DINING GUIDE
PRICE KEY (Average Entrée)
$ UNDER $10 ■ $$ $11 TO $15 ■ $$$ $16 TO $25 ■ $$$$ $26 AND HIGHER
SYMBOL KEY
NEW
Indicates a restaurant featured in 5280 for the first time (though not necessarily a restaurant that has just opened).
25 BEST
Indicates inclusion in 5280’s 2019 list of Denver’s best restaurants; we did not release rankings in 2020 or 2021 due to COVID-19 disruptions and closures. These selections are at the discretion of 5280 editors and are subject to change.
A
AJ’s Pit Bar-B-Q $$
Overland / Barbecue This wood-fired Texas-style barbecue joint serves lip-smacking dishes, such as beef brisket, house-cured and smoked pastrami, pit beans, and farm slaw. Reservations not accepted. 2180 S. Delaware St., Lunch
American Elm $$
West Highland / American Elevated American fare and classic cocktails anchor the menu at this neighborhood spot. Order the rib-eye French dip. Reservations accepted. 4132 W. 38th Ave., 720-749-3186. Dinner, Brunch
Angelo’s Taverna $$
Speer / Italian This neighborhood nook dishes up tasty grilled oysters as well as pastas and pizzas. Also try the Littleton location. Reservations not accepted. 620 E. Sixth Ave., 303-744-3366. Lunch, Dinner
25 BEST Annette $$$
Aurora / American Caroline Glover brings a warm dining experience to Stanley Marketplace with Annette. Enjoy a family-style menu featuring salads, toasts, and wood-grilled fare. Reservations accepted. Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Ste. 108, Aurora, 720-710-9975. Dinner, Brunch
Arabesque $$
Boulder / Mediterranean Sip house-made chai tea while sampling Middle Eastern delights—such as hummus, shawarma wraps, and baba ghanoush—in this charming, sun-filled lunch spot. Reservations not accepted. 1634 Walnut St., 720-242-8623. Breakfast, Lunch
Ash’Kara $$$
Highland / Middle Eastern Chef Daniel Asher offers a playful take on Middle Eastern cuisine at this plant-bedecked eatery. Also try the Boulder location. Reservations accepted. 2005 W. 33rd Ave., 303-537-4407. Dinner, Brunch
Audrey Jane’s Pizza Garage $$
Boulder / Pizza Expect perfect New York–style sourdough pies featuring inventive topping combinations at Audrey Jane’s Pizza Garage. Reservations not accepted. 2675 13th St., Boulder 303-442-2032. Lunch, Dinner
Avelina $$$$
Downtown / American This upscale LoDo restaurant offers a sleek atmosphere and beautifully composed plates with worldly flavors. Sample the roasted Icelandic cod or wagyu beef carpaccio. Reservations accepted. 1550 17th St., Ste. 120, 720-904-6711. Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
B
Bar Max $$
Congress Park / Contemporary This European bistro offers a simple, curated menu. Pair the prosciutto, brie, and fig spread sandwich with a glass of prosecco. Reservations accepted. 2412 E. Colfax Ave., 303-333-0003. Dinner
SEAS THE DAY
Since it opened in July 2020, restaurateur Richard Sandoval’s Toro Latin Kitchen & Lounge in Cherry Creek has been wowing diners with Central and South American dishes with international flair from executive chef Oscar Padilla. It’s the standout lineup of ceviche, however, that keeps us coming back to the stylish spot. Try the Amarillo, a variation in which fresh hamachi, aji amarillo chiles, mango, cucumber, and red onion are suspended in Toro’s signature citrusy leche de tigre marinade.
Barcelona Wine Bar $$
RiNo / Spanish This trendy wine bar specializes in Spanish wine and food. Try the paella mariscos. Reservations accepted. 2900 Larimer St., 303-816-3300. Dinner, Brunch
25 BEST Barolo Grill $$$$
Cherry Creek / Italian Dedication to authenticity translates to the food and extensive wine menu at this elegant eatery, which is focused on the cuisines of northern Italy’s Tuscany and Piedmont regions. Reservations accepted. 3030 E. Sixth Ave., 303-393-1040. Dinner
25 BEST Beckon $$$$
RiNo / Contemporary Chef Duncan Holmes brings an
