Introduction

If you were to ask the average American for their thoughts on Denver, chances are they would mention the Rocky Mountains, aliens in underground bunkers at Denver International, or the amphitheater at Red Rocks. None of these things actually exist in Denver's city limits, but we'll leave that aside for now. If they did happen to sprinkle in a comment on Denver’s cuisine, odds are they would praise the Mile High City for having some of the best taquerias outside of California. Fine dining is not something most Denverites associate with their city, and I cannot say they are wrong. Post-pandemic Denver has become saturated with venture-capital-funded mid-tier restaurants that brand themselves as something special, despite serving up what I've come to refer to as "Sysco burgers" for twenty dollars that do not automatically come with a side of fries but do come with a five percent cost of living surcharge conveniently left off the menu.

It isn't all doom and gloom. Denver has shown glimmers of real potential when it comes to developing its culinary scene. Michelin Guides produced its first Colorado edition in 2023, with nine restaurants earning a coveted Michelin star in the most recent 2025 guide. Of those nine restaurants, all except one were established within the past decade, with half opening their doors to diners in just the past couple of years.

Below we present the eight (with a bonus!) most in-demand restaurants in Denver, measured by how difficult it is to find a reservation. If you want a chance to dine at any of these during a trip to Colorado, making a booking early will be essential. Full disclosure, this is not necessarily a list of the best restaurants in Denver, either subjectively or objectively. Instead, this is a list of the most in-demand restaurants, whether deservedly or undeservedly so. I will leave the judgment to the professionals.

Sắp Sửa - Book 1 Month Ahead

Serving up non-traditional Vietnamese cuisine, Sắp Sửa is the permanent iteration of what husband and wife chefs Anna and Ni Nguyen created after several years of building up buzz through pop-up installations starting in 2020. Its brick and mortar location on East Colfax opened in 2023 to great acclaim, earning a semifinalist recognition for Best New Restaurant of the James Beard Foundation Awards in its initial year of operation. All dishes are Vietnamese inspired achieved through familiar Southeast Asian ingredients and flavors, but there isn't a dish on the menu that will be quite like anything you've ever tasted before. The Trứng và Trứng specifically is a must-try; the fluffy scrambled egg with brown butter over rice is perhaps the best egg dish I've ever tried at a dinner restaurant.

Sắp Sửa releases reservations on a rolling basis about 1 month in advance. You will want to book 1 month ahead to score a dining room table, although you can reserve bar seating closer to the date and still order off of the regular dinner menu. Reservations can be made on Tock.

Kizaki - Book 1-2 Months Ahead

For being about 1,000 miles from from the nearest ocean, sushi isn't exactly the type of cuisine you would think Denver would excel at. This didn't deter renowned sushi chef Toshi Kizaki however, as he was one of the first sushi chefs in America that came up with figuring out the logistics of flying fresh fish in from Tokyo-based fish markets to the US super fast. "Chef Toshi" as he calls himself has basically single handedly transformed Denver's Japanese dining scene to a point where it can now compete with coastal cities from Los Angeles to New York.

Kizaki delivers one of the most refined sushi experiences in the Western United States, a full omakase counter guided by Chef Toshi. In a small, quietly elegant space at 1551 S. Pearl Street (inside the building designed specially for this concept), the focus is on precision, respect for ingredients, and a subtle but powerful sense of craftsmanship. What sets Kizaki apart, beyond the sushi, is the intimacy and ritual of the experience. Sitting at the chef’s counter, you watch each piece being prepared and plated, and the service carefully guides you through the meal’s arc, ending with dessert and tea.

Kizaki releases reservations about 1-2 months ahead, and due to the extremely limited capacity of the counter and table omakase experiences, spots will go extremely fast. Reservations can be made on Open Table. If you aren't able to find any spots open, you might be able to find availability at Toshi's other Denver-based restaurants: Sushi Den, Temaki Den, Izakaya Den. or Otoro,

Mezcaleria Alma - Book 2 Months Ahead

As much as I love burritos, tacos, and quesadillas, Mexican restaurants that go beyond street food staples will always hold a special place in my heart. Mezcaleria Alma is one of Denver’s most spirited destinations for regional Mexican cooking and an impressive agave program. The dining room is lively and jovial, and the menu finds a balance between familiarity and a sense of belonging. The kitchen leans into coastal flavors, nixtamalized masa, and slow cooked meats, all delivered with a level of polish that keeps the experience feeling intentional. For those who enjoy tequila and other liquors, the mezcal list is a major draw, offering everything from bright, easy sipping bottles to complex expressions rarely seen outside Mexico. Standout dishes often include the ceviches, the grilled fish preparations, and anything centered on their housemade tortillas, which provide the backbone of the menu.

As a side note, Mezcaleria does have a sister restaurant, Alma Fonda Fina, which trades the high energy bar setting for a warmer, home style approach. Here the focus is on comforting plates that highlight traditional techniques and deep flavors, often inspired by family recipes. The result is a slower, more intimate meal where braises, stews, and soulful masa dishes shine. Both restaurants share a culinary point of view, but each offers a distinct experience that makes them equally worth seeking out.

Both Mezcaleria Alma and Alma Fonda Fina release reservations on a rolling basis about 2 months in advance. You will want to book 2 months ahead to snag a table. Reservations can be made on Open Table.

BRUTØ - Book 1-2 Months Ahead

If you can get over their website giving you a seizure, Brutø will deliver you a singular dining experience built around live fire cooking, heirloom grains, and a commitment to hyperlocal sourcing. Led by chef Michael Diaz de Leon, the restaurant operates out of a tiny (really tiny, like 8 people) counter inside the Free Market building, providing an intimate setting where guests can watch each dish come together. The tasting menu shifts with the seasons and often highlights ingredients from partner farm Masienda along with regional producers across Colorado. Expect bold flavors, precise technique, and a narrative approach to cooking that ties each plate to its origins. The masa dishes in particular tend to stand out, and the corn custard has become one of the most talked-about bites in the city.

Brutø accepts reservations about 1-2 months ahead, which is when you should start looking for reservations. Bookings can be made on Open Table.

Restaurant Olivia - Book 1-2 Months Ahead

Restaurant Olivia brings handmade pasta and warm hospitality to Denver’s Wash Park neighborhood. The kitchen, led by chef Ty Leon, pours daily care into fresh pasta and creative spins on Italian-inspired dishes, ranging from tagliatelle Bolognese to inventive plates like ricotta gnocchi paired with lobster bisque and black garlic. Inside, the atmosphere strikes a balance between polished and welcoming: dim lighting, attentive but unpretentious service, and a wine-and-cocktail program that complements rather than overshadows the food. If you want comfort and craft, a meal where all the pasta dishes feel elevated yet familiar, Restaurant Olivia stands out as a reliable choice for cozy dinners, date nights, or small celebrations in Denver.

We recommend making reservations about 6 weeks in advance to get a table, although Restaurant Olivia releases reservations about 2-3 months in advance. Reservations can be made on Tock.

Wolf's Tailor - Book 1-2 Months Ahead

The Wolf’s Tailor blends Japanese and Italian influences in a style that feels both inventive and deeply rooted in craftsmanship. The team focuses on whole animal butchery, housemade pasta, and vegetables pulled from their on-site garden, all shaped by live fire and a zero waste mindset. The tasting menu changes frequently and often features clever fermentations, handmade noodles, and unexpected flavor pairings that still feel grounded and balanced. The charcoal grilled skewers and seasonal pasta courses tend to be the dishes people talk about long after the meal ends.

The Wolf's Tailor accepts reservations about 1-2 months ahead, and that is about when you will want to book especially if you're looking for a dinner reservation between 6-8pm. Bookings can be made on Open Table.

Beckon - Book 2-3 Months Ahead

Beckon offers a refined chef’s counter experience built around a multi course menu that shifts with each season. The room is small, polished, and designed so every guest has a clear view of the team as they prepare and plate each dish. Chef Duncan Holmes draws on Nordic technique, Colorado produce, and meticulous presentation to create a meal that feels quiet, thoughtful, and deeply intentional. Expect seafood handled with care, delicate sauces, and surprising hits of acidity that keep the pacing lively. The bread course and dessert pairings are consistent highlights and often end up as the most memorable moments of the night.

Beckon releases reservations about 2-3 months ahead, which is the timeframe you will want to have in mind when booking a table. Reservations can be made on Tock.

Margot - Book 2-4 Weeks Ahead

Margot brings a polished but approachable tasting menu experience to South Pearl Street. Chef Justin Fulton’s cooking leans seasonal and expressive, with dishes that blend Colorado ingredients and global technique in a way that feels both refined and relaxed. The eight seat counter offers the most immersive version of the meal, while the adjacent dining room serves a small menu of shareable plates that showcase the same attention to detail. Every part of the dining experience has been incredibly well thought-out: think pacing, plating, and a few playful flourishes along the way. It’s the kind of spot that works just as well for a special occasion as it does for anyone who simply enjoys careful, creative cooking. And the prix fixe menus can be a little less expensive than the other restaurants on this list.

Prospective diners are able to book reservations only a few weeks ahead of time for Margot. Bookings can be made on Tock.

Bonus: Casa Bonita - Book 1-2 Months Ahead

Alright, this wasn't going to be a complete list without mention of what the casual diner might believe is Denver's most popular restaurant, despite its quality, let's say, falling a tiny bit short of the others. Casa Bonita is Denver’s most iconic dinner and entertainment experience, recently revived with upgraded food, polished service, and a renewed sense of fun. The sprawling pink palace still delivers its signature cliff divers, wandering characters, and immersive themed rooms, but the menu is at least a little tiny bit better than its reputation of the past. At the very least, they'll serve you up some strong margaritas, and the theatrics of the place might district you from the employees getting into fights with management about their ability to unionize.

Walk ups are not part of the current system, and "tickets" must be purchased upfront to secure your time. Reservations are open for several months ahead through Casa Bonita’s online booking system. We recommend booking at least one month ahead for dinner reservations, although you can easily get away with making a reservation just a couple days ahead if you want a more casual lunch at Casa Bonita.