Last updated: 2025-05-06
Best Upscale Restaurants in Denver
Denver’s culinary scene sizzles with world-class dining destinations that transform Mile High meals into extraordinary experiences. From innovative Japanese fusion to classic Rocky Mountain elegance, these restaurants represent the pinnacle of Rocky Mountain gastronomy.
Whether craving pristine sushi at Sushi Den, savoring steakhouse perfection at A5, or exploring contemporary Mexican flavors at La Diabla, Denver’s top restaurants promise unforgettable epicurean journeys through sophisticated, locally-inspired cuisine.
Discover Denver’s most delectable dining destinations now!
Featured Fine Dining Spots in Denver
- Sushi Den
- Guard and Grace
- Izakaya Den
- Tavernetta
- Rioja
- Panzano
- A5 Steakhouse
- Brutø
- La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal
A5 Steakhouse
What to Expect
Japanese A5 Wagyu beef preparation and tableside service
Description
A5 Steakhouse offers an intimate, contemporary dining experience focused on premium Japanese A5 Wagyu beef and meticulously curated steaks. The sleek, minimalist dining room features an open kitchen where chefs prepare expertly sourced meats with precision, offering tableside carving and an immersive culinary performance.
Restaurant Details
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Brutø
What to Expect
Nordic-influenced multi-course tasting menu with artistic ingredient transformations
Description
A minimalist, avant-garde fine dining restaurant featuring an intimate chef's counter experience with meticulously crafted, seasonally-driven tasting menus. Brutø transforms local ingredients into artistic, multi-course compositions through precise Nordic-inspired techniques, offering an immersive culinary journey in a sleek, industrial-chic Denver space.
Restaurant Details
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Guard and Grace
What to Expect
Michelin Guide-recommended modern steakhouse with wood-fired cuisine
Description
Guard and Grace is a modern steakhouse nestled in downtown Denver's 9,000 sq. ft. space, offering an innovative dining experience crafted by Chef Troy Guard. The restaurant features wood-fired creations, seasonal delights, and an expansive patio, with a Michelin Guide recommendation and recognition as one of the World's 47 Best Steak Restaurants in 2024.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Guard and Grace ↗
Izakaya Den
What to Expect
Award-winning architectural design with Japanese tapas and sake experience
Description
Denver's sophisticated Japanese izakaya offers an intimate dining experience with artfully crafted tapas and an extensive sake selection. The restaurant features a sleek, contemporary design with an award-winning architectural aesthetic, serving meticulously prepared small plates that blend traditional Japanese techniques with modern culinary innovation.
Restaurant Details
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La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal
What to Expect
Specialty pozole and curated mezcal collection
Description
La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal offers an authentic Mexican dining experience centered around traditional pozole and an extensive mezcal selection. The restaurant features a vibrant, contemporary space showcasing regional Mexican culinary traditions through carefully prepared stews and artisanal agave spirits, with a focus on traditional preparation techniques and high-quality ingredients.
Restaurant Details
More Info: La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal ↗
Panzano
What to Expect
Northern Italian cuisine with sustainable local ingredients
Description
Panzano offers an elegant Italian dining experience in downtown Denver, featuring an open kitchen concept and farm-to-table cuisine. The restaurant crafts seasonal menus highlighting locally sourced, organic ingredients with authentic Northern Italian techniques. Warm, lively atmosphere complements sophisticated tableside service and carefully curated wine pairings.
Restaurant Details
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Rioja
What to Expect
James Beard Award semifinalist chef's Mediterranean-inspired cuisine
Description
Rioja offers an innovative Mediterranean-inspired dining experience in Denver's historic Larimer Square. The restaurant features an exhibition kitchen with a copper-topped bar, showcasing locally sourced seasonal ingredients crafted by James Beard Award semifinalist Chef Jennifer Jasinski. Guests enjoy sophisticated Mediterranean cuisine with carefully curated wine selections and an intimate, artfully simple dining atmosphere.
Restaurant Details
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Sushi Den
What to Expect
Direct daily fish imports from Japanese markets
Description
A premier Japanese restaurant featuring Edomae-zushi crafted with daily fish sourced directly from Japanese fish markets. The intimate dining space offers an authentic omakase experience with a chef's table option, highlighting meticulously selected seafood and traditional sushi preparation techniques.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Sushi Den ↗
Tavernetta
What to Expect
James Beard Award-winning Italian cuisine with handmade pastas
Description
A James Beard Award-winning Italian restaurant nestled in Denver's Union Station neighborhood, Tavernetta offers an immersive dining experience with handmade pastas, an extensive Italian wine and spirits selection, and sophisticated hospitality. The restaurant features an elegant dining room with a carefully curated menu celebrating authentic Italian culinary traditions and regional ingredients.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Tavernetta ↗
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