The 7 Fancy Restaurants In Denver Colorado You Need To Try

Denver’s food scene has exploded in recent years, transforming the Mile High City into a paradise for foodies. From James Beard award winners to innovative chef-owned bistros, the city offers incredible dining experiences that rival coastal culinary capitals. I’ve eaten my way through Denver’s fanciest spots and compiled this mouthwatering list of places where the atmosphere is as impressive as the food.

1. Brutø: Michelin-Starred Sustainability in the Dairy Block

Brutø is more than a fine dining restaurant – it’s a forward-thinking culinary lab dedicated to sustainability and innovation. Located in Denver’s Dairy Block, Brutø earned both a Michelin Star and a Green Star for its commitment to zero-waste cooking and hyper-seasonal sourcing.

Chef Michael Diaz de Leon crafts intimate tasting menus with an emphasis on house-milled heritage grains, fermentation, and live-fire techniques. The experience is rooted in ancestral Mesoamerican traditions, yet feels entirely modern and surprising. Seating only a handful of guests at its open chef’s counter, Brutø delivers a meal that’s as educational as it is delicious.

It’s not just a restaurant – it’s a conversation about the future of food. If you’re looking for one of Denver’s most progressive and thoughtful dining experiences, Brutø should top your list.

2. The Wolf’s Tailor: Global Technique Meets Zero-Waste Dining

The Wolf’s Tailor, nestled in Denver’s Sunnyside neighborhood, is where global flavors, sustainability, and fine dining converge. Helmed by chef-owner Kelly Whitaker, the restaurant earned its Michelin Star by pushing the boundaries of what modern cuisine can be.

The team mills its own grains in-house and uses a zero-waste philosophy to craft tasting menus that blend Italian, Japanese, and Colorado influences seamlessly. Dishes like koji-aged proteins and hand-rolled pastas with foraged herbs showcase both technique and artistry. The sleek, Scandinavian-meets-farmhouse interior sets the tone for a refined yet grounded experience.

Every visit feels different thanks to the ever-changing seasonal menu. The Wolf’s Tailor isn’t just one of Denver’s best – it’s a restaurant that challenges and excites the palate while honoring the land and culture that inspired it.

3. Beckon: The Exclusive Chef’s Counter Experience

Imagine scoring tickets to a private dinner party hosted by one of Denver’s most innovative chefs – that’s Beckon. With just 18 seats arranged around a U-shaped counter, this RiNo gem offers Colorado’s only true chef’s counter tasting menu experience.

Your evening unfolds over 8-10 courses, each presented by the chef who created it. The menu changes monthly, drawing inspiration from Colorado’s seasons. I once had a dessert featuring Douglas fir that somehow tasted like the most perfect expression of winter imaginable. The open kitchen choreography is mesmerizing – chefs move with precision while explaining each meticulously plated creation.

Tickets must be purchased in advance through their website and typically sell out within minutes of release. The price tag hovers around $185 per person before drinks, but for special occasions, nothing else in Denver delivers this level of culinary theater.

4. Uchi: Japanese Perfection in RiNo

When Austin’s acclaimed Uchi opened in Denver, sushi lovers rejoiced – and years later, securing a reservation remains a challenge. The sleek, wood-dominated space in RiNo provides the perfect backdrop for what can only be described as edible art.

Master Chef Tyson Cole’s menu blends traditional Japanese techniques with unexpected ingredients like candied quinoa and Texas peaches. The daily-changing nigiri selection features fish flown in from Japan’s Toyosu market. Their famous hama chili – yellowtail with ponzu, thai chili and orange slices – delivers a perfect flavor bomb that somehow manages to be both refreshing and complex.

Arrive during their daily social hour (5-6:30pm) for special pricing on select dishes. Skip the conventional sushi rolls and instead put yourself in the chef’s hands with the 10-course omakase. Every bite will remind you why Uchi has earned national acclaim.

5. Restaurant Olivia: Handmade Pasta Meets Culinary Sophistication

Tucked into Denver’s charming Washington Park neighborhood, Restaurant Olivia has quickly become a top-tier destination for lovers of fine Italian cuisine. With a warm, inviting atmosphere and a focus on impeccable hospitality, this intimate spot specializes in handmade pastas that blend traditional techniques with modern creativity.

Dishes like the duck confit agnolotti and cacio e pepe showcase the kitchen’s precision and passion, while the rotating seasonal menu keeps regulars coming back for new surprises. Co-owned by Chef Ty Leon, the team places as much emphasis on service as they do on flavor – expect gracious pacing, excellent wine pairings, and personalized touches throughout your meal.

For dessert, don’t miss their signature olive oil cake, a sweet-savory delight that exemplifies the balance and innovation that defines this upscale Denver gem.

6. Barolo Grill: Old-World Italian Elegance

For nearly three decades, Barolo Grill has transported Denverites to Northern Italy without the plane ticket. The Cherry Creek institution exudes old-world charm with its rustic brick walls, white tablecloths, and warm, amber lighting that makes everyone look their best.

Owner Ryan Fletter leads annual staff trips to Italy’s Piedmont region, bringing back authentic recipes and wine discoveries. Their duck has achieved legendary status – prepared in a five-day process that culminates in a crispy-skinned, tender masterpiece. The tableside risotto preparation creates the kind of theatrical dining moment rarely found in modern restaurants.

Though formal by Denver standards, there’s nothing stuffy about the service. The sommelier’s passion for Italian wines is infectious, making navigating the 2,000+ bottle list a pleasure rather than an intimidation. Save room for the tableside zabaglione, whipped to perfection while you watch.

7. Frasca Food & Wine: Boulder’s World-Class Italian Destination

Though technically in Boulder, Frasca is worth the 30-minute drive from Denver for what might be Colorado’s most perfect dining experience. Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey and Chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson have created a temple to the cuisine of Friuli, Italy’s northeastern region.

The James Beard Award-winning restaurant balances formality with genuine warmth – servers move with balletic precision while making you feel like a guest in someone’s home. Their tasting menu evolves seasonally, but the frico caldo (a crispy cheese and potato pancake) remains a constant favorite. The wine service here is unmatched anywhere in Colorado, with Stuckey often roaming the floor to share his encyclopedic knowledge.

Monday nights offer a more accessible four-course menu at a reduced price. Despite numerous accolades and national recognition, Frasca maintains the soul of a neighborhood restaurant where regulars are greeted by name.