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PANZANO
The Top List of Great Restaurants - Denver, CO
Denver receives fine dining praise from all around the world!
by Erin M. Blakemore & Marge D. Hansen
Denver is looking and feeling good. The city's culinary traditions are changing, catering to a variety of surprisingly complex tastes. From mammoth American steaks to sophisticated café bar menus and fine French cuisine, the rhythm of the restaurant scene teases, tempts and above all delivers fine food earning praise all around. Just as the Rocky Mountains dominate the views to the west, the following restaurants rise above the ordinary to provide a meal to remember.
CAFÉ BRAZIL
4408 Lowell Boulevard, Denver, CO 80211
(303) 480-1877
Hours: (Tues-Sat) 5 pm-10 pm
Marla and Tony Zarlenga honor the cuisine of northern Brazil-typical coastal dishes with an African influence. They have a passion for South American cooking. Simple, wholesome ingredients are prepared according to old family recipes, but each is infused with a new energy. La Calena, large, luscious prawns and sea scallops in a sweet hot sauce of diced tomatoes, mango and passion fruit, is finished in a cascade of Brazilian chilies and served with fragrant herbed rice and fresh vegetables. Feijoada is the national dish of Brazil. Smoked meats, sausages and black beans are blended into a rich stew and served with a traditional plate of rice, fried bananas, farofa, greens and aji of compana. The stew and accompaniments are mixed, followed by a bite of sweet, fresh orange slice to soften the spicy flavors with a touch of citrus. Distinctive wines from Argentina, Chile, Spain and Portugal are offered, and desserts such as Torte de Limao Verde (green lime torte) and Columbian-styled flan are prepared in house. The two rooms painted in vivid pinks and greens are every bit as lively as the tempo of the music that accents the food. This is novo Latino cuisine at its very best. Credit cards are not accepted.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $25 - $35
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Closed
CARMINE'S ON PENN
92 South Pennsylvania Street, Denver, CO 80209
(303) 777-6443
Hours: (Tues-Sun) 5:30 pm-10:30 pm
Co-chefs Brian Senft and Brian Durbin have more in common than their first names. They've both trained and traveled extensively in Italy and along with owner Chris Linker are responsible for the dishes that turn Carmine's tables into groaning boards of Italian treasures. There are no menus, just strategically placed chalkboards that spell out the specialties of the house. The rolls bathed in garlic butter arrive and immediately disappear. Baskets are replaced and replaced again. Each dish is meant for sharing with plenty to go around. The signature Caesar and other salad combinations are served from a large bowl that's left tableside. The delicate Chicken Piccata has a fresh, lemony taste, while the Veal Parmigana is lightly breaded and served in a robust red sauce with just the perfect amount of mozzarella melting over the sides. Wait staff fill the plates and return to offer a generous second serving. Tiramisu and homemade, delicately sweet cannolis are dessert menu standouts with refreshing fruit pizzas added in summer. There's always a line at the door of this festive, noisy, neighborhood trattoria. Hearty Italian recipes keep the crowds coming back.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $25 - $35
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
CITYGRILLE
321 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 861-0726
Hours: (Mon-Fri) 11 am-9 pm; (Sat) 5 pm-9 pm
Some nights are made for burgers, ribs or an unpretentious taste of the southwest. "Burger Madness" reigns on Monday nights. A handful of half-pound, freshly ground sirloin steak burger, labeled the best burger in Denver, comes with crispy fries and a 12-ounce domestic draft. On Wednesday nights, they roll out the ribs. A half slab of baby backs painted with blueberry habanero sauce or a half chicken is served with fries and coleslaw. At Friday night's "Mexican Fiesta," diners can choose from burritos, enchiladas, rellanos or tamales and enjoy their first margarita for half price. The no frills menu features hefty sandwiches and plates brimming with solid entrées like London Broil and Chicken Fried Steak coupled with generous portions of mashed potatoes, vegetables, and soup or a house salad. The Green Chili is sensational! Located across from the Capitol, legislators frequently gather here. It's politics as usual, but the great CityGrille food is anything but. It's nothing short of outstanding at prices that can't be beat.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $10 - $20
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Closed
MANHATTAN GRILL
231 Milwaukee Street, Denver, CO 80206
(303) 333-6444
Hours: (Mon-Sat) 11 am-Midnight; (Sun) 5 pm-10 pm
Descending the stairs into Cherry Creek's chic Manhattan Grill, guests are met with strains of live jazz from the bar. If casual dining and good music is the theme for the evening, customers can sit back and order from the bar menu or enjoy "lite bites" such as Lump Crabmeat Cakes and Duck Quesadillas with cilantro. The bar area is softly lit with a handsome arrangement of high tables and a beautiful baby grand. The understated dining room is the perfect setting for fine wine and great food. The favorite Town Club hearts of palm salad with chopped vegetables, egg and blue cheese matches well with a variety of delectable entrées waiting to be discovered. The Farfalle with Duck Confit and Pan Fried Pacific Snapper with Roasted Tomato Sauce and Carmelized Onions are great choices. The stars of the menu, however, are the Allen Brothers prime, aged Porterhouse, Filet Mignon and New York Strip steaks cooked to perfection. Top Hat Chocolate Cake with Hot Fudge caps off a brilliant meal, smartly served in stylish surroundings.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $30 - $40
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
PANZANO
909 17th Street, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 296-3525
Hours: (Mon-Thurs) 11:00 am-2:30 pm/5 pm-10 pm; (Fri) 11 am-2:30 pm/5 pm-11 pm; (Sat) 5 pm-11 pm; (Sun) 4:30 pm-9:30 pm
Denver couldn’t seem further from Northern Italy, but you wouldn’t know it when transported by Panzano’s authentic and sophisticated Italian cuisine. This is fine dining at its finest: attentive wait staff, enchanting wines and a focus on fabulous food. Whether you choose succulent risotto, daring Tonna Tartare or a more familiar Italian dish, your mouth will water and your tastebuds will thrill to Executive Chef Elise Wiggins’s contemporary take on traditional foods. But don’t be deceived by the menu’s bold main dishes – even the house bread and olive tapenade is prepared with care and flair. Perfect for power lunches or occasion dining, Panzano’s downtown digs are gently lit and well-decorated, with dark wood accents and an inviting brick oven. It’s the closest you can get to an Italian honeymoon without leaving the comforts of Cow Town.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $40-$50
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day – Open, Easter – Open, Thanksgiving – Closed, Christmas Eve – Open, Christmas Day – Closed, New Years Eve - Open
SUSHI DEN
1487 South Pearl Street, Denver, CO 80209
(303) 777-0826
Hours: (Mon-Thur) 11:30 am-2:30 pm/4:30 pm-10:30 pm; (Fri & Sat) 4:30 pm-12 am; (Sun) 5 pm-10:30 pm
How does a stylish establishment in landlocked Denver serve up 30 different types of Japanese fish every day? Toshi-San, Sushi Den's master chef, orders premium fish from the largest markets in Japan and takes delivery 24 to 30 hours later. From that point, it is a symphony of slicing, combining and curling fresh ingredients into colorful creations. The California Roll and the tempura are outstanding-delightful mouthfuls bursting with flavor. There are daily sushi specials, and the Hamachi (yellowtail), Saba (Japanese mackerel) and Tai (red snapper) are highly recommended. The sculpted sushi bar seats more than twenty. Exposed brick walls stippled with hanging plants surround pounded metal and copper tables. The back, upper eating area is crowned with a large skylight, which adds starlight to the menu. The presentation and service are as sleek and inspired as the exquisite surroundings. This is definitely sushi with style.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $25 - $35
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
STEUBEN’S
523 E. 17th Avenue, Denver, CO 80203
(303) 830-1001
Hours: (Mon-Thurs) 11 am-11 pm; (Fri) 11 am-12 am; (Sat) 10 am-12 am; (Sun) 10 am-11 pm
Denver’s diner scene is traditionally more greasy spoon than slick and sophisticated, but Steuben’s is out to change all that. Nestled in trendy Capital Hill, the restaurant is modeled after a vintage Boston restaurant and features all the fixins – from chrome details, classic décor and a trendy take on American favorites. Meat freaks can choose from tender skirt steak, pulled pork sandwiches, or what may just be the best fried chicken in Denver; those in the mood for a more eclectic meal can sample from a long list of sandwiches and comfort-food favorites with a gourmet twist. It’s one half pop culture, one half urbane feast. And don’t forget to stay for dessert –executive chef Matt Selby has dreamt up an adult twist on old favorites like banana pudding, cupcakes and candied apples. It’s all-American fare that will leave you feeling all grown up.
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $20-$25
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day – Closed, Easter – Open, Thanksgiving – Closed, Christmas Eve – Open, Christmas Day – Closed, New Years Eve - Open
TAMAYO
1400 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80202
(720) 946-1433
Hours: (Mon-Thu) 11:30am-2pm/5pm-10pm; (Fri) 11:30am-2pm/5pm-11pm; (Sat) 5pm-11pm; (Sun) 5pm-10pm
Denver’s lively LoDo neighborhood has been gaining nightlife notoriety in recent years, and Tamayo is no exception. Featuring modern, festive Mexican dishes that innovate and excite the palate, Tamayo brings a touch of sophistication to familiar dishes such as chili rellenos (stuffed with succulent seafood), rib eye steak (served skewer-style with chorizo, bacon, red bell pepper and a variety of sides), and even chicken (smothered in dark, chocolatey mole sauce). Its inviting interior is punctuated by an arresting mural and intimate deep seats, but the real draw is Tamayo’s busy rooftop patio –the perfect place to sip a fine margarita, see and be seen. And if executive chef Richard Sandoval has his way, his vibrant menu and memorable Mexican ambience will keep you coming back for more.
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day – Closed, Easter – Open, Thanksgiving – Closed, Christmas Eve – Open, Christmas Day – Closed, New Year’s Eve - Closed
TANTE LOUISE
4900 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80220
(303) 355-4489
Hours: (Mon-Sat) 5:30 pm-10:30 pm
Every city has its very own landmark, romantic restaurant. From year to year, Corky Douglass makes the best of the best list by delivering exquisitely prepared French specialties with a contemporary American flair. Tables occupy individual rooms, some with fireplaces, all with hardwood and soft fabrics that afford a warm, welcoming touch. Chef Duy Van Pham has a way with intriguing appetizers like Peaky Toe Crab Spring Roll, a delicate rice paper wrap of crab, shiitake mushroom salad served with a Vietnamese dipping sauce. Veal Tenderloin with potato gnocchi, three different kinds of baby pearl onions and fava beans, topped with paillards of sweetbreads in a veal porcini demi glasse is sophisticated and satisfying. Pheasant Breast layered with fois gras mousse, toasted hazelnut sauce, sautéed broccolini and yukon mashed potatoes is presented in a flourish of rich tastes paired with eye-catching colors. Tante Louise is one of only a few Denver restaurants with a full-time sommelier, who presides over a Wine Spectator Award Winning list of more than 600 selections.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $45 - $55
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
VESTA DIPPING GRILL
1822 Blake Street, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 296-1970
Hours: (Sun-Thur) 5 pm-10 pm; (Fri & Sat) 5 pm-11 pm
Owners Josh and Jennifer Wolkon view Vesta's dinner selections as an opportunity to present world grill cuisine. Each menu board is a handmade work of art, a portent of imaginative things to come. The popular Vesta Roll, a sesame crusted tuna roll served rare with wasabi cream sauce and cucumber and pickled ginger salad, is as unique as the vegetable and potato samosas, accompanied by roasted corn sauce and Jamey's Caribbean mojo. High-impact entrées such as Ancho Chili Grilled Lamb Tenderloin or Brown Sugar Smoked Roasted Duck Breast accompanied by buttermilk chive mashed potatoes and curried onions take on Asian, Latin, Mediterranean or southwest flavors depending on the dipping sauce that's added. Thirty-two sauces are the keys to an endless variety of taste combinations. Vesta is an adventure-more than a meal. It's like dining by candlelight in an upscale, LoDo art gallery.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $30 - $40
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
Estimated cost per person for dinner is based upon one entrée, one beverage, and 20% gratuity.
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