Denver’s dining scene is absolutely on fire right now. The Mile High City just scored big with three restaurants landing on Yelp’s 2026 Top 100 list, plus a whopping 17 James Beard semifinalist nominations across the state . This isn’t your grandpa’s steak-and-potatoes town anymore.
From Michelin-starred Mexican gems and legendary Jewish delis to innovative new spots opening weekly, Denver is serving up world-class flavors at every turn.
The altitude might take your breath away, but the food will bring it right back. We’ve combed every neighborhood to bring you the absolute best restaurants in Denver right now. Let’s dig in.
1. Leven Deli
Leven Deli isn’t just the best restaurant in Denver according to Yelp’s 2026 rankings—it’s the 13th best in the entire country.
Tucked away in the Golden Triangle neighborhood, this sandwich sanctuary has been packing them in since 2018, earning a devoted following and a 4.6-star rating across more than 800 reviews .
The classic pastrami Reuben is the undisputed headliner. House-made rye bread, baked fresh daily. Pastrami cured and smoked in-house, sliced thin, piled high. It’s the kind of sandwich that ruins all other sandwiches for you.
The smoked beet Reuben offers a vegetarian option that even carnivores crave. And whatever you do, save room for that chocolate tahini brownie .
The space itself is warm and welcoming, with that perfect deli buzz that makes you want to linger.
They’ve expanded so successfully that a new Leven Supply location opened near Wash Park in 2025, and a downtown flagship is coming to Block 162 in 2026 . For a quintessential Denver restaurant experience, Leven Deli is non-negotiable. Come hungry.
2. Alma Fonda Fina
Chef Johnny Curiel has built something special in Denver. Alma Fonda Fina, his first restaurant, opened just three years ago and has already racked up a Michelin star and a No. 40 spot on Yelp’s 2026 Top 100 list.
It’s also earned him a 2026 James Beard semifinalist nomination for Best Chef: Mountain . Not bad for a rookie outing.
The name means “soul of fine dining,” and every dish delivers on that promise. The camote asado—a sweet potato dish that’s become signature—pairs beautifully with their avocado margarita.
The callo de hacha al horno and enmoladas de pollo are other standout choices that showcase Curiel’s exquisite technique and deep respect for Mexican tradition .
The vibe is warm, intimate, and utterly transportive. It’s the kind of place where you want to linger over every bite.
And Curiel isn’t stopping here—he and his wife Kasie are opening Mar Bella Boqueria in Cherry Creek and an eight-seat tasting counter called Maize in RiNo this spring. For a truly special Denver dining experience, Alma Fonda Fina is essential.
3. Golden Banh Mi
Aurora’s Golden Banh Mi landed at No. 99 on Yelp’s 2026 Top 100 list, and the 4.8-star rating across nearly 280 reviews tells you everything you need to know . This tiny Vietnamese sandwich shop, from the owners of Golden Saigon next door, is serving some of the best banh mi in the state.
The steak and kimcheese version is something special. Marinated bulgogi steak, kimchi, melted cheese, plus all the classic banh mi fixings—pickled daikon and carrots, cilantro, jalapeño.
It’s a Korean-Vietnamese fusion that works way better than it has any right to. Add a fried egg for extra decadence . The crispy pork belly, braised pork belly, and chicken katsu versions are also knockout choices .
The space is modest and efficient. You order at the counter, grab your sandwich, and find a seat. It’s no-frills dining at its absolute best. For an authentic, affordable Denver area restaurant experience, Golden Banh Mi is a must. Your taste buds will thank you.
4. Uchiko
Cherry Creek North just got a serious upgrade. Uchiko, chef Tyson Cole’s acclaimed Japanese concept, opens February 17, 2026 in the former Ginny Williams Gallery, and it’s already generating serious buzz.
The building itself is a work of art—a renovated mid-century structure spanning over 7,400 square feet with a sunroom, timber beams, and custom furniture by Colorado artisans .
The menu leans into the glow of the hearth, pairing smoke and char with clean Japanese flavors. Oysters with koji creamed spinach. Post oak grilled sea bass with brown butter dashi. Four-times-seared Denver steak.
Fresh fish flown in daily. Premium 72-hour Australian Westholme wagyu served tableside on hot rocks .
The space honors the legacy of noted art collector Ginny Williams through rotating art installations, preserving the location’s artistic roots.
With 163 seats that somehow feel both intimate and expansive, this is poised to become one of the most exciting Denver restaurants in years . Reservations are live now. Book accordingly.
5. The Wolf’s Tailor
Chef Kelly Whitaker’s The Wolf’s Tailor in the Sunnyside neighborhood has become a national destination for innovative, grain-forward cuisine. And in 2026, pastry chef Emily Thompson earned a well-deserved James Beard semifinalist nomination for her work here .
The tasting menu is a journey through wood-fired cooking, fermentation, and ancient grains. Think Colorado lamb with koji-marinated vegetables.
House-milled polenta with wild mushrooms. Desserts that redefine what desserts can be. Every dish tells a story about the land and the people who cultivate it.
The space is warm and rustic, with an open kitchen that invites you to watch the magic happen. It’s the kind of place where you surrender control and let the chefs guide you.
For a truly innovative Denver restaurant experience, The Wolf’s Tailor is simply unmatched. Reservations are essential.
6. Restaurant Olivia
Restaurant Olivia has become a Denver institution for warm, sophisticated Italian dining. And in 2026, it earned a James Beard semifinalist nomination for Outstanding Hospitality—a recognition that speaks to everything this team does right .
The handmade pasta is the star here. Garganelli with duck sausage and black truffle. Tortellini stuffed with mortadella and pork. Each bite is pure comfort elevated to art. The service is warm and knowledgeable without being stuffy. They genuinely want you to have the best meal of your life.
The space is elegant yet approachable, perfect for date night or a celebratory dinner with friends.
From the same group behind Dear Emilia (opening January 2025), Olivia continues to set the standard for Italian dining in Denver. For a soulful, welcoming Denver restaurant experience, Olivia delivers every single time.
7. Hop Alley
Chef Tommy Lee’s Hop Alley in RiNo has been a destination for creative Chinese-American cooking since day one.
And in 2026, Lee earned a James Beard semifinalist nomination for Outstanding Restaurateur—a fitting recognition for his growing empire, which now includes Uncle ramen and Molino Chido .
The menu at Hop Alley is bold, inventive, and utterly delicious. The cumin lamb ribs are legendary—crispy, spicy, deeply satisfying.
The dan dan noodles deliver that perfect balance of heat and numbing Sichuan peppercorn. The mapo tofu is another standout. Every dish bursts with flavor and personality.
The vibe is cool and energetic, with exposed brick, a bustling open kitchen, and cocktails that are equally thoughtful. It’s the kind of place where you want to order one of everything and share with friends. For a creative, high-energy Denver restaurant experience, Hop Alley is essential.
8. Marigold
Tucked away in the charming town of Lyons, about 30 minutes north of Denver, Marigold is worth every mile of the drive. Chef Theo Adley earned a 2026 James Beard semifinalist nomination for Best Chef: Mountain, and one visit explains exactly why .
The menu changes constantly based on what’s fresh and local. One night you might find perfectly seared scallops with seasonal vegetables.
Another might feature a spectacular duck breast with foraged mushrooms. The ingredient quality is impeccable. The execution is flawless. The flavors are pure magic.
The space is intimate and warm, with a open kitchen that lets you watch the team at work. It’s the kind of place where you trust the chef and let them guide you.
And Adley is expanding—his new Denver outpost Heretík opens in RiNo in February 2026, featuring rotisserie chicken, shellfish, and oysters . For a destination-worthy Denver area restaurant, Marigold is a treasure.
9. Kizaki
Denver’s dining scene just got a serious addition with Kizaki, which earned a 2026 James Beard semifinalist nomination for Best New Restaurant . This intimate Japanese spot has quickly become one of the most sought-after reservations in the city.
The omakase-style experience showcases pristine fish flown in daily, prepared with precision and reverence. Each piece of nigiri is a small masterpiece—perfectly seasoned rice, buttery fish, a whisper of wasabi.
The tasting menu takes you on a journey through textures and flavors you won’t find anywhere else.
The space is minimal and serene, allowing the food to take center stage. It’s the kind of place where conversation quiets and attention focuses entirely on the plate. For a transcendent Denver fine dining experience, Kizaki is absolutely essential. Book well in advance.
10. Molotov Kitschen + Cocktails
Chef Bo Porytko’s Molotov in Edgewater landed a 2026 James Beard semifinalist nomination for Best Chef: Mountain, and the recognition is well deserved. This tiny, quirky spot serves some of the most creative, satisfying food in the metro area.
The menu defies easy categorization. Eastern European influences meet Colorado ingredients. Pierogies share space with inventive vegetable dishes.
Everything is bold, thoughtful, and deeply satisfying. The cocktails are equally creative—the kind of drinks that make you want to order another round just to study them further.
The vibe is intimate and funky, with a devoted local following. It’s the kind of place where regulars are greeted by name and newcomers feel immediately welcome. For a unique, off-the-beaten-path Denver restaurant experience, Molotov is a total gem.
11. Yuan Wonton
Chef Penelope Wong’s Yuan Wonton has become a beloved Denver institution, and in 2026 she earned a James Beard semifinalist nomination for Best Chef: Mountain . Her wontons are the stuff of local legend—delicate, flavorful, absolutely perfect.
The menu focuses on wontons in various forms, all made by hand with obvious care. The classic pork and chive wontons in chili oil are a revelation. The wonton soup is pure comfort in a bowl. The space is tiny and often packed, but the line moves and the wait is absolutely worth it.
It’s the kind of place that proves greatness doesn’t require fancy decor or complicated concepts. Just incredible food made with love and respect for tradition. For an authentic, soulful Denver restaurant experience, Yuan Wonton is a must. Come early. Bring cash.
12. Dear Emilia
Opening January 29, 2026, Dear Emilia is the newest restaurant from the team behind Restaurant Olivia . Located in the Delgany Street corridor, this spot serves as a love letter to the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy—think Bologna, Parma, and all that glorious food culture.
Chef Ty Leon draws inspiration from the team’s travels to the region, crafting dishes that honor tradition while feeling fresh and exciting.
The hand-rolled garganelli pasta, made with Colorado rye flour, comes with house-made duck sausage, black truffle, and brown butter. The tortellini are stuffed with mortadella and pork. Tiramisu for dessert, obviously .
The space promises to be warm and inviting, with that same hospitality magic that makes Olivia so special. For an exciting new Denver restaurant experience from a proven team, Dear Emilia is one to watch. Book now.
13. Casa Juani
Boulder gets a major addition in February 2026 with Casa Juani, a Spanish eatery from powerhouse duo Kelly Jeun and Eduardo Valle Lobo, both formerly of the legendary Frasca Food and Wine . Valle Lobo draws from his childhood in Madrid, naming the venture after his mother’s house.
The menu dives deep into Spanish tradition. Stews and braises. Rice dishes. Seafood tapas featuring razor clams and sea cucumbers. They’re sourcing products directly from Spain to ensure authenticity. A 10-person chef’s table offers a tasting menu for those who want the full experience .
Located just blocks west of Frasca on Pearl Street, this is poised to become one of the most exciting openings of the year. For a Boulder restaurant worth the drive from Denver, Casa Juani is essential. Book early and often.
Conclusion
Denver’s dining scene has never been more exciting. From Yelp’s national top 100 spots and James Beard-nominated chefs to a wave of incredible new openings, the Mile High City is serving up world-class flavors at every turn.
Three restaurants just made Yelp’s national list. Seventeen earned James Beard recognition. New spots are opening weekly .
But you have to get out there. That perfect pastrami Reuben, that transcendent tasting menu, that life-changing wonton in chili oil—it’s all here. It’s waiting for you.
So grab your keys, round up your favorite people, and start exploring. Your next unforgettable meal in Denver is just a reservation away. Which spot are you hitting first?