Denver is home to over 1,000 local restaurants, featuring diverse cuisines and personal touches that make each spot special. Whether you’re looking for bold fusion flavors, upscale steakhouses, cultural classics, affordable eats, or rich desserts, Denver has you covered.
Because the city was founded by settlers moving in from the east, Denver’s culinary scene developed in stages. It started with agricultural foundations that were heavily influenced by Southwestern Native American farming practices, with maize, beans, and squash quickly becoming staples.
Cattle traders moving through the region eventually led to the development of a prominent livestock presence. These thriving industries have then continued to grow and evolve, and they’re still prominent parts of the state’s economy today.
After this early development, Mexican and Latin American influences began to take root, transforming and diversifying the scene. The arrival of Asian immigrants in the 1980s and 90s added a new layer to the cuisine. As more cultures began to move in, fusion cuisine began to emerge in the form of blended cultural classics, resulting in new, inventive dishes full of vibrant flavors.
Today, that history shines through in Denver’s local restaurants. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a tourist, here are some of the best places to eat in Denver.
Denver’s proximity to the border has made Mexican and Latin American cuisine a huge part of the city’s restaurant culture. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, each with their own story and approach.
Serving tacos, quesadillas, nachos, and more, Casa Taquila’s specializes in simple, classic Mexican food. It has a casual, homey feel that everyone can appreciate. Their delicious food and welcoming atmosphere make this spot a must-try.
With Acapulco-style Mexican street food, La Loteria serves a range of authentic Mexican dishes. They have something for everyone; spicy, savory, mild, and everything in between.
El Tejado serves a blend of classic Mexican dishes, breakfast foods, seafood, steak, and burgers. They have a huge menu, so you’ll be able to find something to satisfy any craving.
Denver saw an influx of Vietnamese immigrants in the late 20th century, and that influence quickly made its mark on Denver’s food. Pho restaurants began to pop up around the city, and they’re still going strong to this day.
Pho Social’s menu puts a modern spin on traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Their selection of appetizers, pho, banh mi, meats, and noodle bowls are frequently praised for their fresh, high-quality ingredients.
This charming Vietnamese restaurant is rooted in history and authenticity. Their menu features a short rundown of the history of pho, and their food reflects that dedication to the dish’s heritage.
BoHoe is family-owned and founded on passion and tradition. Their menu is always evolving, perfecting classic dishes and creating new ones. This has helped them create a unique, exciting dining experience.
Denver’s tiered cultural progression and diverse population has led to an influx of innovative fusion restaurants that have introduced unique, striking flavors and delicious, surprising combinations. These restaurants are what makes Denver’s culinary landscape so dynamic and ever-evolving.
Combining Cajun shellfish dishes with classic Asian flavors, Asian Cajun’s menu is full of original tastes. Rich, savory spices meet fresh, vibrant ingredients to create a delightfully one-of-a-kind flavor profile.
Chuey Fu’s puts an Asian spin on traditional Mexican dishes. Serving nachos topped with Korean beef and burritos stuffed with rice noodles, they have a dynamic menu full of delicious, distinctive foods.
At Gaia Masala & Burger, classic American bar food meets Indian curries and spices. Cheese masala fries, tikka masala burgers, and veggie jackfruit cheesesteak are just a few of the bold dishes this fusion spot has to offer.
Though not typically named as a major player in the US’ pizza scene, Denver has plenty of delicious pizza spots that feature a variety of styles. They even have their own “Colorado-style” pizza that can’t be found anywhere else.
Creators of the original “Mountain Pie,” Beau Jo’s is a standout staple in Colorado’s pizza scene. Their crust is made with honey instead of sugar and hand-braided to create a pie that’s thick and crispy on the outside and thin and chewy on the inside.
Specializing in artisan, wood-fired pizza, Pizzeria Lui’s menu is built around seasonal ingredients. They leverage the nearby agricultural scene to create pizza that’s delicious and truly local.
Blue Pan Pizza is beloved for their Detroit-style pizza, complete with thick, pillowy crust and cheese that runs all the way to the edges. It’s a faithful and authentic recreation that brings this beloved style close to home.
Colorado’s thriving agricultural industry is home to plenty of farm-raised game meats, with bison, buffalo, and elk being a common sight in Denver’s upscale restaurants. Their steakhouses feature fresh, adventurous menus that are truly one-of-a-kind.
Buckhorn Exchange is well known in the region for its selection of rare meats, from rocky mountain oysters to buffalo steaks to fried alligator tail. It’s an exciting dining experience you can’t find anywhere else in the city.
With premium wagyu steaks, fresh seafood, and gourmet sides, EDGE Restaurant & Bar is the perfect place to go for a delicious, upscale meal. They complete the experience with impeccable service and a luxurious atmosphere.
Providing a slightly more homey environment, The Fort serves expertly grilled beef and buffalo steaks that give off an authentically Southwestern feel. The restaurant is deeply rooted in the city’s heritage, making it a can’t-miss for locals and tourists alike.
Denver’s year-round outdoor activities have attracted a significant fitness and diet-conscious population. As a result, a plethora of vegan and vegetarian restaurants have popped up to meet that demand. As a bonus, many of them also have delicious gluten-free options and allergy-conscious menus.
With a 100% vegan menu with plenty of gluten-free options, Fellow Traveler is a natural choice for anyone with dietary restrictions and preferences. Their dishes are bold and exciting, maintaining their health-conscious approach without sacrificing flavor.
V Revolution offers a variety of vegan meat substitutes, resulting in a menu full of protein-rich dishes. Their food takes heavy inspiration from Asian cuisine, using fresh ingredients and aromatic spices guaranteed to delight any diner, vegan or not.
Watercourse Foods’ menu is not only entirely vegan, but also full of gluten-free and allergy-conscious options. They take inspiration from a variety of cuisines, including American, Mexican, and Italian, making for a large, diverse selection.
Everyone loves a deal, and thankfully, Denver is full of them. With abundant happy hour and weekday specials, you’re sure to find tasty meals to fit any budget.
Steuben's serves classic, delicious American bar food. Their happy hour menu, running daily from 2PM-6PM and 9PM-close, features a great selection of delicious, affordable meals that don’t sacrifice quality. Their “Happier Meal!” comes with fries, a burger, and a drink for only $13.
Also specializing in American food, BriDer has a happy hour menu from 3PM-5PM daily. You can get a bacon grilled cheese with chips on the side for just $6, dollar wings, two falafel sliders for $9, and more.
With happy hour deals 4PM-6PM on weekdays, Redeemer Pizza is the place to go for a quick, affordable weeknight meal. They have discounted appetizers and wings, or you can get a whole hand-crafted pizza for $12.
Denver’s wide selection of sandwich shops means you’ll never be short on places to grab a quick bite to eat. Take a mid-day break with clubs and subs made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, complete with chips on the side.
This Mediterranean-inspired deli makes all of their sandwiches from scratch, right down to their homemade bread. They have breakfast and lunch menus, making them a great choice for all-day dining.
With gigantic breakfast and lunch menus, Hits the Spot Diner is an amazing place to go for mid-week lunches and weekend brunches alike. They’re family owned with a comfortable, homey feel, making it the perfect place to go for a hearty, relaxing meal.
“Fresh” is at the center of Curtis Park Deli’s menu. Their bread is hand-delivered from a local bakery every morning, their vegetables are seasonal, and their condiments are made fresh every day.
No food scene would be complete without a healthy supply of dessert options. Fortunately, Denver delivers. The city is home to bakeries, candy shops, and chocolateries that provide enough variety to satisfy every kind of sweet tooth.
The name says it all. Legacy Pie Co. serves classic, handmade pies. You can choose from 10”, mini, bite-sized, and gluten-free pies. They also serve savory and hand pies, and you can even order them custom with messages baked into the crust.
Fev’co gets their raw ingredients from the best sources available, with butter from France, hazelnuts from Italy, and fruits from family-owned farms. Their chocolates and desserts are delectable, gourmet treats.
Serving Middle Eastern treats like baklava, balorya, Turkish delights, and more, Reem’s Bakery features sweet, nutty flavors. They’re all made by highly-trained chefs with a curated selection full of nuts, syrups, and butter.
Fooda’s office food programs are rooted in local flavors. Powered by rotating selections of our 4,500+ restaurant partners, Fooda makes it easy to deliver Denver’s richest flavors to your employees with our selection of workplace meal programs. They’re all scalable, fully managed, and offer variety and customizability you won’t find anywhere else.
You can mix and match our programs to design the perfect fit that suits your needs and budget. We offer:
Ready to partner with Fooda in your Denver workplace? Reach out to a sales representative to get started.
How has Denver's restaurant scene grown in recent years?
Denver's food scene has expanded significantly alongside the city's population boom. The metro area grew by nearly 20% between 2010 and 2020. Its restaurant industry has grown at a similar rate, with new concepts opening regularly, each with its own distinct identity.
What neighborhoods are best for restaurant hopping in Denver?
RiNo (River North Art District) is one of Denver’s most vibrant culinary neighborhoods, with a high concentration of chef-curated menus and fusion spots. LoHi (Lower Highlands) hosts more upscale dining captions, featuring cocktail bars and steakhouses. South Broadway offers a more eclectic, affordable mix.
Is Denver a good city for people with food allergies or dietary restrictions?
Yes. Denver offers plenty of restaurants safe for individuals with dietary restrictions, partly due to its health-conscious population. Many restaurants offer gluten-free and allergy-safe menus, and clear ingredient labeling is common practice. All of this makes it easy for customers with dietary restrictions to eat out safely.
What is Colorado-style green chili?
Distinct from New Mexico and Texas green chili, Colorado green chili is a thick, slow-cooked stew made from roasted Hatch or Pueblo peppers, pork, tomatoes, and spices. It's served over everything from burritos to omelets to fries. It’s a defining feature of Denver’s culinary identity, reflecting the state’s Southwestern and Latin American roots.
