Best restaurants in Denver

Denver’s known for its 300 days of sunshine per year, and you’ll definitely be feeling brighter after sampling some of the great grub this foodie favorite has to offer. This heartland city has plenty of hearty foods to offer from authentic Mexican cuisine to hotdogs made with exotic meats and flavors from around the world. Learn more about the best places to dine and where the locals prefer to book a table in Denver, in this in-depth guide.

Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs

2148 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80205

Think of hot dogs and what comes to mind? A panting pooch or a juicy pork sausage in a soft bread bun? Well, you won’t find either of these typical suggestions at Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs. Located just a short walk from Coors Field, it’s the ideal spot for a bite after watching a Rockies game.

Biker Jim’s pushes the limits with what can be used to create the perfect hot dog. Ostrich, elk, beef wrapped in bacon, wild boar and even rattlesnake are all on the menu. These dogs definitely have bite.

Top them off with a wide selection of gourmet toppings. We can’t get enough of the classic cream cheese and caramelized onion combo, but the harissa-roasted cactus is a real game changer. Not a meat eater? No problem. There are vegan options too. 

Denver Milk Market

1800 Wazee Street Suite 100, Denver, CO 80202

Located in the Dairy Block – the original home of the Windsor Dairy Farm of Colorado – Denver Milk Market plays host to 16 different eateries. Each one serves up a memory from chef Frank Bonanno’s childhood, from decadent lobster rolls to hand-spun pizzas loaded with only the finest meats and cheeses, inspired by his Sicilian roots. This concept eatery is best visited with an empty stomach.

Kick off with a specialty salad from The Green Huntsman, loaded with everything from classic croutons to blueberries, beets and garbanzo beans.

Next, it’s time for chicken wings slathered in a sauce of your choice (the mango habanero delivers a sweet and spicy kick) with waffle fries on the side. Cornicello is where you can finish off with a generous scoop or two of fresh-spun gelato or a sweet shake. Whatever you have a craving for, you’ll find something to satisfy it here.

House of Bread

2020 South Parker Road, Denver, Colorado 80231

Drop by the Dayton Center and pull up a chair in House of Bread. This Armenian bakery doesn’t look like much from the outside, but it will have you ordering one of everything on the menu.

It’s the perfect stop off if you’re driving to Cherry Creek Reservoir for the day, so fill up on warm baked bread filled with cheese, eggs and meat before a day of activities on the water.

Known as ajarski khachapuri, this baked bread boat can be sweet or savory. Opt for a classic stuffed with mozzarella and feta with two sunny side up eggs or satisfy a sweet tooth with Nutella and fruit. For something lighter the tolma is a must try, consisting of grape leaves stuffed with greens, spices and rice.

Snooze, an A.M Eatery

101 North Broadway, Suite 1, Denver, CO 80203

There’s a reason why you’ll find several Snooze restaurants across Denver – the food is just too delicious to contain in one location. If you’ve woken up hungry, this is the place to grab a hearty breakfast or brunch.

There’s a huge menu, packed with delicious breakfast dishes ranging from pancakes and French toast to omelets and breakfast burritos. The pineapple upside down pancakes are a fan favorite with Snooze regulars.

Ask about the pancake of the week, which is pitched by Snooze customers and then created by the chefs for everyone to try. We’ve seen banana and crème brulee and even matcha featured in these imaginative, delicious menu specials.

The Wolf’s Tailor

4058 Tejon Street, Denver, CO 80211

Enter The Wolf’s Tailor and you’ll instantly recognize that you’re in a fine-dining establishment. With a tasting menu that has an ever-changing theme, this restaurant is made for hungry foodies who are looking for an experience to accompany their meal.

When it comes to the interior and atmosphere, expect a modern contemporary setting, dimmed lights and attentive staff. Edible flowers are gently placed atop steaming dishes, a dash of flavorsome sauce adorns plates featuring elegantly arranged meats and vibrant greens, while drinks come in decorative glasses clinking with ice cubes.

We’re big fans of the restaurant’s waiting area, where you can chill with a drink around a roaring fire pit in the colder months while your table is prepared.

Sushi Den

1487 South Pearl Street, Denver, CO 80210

There’s an electric vibe in Sushi Den where a team of top sushi chefs carefully prepare fresh fish and traditional Japanese dishes. This restaurant hums with noise as soon as the doors open and the customers waiting are seated – if you can get a seat at the counter to watch the chefs work, we highly recommend this. Sushi Den has been operating since the mid-80s and hasn’t wavered in popularity since.

There’s something for fresh fish lovers and vegetarians alike, from California rolls featuring spicy tuna or smoked trout to classic avocado rolls and eggplant sushi. Don’t order before checking out the specials, with freshly caught fish available every day and inventive dishes to try.

You’ll find Sushi Den near South Pearl Farmer’s Market and Denver Public Library, with two-hour street parking available near the restaurant between the hours of 12pm and 8pm.

The Bagel Deli & Restaurant

6439 East Hampden Avenue, Denver, CO 80222

Nothing quite beats a bagel, and this Denver establishment ticks all the boxes if you’re looking for a packed sandwich that could compete with any served in a New York deli. This family-owned institution piles the fillings high, keeps the matzo ball soup warm and serves breakfast all day long.

A fan of Guy Fieri? Then you’ll love that The Bagel Deli & Restaurant was featured on his show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. Guy tucked into The Classic Reuben – sauerkraut, hot corned beef and Swiss cheese tucked into soft bread – and the matzo ball soup.

He didn’t stick around for desert but, if you do, don’t hesitate to sample a little of everything – the lemon bars are the perfect balance of sweet and sour while the homemade honey cake is simply perfection. Like what you’ve eaten? You can pick up fresh or frozen items from the menu to take home to enjoy later.

The Denver Biscuit Company

3237 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80206

This restaurant has a cult following with travelers flocking from far and wide to taste the biscuits made on site every day, paired with a range of tasty accompaniments from rich, meaty gravy to buttermilk chicken and beer-battered catfish. This is another Guy Fieri haunt, plus Grill Dads from Food Network have also paid a visit.

The biscuit plates are where this eatery thrives, with classics like shrimp and grits and biscuits and gravy available as well as biscuit French toast, which reviewers rave about.

Expect quick service, a homely meal and a lively atmosphere whatever time of day you plan to visit – but get in early as the restaurant closes at 2pm Monday to Friday and 3pm at the weekend. You’ll find four restaurants in Denver alone, proving just how popular something as simple as biscuits can be when it’s made well.

Whatever you’re in the mood for you’ll always find great eats in Denver. Check out some of our recommended spots above and keep that stomach satisfied from breakfast to dinner.

Get to know more about Denver

Learn more about Denver, where to go and how to navigate it by car with our comprehensive guides.

• Denver’s neighborhoods
• Denver driving guide
• The best hotels in Denver