While Denver has the inevitable rash of undistinguished fast-food joints across the Metropolitan area, there's more interesting dining at a range of prices to be had. True to its history and reputation as a cow town, great steaks feature on most menus. Colorado enjoys South West cuisine, almost always featuring chili, while there's a good choice of French and Italian food. These are some of our favorites.
French style
Le Central is an atmospheric French bistro next to Capitol Hill. Menus change daily;and offer a wide variety of fresh in-season food. Chicken, pork, beef, lamb and fish is prepared in many ways and finished with excellent sauces, confits, coulis, or vinaigrettes.
The menu includes the famous Mediterranean soup, bouillabaisse, and a vegetarian dish is always featured. Or try rich onion soup, escargots, or pâtes. The wine list is extensive but inexpensive, and the dress is casual. Phone (303)-863-8094 for a reservation.
Mediterranean flair
Rioja is at 1431 Larimer Street, a short walk from historic Larimer Square, and offers a menu inspired by the Mediterranean yet using quality local ingredients. It's all in a stylish space with beautifully set tables. The tasting dishes are particularly impressive but everything on the menu is well presented and reflects great care in the kitchen.(303)-820-2282.
Seafood specials
McCormick's Fish House and Bar at 1659 Wazee offers over 30 fresh seafood varieties daily. The menu also features prime steaks, poultry, pasta and more. The Cruise Room has its own listing in the National Register of Historic Places and it has won accolades for the "Best Martini" in Denver.
Call (303)-825-1107 or 1-888-344-6861 toll free.
Romantic dining
Cliff Young's is a Denver institution, albeit expensive, with a menu based on Continental and Asian cuisines. It has a romantic atmosphere, with dim lighting, yet seats 550. It has beautiful displayed artwork and features an impressive wine list. It's at 700 East 17th Avenue (303)-831-8900
Classic Mexican
Tamayo's is a fine Mexican restaurant in a city where it's all too easy to find less than inspiring Mexican cooking. It serves modern twists on traditional classic Mexican cuisine. It's at 1400 Larimer Street on Larimer Square - call (720)-946-1433.
Contemporary Italian
Panzano offers contemporary Northern Italian cuisine. It has won awards for its Caesar Salad - hardly north Italian, we know, but a bonus alongside dishes such as tonna tartare, tuna with avocado, white truffle oil, aged balsamic vinegar and crostini; Gamberi alla carbonara, housemade fettuccini with sautéed shrimp, pancetta, cream sauce and fried egg and Agnello Griglia, grilled lamb T-bones with rosemary, mint and red wine, served with borlotti beans and Savoy cabbage. It's at 909 17th Street at Champa.(303)-296-3525.
Sushi heaven
Sushi Den is a top quality Japanese restaurant founded in 1985 when Toshi, a chef in Tokyo and Los Angeles, and Yasu, who'd cooked in London, came to Denver to start their own restaurant. The Zagat survey rates Sushi Den as one of the most prestigious Sushi and Japanese restaurants in the US. Fresh fish is flown in from one of Japan's largest fish markets. The founders now have a second branch - in Fukuoka in Japan! Sushi Den is at 1487 s Pearl Street 303)-777-0826.
Casa Bonita
Earls Restaurant
Denver food
Aquarium eaterie
