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 Culinary school operation |
675 South Broadway Inter Plaza Collection Denver, CO 80209 United States +1 303 824 4975 http://www.aic.artinstitutes.edu |
Homework takes on new meaning when dining here. As the name implies, this restaurant is run by students at the Culinary Art Institute of Colorado, and judging by the food and service, they are learning their lessons. The popularity of this restaurant can be attested by the fact that weekend reservations are booked weeks in advance. The menu is both creative and top-notch. The entrees, though limited, are diverse, with such items as mustard glazed steak, baked sea bass, and Duck Chasseur. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Known for martinis |
630 East 17th Ave Denver, CO 80203 United States +1 303 861 2820 http://www.avenuegrill.com |
Stepping into this dining-nugget is akin to taking a trip back to the American supper clubs of the 1930s. Dark wood, brass fixtures and retro neon signs create the desired effect here. Its martinis have been recognized by the local press as some of the best in Denver, making it a popular after-work stop. Choose from an array of dishes ranging from upscale steak and seafood selections to local favorites, such as the vegetarian burrito and Mexican steak. For dessert try the Chocolate Tortillas or Key Lime pie. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Extends the bounds of true dining |
3030 East Sixth Avenue Denver, CO 80206 United States +1 303 393 1040 |
To give you a hint to how seriously this restaurant treats its ability to provide superb service with superb food, it shuts its doors every summer for two weeks so that the entire staff can tour Italy's wineries and restaurants. Hence, this food pearl rates as one of the best in Colorado. All entrees are of the types that cause diners to exclaim, "I have never had a dish like this before." grilled veal chop over a spinach and goat cheese tort, and duckling served with garlic rosemary hashbrowns are two such examples. The wine list offers over 700 varieties. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Hip martini bar |
1475 Lawrence Street Denver, CO 80202 United States +1 303 260 7505 |
The opulent lounge area/dining room has a definite Asian influence and features plush white sofas for relaxing with one of the 67 available martinis. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the active downtown streets. The outdoor patio is popular during the summer months. The lunch menu is extremely reasonable and has a number of standard sandwiches including the Swiss Patty Melt. Both the lunch and dinner menus feature a wealth of pasta selections. Dinner entrees also include kabobs and a fine Atlantic Salmon Filet. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Italian cuisine with a song |
1550 Court Place (in Adam's Mark Hotel) Denver, CO 80202 United States +1 303 626 2581 |
Located on the 16th Street Mall, this restaurant creates a delicious assortment of Northern Italian cuisine served by a professional singing waitstaff schooled in classic arias and Broadway show tunes. The dining room features an open kitchen and large windows looking out onto the mall. Reservations are a must for weekend dining. The carpaccio rates high for appetizers. Entrees are diverse and besides various pasta dishes the menu also offers everything from glazed pork ribs to veal medallions. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Join the family |
1585 South Pearl Street Denver, CO 80210 United States +1 303 744 2520 http://www.budapestbistro.com/ |
This family-owned bistro is one the city's few restaurants specializing in authentic Hungarian fare. The atmosphere has something of the Old World charm of a European café. Large storefront windows offer views of vibrant Pearl Street and a low-lit ambiance invites a bit of romance. The menu boasts hearty and heavy traditional favorites including Chicken Paprika and Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. If you are looking for Goulash, this bistro serves the best plate in the city. In addition, it offers a number of vegetarian dishes including Breaded Cauliflower. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Denver's best kept secret |
1446 South Broadway Denver, CO 80210 United States +1 303 282 1446 http://www.cafecero.net/ |
The usual reaction of anyone walking into this funky little cafe for the first time is "wow, I cannot believe I never heard about this place." Located in the unlikely area of Denver's Antique Row, Cafe Cero's interior of chandeliers, stained glass windows and adobe walls is unmatched. The Blue Room, in the balcony area, with sofas, antique end tables and muted candles is perfect for exchanging coy glances over wine and candlelight. The menu, which is small, features a variety of sandwiches. Facilities provided here include live entertainment, catering service, and banquet. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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One of a kind |
3611 Navajo St Denver, CO 80211 United States +1 303 480 1877 |
Café Brazil, located in the Highland neighborhood in a bright pink brick building, specializes in flavors of old Brazil. So if you are headed here, prepare your mouth for some of the best black bean soup in the West. The décor is nothing special and the place is tiny, but this makes for a cozy setting perfect for a romantic escapade. The Peixe de Angola, a mixture of shrimp and bacalau in a coconut cream sauce, sprinkled with cashews and herbs, is definitely a flavorful menu highlight. A nice, sometimes exotic variety of South American wines are available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sean Ryan |
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Italian dining at its very best |
300 Fillmore Street Denver, CO 80206 United States +1 303 377 7887 http://www.campodefiori.net |
It did not take long for this restaurant to go from the "new kid in town" to being an immediate Denver favorite. Mustard colored walls hold flower murals and frescoes, giving the place the intended Tuscan ambiance. As an added bonus its waitstaff has been recognized by '5280 Magazine' as the best in Denver. The pasta selection is huge and includes such innovative dishes as Agnolotti di Zucca, homemade pasta crammed with butternut squash, and Spaghetti con Sarde e Rapini, pasta topped with sardines. Steak, chicken and seafood are also available. The restaurant can also be booked for wedding receptions, corporate functions and special occasions. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A true Old World tribute |
1801 Blake Street Denver, CO 80202 United States +1 303 308 1795 http://www.celtictavern.com/ |
This Irish/Welsh/Scottish-themed restaurant resembles the literary den of James Joyce and begs for quiet conversation rather than the loud toasting of pints. Book-covered walls give it a, 'wow-I-wish-my-house-looked-this-cozy' type feel. Shepherd's pie, and Lamb Casserole confirm the restaurant's authenticity. There are also sandwiches and burgers, including the turkey burger, which is fun to order just because it comes with a side of cranberries. The bar is the longest in Denver, and a cigar room adds to the sophisticated ambiance. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Italian dining in a neighborhood setting |
4645 East 23rd Avenue (at Dexter) Denver, CO 80207 United States +1 303 377 1914 |
This charming Park Hill eatery occupies an old pharmacy and still has the original tile floor to prove it. Over the past couple of years, the place has developed a huge following, so it is a good idea to call ahead and get on the waiting list. Or it could be a long wait, especially on weekends. The cozy dining area, which is tucked between an open kitchen and the bar, seats barely 50 people, but gives the place the feel of a true neighborhood bistro. The signature dish, Pasta Felese, is a tasty mix of chicken, artichoke hearts, and other vegetables. If you are searching for a real treat, try the Chicken Marsala. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: brianna hendrix |
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Wine and dine |
3489, West 32nd Avenue Denver, CO 80211 United States +1 303 433 2535 http://www.coralroom.com/highl... |
At the Coral Room dishes emerge from the depths of Asia! Wipe those Monday blues away because at this restaurant they've got half-priced bottled wine. The bar is a unique horseshoe shape and is open till 2a in the morning. Got an event and want it to be just right, call the Coral Room and give them the details. Every Friday and Saturday nights are DJ nights, so party hard. But if you wish to have a special dinner just for two, at the Coral Room, you can do that as well. Select a bottle of wine from the collection, pick a dish and you're all set. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Upscale lounge |
1600 17th St (in the Oxford Hotel) Denver, CO 80202 United States +1 303 628 5405 |
Located in the historic Oxford Hotel, this stylish haunt, that resembles a lounge on the Titanic, is the perfect spot to brood over a martini and conjure the literary ghosts of Denver's Beat scene— Neil Cassady once sipped gin and tonic in this art deco room. Nowadays the scotch and soda crowd fill the barstools and couples soak in the romantic ambiance tucked away in a comfortable booth. Regulars frequently mix with out-of-towners assuring an always-colorful conversation. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Flasshe  |
 Photo: Mark K |
 Photo: B. Young |
 Photo: amanda |
 Photo: Carie Swing |
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A touch of Switzerland in Uptown |
2011 E 17th Avenue Denver, CO 80206 United States +1 303 333 5243 |
A family owned neighborhood bistro located in uptown, Dario's specializes in hearty Italian and German dishes with an authentic Swiss interpretation. The intimate dining room is crowded with tables almost too small for chairs; you are so close to neighboring diners that you might consider sharing a dessert. Still, however, the restaurant drips with romantic charm. Patio seating is available during the warm months. The Swiss Lasagna is a prime dish, as is the Wienerschnitzel. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Dazzling dining and decor |
930 Lincoln Street Denver, CO 80203 United States +1 303 839 5100 |
Dazzle splashes a hefty dash of art deco over the interior of the old Fuji En restaurant, creating a glitzy bit of nighttime magic in a space that looks nothing but drab from the outside. The huge bar and dining area could easily pass for a hip speak-easy, and the jazzy ambiance goes well with the wide selection of martinis. Service runs slow at times, but the dining room has a relaxed, darkened atmosphere. The menu is wide ranging, presenting everything from burgers to seafood, tamales to smoked duck. The crab cake appetizers are also a specialty Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Table for two? |
2413 West 32nd Avenue at Zuni Denver, CO 80211 United States +1 303 477 4141 http://www.duodenver.com/ |
What better spot for a date than a place named Duo! The cozy, intimate setting is just right when you want to enjoy a delicious meal undisturbed. A rather whimsical décor, with hardwood flooring and splashes of color, keeps the boredom from setting in. The all-American cuisine, samples of which include steamed mussels with chorizos and spices, Porter-braised pork stew, Flatiron steak, and lamb T-bone, banish thoughts of heavy burgers and greasy fries for a while. Once you are done with the main course, a big portion of chocolate hazelnut cake, or the specially-crafted Duo Apple Tart for Two should spice things up a bit! If you are here on a weekend, make sure you get a healthy dose of the Brunch menu—the basket of pastries & jams, with fresh-baked scones and sweet breads is unbeatable! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Classy, casual, contemporary |
1518 Washington Avenue Denver, CO 80401 United States +1 303 279 8151 |
Set in a former home, this cafe glows with a casual elegance that is both light and airy. For outdoor seating you can choose between the canopied deck, or the backyard lawn area which in the summer light looks like something out of a Renoir painting. The menu offers a fine mix of items to suit all tastes. Try the Grilled Portabella Mushrooms or the Sherry Seared Red Meat Trout. For a twist on the traditional opt for the Garlic Shrimp Cracker Crust Pizza. The wine list complements the menu nicely and is offered by the bottle and the glass. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Classic Italian elegance |
1631 Wazee Street (adjacent to the Oxford Hotel) Denver, CO 80202 United States +1 303 573 5050 http://www.ilfornaio.com |
Located next to the Oxford Hotel in ultra trendy LoDo, this upscale eatery serves a wide range of Italian dishes ranging from classic favorites to regional offerings. Décor includes hardwood floors, crisp white tablecloths, and a high tin ceiling restored from the building's bygone days as a warehouse in the early 1900s. Lunch options include pizza and a variety of pasta dishes. For dinner dig into the veal scaloppine or the beef tenderloins with marinara sauce. Reservations are recommended. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Affordable French fare |
112 East Eighth Ave Denver, CO 80203 United States +1 303 863 8094 http://www.lecentral.com |
Just when you thought all French restaurants were pretentious, stuffy and overpriced, along comes Le Central. Located in Capitol Hill, the quaint spot dishes up a bit of charm, along with an ever-changing selection of affordable cuisine. The Saturday brunch, with an endless glass of champagne, is extremely popular with the locals. The menu changes daily but has been known to feature Alaskan halibut, Atlantic salmon, roast pork and grilled rib eye. An extensive wine list offers over 100 different wines, and most are priced under USD25. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Fine steak dining |
231 Milwaukee Street Denver, CO 80206 United States +1 303 333 6444 |
Most steak houses deem branding irons and steer skulls on the wall as the essence of decor. This restaurant, however, breaks away from such steak house campiness and presents a classy, upscale dining experience. The menu offers a variety of pasta dishes and seafood items, but the true specialty is meat. One can order blackened prime rib or opt for a sirloin steak. The restaurant is pricey, but the portions are hefty, and true fans of such items will not be disappointed. Live jazz adds to the sophisticated ambiance. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Bistro with a Red Light past |
1946 Market Street Denver, CO 80202 United States http://www.lodorestaurantgroup... |
Located in what was once Denver's red light district, this American bistro has preserved the elegant structure of a historical building, known as the "House of Mirrors," that used to operate as a brothel. The lunch menu focuses on salads and sandwiches, but also offers a fine selection of entrees including the Cilantro Chicken Stuffed Raviolis. The knockout dinner menu presents a superb offering of baby back ribs with garlic mashed potatoes. The herb roasted chicken rates high as well. The wine and cognac lists are excellent too. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Relaxing rendezvous |
2707 West Main St Denver, CO 80120 United States +1 303 794 5666 http://www.meltingpot.com/Litt... |
This restaurant consistently rates as one of the most romantic spots to dine in Denver. Vibrant mountain views combine with fondue meals to create a cozy setting for exchanging coy glances. A nightly rendezvous here can take up to three hours. Bread and several selections of cheese fondue start the feast, followed by the main course of meat and vegetables, and boiling oil for dipping purposes. Chocolate fondue with fruit and sponge cake rounds out the romantic evening. The wine selection is outstanding. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Where a meatball is just a meatball |
1440 West 33rd Avenue Denver, CO 80211 United States +1 303 458 0530 http://www.ipagliaccio.com |
Before fancy buzzwords entered the Italian restaurant marketing scheme there were simply basic meatball, tomato sauce, and pasta dishes made with the freshest ingredients and lots of amore. Pagliacci's has spent over three generations carefully crafting the art of traditional Italian favorites in an authentic bistro brimming with Old World charm and romance. Besides plenty of pasta options the menu also features veal piccatta, baked trout, shrimp scampi and more. Weekends can be crowded so call ahead for reservations. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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French-Napoleon, American-style |
321 17th Street (in the Brown Palace Hotel) Denver, CO 80202 United States +1 303 297 3111 / +1 800 321 2599 http://www.brownpalace.com |
Designed in a French Napoleonic style, the Palace Arms in the Brown Palace Hotel brings the elegance and regality of old Europe to America. The restaurant is full of fascinating period antiques. With all that ambiance, the food is distinctly American, with a hint of classical French. The pan seared lobster cake is a great way to start the meal. The rack of lamb is an excellent choice for the main course. Jacket and tie are required during the dinner hours. The wine list is extensive and excellent. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Joe West |
 Photo: Dan Paddock |
 Photo: Joe West |
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Atmosphere and more |
2334 South Colorado Boulevard Denver, CO 80222 United States +1 303 756 1268 http://www.poppiesdenver.com |
From outside appearances, Poppies does not hold great portent, but looks, in this case, are extremely deceiving. Plants, booths and a wooden interior cast an upscale, yet, casual feel that is popular with the business set, couples and neighborhood locals. The menu coddles to all tastes and includes sandwiches, steaks (New York Strip), Mexican fare, stir-fried veggies and seafood such as broiled salmon. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Theater District Bistro |
Hotel Teatro 1100 14th Street Denver, CO 80202 United States +1 303 228 1100 http://www.hotelteatro.com/ |
Kevin Taylor has been dazzling the palates of Denver diners for sometime now, creating all sorts of magical creations at his popular Restaurant Kevin Taylor at the Hotel Teatro, located in the Hotel Teatro. His new venture, Prima, also resides in a nook of the posh hotel. Although a bit smaller and less upscale, the modern Italian restaurant still exudes an air of elegance and style. See website for full menu and more. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Seventy-five martinis on one menu |
1328 15th St (at Market) Denver, CO 80202 United States +1 303 820 0575 |
This is a hip lounge where trendy regulars gather nightly in high-back booths and quietly sip one of its 75 classic and exotic martinis to the intimate sounds of acid jazz. Sparsely furnished and dimly lit with candles, the small bar has a romantic aura but the crowds, especially on the weekends, quickly turn your attention to other things, like drinking and dancing. The food menu features Mediterranean influenced cuisine such as lamb curry, chicken shish kabobs, and veggie calzones. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: That Will Guy |
 Photo: OmarGeddon |
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Hip Uptown diner |
1700 Vine Street Denver, CO 80206 United States +1 303 399 1700 http://www.rhino.com |
Serving contemporary cuisine with a slight French flair, this restaurant fuses a sparse, sleek setting with chic fare and a casual neighborhood atmosphere. The menu offers a mix of upscale diner items, including a USD9 grilled cheese sandwich and an array of burger selections, and new spins on local favorites like lamb shanks and grilled albacore. Portions are small, so if you are really hungry, steer clear from the dinner selection and stick with the sandwiches and burgers. And definitely order a piece of the divinely decadent chocolate cherry cheesecake. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Small bistro with a bite |
727 South University Boulevard Denver, CO 80209 United States +1 303 733 6977 http://www.saucynoodle.com |
Located in the Bonnie Brae neighborhood, this restaurant is famous for a saying that is posted above its entrance: "If you do not like GARLIC go home!" The massive servings of traditional Italian fare, from manicotti to spaghetti and meatballs, all come with a little extra zing. If you are not a big fan of garlic consider eating elsewhere. If garlic happens to be your thing, try the lasagna for a powerful dosage of flavor. The house wine is not the best, but there is a fair wine list to choose from, and prices are reasonable. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Seafood, a mile high |
11911 West 6th Avenue (at Simms) Denver, CO 80401 United States +1 303 237 0465 |
Although most do not expect to find good seafood one mile above sea level, Simms Landing proudly provides an exception to the rule. Decked in sea worthy decor and ringing with nautical rhymes, this restaurant is a romantic retreat complete with a vibrant view of the city. It also serves as a museum of sorts, for it exhibits some of the earliest yachting photos (1890) ever taken of the America Cup race. Among the popular dishes are crab stuffed mushrooms and the ever-popular lobster tail. The prime rib is also a customer favorite. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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No ugly duckling here |
200 Inverness Drive West Denver, CO 80112 United States +1 303 799 5800 http://www.invernesshotel.com/ |
Located in the Inverness Hotel and Golf Club, this pricey, upscale dining hall is a perfect getaway for romance. The open dining room exudes sophistication, and the white tablecloth treatment will make you feel like royalty. A jungle of foliage creates an intimate ambiance, and the mountain views enhance the romantic appeal. For appetizers try the escargot or shrimp bisque. The main entrées include salmon, tuna, lobster, lamb and caribou. An excellent wine list averages around USD35 a bottle. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fine dining Mexican style |
1400 Larimer Street Denver, CO 80202 United States +1 720 946 1433 http://www.tamayorestaurant.com/ |
This snappy restaurant has done an outstanding job of carving a "look-at-me" type niche by offering highbrow Mexican fare in a highbrow setting. It might possibly be the only Mexican restaurant that does not boast of award winning margaritas. It instead offers an outstanding wine list. The massive tile mural behind the bar immediately indicates that this place is special. The menu adds to this feel by offering dishes such as Halibut with Spicy Chipolte and Filet Mignon with Guacamole. This rates high as a good place to impress. The Rooftop Lounge and the Bar & Lounge are open all days of the week from 5p onwards. The lunch prix fixe menu is available at $15 for a three course whereas going by the a la carte would cost you about $40. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: msitarzewski |
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Food fit for a king or queen |
4900 East Colfax Avenue Denver, CO 80220 United States +1 303 355 4488 http://www.tantelouise.com/ |
If you can imagine yourself as a king in 16th-century France about to be served a magnificent feast, you can get a good feel for what this French restaurant is all about. With its high-backed chairs, polished floors and fine china, the setting and atmosphere befits royalty. No wonder it is one of Denver's favorite spots for romance. Outdoor seating is available in season. Culinary delights include Colorado Rack of Lamb, sea bass, and roasted duck. The wine list is extensive with a heavy lean towards French vintages. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Funky decor and tasty food |
3470 West 32nd Avenue Denver, CO 80211 United States +1 303 458 1128 |
Visit this place for classic dishes with a sophisticated twist. This funky, modern-furniture-filled eatery is relatively new, but has already earned a steady following of fans hungry for fresh mixed green salads, pastas and sandwiches. The mustard and brie pasta with chicken especially enjoys huge popularity. Grab a table on the tiny patio, or in the stylish lime-green dining room. Reservations are not accepted, so plan on waiting for a table if visiting for dinner on a weekend night. Review © 2007, Wcities |
