Blog > Must-Try Restaurants in Denver: The Ultimate Local Foodie Guide
Must-Try Restaurants in Denver: The Ultimate Local Foodie Guide
Denver’s food scene is more than just craft beer and green chile (though those are must-haves, too!). Whether you’re new to the Mile High City or just looking for your next go-to spot, here’s your curated list of must-try restaurants in Denver, featuring everything from iconic local eats to award-winning fine dining.
🥩 Best Steakhouse: Guard & Grace
📍 Address: 1801 California St. | Website: guardandgrace.com
⭐ Why You’ll Love It: A modern take on the classic steakhouse with dry-aged cuts, a killer wine list, and stunning downtown views.
🔥 Must-Try:
- Wagyu filet mignon
- Charred octopus
- Truffle mac & cheese
🌮 Best Mexican: La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal
📍 Address: 2233 Larimer St. | Website: ladiabladenver.com
⭐ Why You’ll Love It: Denver’s first and only pozoleria, serving up authentic hominy soup and smoky mezcal cocktails.
🔥 Must-Try:
- Pozole Rojo (spicy, rich, and comforting)
- Quesabirria tacos
- Mezcal tasting flight
🍔 Best Burgers: My Brother’s Bar
📍 Address: 2376 15th St. | Website: No website—just legendary burgers.
⭐ Why You’ll Love It: The oldest bar in Denver, famous for serving burgers and beer with zero signage and a no-nonsense vibe.
🔥 Must-Try:
- JCB (jalapeño cream cheese burger)
- Classic cheeseburger with Thirsty Pilgrim mustard
- A side of onion rings
🍕 Best Pizza: White Pie
📍 Address: 1702 Humboldt St. | Website: whitepie.com
⭐ Why You’ll Love It: New Haven-style pizza with crispy, charred crusts and a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
🔥 Must-Try:
- White Pie (mozzarella, ricotta, garlic, bacon, arugula)
- The Clam Pizza (garlic, bacon, lemon)
- Housemade tiramisu
🍣 Best Sushi: Sushi Den
📍 Address: 1487 S Pearl St. | Website: sushiden.net
⭐ Why You’ll Love It: The freshest fish flown in daily from Japan, plus an iconic Denver sushi institution for 30+ years.
🔥 Must-Try:
- Toro sashimi (melt-in-your-mouth)
- Wagyu tataki
- Lobster tempura roll
🍜 Best Ramen: Uncle
📍 Address: 2215 W 32nd Ave. | Website: uncledenver.com
⭐ Why You’ll Love It: Next-level ramen with creative flavors and a cult following in Denver’s Highlands neighborhood.
🔥 Must-Try:
- Spicy chicken ramen
- Duck confit buns
- Kimchi fried rice
🍞 Best Brunch: Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
📍 Multiple Locations | Website: snoozeeatery.com
⭐ Why You’ll Love It: The most famous brunch spot in Denver with pancakes that people literally wait hours for.
🔥 Must-Try:
- Pineapple upside-down pancakes
- Breakfast pot pie
- Havana Daydreaming (a Cubano-style eggs Benedict)
🍝 Best Italian: Tavernetta
📍 Address: 1889 16th St. | Website: tavernettadenver.com
⭐ Why You’ll Love It: James Beard-nominated elevated Italian dining with housemade pastas and a killer wine selection.
🔥 Must-Try:
- Cacio e Pepe
- Grilled octopus with lemon aioli
- Tiramisu
🍩 Best Dessert: Little Man Ice Cream
📍 Address: 2620 16th St. | Website: littlemanicecream.com
⭐ Why You’ll Love It: Denver’s most iconic ice cream shop, shaped like a giant milk can, serving creative flavors with a long but totally worth it line.
🔥 Must-Try:
- Salted Oreo ice cream
- Banana pudding ice cream
- Homemade waffle cones
🍻 Best Brewery: Bierstadt Lagerhaus
📍 Address: 2875 Blake St. | Website: bierstadtlager.com
⭐ Why You’ll Love It: Denver is packed with breweries, but this is where you go for the perfect slow-pour pilsner.
🔥 Must-Try:
- Slow Pour Pils
- Dunkel Lager
- Giant pretzel with mustard
🥂 Best Cocktail Bar: Death & Co
📍 Address: 1280 25th St. | Website: deathandcompany.com
⭐ Why You’ll Love It: Speakeasy vibes with some of the best cocktails in the country—literally.
🔥 Must-Try:
- Oaxaca Old Fashioned
- Ginger-infused whiskey sour
- Bartender’s choice
🎉 Best Food Hall: Avanti F&B
📍 Address: 3200 N Pecos St. | Website: avantifandb.com
⭐ Why You’ll Love It: A modern food hall with rotating restaurants, rooftop seating, and amazing downtown views.
🔥 Must-Try:
- Arepas from Quiero Arepas
- Bao buns from Meta Asian Kitchen
- Burgers from Knockabout Burgers
🍷 Best Date Night Spot: The Wolf’s Tailor
📍 Address: 4058 Tejon St. | Website: thewolfstailor.com
⭐ Why You’ll Love It: Cozy, Michelin-recommended spot with a creative, ever-changing menu.
🔥 Must-Try:
- Chef’s tasting menu
- Handmade pasta dishes
- Seasonal cocktails
Final Thoughts: Where Will You Eat First?
Denver’s food scene is constantly evolving, and whether you’re new to the city or just looking to explore, these restaurants offer a little something for everyone.
🍽️ Which one are you trying first? Let me know! If you’re relocating to Denver and want the best neighborhood recommendations (with great food nearby, of course), I’m happy to help you find the perfect place to call home.
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