PRICE KEY
Average Entrée
$ under $15
$$ $16 to $20
$$$ $21 to $30
$$$$ $31 and higher
SYMBOL KEY
Indicates a restaurant featured in 5280 for the first time (though not necessarily a restaurant that has just opened).
Indicates inclusion in 5280’s 2022 list of Denver’s best restaurants. These selections are at the discretion of 5280 editors and are subject to change.
A5 STEAKHOUSE $$$$
LoDo / Steak House The team behind Forget Me Not and Tap and Burger offers a refreshing chophouse experience in a hip, delightfully funky bar and dining room. Reservations accepted. 1600 15th St., 303-623-0534. Dinner
AFRICAN GRILL & BAR $$$
Lakewood / African Head to this cheery restaurant for rich stews, fried fish, rice dishes, and friendly service. Get the chakalaka, a traditional vegetarian South African stew. Reservations accepted. 955 S. Kipling Parkway, Lakewood, 303-985-4497. Lunch, Dinner
ANNETTE $$$
Aurora / American Caroline Glover brings a warm dining experience to Stanley Marketplace with Annette. Enjoy a family-style menu featuring seasonal salads, toasts, and wood-grilled fare. Reservations accepted. 2501 Dallas St., Suite 108, Aurora, 720-710-9975. Dinner
BANH & BUTTER BAKERY CAFE $
Aurora / French Thoa Nguyen crafts French pastries inspired by her Vietnamese heritage at this East Colfax cafe. Go for the dazzling crêpe cakes. Reservations not accepted. 9935 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora, 720-513-9313. Breakfast, Lunch
BELLOTA $$
RiNo / Mexican Go for elevated regional Mexican fare like shrimp tacos basted in butter infused with shrimp shells and the popular fried quesadilla de requesón. Also check out the Boulder location. Reservations not accepted. 3350 Brighton Blvd., 720-542-3721. Lunch, Dinner
THE BINDERY $$$
LoHi / Contemporary Linda Hampsten Fox’s eatery, market, and bakery offers worldly fare inspired by her travels. Settle in for the smoked rabbit pecan pie with mustard gelato. Reservations accepted. 1817 Central St., 303-993-2364. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
BLACKBELLY $$$
Boulder / American Chef Hosea Rosenberg’s carnivore-friendly menu focuses on charcuterie, small plates, and daily butcher specials. Reservations accepted. 1606 Conestoga St., Boulder, 303-247-1000. Dinner
Dialing It In
Phone your family and opened its first location outside of the Washington, D.C., area on Tennyson Street, bringing stacked bagel sandwiches, tender babka muffins, and other twists on deli fare to the Berkeley neighborhood. Try the exclusive-to-Denver Jetski, which sandwiches Colorado-sourced pastrami and brisket, sliced jalapeño, and generous amounts of melted American and cheddar in a cheese-encrusted bagel.
