PRICE KEY (Average Entrée)
$ UNDER $10 ■ $$ $11 TO $15 ■ $$$ $16 TO $25 ■ $$$$ $26 AND HIGHER.
SYMBOL KEY
NEW Indicates a restaurant featured in 5280 for the first time (though not necessarily a restaurant that has just opened).
25 BEST Indicates inclusion in 5280’s 2022 list of Denver’s best restaurants. These selections are at the discretion of 5280 editors and are subject to change.
A
25 BEST A5 $$$$
Downtown / Steak House The team behind Forget Me Not and Tap and Burger offers a refreshing chophouse experience with a stellar lineup of steaks in a hip, delightfully funky bar and dining room. Reservations accepted. 1600 15th St., 303-623-0534. Dinner
25 BEST Annette $$$
Aurora / American Caroline Glover brings a warm, intimate dining experience to Stanley Marketplace. 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
Arabesque $$
Boulder / Mediterranean Sip house-made chai tea while sampling Middle Eastern delights—such as hummus, shawarma wraps, and baba ghanoush—in this charming, sun-filled lunch spot. Reservations not accepted. 1634 Walnut St., Boulder, 720-242-8623. Breakfast, Lunch
Ash’Kara $$$
Highland / Middle Eastern Chef Daniel Asher offers a playful take on Middle Eastern cuisine at this plant-bedecked eatery. Don’t miss the silky hummus and earthy baba ghanoush. Also try the Boulder location. Reservations accepted. 2005 W. 33rd Ave., 303-537-4407. Dinner, Brunch
B
Bánh & Butter Bakery Café $
Aurora / Cafe Thoa Nguyen crafts French pastries inspired by her Vietnamese heritage and Asian fusion flavors at this East Colfax cafe. Go for the crêpe cakes, each made with 25 to 30 layers. Reservations not accepted. 9935 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora, 720-513-9313. Breakfast, Lunch
Barchetta $$$
Boulder / Pizza Perfectly blistered Neapolitan-style pies are the draw at Barchetta. Pair a pizza with a selection from the 14-tap self-pour beer, wine, and cocktail wall on the sunny patio. Reservations not accepted. 1644 Walnut St., Boulder, 720-749-4751. Lunch, Dinner
Barolo Grill $$$$
Cherry Creek / Italian Dedication to authenticity translates to the food and extensive wine menu at this elegant eatery, which is focused on the cuisines of northern Italy’s Tuscany and Piedmont regions. Reservations accepted. 3030 E. Sixth Ave., 303-393-1040. Dinner
BB.Q Chicken $$
Aurora / Korean Discover finger-licking goodness at BB.Q Chicken, a Korea-born chain serving juicy wings. Multiple locations. Reservations not accepted. 2495 S. Havana St., Unit H, Aurora, 720-882-6736. Lunch, Dinner
25 BEST Bellota $$$
RiNo / Mexican Chef Manny Barella cooks elevated regional Mexican fare inspired by his Monterrey childhood inside the Source. Don’t miss the fried quesadilla de requesón. Reservations accepted. The Source, 3350 Brighton Blvd., 720-542-3721. Lunch, Dinner
25 BEST The Bindery $$$
LoHi / Contemporary Linda Hampsten Fox’s eatery, market, and bakery offers worldly fare inspired by her travels. Settle in for the smoked rabbit pecan pie with mustard gelato. Reservations accepted. 1817 Central St., 303-993-2364. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
25 BEST Blackbelly $$$
Boulder / American Chef Hosea Rosenberg’s menu features charcuterie, small plates,
