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This US city is a hotspot for Michelin dining and food lovers 

From Michelin-starred restaurants to boutique bars, the dining scene in Denver, Colorado embraces just about every taste.

Denver, the capital city of Colorado, is making a name for itself as a culinary destination. Surrounded by a staggering variety of dining options — from world-class restaurants (Denver is home to 26 Michelin-recognised restaurants as of 2023) to boutique breweries and craft cocktail lounges.  
 
For wine and craft beer enthusiasts, Denver is brimming with wine bars (try Denver’s longest-running bar Cruise Room), innovative breweries such as Blue Moon and the Denver Beer Trail. For those seeking a hands-on experience, culinary tours and cooking classes led by local chefs provide a deeper insight into the city’s diverse food culture.  
 
Keep reading for our comprehensive guide on the best Michelin-recommended places to eat and drink in Denver, Colorado.  

Must-visit restaurants in Denver

The impressive menu at Italian venue Tavernetta showcases produce from both land and sea in equal measures. (Credit: Casey Giltner)

Tavernetta 

Sommelier Bobby Stuckey and chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson (Frasca Hospitality Group) are the brains behind this swish Italian restaurant. With an open kitchen, pasta station and Slim Aarons portraits celebrating la dolce vita, the glamorous venue is an instant ticket to Italy, as is the menu. Expect well-executed antipasti, generous mains of fish and meat and indulgent pastas ranging from rigatoni with lamb ragù to saffron-spiced bucatini.  
 
tavernettadenver.com  


A5 Steakhouse 

What to expect at restaurateur Juan Padró and chef-partner Max Mackissock’s interpretation of the all-American steakhouse? The answer lies in retro-style interiors paired with an extensive wine list, diverse steak selection and seasonal menu with riffs on familiar favourites. Mackissock’s crab cakes, for instance, reinvent traditional steakhouse dining by fusing Jonah crab with cucumbers and yuzu kosho aioli, topped with togarashi-dusted potato chips. 

a5denver.com 

Mercantile restaurant is set within the beautifully restored Union Station, a must-see destination on any visit to Denver brimming with local artisans, food vendors and creatives. (Credit: LuckyMalone Photography)

Mercantile Dining & Provision 

Located in the vibrant Union Station in the centre of the city, Mercantile opened in 2014 with an artisanal market, barista station, chef’s counter, two patios, a spice treasury and impressive wine library. Since then, the expansive farm to table venue led by chef Alex Seidel has evolved to a culinary museum of sorts, complete with a hallway of jarred produce, plus a lunch and dinner menu highlighting modern American cuisine (you can’t go wrong with a robust burger).   

mercantiledenver.com 


Barolo Grill 

Located in charming and lively Cherry Creek North, this northern Italian restaurant is the perfect place for an intimate date night. The romantic atmosphere (think gentle lighting, a fireplace and white-clothed tables for two) is enhanced by the beautifully crafted pasta dishes and bottles of Barolo — the venue’s namesake. Expect warm and knowledgeable service from the staff, who take annual Europe trips to hone their expertise. Visit for excellent service and one of the most attractive dining rooms in the city.  

barologrilldenver.com 

Soak in the suave interiors of Guard and Grace from the leather booths or at the bar. (Credit: Visit Denver)

Guard and Grace 

This modern American steakhouse is the latest venue by chef and restaurateur Troy Guard. The well-appointed interior space — with its crescent-shaped booths, lavish bar seating and glass-enclosed wine cellar — is just as impressive as the beef and seafood-centric menu starring wagyu and grass-fed steaks, oysters and lobsters.  

guardandgrace.com


For more Michelin-recommended bars and restaurants in Denver, explore here.

Flight Centre’s ‘Downtown Denver Sips & Sights’ is the ultimate three-day holiday package, including accommodation, a Denver cocktail tour for two and optional return flights. Book now to make the most of your USA holiday.  

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