chef Eric Lee. Order the pretzel with fermented cider mustard and save room for the cider doughnuts. Reservations accepted for parties of nine or more. 1380 Horizon Ave., Lafayette, Unit A, 720-443-3007. Lunch, Dinner
African Grill & Bar $$$
Lakewood / African Head to this cheery African restaurant for rich stews, fried fish, rice dishes, and friendly service. Get the chakalaka, a traditonal vegetarian South African stew. Also try the Green Valley Ranch location. Reservations not accepted. 955 S. Kipling Pkwy., Lakewood, 720-229-7778. Lunch, Dinner
American Elm $$
Berkeley / New American Elevated fare and excellent classic cocktails anchor the menu at this neighborhood spot, where you can get $2 oysters and $3 shrimp cocktail every day. Don’t miss the seared scallops with cauliflower and ribeye cap steak frites with bone marrow butter. Reservations accepted. 4132 W. 38th Ave., 720-749-3186. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
American Grind $$
Speer / American This sustainably minded burger joint inside American Bonded serves satisfying burgers and fries made with locally sourced ingredients‚ even the ketchup and mustard are made in-house. Reservations not accepted. 2706 Larimer St., 303-942-1201. Lunch, Dinner
Go (For) Fish
Keizo Aoi and Yukiko Sanda—alums of Boulder’s beloved Sushi Zanmai—have opened their own 49-seat sushi haven: 10-month-old Aoi Sushi and Izakaya. There, the married chef-owners wow diners with exquisite sashimi, nigiri, and Japanese-pub-style small plates. If it’s available, get the “karasu gai,” our favorite hot dish, with mussels steamed in a sake-infused broth.
25 BEST Annette $$$
Aurora / American Acorn’s former sous chef, Caroline Glover, brings a warm dining experience to Stanley Marketplace with Annette. Enjoy a family-style menu featuring seasonal salads, toasts, and wood-grilled fare. Reservations accepted. Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Ste. 108, Aurora, 720-710-9975. Dinner, Brunch
Aoi Sushi and Izakaya $$
Boulder / Japanese This neighborhood spot from Sushi Zanmai veterans Keizo Aoi and Yukiko Sanda serves expertly crafted sushi and comforting Japanese pub fare. Reservations accepted. 3303 30th St., Boulder, 303-449-5394. Lunch, Dinner
Arabesque $$
Boulder / Mediterranean Sip homemade chai tea while sampling Middle Eastern delights‚ such as hummus, shawarma wraps, and baba ghanoush. Reservations not accepted. 1634 Walnut St., Boulder, 720-242-8623. Breakfast, Lunch
25 BEST Arcana $$$$
Boulder / American This charming Boulder restaurant explore the roots of American heritage through food. Pair a cider with the Colorado lamb. Reservations accepted. 909 Walnut St., Boulder, 303-444-3885. Dinner, Brunch
Ash’Kara $$$
LoHi / Middle Eastern Chef Daniel Asher offers a playful take on Middle Eastern cuisine at this plant-bedecked eatery. Try the falafel or king salmon crudo. Reservations accepted. 2005 W. 33rd Ave., 303-537-4407. Dinner, Brunch
Avanti Food & Beverage $$
Highland / International Visit this collective eatery to sample new and exciting restaurant ideas. Current tenants include Street Feud, Brava! Pizzeria Della Strada, Meta Asian Kitchen, Quiero Arepas, the Rotary, and Bistro Georgette. 3200 Pecos St., 720-269-4778. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
Avelina $$$$
Downtown / American This upscale LoDo restaurant offers a sleek atmosphere and beautifully composed plates with worldly flavors. Sample everything from charred octopus to tuna tartare to short ribs with a yuzu glaze. Reservations accepted. 1550 17th St., Ste. 120, 720-904-6711. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
B
Bamboo Sushi $$$
LoHi / Sushi This Portland-born
