Best Michelin Star-Worthy Restaurants in Denver

17 Best Michelin Star-Worthy Restaurants in Denver | 2024 (Top Eats!)

ByKashish Jamal Hashmi

A Michelin star rating is considered to be a hallmark of culinary excellence and is an honourable batch for any restaurant that has achieved it.

If one wants to dine in a pleasant way with mouthwatering cuisine, then it would be worth looking at some lovely places to eat that have won the reputation as a Michelin-star worthy restaurant.

In a place like Denver, where the culinary scene is flourishing at a much higher rate, it’s pretty easy to locate some of the best Michelin-star restaurants, and for that reason, we created this list so that you are able to have the finest dining experience you have ever encountered.

Therefore, if you still wish to discover a spectacular epicurean adventure, then keep reading below to widen your horizons when it comes to finding excellent restaurants. Let’s take a look at them.

The Best Michelin Star-Worthy Restaurants in Denver This Year

1. Rioja

Rioja is known for its seasonal dishes

Why it’s a must visit?

The Rioja restaurant is known for its seasonal dishes that are made using locally-fetched ingredients and sustainable resources.

Even though this restaurant might come off as a bit more expensive than the other diners, its entrée options, along with various salad choices and beverages, have made it out among the top restaurants in the city.

Also, as it’s a pretty luxurious restaurant, one definitely needs to book a reservation here beforehand as the individual plates here demand a lot of attention and price.

The restaurant has received a 5-star rating as per previous reviews and is situated in a convenient location at Larimer Square, and is perfect for having a pleasant dining experience.

Chef’s Choice

One thing that people should definitely know before visiting this restaurant is that the food portions here are tiny and might not be fit for those who are looking for budgeted options, but they are worth a try as they come in highly delicious forms.

Try their scallops as an appetizer option along with the main entrée to enjoy a sound feast.

When it comes to red meat options, go for their lamb, as the meat comes in a highly tender form and is a delight to the tastebuds as it has a melting taste.

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Also See – Best American Restaurants in Denver

2. Fruition Restaurant

Fruition Restaurant is run by a genius chef named Alex Seidel, who introduces people to gourmet American comfort food
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Why it’s a must visit?

The Fruition Restaurant restaurant is run by a genius chef named Alex Seidel, who introduces people to gourmet American comfort food dishes that are prepared in a seasonal manner with an ever-changing menu.

The attentive staff and their professionalism are one of the reasons why it’s celebrated to be among the top-rated restaurants in the city with its specialized local cuisine.

The immersing atmosphere of the restaurant and its peaceful neighbourhood with a cosy setting which is perfect for a rainy day and for other special occasions, have made it a great place to unwind and relax.

Also, the presentation details are enough to swoon the visitors.

Chef’s Choice

Try their sourdough and vinaigrette as a starter option to prepare your taste buds for what’s coming next.

After that, in the main entrée section, you can try their summer squash risotto and pork chop, which are cooked to perfection and have a velvety texture to them that makes them highly delectable in taste. 

In the end, their panna cotta can act as a good dessert option for one to try, especially if it is given with palisade peach and oat crumble as per the staff’s recommendation.

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3. Beckon

Beckon embodies a completely unique epicurean adventure with its gorgeous wine
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Why it’s a must visit?

The Beckon restaurant embodies a completely unique epicurean adventure with its gorgeous wine pairings and delectable courses inside its quaint atmosphere that elevates one’s dining experience.

It’s a spectacular restaurant for anyone who is looking for an extravagant ambience with a fancy atmosphere that is decorated with dim lighting and luxurious furniture.

The service here is top-notch and takes into consideration every need of the customer, which brings calibre into focus on how vital a service is when it comes to pleasant dining.

Chef’s Choice

One of the finest things that you can try here is their wines which is one of the biggest reasons why this restaurant is so celebrated among the people of Denver, who appreciate its overall excellence. 

Besides that, when it comes to main courses, one can even go for vegetarian options or non-veg ones like their specialized Wagyu Japanese beef, along with a spectacular wine pairing that can be recommended by the servers here.

Another protein stuffed dish that you can try here ranges from halibut to lamb, duck, rabbit and a lot more, along with other pretty exciting options.

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4. Mizuna

Mizuna is perfect even for holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving
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Why it’s a must visit?

The Mizuna restaurant is one of the top-rated French restaurants in Denver that is highly praised for its genius chef who gives people the most pleasurable dining experience in small plate forms.

This restaurant is perfect even for holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving, as the entire ambience here feels lively and festive and gives people the taste of Italy and France in the most beautiful way.

Other than that, its tasting menu and fancy atmosphere have made it a phenomenal pick when it comes to deciding the best places to eat in Denver.

Chef’s Choice

Almost every single dish here comes in gracious and delicious forms, like their lobster mac & cheese, which is perfect as a three-course meal and comes with the tastiest pulled cheese.

The bread and butter is a simple option that one can go for as it comes in the freshest dairy form and has a creamy texture to it that feels outstanding on the taste buds.

Their Siberian de luxe caviar is a gourmet dish that has received rave reviews from past visitors and is a spectacular way to start dinner for a memorable night ahead.

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5. Frasca Food and Wine

Frasca Food and Wine delivers people the most classic varieties of exceptional cuisine
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Why it’s a must visit?

The Frasca Food and Wine restaurant takes pride in following the traditional northeastern cuisine of Giulia and delivers people the most classic varieties of exceptional cuisine with carefully selected wines and warm hospitality.

It was initially started in 2004 and quickly became one of the Michelin star-worthy restaurants in Denver that managed to deliver its goal of providing authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of Denver with several culinary delights.

Its chefs are known all across Italy and have won several awards, including the James Beard Foundation award, for delivering outstanding wines and carrying the vision of providing authentic Italian delicacies with a passionate goal of connecting with the locals.

Chef’s Choice

The appetizers here are the most enjoyable dish, as they are homemade and come in exquisite flavours with meals like prosciutto and frico caldo. 

Other than that, the usual items like risotto are offered here in the most decadent form in silverware plates that contains the authentic taste of France in every sense.

One should definitely try their wine list as it has the finest wine programs in Denver, along with other colourful cocktails that are made creatively by their professional bartender.

Location and Contact

6. Sushi Den

Sushi Den providing people with authentic Japanese cuisine with an exotic feeling
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Why it’s a must visit?

The Sushi Den restaurant definitely comes under the list of the must eat places in Denver that excel in providing people with authentic Japanese cuisine with an exotic feeling and impeccable service.

The restaurant has a dynamic menu that changes according to seasonal values, and the ambience is also pretty fascinating for anyone who wants to have the experience of dining in an authentic Japanese fashion with an upscale and trendy atmosphere.

Also, this place, because of its classy environment, is pretty good for having romantic dates, as both the menu and the location does not disappoint.

Chef’s Choice

Among the menu options, one should definitely try their delicious crispy spicy tuna along with gyoza and calamari, which are phenomenal dishes.

Their rolls are also pretty good, especially the rock ‘n’ roll, which has a taste similar to Philadelphia roll and comes with light cream cheese and tastes incredibly delightful.

Another absolute must have dish here is their omakase, which is a perfect choice for anyone who wants to try exotic dishes.

Location and Contact

7. Tavernetta

Tavernetta keeps in line with its traditional recipes with a gorgeous wine list
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Why it’s a must visit?

The Tavernetta restaurant fulfils its catchphrase of ‘authentic Italian, genuine hospitality through its mouthwatering culinary delicacies that keeps in line with its traditional recipes with a gorgeous wine list and pay homage to several regional classic dishes.

It was first started in 2017 and quickly grew into one of the cool places to eat in Denver for its authentic regional Italian cuisine that has a spacious atmosphere with an open kitchen setting and seasonal outdoor seating with a full bar and also a separate space for private dining.

It’s definitely one of the classiest restaurants in Denver for having regional cuisine as well as a spectacular wine bar that features several vinyl collections.

Chef’s Choice

One of the best ways to start their meals is by going for their mixed salad that comes with buttermilk and pickled shallots with a generous dressing that is large enough for at least three people.

When it comes to drinks, one should definitely experiment with their gin and tonic that comes with a Japanese twist to the traditional British spin, and it’s the presentation which is the most visually pleasing here.

Their calamari fritti, which is fried to quintessence and does not have an oily texture and arrives with a side dish, Pomodoro sauce that is made with herbs, garlic, olive oil and tomatoes, offers people a balanced flavour of buttermilk squid and other condiments.

Location and Contact

8. Wolf’s Tailor

Wolf's Tailor offers people quality flavoured dishes within a trendy atmosphere
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Why it’s a must visit?

The Wolf’s Tailor restaurant is known for its delicious seven courses and its overall buckwheat theme that offers people quality flavoured dishes within a trendy atmosphere that is perfect for anyone who is into funky details.

Everything here is yummy, and the diversification of menu options is the biggest hit here, along with its overall cosy vibe with specialized boots facing the streets and a nice seating area that is surrounded by tents and is perfect when the weather is right.

Besides that, the service here is impeccable and provides people with a privileged dining experience with their many beautiful dishes that leave one licking their fingers.

Chef’s Choice

The best thing that one can order here is their bento which contains an array of decadent dishes like bison, oysters, koji, Carolina gold, trout roe, ginger, Meyer lemon, amazake and a lot more.

Other than that, their lamb neck, tamarind sweet soy, Robata and pickle are to die for.

Not to mention how delicious its dessert options are, like its ice cream which comes in several delectable forms like hazelnut, black pepper, burned honey Panna Cota and a lot more.

Location and Contact

9. Palace Arms

Palace Arms create decadent culinary memories with an elegant atmosphere
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Why it’s a must visit?

The Palace Arms restaurant is one of the great restaurants in Denver that is a spectacular place to create decadent culinary memories with an elegant atmosphere surrounding you and expertly create dishes that are highly praised everywhere.

The entire surrounding of the restaurant is British-based which feels pretty Victorian and is suitable for anyone who is enamoured by historical details like artefacts and paintings along with gorgeous furniture, chandeliers and light fixtures showcasing the Napoleonic era.

Other than that, the restaurant has been operating for over seven years and has provided people with a valued service in the culinary industry with effortless and elegant details that are also given with poised servers to keep up the spirit.

Chef’s Choice

As one can expect from a 5-star restaurant, every dish here is gourmet based, ranging from drinks to main entrees like its steak, along with salads that are cooked perfectly and are sampled exceptionally well with the sauces and cheesy potatoes, which are definitely a divine combination.

Also, their drinks here are delightful, with a wide variety of exceptional Manhattan cocktails that are prepared with traditional flavours with lovely cherry flavours infused in them.

Also, their strawberry sherbet is a pretty good drink to go for as it comes slathered in chocolate drizzle and tastes like actual strawberries and chocolate rolled into one fine quality.

Location and Contact

10. Guard and Grace

Guard and Grace is a diner that goes beyond the expectations of people with its fabulous atmosphere
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Why it’s a must visit?

The Guard and Grace restaurant is a diner that goes beyond the expectations of people with its fabulous atmosphere and celebratory image. 

Almost every dish mentioned on the menu of this restaurant is delicious, and it remains a perfect place to have brunch, especially if you are on vacation.

It also has valet parking with a validated service, and the chefs here, along with the servers, are professionals in every way.

Chef’s Choice

Go for their Vietnamese steak salad which comes in the tenderest meat form and has meaty flavours.

Also, their tasty house-baked cookies deserve a lot of praise too because of their delectable chocolate crumbs that are quite fulfilling in taste.

Not to mention how tasty their gnocchi is along with their octopus as an appetizer that provides people with a unique blend of flavours that complements each other incredibly well especially if it’s paired with their white beans and sauces.

Location and Contact

11. Uchi

Uchi provides people with a delicate fusion of classic Japanese dishes
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Why it’s a must visit?

The Uchi is an authentic Japanese restaurant that was spearheaded by the James Beard award-winning chef name Tyson Cole who provides people with a delicate fusion of classic Japanese dishes that take pride in its culture and present people with a contemporary variety with signature tasting sessions, seasonal Omakase and sushi.

The tasting sessions here are appreciated by the local people of Denver, who like trying out their various cuisine choices in great cocktails with valuable service.

Besides that, the restaurant has excelled so well in culinary satisfaction that it has won several loyal patrons who love the convenience services this restaurant provides, along with many delectable menu options.

Chef’s Choice

One of the most decadent dishes that you can try here is their superb Wagyu dishes, along with their specialized Uchi salad, which comes with tantalizing flavours.

Also, there are oyster mushrooms, pork belly, tuna, eel, yellowtail, salmon, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and other dishes that are worth a try too.

Almost every single non-veg dish here, ranging from red meat to seafood, is made to perfection, especially in sushi forms which might be a little pricey but are definitely worth the price.

Location and Contact

Also See – Restaurants open for Thanksgiving dinner in Denver

12. Nocturne

Nocturne is one of the fascinating suppers and jazz clubs in Denver
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Why it’s a must visit?

The Nocturne restaurant is one of the fascinating suppers and jazz clubs in Denver that pays equal focus on both music and hospitality and offers people a creative menu with selected three-course choices.

This diner performs exceptionally well in every area of hospitality and is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Denver; that also supports local artists and has a relaxing atmosphere which is perfect for unwinding.

It also has a unique wine program with specialized craft cocktail offerings inside its beautiful Art Deco space that makes one have the best dinner night of their life.

Chef’s Choice

The restaurant serves people the most exceptional varieties of champagne and has a fervent obsession towards giving people the most exquisite drink choices.

It’s definitely one of the cool places to eat in Denver and is a gem for its drool-worthy dishes like tuna tartare and pork lion, which have an enticing aroma to them.

Not to mention how rejuvenating its cocktails are, especially its wines and champagne, which further add a lot of flavoursome effect to the feast.

Location and Contact

13. The Rotary

The Rotary follows a unique approach to offering farm-to-table dining set
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Why it’s a must visit?

The Rotary restaurant follows a unique approach to offering farm-to-table dining set inside its fast-paced casual atmosphere and its specialization in various handcrafted dishes along with creative side dishes.

The restaurant uses the freshest ingredients to create its dishes and accommodates a wide range of regional dishes and is also ideal for people who have special diets like having a gluten or lactose allergy or being vegetarians.

It’s also one of the best family restaurants in Denver that has a rotating menu and covers both classic and modern dishes in healthier ways.

Chef’s Choice

The restaurant serves people the tastiest slow-cooked rotisserie meats in the form of gravy or mouthwatering sandwiches.

The fresh salads here, along with delicious side options, add a refined touch to it and feels incredibly light on the tastebuds. 

Because the restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients, the personalized service here, along with the specialized seasonal menu, introduces people to quality and authentic food which is timeless.

Location and Contact

  • 217 S Holly St, Denver, CO 80246, United States
  • Phone:- +1 303-537-5327
  • Email:- Info@therotaryeats.com

14. Wildflower

Wildflower is located inside a hotel and thereby has such an extravagant value to it which is reminiscent of the cowboy culture
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Why it’s a must visit?

The Wildflower restaurant has become a beloved diner of the people of Denver, who enjoy its lively atmosphere with fabulous wallpaper, relaxing music and excellent bartenders who are just fun to watch.

The food here is phenomenal and is efficiently curated with lots of bursting flavours that blend in the most breathtaking manner, which offers people a divine eating experience.

The entire restaurant has an aesthetic atmosphere as it is located inside a hotel and thereby has such an extravagant value to it which is reminiscent of the cowboy culture and is genuinely jaw-dropping.

Chef’s Choice

One of the best things that you can try here is their Carmelo Picante and marigold de la Rosa which are extremely delicious dishes and have a fresh taste of them.

In the non-veg category, their lame tart is a fantastic choice to go for as it comes with well-seasoned pieces of lamb that give rejoice in every bite with its smoky crust and the bit of sweetness because of the meringue on top.

Also, for the finishing meal, their ricotta cavatelli makes for a perfect treat to the tastebuds as it comes in a lovely texture punch and has crispy sausages and breadcrumbs.

Their another fantastic non-veg selection, and NY strip steak is also a captivating choice to go for it as it is cooked on a medium level and has a global taste covering more than 27 spices in it that feel perfect when they are dipped in the complementary sauces and feel divine in every bite.

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15. Olive & Finch

Olive & Finch delivers a passionate value when it comes to cuisine excellence
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Why it’s a must visit?

The Olive and Finch restaurant delivers a passionate value when it comes to cuisine excellence with its delicious food choices and friendly service that makes sure that every single dish here is made from scratch and thereby has such a fresh taste of them.

The restaurant has been operating with success for more than ten years and follows a creative concept of supporting its local community by creating all of its dishes with organic ingredients.

The neighbourhood of this restaurant is extremely thrilling and fun, and it’s a great place to stop by especially for youngsters if they like having small bites while enjoying a trendy ambience.

Chef’s Choice

Before trying any other dish, it would be a lot better to begin it with the Caesar salad which comes with a tasty dressing of lemon and has a nice flavour to it.

The turkey sandwiches are also a pretty good choice to go for anyone who wants something simple and tasty.

Also, the chips are probably one of the best dishes you can try here as they come in light and crispy form and are actually delightful in taste.

Location and Contact

16. Root Down

Root Down follows the goal of fusing neighbourhood dining in the restaurant style
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Why it’s a must visit?

The Root Down restaurant follows the goal of fusing neighbourhood dining in the restaurant style by forming a seamless bond with the people and the sensational quality of its dishes that makes it praiseworthy.

It’s highly recommended that one should make a reservation here, especially for brunch, as this place remains extremely popular during weekends.

The service here is excellent, and people can happily rely on the server’s recommendations here which makes it pretty good for experimenting with different food choices.

Chef’s Choice

The restaurant follows a farm-to-table value and uses sustainable ingredients to create the dishes.

It keeps those values in mind, and in that, the best options that you can go through here is there a beet salad and steak.

One can also enjoy their brunch egg specialities which come in several varieties and is praised for their distinct and bold flavours.

Location and Contact

17. El Five

El Five is a perfect spot for dining out and has a gorgeous interior
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Why it’s a must visit?

The El Five restaurant is a perfect spot for dining out and has a gorgeous interior with floor-to-ceiling windows, a dim light ambience and its location in the suburban area, which is exotic and exciting.

The restaurant offers people an eclectic menu with an insane focus on tapas dishes that feel outstanding on taste buds and blend perfectly with the restaurant’s cosy and intimate ambience.

Also, the outside Terrace view from this restaurant is spellbinding, which is why it’s one of the most romantic restaurants in Denver, even for picky eaters.

Chef’s Choice

The appetizers should definitely be tried here before beginning the central feast with their puréed squash that comes with walnuts and is a pretty tasty way to start the meal. 

In the seafood category as the main course, it would be better to go for their paella, which is definitely a heavenly dish.

Also, when can further elevate their epicurean experience by sampling those dishes with their exceptional wines that come in several flavours, be it red, white and a lot more.

Location and Contact

Famous Food to Try in the City 

  • Wagyu Beef – As Denver has its fair share of Michelin star-worthy restaurants, the place also offers people the highest quality red meat, which is the specialized Wagyu beef that is authentically a Japanese dish but is also served in an exotic way in Denver with various sauces and hand cut beef that pair exceptionally well with other tasty side dishes coming with potatoes and seasonings. 
  • Strip Loin – Another fantastic dish that one can try here is the strip loin which is a quintessential red meat dish that is tender to the bone and therefore has a melting taste that one can relish for hours while also enjoying its enticing smoky aroma that is hard to match against any other non-veg dish. As Denver has lots of specialization in red meat options, the strip loin is something that should definitely not be missed by any chance.
  • Wines – Wines remain a big hit in Denver primarily because of the gourmet variety that is covered in the state and therefore gets offered in the broadest selection that one can ever find in the US but only in Denver. Every Michelin-star restaurant in Denver, makes sure it showcases the finest selections of wines dating back several ages so that one can encounter the most fantastic epicurean wine adventure they might have ever experienced.

Final Thoughts 

Denver is a majestic city that takes pride in its culinary excellence of providing people with the most sinfully delicious forms of dishes and therefore remains the primary focus area of lots of culinary enthusiasts who wish to scour the state to the core and find its every spice and condiment to discover the many flavoursome ways in how it’s dishes are created.

Besides that, it becomes essential for anyone to know about some spectacular places to eat if one genuinely wants to experience authenticity and exoticness.

That’s why it’s always a safe option to go with Michelin-star restaurants, and for that reason, we made this list of Michelin-star worthy restaurants that one can try if they want to get the quintessential Denver culinary experience.

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