Food, water, atmosphere!
People go to restaurants for three things: the food, the drinks, and the decor. Most often, the food is the primary factor in how you and your friends decide where to go for dinner, but sometimes there are those nights where you just want to be surrounded by impeccable interiors, innovative designs, and areas worthy of an Instagram photo. We’ve got you covered! These are 8 of the loveliest, most innovative restaurants that are serving delicious food from inside fabulously-designed buildings ranging from Italian to Japanese and everything in between.
1. Guard & Grace
Guard & Grace is Denver’s answer to America’s steakhouse, and this spot is doing steak well done, plus a raw bar. As you’re lead towards your table, you’re likely to pass by the floor-to-ceiling glassed wine cellar that adds an elevated charm to the already sleek atmosphere. If you want the best of everything, try their unique steak flight which includes 4oz samplings of prime, wagyu, and grass-fed filet mignon.
Where: 1801 California St, Denver, CO 80202
2. Il Posto
Il Posto is quite classy. The wood tables are enveloped by sleek black, cushioned round couches, adding a sense of privacy–perfect for a date night. The industrial yet sleek ceiling lamp is also a signature of theirs–long vine-like wires span across with a perfectly round, glass bulb on the end of each that illuminate the interior. That’s not even to mention the mural outside that decorates the building and has been the subject of many photos. Il Pasto is beautiful inside and out and the homemade modern Italian dishes? Even better.
Where: 2601 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
3. Uchi Denver
We’ve mentioned Uchi before in our sushi roundup, and we’re mentioning it once more. Uchi is a greenhouse designed by local studio, Tres Birds Workshop. One of their other standout features is its southern wall that’s composed of red bricks and crystal blocks that glint and dazzle when the light hits them just right. Right now, they’re offering their Garden Series, where diners can enjoy a beautiful garden dinner next door at Altius Farms on a perfectly dreamy summer evening. You can book tickets for that event here.
Where: 2500 Lawrence St, Denver, CO 80205
4. Quality Italian
Quality Italian reminds us of a beautifully old-fashioned New York City speakeasy, but their true inspiration comes from old-world butcher shops from Italy itself. The Denver location has adopted a bit of an industrial feel and their wine cellar adds an elegant and antique component to the atmosphere. Their food is traditional with a modern twist. For the table, try their house made ricotta with Colorado honey and pine nuts or for an entree, try a spicy lobster rigatoni alla vodka with Calabiran chillies and crispy garlic.
Where: 241 Columbine St, Denver, CO 80206
5. The Family Jones
Step into the Spirit House, a holy congregation that acts as a lab for brewing and creating unique liqueurs. The beautiful interior is matched only by the menu of unique and lovingly crafted cocktails that feature their house made spirits. One of their classics is their old fashioned that shows off their Ella Colorado Straight Bourbon or for something a bit more on the sweet side, try their Passionfruit Mojito with their Mo Jones Rum. If one (or two) cocktails aren’t enough, they sell entire bottles of their spirits for you to take home and practice your bartending skills.
Where: 3245 Osage St, Denver, CO 80211
6. Mizuna
Mizuna is a French restaurant that specializes in the finest, freshest ingredients and simplicity. “Let the food speak for itself,” Chef Frank Bonanno says of his cuisine. Mizuna’s interior has a little more extravagance behind it with a lovely, vintage carpet that compliments the round bar. The outdoor patio has a lot of whimsy to it as well, and is an elegant place to spend an afternoon. Plus, their menu is simple and globally inspired. Try their take on Dan Dan Noodles with morel mushroom and peppers or their Beef Wellington with sun-dried tomatoes and cauliflower.
Where: 225 E 7th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
7. White Pie Pizzeria
Pizzerias can be elegant, just take White Pie as an example. With a combination of classic red brick walls and white tabletops, White Pie has got some serious style to go along with its fresh, oven-baked pies. The lovely “bottle chandelier” on top of the ceiling adds to its charm as well. They’ve got a range of different pizzas on the menu, like their Ava Angelini with fior di latte, garlic, ricotta, prosciutto, percorino, arugula, and quality EVOO. Or try their Lasagna Al Forni which is a deliciously layered lasagna that comes piping hot right to your table.
Where: 1702 Humboldt St, Denver, CO 80218
8. ChoLon
ChoLon is an elegant ode to Southeast Asian Cuisine and Design. Just check out the copper gate on the roof that resembles the weaving of an intricate basket and the sleek gold plates that form a wave, and it’s possible to see the influences. On their dinner menu, they’ve got small plates, regular entrees, and wok-fired specials. From their stir-fried Malaysian noodles made hot in the wok or a plate of miso-glazed cod paired with a signature cocktail, like their Zen Master cocktail with sake. One bite and you’ll feel like you’re across the Pacific Ocean.
Where: 1555 Blake St #101, Denver, CO 80202, United States