Denver's Most Iconic Restaurants

by The OpenTable team

Updated 15 December 2023

Seasons change, trends come and go, but these restaurants have withstood the test of time—and have become integral parts of the Denver dining scene. Here are Denver’s OpenTable Classics: the places that continue to excel after 10+ years. There’s a reason they’re still around: they keep giving us a reason to come back.

Rioja

4.7

4.7 (10458)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Downtown / LoDo

About the restaurant

Chef Jennifer Jasinski and her team are cooking up a solid menu of consistently delicious dishes worthy of a James Beard award (that’s why they won one). Despite what the name might suggest, this isn’t Spanish food, it’s American with some Mediterranean hints. Though the menu changes often, there are some staples you can count on. Try all of their yummy breads and cheeses, and if there’s a dish with octopus, order it, they really know their way around that mollusk. There’s also a tasting menu, if you want some more variety.

Top review

Debra

Dined 3 days ago

I have been coming to Rioja for 20 years and it does not disappoint. Their bread selection is the best w/ the lavender sourdough my favorite. We shared the lamb kofta app and had venison and sturgeon main dishes. Paired with a really lovely New Zealand Pinot Gris. And finished w/ the ginger blackberry tart for dessert. Overall just perfect. Service as always was very good.

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Amish Natural Chicken

Osteria Marco

4.6

4.6 (4964)

$31 to $50

Italian

Downtown / LoDo

About the restaurant

This adorable Italian eatery—where red brick walls line the cozy dining room—could almost be mistaken for a chic little boutique from the street. Sounds surprising, but it’s pretty much all good here. The prices are reasonable, and the pizzas are outrageous. If your neighbor orders the salumi and housemade cheeses, you’ll be saying “I’ll have what she’s having.” Pair it all with their great wine, and order from the menu confidently, you can’t go wrong.

Top review

Jamie

Dined 2 days ago

Fantastic food! It can be a little loud depending on where you sit. Overall, the menu is incredible for every course, and our service was top notch.

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Experience

Sunday Drag Bingo Brunch!

Experience

Galentine’s Day: An Evening Drag Bingo Dinner

Experience

Burrata Dinner

Bistro Vendome

4.7

4.7 (7470)

$30 and under

French

Park Hill

About the restaurant

The ambiance at this French bistro, from James Beard Award-winning chef Jennifer Jasinski, is overflowing with charm. There’s a very romantic patio and one particular indoor seating area that looks like it could be a small Parisian courtyard or alleyway, with twinkle lights strung overhead. They serve all the great staples you’d expect and even have a small section of their menu dedicated solely to steak frites, so definitely get some.

Top review

Linda

Dined 3 days ago

Movie night on Monday night was a delight! The prix fixe menu was both delicious and a great value. Drinks are not included so you can order your preferred wine or cocktails. The concept was so well executed by the Bistro Vendome staff. I will definitely do this again!

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4.8

4.8 (3642)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Highlands

About the restaurant

Duo has been a Denver staple—for over a decade now—serving up food that people love to love. From the early days, brunch has been the star here and it still deserves to be. When you can enjoy their basket of pastries, biscuits and gravy, and beloved cider-glazed pork benedict all in one visit, there’s really no other meal as important to come for. Order a duo of each.

Top review

Markus

Dined 5 days ago

Duo is a cozy spot for brunch in Denver with a rustic-chic vibe. The menu features fresh, seasonal ingredients that are thoughtfully prepared.

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Popular dish

Berkshire Pork Chop

Popular dish

Fried Chicken Sandwich

Popular dish

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

North Italia – Denver

4.7

4.7 (4374)

$30 and under

Italian

Cherry Creek

About the restaurant

You can truly feel the love they cook into their food at this rustic and authentic Italian spot in Cherry Creek, with a staff that’s exceptionally warm and gregarious. Their housemade pasta is absolutely delectable, and is even more wonderful when paired with their (house specialty) bolognese. Their squid ink mafaldine is great, and the calamari, zucca chips, and prosciutto pizza are also hugely popular. People deeply love this place, and you will too.

Top review

NeelamVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Love North! From the time you walk in and get greeted by friendly faces like Elizabeth to sitting down and meeting our great waiter Justin! We are always are impressed with the service and quality of food. That’s why we keep going back! Bravo to Meredith the Manager for keeping up the standards at this location.

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White Truffle Garlic Bread

Tamayo Restaurant

4.4

4.4 (4395)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Mexican

Downtown / LoDo

About the restaurant

Just above charming Larimer Square—on the second floor of a corner building—you’ll find a lively Mexican restaurant with a fantastic and expansive terrace, showcasing great views of the surrounding mountains. The modern Latin menu, created by celebrated Chef Richard Sandoval (Top Chef Masters), has all the traditional nibbles you’d hope for, but he’s added his own creative touches. Their guacamole (which people fawn over), for example, is offered in three different preparations: traditional, tuna tartare, and bacon. Another great share plate is their queso fundido, which you can add chorizo or mushrooms to. Their super tender (chili & coffee rubbed) carne asada, pork carnitas with avocado purée, and mahi mahi tacos are all superbly delicious. Add on their huge selection of tequilas and agave cocktails, and it’s easy to understand why people love coming here for meals and many margaritas.

Top review

RobinVIP

Dined on 28 Dec 2024

We did the bottomless brunch (food only). It was great and had a birthday celebration so tried all the desserts

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Popular dish

Shrimp

Panzano

4.7

4.7 (5762)

$31 to $50

Italian

Downtown / LoDo

About the restaurant

Inside the Hotel Monaco, you’ll find this Northern Italian gem of a restaurant that’s hard not to fall in love with. Even though Panzano has been around for a while and Italian food is steeped in tradition, they’ve grown with the times and offer separate gluten-free versions of all of their menus (breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner). But back to Italian tradition, they make wonderful fresh-baked breads, handmade pastas, and they’re true gnocchi mavens, which is a feat in itself. Over the years, they’ve served their soft potato pillows (the way you always pray they’ll come out) with everything from duck and rabbit to pumpkin and grouper (and even a prosecco hollandaise at brunch). So get some gnocchi goodness and maybe a side of their truffle risotto and Brussels sprouts with pancetta and honey.

Top review

judi

Dined 6 days ago

Excellent service! The salmon and brussel spouts were excellent. The pasta dishes are fresh and were excellent as well!

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Chef's 4-Course Tasting Menu

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