Denver Restaurants
Carrera's
Looking to the West Coast for inspiration, this Greenwood Village operation makes a mean fish taco, while its shrimp come juicy and so plump — accompanied by not only onions and cilantro but salsa verde and crema — that they’re almost too big for the handmade tortilla; same goes with the tender, deeply browned cauliflower that substitutes for a choice of protein. Speaking of choices, diners here can also opt for hard shells; soft, crispy cheese shells; and other variants on the standard vehicle.
Catira
One of the only Venezuelan restaurants in Colorado, serving the core cuisine: tequeños, arepas, empanadas, cachapas. Think juicy meats, sweet plantains, fresh avocado, creamy garlic sauce, and a lot of cheese - plus a full bar with refreshing cocktails! Inspired by the vibrant energy of the Caribbean, they've created a space that reflects both its culture and landscape.
Cucina Bella
Cucina Bella plays the role of neighborhood Italian standby with quiet confidence: no gimmicks, just a long menu of comfort classics executed with care. Start with a plate of bruschetta or a bowl of silky tomato basil soup, then move on to the main event — pastas that lean rich and satisfying, from creamy fettuccine Alfredo to lasagna layered thick with meat sauce and molten cheese. The pizzas, blistered just enough around the edges, are solid bets as well, but regulars know the move is a hearty pasta, a glass of red, and maybe a shared cannoli to finish.
Hong Kong Station
Chinese • 6878 S Yosemite St, Centennial, ColoradoIf a few of the dishes at this bustling little hangout in Centennial look Westernized, rest assured that those elements of fusion developed organically in the cha chaan tengs (sometimes compared to diners) of the international crossroads that is Hong Kong. From baked pork chops with spaghetti to peanut-butter French toast, the menu’s a warm and welcoming entrée into the wider world of comfort food — one that also offers plenty of more traditional, equally delightful Cantonese fare as well, including shrimp toast and clay pot dishes.
Pizza Republica
Pizza Republica may look like a polished Landmark mall hangout, but the kitchen leans squarely into the rustic pleasures of Roman-style pizza and pasta done with a steady hand. The pies arrive blistered and crisp at the edges, whether topped simply with San Marzano tomatoes and fresh mozzarella or layered with prosciutto, arugula, and shaved Parmigiano. Pastas pull their weight, too — silky cacio e pepe, hearty ragù — but the move is to split a pizza or two, linger over a glass of Italian red, and let the crust do the talking. If there’s room left, the tiramisu is a reliable closer.
Spice Trade Brewery & Kitchen
Spice Trade Brewery & Kitchen serves a seasonally rotating menu of globally inspired beer and eclectic, worldly street food. Born out of the Yak & Yeti Indian & Nepalese restaurant, Spice Trade has been brewing culinary driven and award-winning beer since 2008.
Tikka & Grill
Nepali & Indian • 1300 S Broadway, Denver, ColoradoEven the fluffy, flavorful rice hits different at this South Broadway banger, which nails standards like savory saag and crispy-soft samosas while turning out a wealth of lesser-known dishes. Don’t pass up the crunchy, salty, sweet-and-sour Bombay bhel (a type of chaat); the creamy, tomato-based makhani with chicken or lamb; or the earthy rajma and aloo (kidney bean and potato) masala.
Yanni's
Yanni's Greek Restaurant delivers the sort of polished, old-school Greek dining that feels right at home among the Landmark’s upscale storefronts: white tablecloths, warm hospitality, and a menu that leans into the classics without apology. Start with a spread of dips — creamy tzatziki, smoky melitzanosalata — and a basket of warm pita, then move on to the real draw: expertly grilled lamb chops, lemony roasted chicken, and whole fish that tastes like it came straight off the Aegean. The portions are generous, the flavors bright with olive oil and oregano, and if the mood strikes, there’s always flaming saganaki for a little tableside drama.