Three Denver Restaurants Ranked Among the Best Places to Eat in U.S.

Love it or hate it, Yelp remains a powerful review platform, particularly for restaurants. Every year, it releases various lists based on the reviews left by its users, such as its 2025 edition of the Top 100 Ramen Shops in the U.S. (Nana Sushi Thai in Evergreen and Nami Ramen & Poke in Englewood made the cut for that one.)

Last year, just one Colorado spot made the list of the Top 100 Places to Eat in 2025: Ambli Global, at 6799 East Belleview Avenue.

But Denver had a stronger showing in the just-released 2026 edition of the Top 100 Places to Eat, with three metro area spots included. To create the list, “Yelp analyzed submissions, ratings, review volume, and community input,” according to Yelp.

Here are the Colorado spots that ranked this year:

#13: Leven Deli Co.
123 West 12th Avenue
Yelp rating: 4.6 stars, 835 reviews
Since opening in the Golden Triangle neighborhood in 2018, Leven has earned a reputation as a dependable lunch spot (even if some complain about the high prices, which we think are well worth it for the quality and consistency). Favorites include the signature classic pastrami, the vegetarian-friendly smoked beet Reuben and the chocolate tahini brownie. Last year, Leven Supply debuted near Wash Park, adding pizza to the lineup; this year, it will add a flagship location downtown.

#40 Alma Fonda Fina
2556 15th Street
Yelp rating: 4.7 stars, 244 reviews
Since chef Johnny Curiel opened his first restaurant, Alma Fonda Fina, just three years ago, he’s built a fine dining empire in the metro area, racking up Michelin accolades and opening a total of five spots — and counting. But the buzz hasn’t worn off at his OG spot, which has retained its Michelin star since 2023. Don’t miss the signature sweet potato dish, camote asado, which pairs nicely with its avocado margarita.

#99 Golden Banh Mi
2648 South Parker Road, Aurora
Yelp rating: 4.8 stars, 269 reviews
This banh mi shop from the owners of Golden Saigon next door does the standard versions of this beloved Vietnamese sandwich very well, but you’ll be highly rewarded if you opt to try something new, such as the Steak & Kimcheese banh mi, which is on our current local sandwich bucket list.

Hungry for more local food recommendations? Check out our new list of the Top 50 Restaurants in Denver.