Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Denver / Colorado

OpenTable

Updated 05 April 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Denver / Colorado? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Fox and The Hen

4.9

4.9 (100)

$30 and under

Breakfast

Whittier

About the restaurant

Fox and The Hen is inspired by a love of all things breakfast aka #MorningStuff. Here, we believe all the best things happen in the morning: sunrises, coffee drinks, small breakfast burritos tucked in large breakfast burritos and walks of shame.

Born out of Carrie Baird and Michael Fox’s true love for classic American breakfast served with lighthearted twists and an equal passion of all things boozy-brunch-drinks, Fox & The Hen is your new LoHi all-day breakfast concept.

Our focus is bringing friends and family together, incredibly delicious (and fun!) food, creative beverages and having everyone who leaves the Fox & the Hen feel their day is better than when they came in.

We do not seat incomplete parties, sorry.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 15 Mar 2025

Had an amazing time!! The food was phenomenal and our server was absolutely amazing.

Canary

4.9

4.9 (22)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Breckenridge

About the restaurant

Welcome to a world where every detail is crafted with intention, and you’re not just a guest — you’re part of the story. Consider this booking not as a simple reservation, but the start of a journey that can take you anywhere you’d like to go. Will your journey begin with the floral elegance of gin, or the robust embrace of bourbon?
What structure suits your spirit? A bold, stirred classic served neat? Or a lively blend of citrus and sweetness?
To finish: bitter botanicals, ripe fruits, fragrant spices, or delicate flowers?
Watch our bartenders bring this vision to life, presenting a cocktail intended for this singular moment.
This is your night, and we’re here to ensure every moment is magical.

Top review

Lisa

Dined today

We had a great experience at Canary! We love a speakeasy - and this one did not disappoint . . . From check in to exit we had an amazing experience. JC made bespoke (one-of-a-kind) drinks for each of us and hit the nail on the head for all 5 of us! We will definitely return! MN friends coming to Breck the last 20 years 🥃😎🎿

Discover more

Experience

Imbibe in a world of explorational delight!

Uchi Denver

4.8

4.8 (2846)

$50 and over

Sushi

River North (Denver)

About the restaurant

:: ADDITIONAL RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE ON RESTAURANT WEBSITE ::

The award-winning Uchi, which translated from Japanese means “home,” was first opened in Austin, Texas by James Beard Award winner Chef Tyson Cole. Since then, Cole’s signature non-traditional take on Japanese cuisine has been warmly received by visitors from across the country and around the globe. Reservations are encouraged and can be booked online up to 1 month in advance. Walk-in bar seating is available and is subject to wait times. Patio seating is weather permitting and may be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. We look forward to serving you, Kanpai!

Top review

Aine

Dined on 31 Mar 2025

It’s my favorite restaurant in Denver and the food is fantastic

Call Me Pearl

4.8

4.8 (91)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Denver

About the restaurant

Call Me Pearl is a space that honors an ethos of gilded celebration, simple joys, and humble hospitality. Here, we celebrate the often lost art of rituals and classics. Our menu features a focused selection of nostalgic favorites and convivial offerings that are equal parts exquisite and approachable. Providing a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like your fondest home cocktail party, Call Me Pearl is an unforgettable indulgence that celebrates timeless beauty and the human experience. You have an open invitation, adding to our collective story of shared memories.

Top review

Andrea

Dined on 20 Feb 2025

Service super friendly ) Happy Hour was superb- drinks and food!! Beautiful ambiance ! Super fun will spread the word

Discover more

Experience

Pearl's Awakening

Experience

The New Pearl Standard

Experience

Happy Hour at Call Me Pearl

Ukiyo

4.7

4.7 (139)

$50 and over

International

Whittier

About the restaurant

UKIYO is a 12-seat omakase (chef choice) restaurant located on Larimer Square of downtown Denver, curated by chef Phraseuth ‘Paul’ Sananikone. The UKIYO multi-course omakase experience uses Japanese techniques with worldly flavors transforming it into a unique tasting menu where his offerings change based on ingredient seasonality and availability.

Top review

DanVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Excellent as always - the food is unique and fantastic, service is impeccable.

Discover more

Experience

Late Night Nigiri

Experience

Kizuna no Tabemono “Food of Connection” Menu 3

Experience

Toast to Tuna

Madre Cocina y Lounge

4.6

4.6 (74)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Fort Collins

About the restaurant

Welcome to Madre Cocina Y Lounge, where every meal is a celebration of flavor and tradition. Immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere that blends authentic Mexican cuisine with a modern Twist. Whether you're here to savor a delicious meal or unwind with a handcrafted cocktail, we promise an unforgettable dining experience that will leave you craving more.

Top review

CarynVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Delicious meal and they made it special for ours son’s birthday. Thank you!

Los Chingones

4.5

4.5 (23)

$30 and under

Mexican

Downtown / LoDo

About the restaurant

Hi there! Wanted to circle back and let you that Los Chingones RiNo is open for carryout, delivery, indoor and outdoor seating! Our restaurant hours are: Closed on Monday; 3pm - 10pm on Tuesday; 11am - 10pm Wednesday and Thursday; 11am - 11pm Friday and Saturday; 11am - 10pm on Sunday. You can view the menu and place your order at https://www.loschingonesmexican.com/online-ordering/ or stop by the restaurant to dine in person!

Please Note: this restaurant does not allow reservations as we are a walk-in restaurant only!

NEW: Join our wait-list on Open-table so you're on the list before you arrive at the restaurant!!

LOS CHINGONES, is Chef Owner Troy Guard’s Mexican concept. The space features a 90- seat rooftop bar and open main floor dining room, serving bold, flavorful, Guard-style twists on tapas style Mexican favorites. Los Chingones serves serves dinner Monday through Wednesday and lunch and dinner Thursday through Sunday.

Top review

JenniVIP

Dined on 21 Dec 2024

I had a great time at the XXXmas bar pop-up. The food is always great! My server was awesome and made some great drink recommendations. It was a great vibe and it wasn't cold at all. Very festive and I loved all the decor!

Bang Up To The Elephant

4.5

4.5 (270)

$30 and under

Vegetarian / Vegan

Central

About the restaurant

Bang Up to the Elephant blends the intimacy of indoor dining with the natural enchantment of the outdoors, providing a sultry space for escape and rejuvenation. The restaurant’s namesake, a Victorian-era phrase for 'properly done,' is reflected in every detail, from its spirited atmosphere to its thoughtfully prepared dishes, creating one of the more unique dining experiences in Denver.

Prioritizing the well-being of our life-sustaining oceans and land, the restaurant serves 100% plant-based dishes that are considerately crafted. Bang Up to the Elephant’s lush ambiance embodies our passion for focused and always-evolving menus that are globally inspired. With adventurous spices and heat, our ingredients are always vegan, fresh-from-scratch, and carefully sourced.

Amidst the tree–lined heart of our historically artistic Capitol Hill neighborhood, the restaurant hosts local art and entertainers through ongoing events – a must-visit for Denver's socially vibrant dining and arts scene.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 22 Mar 2025

Love this gem! Really great people, creative dishes, and fun vibe. Connor our server is awesome. Everything we ordered was wonderful! The fizzies are lovely, plantains are used in very imaginative ways, and all the coconut rice dishes! 🤩 Also, yay for your environment stance in food and energy. It’s worth it just to visit and learn what the name of the restaurant means! Then stay and have drinks, apps, and dinner. You will LOVE it! This is my new fun place to go downtown. Also, great area to poke around other shops. Thanks for a great night ~ look forward to our next visit!

Old Elk Distillery

4.4

4.4 (148)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Fort Collins

About the restaurant

Fort Collins is host to the Best Whiskey in America? Our Master Distiller, Greg Metze, is named Master Distiller of 2024 by Whisky Magazine. With 40+ years of experience under his belt, he does not fail to deliver the absolute best product that not only speaks for itself but is highly decorated. In 2024 alone we have 4 top tier awards from Double Golds to Double Platinums with multiple spirits in each category. Barrel aged in the heart of Fort Collins, our tasting room showcases not only the Old Elk product but also harbors some of the best mixologists and food offerings around. In house made syrups and highest quality spices make for coveted curated cocktails and mocktails. Our tasting flights go through the Old Elk branches of whiskey, vodka, gin, bourbon cream, and flavored whiskies. We can also tailor to the most sophisticated of whiskey drinkers. Our kitchen boasts unique options to pair with our spirits. From deviled egg and pickle plate appetizers to Elk burger and steak mains.

Top review

DouglasVIP

Dined on 23 Feb 2025

We really enjoyed tasting both of the whiskey flights. Lots of good whiskey and we enjoyed our server and the food. We will definitely come back.

The Range

3.7

3.7 (44)

$30 and under

American

Steamboat Springs

About the restaurant

Adjacent to Skeeter’s Ice Rink and with stunning views of Steamboat Resort, The Range Food & Drink Hall has the feel of an indoor/outdoor lunch and après lounge along with a fittingly wide range of cuisine options to meet everyone’s palate.

The Range features four different dining options. Twister Tacos serves street-style tacos, Sunshine Bowl warms l with a variety of ramen bowls, Pioneer Pies features pizza, and Why Not Sandwich Shop offers fresh salads and sandwiches.

Escape to a truly unique mountain experience with our custom cedar Stranahan's barrels! Perfect for up to four guests. Enjoy seamless ordering through our QR code menu, with food and beverages delivered straight to your barrel by our staff. Barrels are available on a first-come, first-serve basis until 3:30 PM—after that, reservations are required. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable way to savor the scenery and elevate your day!

Come join us at The Range after hitting the trails or enjoying a scenic gondola ride!

Top review

NewLife7

Dined on 5 Mar 2025

Really awesome experience. Great view. Great food. Quiet and warm inside the barrel. Overall, fantastic dinner. We will return another time.

Explore Diners' Choice best of Denver / Colorado

Explore more Diners' Choice lists