Dio Mio

Fast-casual no longer means low-quality, and Dio Mio played a big part in changing that definition in Denver. Since debuting in 2016, the RiNo spot where you order at the counter has consistently served some of the more creative dishes in town, centered on fresh pasta. Its cacio e pepe with ruffle-edged mafalde noodles and […]

Angelo’s Taverna & Carboy Winery

Now well into its fourth decade, this Italian eatery has real staying power, and it’s easy to see why. The space, which feels like it’s been made to order for the neighbors, is fueled by a quintessential red sauce, a thick gravy of tomatoes that goes well with Angelo’s homemade pasta and meatballs. The spot […]

Coperta

In 2016, Paul and Aileen Reilly, the brother-and-sister duo behind the beloved, now-closed Beast + Bottle, opened this cozy restaurant that pays homage to the food of Southern Italy. Under chef de cuisine Kenny Minton, it continues to offer some of the finest pasta in town, as well as dreamy, house-baked focaccia and longtime customer […]

Bar Dough

Open since 2015, Bar Dough feels like a longtime staple in LoHi, where the Italian eatery offers pasta, pizza, small plates and a top-notch happy hour. In the summer of 2024, chef Stefy Devita took the helm, bringing a fresh take on this spot’s impressive fare.

Grammy’s Goodies

Grammy’s started out as little more than a booth selling homemade cookies at Lakewood’s annual Festival Italiano, but expanded to a counter-service restaurant and bakery in 2015. Somehow, though, it feels like it’s been around a lot longer. Go here for pizza, towering slices of lasagna, and savory sausage cannoli (spelled here with a double […]

Brik on York

In this era of craft beer, Brik on York stands out for its focus on wine. Chef/owner/sommelier Travis Gee offers an eight-page wine list, with old- and new-world wines by the half-glass, glass, half-bottle and bottle, and informative tidbits about each region. Wine isn’t the only focus, though. The menu includes an array of Neapolitan-style […]

Lo Stella Ristorante

The Golden Triangle space that houses Lo Stella Ristorante has seen a number of Italian joints come and go. But Lo Stella has history on its side: It’s an offshoot of Lo Stella in Portofino, Italy, which has been turning out family recipes and regional specialties for 165 years. This outpost is owned by Alessandro […]

Bar Red

Cliff Young and his son, Zach, opened the doors of Bar Red in late 2013. But beyond those doors was a stunning renovation of an old stone building at 437 West Colfax Avenue, just around the corner from CY Steaks, which Cliff also ran until 2018 (he passed away in 2021). More than just a […]

Mici Handcrafted Italian

Mici Handcrafted Italian’s Stapleton outpost is a quick-service eatery, especially popular during the lunch hour, when shoppers and professionals with offices in the area stop by for carry-out or to enjoy one of the weekday specials. The menu features such classic Italian dishes as pizza on housemade crusts, pastas loaded with hand-rolled meatballs, and a […]

Odyssey Italian Restaurant

In 2022, Ignazio Mulei, who ran this restaurant housed in an old Victorian for a decade with his son, general manager Michele, passed the reins to new owners. But Odyssey has continued to serve its loyal fans, who flock here for the atmosphere as much as the classic fare. Red-checkered tablecloths, fresh flowers in wine […]

Opus Fine Dining

In June 2012, Opus left its original home in Littleton and moved to Cherry Creek, where it joined forces with Aria to become Opus Restaurant & Wine bar. Since then, renovations have merged the two entities and expanded the bar area. The menu at Opus emphasizes elegant preparations of local produce (some from the restaurant’s […]

Americatus Restaurant and Market

Iain Chisholm, chef/owner of Americatus Restaurant & Market, which opened in the summer of 2012 in the Ballpark neighborhood, is the epitome of an entrepreneur. His first food venture was a lemonade stand when he was in elementary school; he went on to earn two degrees from Johnson & Wales and work for local restaurateur […]

DiFranco’s

When it comes to Italian cuisine, simplicity, craftsmanship and unassailable ingredients are what count – and DiFranco’s, an unassuming, low-key joint in the Golden Triangle that opened in 2012 as an Italian deli, then expanded into a (tiny) restaurant, embraces all of those attributes. It serves a lovely selection of housemade pastas, including a terrific […]