Among the countless things to do in Denver, there is an array of delicious choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner, ranging from casual to elegant. Many of the restaurants on our list pride themselves with building relationships with local farms to source the freshest seasonally available produce. Whether you are looking for New American cuisine, classic French dishes or Italian fare, here are the best romantic restaurants in Denver.
1. Avelina
Avelinais located in LoDo (lower downtown) Denver, where it provides the perfect setting for a romantic night out. The modern and elegant interiors of the restaurant contribute to the up-scale atmosphere and the food and bespoke cocktails do the rest. The kitchen is headed up by Chef Nick Duree who has more than 10 years of experience and has trained under Michelin-starred chefs in France. The emphasis is on serving fresh seasonal produce at the peak of perfection, perfectly cooked and served with an eye for style. The bar mixes an assortment of really special cocktails as well as craft beers and wines by the bottle or glass.
1550 17th Street, Denver, CO 80202, 720 904 6711
More ideas: Romantic Denver hotels
2. Edge Restaurant and Bar
To ensure cutting edge perfection, Edge Restaurant and Bar is run by an enthusiastic team of culinarians from both Colorado and around the world. Each of them brings their particular talents to Edge ensuring at all guests leave with lasting memories of a good night out. The modern décor perfectly sets the scene for a romantic dinner and the excellent food and drink options are sure to suit all tastes. Edge is a modern American steakhouse serving familiar cuisine prepared using the finest locally sourced ingredients, prepared to perfection. Several of the appetizers are perfectly suited to vegetarians while the extensive grill menu will delight all meat eaters. Further vegetarian and pescatarian mains are available along with your choice of sides and sauces. Browse our guide to romantic weekend getaways in Colorado and explore this beautiful state.
1111 14th Street, Denver, CO 80202, 303 389 3050
3. Fruition Restaurant, Denver
Fruition Restaurant is a tiny eatery that has been drawing foodies from around the world to experience Chef Alex Seidel's refined farm-to-table New American cuisine. Drawing inspiration and naturally sourced ingredients from his 10-acre farm in Larkspur, Seidel’s seasonal cuisine is both simple and sophisticated, with rich, earthy flavors and tastes.
Try the porcini mushroom consommé, which takes you into the forest where the mushrooms grow, or the sweetly seared scallops. Committed to serving great food in an inviting and cozy ambiance, Fruition Restaurant is a place to gather with friends.
1313 E 6th Ave, Denver, Colorado, Phone: 303-831-1962
More ideas: Breakfast in Denver
4. Romantic Restaurants in Denver: Izakaya Den
Izakaya Den is a very popular Japanese-style gastro pub which is great for a romantic night out, provided you both love fish and seafood. The cuisine features the freshest of fresh sushi and sashimi served tapas-style, ideal for sharing. Alongside the raw offerings diners can enjoy a variety of freshly-made Japanese favorites including gyoza, noodles, tofu, beef and short-rib dishes. For a special occasion you can book the famous Omakazi Chef’s Table and leave all the choices in the hands of the chef. Whichever option you choose you can enjoy delicious authentic Japanese cuisine alongside a great choice of sake, beer and wine.
1487 S. Pearl Street, Denver, CO 80210, 303 777 0826, (website link)
More ideas: Free Things to Do in Denver
5. Steuben's Food Service
Steuben’s Food Service is a Denver-based eatery that serves classic regional American cuisine from a retro-style diner.
Run by Wolkon and his wife, Jen, this unique eatery presents everyone's favorite regional classics, such as pot roast, New York strip steak, and meatloaf. Diners can enjoy nightly specials throughout the week, as well as Happy Hour food and drinks specials on certain evenings.
Steuben's cuisine is also available from their food truck, which can be found at locations around town. If you have a few days, we recommend taking a day trip from Denver to one of these unique spots.
523 E 17th Ave, Denver, Colorado, Phone: 303-830-1001
6. Viewhouse
Located in Denver’s Ballpark next to Coors Field, Viewhouse is a popular bar and grill occupying a three story building with a spectacular rooftop deck overlooking the mountains, and more importantly, the ballpark and the ongoing games. Viewhouse is known for its endless themed parties such as Silent Disco Yoga, but also for a fun, lively atmosphere, popular pub grub redefined by chef Jose Guerrero, plenty of beer on tap, and great cocktails. It is the place where you can bring your kids to watch the game from the rooftop or bring a date in the evening to sip cocktails by a fire pit.
Viewhouse Ballpark, 2015 Market Street, Denver, CO 80205, Phone: 720-878-2015
More ideas: Amusement Parks Near Denver
7. Romantic Restaurants in Denver: Corinne
Corinne is a modern cocktail lounge/bar/restaurant just off the lobby of the upscale Hotel Le Méridien in downtown Denver. With comfortable leather sofas and armchairs, small marble bistro tables, and a fire pit, it has a relaxed, stylish bistro atmosphere. The food is Modern American with French touches – try jumbo shrimp Louie or Bacon-Wrapped Filet with bleu cheese crust, served with mashed potatoes and broccolini in beef jus. Corinne is the perfect spot for a power lunch – it is even advertised as “Enjoy lunch in 45-min or it's free!” The fully stocked bar attracts an after-work cocktail crowd but it is also a perfect spot for an afternoon tea with a piece of apple strudel or banana cream pie.
1455 California Street, Denver, CO 80202, Phone: 720-996-1555, (website link)
More ideas: Colorado Dude Ranches
8. Guard and Grace
Guard and Grace is a modern, elegant, and upscale steakhouse located in the lobby of the CenturyLink building in downtown Denver. It is the place where the power lunch crowd comes to wine and dine clients, but also the place for a celebratory dinner or a romantic encounter. The décor is sleek, with deep colors, a huge piece of wall art, and a beautiful outdoor patio. The food ranges from superb steaks and options from a large raw bar to delicious sandwiches. The extensive menu offers something for everyone. A very respectable wine list has a number of wines offered by the glass, and the bar makes classic but also fun and interesting cocktails.
1801 California St. #150 CenturyLink building lobby level, Denver, CO 80202, Phone: 303-293-8500
More ideas: Best Places to Stay in the Rocky Mountains
9. Panzano
Serving award-winning Italian food in downtown Denver, Panzano lives by their motto of: “Those who eat well, live well”.
Located at Hotel Monaco in a comfortable and elegant dining room with cozy booths, Chef Elise Wiggins’ menu features creative dishes inspired by Northern Italy, such as Crespelle ai Funghi (crépes with mushrooms and white truffle oil) and Capesante (scallops with spinach and ricotta).
In addition to the impressive menu, Panzano offers regular specials while the bar serves great wine, Colorado beers and craft cocktails.
909 17th St, Hotel Monaco Denver, Denver, Colorado, Phone: 303-296-3525
More ideas: Italian Restaurants in Denver
10. Snooze Eatery
Snooze is a bright eatery that aims to add an element of fun and energy to morning meals through great food, excellent service, and a casual, friendly atmosphere.
Founded by brothers Jon and Adam Schlegel, Snooze serves a menu of delicious breakfast foods with a creative twist, from pancakes with marshmallows to Eggs Benedict, omelets, and heaps of huevos rancheros. Residents, families, and friends line up to get their slice of morning pie, enjoying free coffee while they wait.
2262 Larimer St, 303-297-0700; 700 N Colorado Blvd, 303-736-6200; 1701 Wynkoop Street #150, 303-825-3536, (website link)
More ideas: Aspen restaurants
11. Romantic Restaurants in Denver: The Rotary
The Rotary is a delicious churrasco-style rotisserie in Denver, owned and operated by people known for their work at popular national restaurants such as Chez Panisse and Gramercy Tavern. The restaurant, which is inspired by traditional churrascarias and French open-hearth cooking styles, utilizes fresh seasonal produce from Denver's Altius Farms greenhouse facility, paired with meats slow-cooked over wood fires to maximize flavor. Rotisserie plates highlight chicken thighs and pork shoulder, topped with diners' choice of chimichurri, peri peri, and aji verde sauce. Craft sandwiches are also prepared on ciabatta from Hinman's Bakery, served up alongside peri peri bowls served over diners' choice of brown-butter jasmine rice or mixed greens. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and paleo options are available upon request.
217 S Holly St, Denver, CO 80246, Phone: 303-900-7759
More ideas: Things to Do in Littleton
12. Maria Empanada
Maria Empanada is a delightful Argentinian-style empanada joint in Denver, featured on the Food Network series Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives for its unique, reasonably priced savory and sweet empanada flavors. The restaurant, which has been owned by chef and restaurateur Lorena Cantarovici since 2011, produces more than 1,500 empanadas each day at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, stuffed with classic Argentinian fillings. Flavor options range from traditional ground beef and pepper or seared steak and egg variants to adventurous flavors such as sweet corn, caprese, spinach bechamel, and ham and cheese. Empanadas are available individually or by the half-dozen or dozen, served up alongside Spanish-style tortillas and tortas throughout the day. At breakfast, diners can enjoy sausage, egg and potato, or chorizo-style empanadas paired with tartitas or Spanish breakfast bars.
1298 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80210, Phone: 303-934-2221
More ideas: Things to Do in Buena Vista
13. Potager Restaurant
Potager (meaning ‘garden kitchen’) is just that – a little garden restaurant that serves a seasonal, garden-driven menu in a rustic setting.
Chef Teri Rippeto's menu is a perfect example of cooking and eating in concert with the seasons, where dishes are prepared with locally sourced, market-fresh ingredients (produce is listed along with the name of the farmer on the menu). Choices include lamb meatballs, pan-roasted mahi-mahi, and wood-fired herb chicken, with sides like roasted farm radishes, soufflé, and spring greens and nettle minestrone.
Add to that comforting service, and a warm, home-away-from-home setting, and you have the makings of a perfect meal.
1109 Ogden St, Denver, Colorado, Phone: 303-832-5788
More ideas: Things to Do in Silverton
14. Duo Restaurant, Denver
Serving creative, locally sourced farm-to-table fare in a warm, rustic space, Duo is located in the heart of Denver’s hip Highlands neighborhood.
Boasting a relaxed, unassuming dining space that captures the true essence of the corner restaurant, owners Stephanie Bonin and Keith Arnold bring diners a menu of seasonal cuisine made with ingredients supplied by more than forty local partners.
From a delicious brunch menu featuring chocolate French toast and ‘zippy cake’ – a unique sausage grit cake dripping with caper brown butter – to a dinner menu featuring Boulder lamb and rabbit, desserts are a must-try.
2413 W 32nd Ave, Denver, Colorado, Phone: 303-477-4141
More ideas: Things to Do in Snowmass
15. Uchi
Uchi is another of Denver’s most popular romantic restaurants where you and your partner can dine on elevated, Japanese inspired cuisine served in an elegant setting. Uchi (which means “home” in Japanese), serves beautifully curated non-traditional Japanese cuisine which is sure to please all budding gourmands. Yes, you will find sushi and sashimi on the menu but you will also find an excellent variety of thoughtfully prepared fine-dining style dishes to charm your taste buds. There are also plenty of options for vegetarians and meat eaters have not been forgotten. They also do a 10-course Omakazi menu and various tasting menus.
2500 Lawrence Street #200, Denver, CO 80205, 303 444 1922
More ideas: Things to Do in Winter Park
16. Beatrice and Woodsley
Inspired by the wilderness of the forest and the solitude of the city, Beatrice & Woodsley bring the beauty of the Colorado wild into the city with a woodsy, playful setting in which guests can savor creative New American cuisine and innovative cocktails. Owner Kevin Delk established the restaurant over ten years go with the goal of enticing diners who were looking for a unique dining experience and still stands by this principle today serving elevated dishes and upscale libations. The elegantly romantic spot serves signature entrées such as duck leg confit, braised lamb shank, bouillabaisse, bubble and squeak, and pork shoulder, along with freshly prepared salads, appetizers, desserts, and a hand-curated wine list. Beatrice & Woodsley is open for dinner Monday through Sunday, and brunch over the weekend.
38 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80209, Phone: 303-777-3505
More ideas: Things to Do in Georgetown, CO
17. Romantic Restaurants in Denver: Bistro Vendome
Bistro Vendôme is a traditional Left Bank-style café with a beautiful garden that serves slightly modern twists on classic French cuisine and the closest you’ll get to Paris in the heart of Denver. Located in the famous Larimer Square, the charming café is run by chef Jennifer Jasinski and business partner Beth Gruitch and serves an alluring menu with timeless classics like escargot, onion soup, and steak frites, along with modern, seasonally driven creations. Surrounded by brick walls, ivy, and shady trees, the bistro offers a quiet oasis in the midst of the bustling Larimer Square where diners can enjoy some happy-hour bubbly, a brunchtime croque madame, or a three-course French dinner in a friendly and warm ambiance. Bistro Vendôme is open for dinner Monday through Sunday, and brunch over the weekend.
1705, 1420 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202, Phone: 303-825-3232
More ideas: Things to Do in Parker, CO
18. Rioja
Overlooking the bustling Larimer Square in downtown Denver, Rioja is a warm Mediterranean eatery that serves a menu of locally sourced, inventive Mediterranean dishes and globally-inspired wines in a vibrant dining space. Strung lights and handsome brick buildings create a fitting backdrop for the James Beard Award-winning crown jewel on the square and one of the pioneers of the Denver restaurant scene. Boasting indoor and outdoor seating overlooks the square, the elegant restaurant oozes style and sophistication with a menu to match featuring handmade pasta such as black garlic-squid ink bigoli, artichoke tortelloni, and saffron cavatelli with lobster, as well as hearty entrées like Wagyu bavette steak; spice rubbed lamb loin and Serrano ham-wrapped octopus. An extensive wine list provides an excellent selection of pairing partners to the cuisine. Rioja is open for lunch Monday through Friday, dinner seven nights a week, and brunch on the weekend.
1431 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202, Phone: 303-820-2282
More ideas: Things to Do in Dillon, CO
19. Mizuna
Hailed as one of the top restaurants in the city, Mizuna is an intimate neighborhood joint helmed by Chef Frank Bonanno who presents a creative menu of New American cuisine paired with fine wines in an elegant setting. Bonanno and his culinary team experiment and explore the finest locally sourced and seasonal ingredients to create an ever-changing menu firmly rooted in French cooking techniques with dishes that reflect the bounty of each season on both land and sea. The restaurant boasts a relaxing ambiance with linen-draped tables and soft yellow tones where diners can savor exquisite dishes such as Foie Gras Pie, Burgundian Escargot, Smoked Spanish Octopus, and Seared Yellowfin Tuna. A signature selection of fine wines accompanies each course, with suggestions given by the professional and friendly staff. Mizuna is open for dinner only, Tuesday through Sunday.
225 E 7th Ave, Denver, CO 80203, Phone: 303-832-4778
More ideas: Things to Do in Montrose
20. Table 6
Table 6 is a classic American bistro with rustic interiors, an open-plan kitchen, and friendly, welcoming staff who serve the menu’s simple and elegant dishes.
Chef Mike Winston focuses on creating modern comfort food with eccentric touches while owner/sommelier Aaron Forman pairs the dishes with excellent wines from around the world.
Table 6 offers a relaxed, casual, and utterly comfortable atmosphere, perfect for a date or a meal with friends.
609 Corona St, Denver, Colorado, Phone: 303-831-8800
More ideas: Things to Do in Golden
21. Bittersweet
Housed in what used to be an old gas station, Bittersweet is owned by Olav and Melissa Peterson, who have breathed new life into the old building and created an intimate and comfortable eatery.
Two dining rooms with high ceilings are adorned with Melissa's artwork, old maps, and plush chairs, and indoor/outdoor fireplaces which add to the cozy ambiance. Bittersweet serves a garden-to-table menu based on classic French cuisine that changes seasonally and gives old favorites a new twist.
The Wagyu Hangar Steak is served with chanterelle mushrooms and a bone marrow sauce, while the Scottish Salmon is accompanied by octopus, mussels, clams and purple potatoes.
500 E Alameda Ave, Denver, Colorado, Phone: 303-942-0320, (website link)
More ideas: Things to Do in Morrison
22. Barolo Grill
Barolo Grill in Cherry Creek North is renowned for serving homemade cuisine from Tuscany and the Piedmont region of Italy along with delicious wines in an elegant and stylish setting.
Owner and wine director Ryan Fletter is also proud to feature small family wineries that are dedicated to sustainable farming and winemaking philosophies, boasting one of the largest collections of Barolo wines outside of Italy.
Barolo offers patrons two ways to dine: an a la carte or a prix fixe, five-course tasting menu, packed with unexpected combinations, such as risotto with escargot.
3030 E 6th Ave, Denver, Colorado, Phone: 303-393-1040
More ideas: Things to Do in Westminster
23. El Five
El Five is the latest dining experience from the owners of popular Denver restaurants Linger, Ophelia's, and Root Down, opened to the public in 2017 atop the fifth floor of a building in the city's Lower Highlands district. The restaurant serves up Eastern Mediterranean and Spanish-inspired small plates throughout the week in its colorful dining space, which offers indoor and balcony seating service. Diners can share mezze platters of delicacies such as jamón ibérico or Mediterranean-style spreads or select from a tapas de Gibraltar menu, which showcases favorites such as patatas bravas, goat cheese croquettes, Moroccan lamb sausage, or Turkish-style flatbread pizza with apricots and pheasant confit. Shareable paellas are also available, served up alongside an extensive craft cocktail menu.
2930 Umatilla Fifth Floor, Denver, CO 80211, Phone: 303-524-9193
More ideas: Things to Do in Vail
The 20 Perfect Romantic Restaurants in Denver, Colorado near me today according to local experts are:
- 1. Avelina
- 2. Edge Restaurant and Bar
- 3. Fruition Restaurant, Denver
- 4. Romantic Restaurants in Denver: Izakaya Den
- 5. Steuben's Food Service
- 6. Viewhouse
- 7. Romantic Restaurants in Denver: Corinne
- 8. Guard and Grace
- 9. Panzano
- 10. Snooze Eatery
- 11. Romantic Restaurants in Denver: The Rotary
- 12. Maria Empanada
- 13. Potager Restaurant
- 14. Duo Restaurant, Denver
- 15. Uchi
- 16. Beatrice and Woodsley
- 17. Romantic Restaurants in Denver: Bistro Vendome
- 18. Rioja
- 19. Mizuna
- 20. Table 6
- 21. Bittersweet
- 22. Barolo Grill
- 23. El Five
Venue Spotlight: Wellshire Event Center
Found within the Wellshire Golf Course, the Wellshire Event Center has been one of Denmark’s top choices for all kinds of special events, especially corporate events, weddings, holiday celebrations, special family occasions, and even private golf tournaments since 1926. The place can be found at the corners of Colorado Boulevard and Hampden Avenue. It’s just seven minutes away from the Denver Tech Center and five minutes away from Cherry Creek. The place offers enough free parking for guests.
Weddings
Wellshire Events Center has been the choice of many couples as the place to get married since 1962. This means that the events center has a long list of successful wedding ceremonies, receptions, and cocktails in its history. The Wedding Events Manager and staff are all experienced and well trained to help you get the perfect wedding that you’d always dreamed of. Meanwhile, the venue comes complete with all the space and equipment you need to make the perfect day, may it be a grand wedding where everyone you know is invited or an intimate gathering of your closest family and friends.
Corporate Events
Wellshire also boasts its capability to be a full service meeting venue with ample free parking for all corporate meetings and activities. The venue is guaranteed to make sure that all participants are comfortably seated to ensure a successful business event. Meanwhile, experienced bartenders and culinary staff ensure that your participants are fed and have the beverages they desire.
Speaking of food, Wellshire offers a wide variety of selections that companies can choose from, ranging from hors d’oeuvres to the main course. All these options can be tailor-fit to suit the needs of every event.
Charity Events
Wellshire has also been known to be an ideal venue for all kinds of Charity Events ever since it opened to the public. Its central location and ample free parking makes sure that all invited guests and interested parties can find their way and be part of the cause. The venue is flexible enough to accommodate charity gatherings of all sizes, may it be a meeting of 20 members of the board or a fundraiser that’s expecting several hundred guests.
Special Occasions
Being home to a wide variety of banquet rooms, Wellshire is also a place where families and friends can celebrate any occasion, may it be a grand family reunion or a small birthday party. Thanks to its central location and ample free parking space, hosts are sure that their guests will be able to access the venue easily and on time.
The versatility of the venue also guarantees that hosts can set up the place in the way they want, may it be for an intimate gathering of 20 guests or a grand celebration of up to 600 people.
Whatever your purpose, Wellshire Event Center is ready to make sure that it all runs smoothly. For more information, feel free to visit their official website or all 303-759-3333.
Address
Wellshire Event Center, 3333 South Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80222, Phone: 303-759-3333
Venue Spotlight: Seawell Ballroom at Denver Theater
Known for creating venues for unforgettable moments and experiences in all kinds of events, the DCPA Event Services has been around since 1998, making weddings more than just a ceremony, fundraisers more than just dressing up for charity, and corporate events more than just a gathering of co-workers. It’s a place where people make memories in the best way possible.
Seawell Ballroom
One of the most notable venues of DCPA Event Services is the Seawell Bedroom, a place where no idea is too ambitious or extravagant. It’s situated above the Helen Bonfils Theater Complex, boasting 10,000 square feet of versatile event space with breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountain Peaks and Denver’s Lower Downtown skyline and urban architecture. At night, the event place’s ceiling becomes a starry sky with mirror-lined walls that lets guests see themselves as they look up. Whether you’ve dreamed of a Shakespearean-themed wedding or plan on throwing a party with floating DJ booths and flying dancers, the venue is ready to make your wildest imaginations come to life.
DCPA’s team in charge of the Seawell Ballroom has all the creative and technical expertise in order to adhere to the most daring requests while helping you stay within your preferred budget. All kinds of custom lighting, sound, video, and design is at the disposal of a highly competent and friendly event staff.
Capacity: Following a theater style of seating, the venue can seat up to 1,000 guests and 800 people for other designs. For those who plan on hosting smaller events, there are creative ways to divide the room to facilitate more intimate gatherings.
Features: The ballroom is also equipped with a wide variety of LED lights. You can choose from 250 fixtures so you’re sure to find the lights that are best for your event. It also comes with top of the line sound system and large HD screens for high quality video projections for all kinds of purposes. Finally, the event comes equipped with a wide selection of microphones, spot lights, and other devices needed for different kinds of events.
Food and Beverages: DCPA Event Services only caters exclusively through Epicurean Catering. They must be the ones to provide food and beverages, with the notable exception of wedding cakes. Thankfully, Epicurean Catering has been known as one of the top-ranking Colorado caterers since 1982.
Other Perks:
- The Seawell Ballroom is also close to many restaurants and hotels, making it ideal for events that will host guests from out of town.
- DCPA Event Services is also a popular place to hold memorable events because they’re very accessible. It will be easy for guests to make their way to the place on time.
- Speaking of accessibility, DCPA Event Services is also known for being accessible even to handicapped individuals.
To know more about the Seawell Ballroom and DCPA Event Services visit their official website or call 303-572-4466.
Address:
Speer & Arapahoe atop the Bonfils Theatre Complex, 1101 13th St., Denver, CO 80204, Phone: 303-893-4000
