Denver doesn’t lack sophisticated cocktail and dessert bars, as well as exciting new restaurants that delight diners with well-plated dishes and French-inspired desserts. If you’re looking to discover a new spot that can hold its own on a square of your Instagram feed, these are some of the best dishes and desserts to check out in The Mile High City. Don’t forget to get the perfect snapshot before you dive in!
Where? 3258 Larimer Street
Originally located in New York City’s Greenwich Village, The Greenwich came to Denver and began making connections with local farmers. Today, the menu at the New American restaurant reflects ingredients sourced directly from nearby farms including Rebel, Oxford Gardens, and Esoterra. The Greenwich cheesecake features a classic graham cracker crust and is finished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. Many diners are blown away by the lightness and creaminess of this cheesecake and the torched top that adds visual and textural delight.
The Greenwich hosts a popular happy hour on weekdays from 5 PM to 6 PM. Discounted drinks include the white Negroni, a Rye Refresher, and a Ratio IPA with a shot of either whiskey or tequila for $8. Pair your drink with snacks, such as a slice of pizza, crispy Colorado kale, or a fried chicken sandwich on an English muffin. If you’re not in the mood for a slice of cheesecake, grab a plate of warm chocolate chip cookies or a peach crumble tart with lime mousse.
PRO Tip: The restaurant takes pride in putting dishes in front of their diners that are just as delicious from the first bite to the last. Invite a close friend or a loved one to enjoy a meal with, as that’s how the restaurant is best experienced.
Where? 3254 Navajo Street
Noisette is a popular French restaurant in Denver’s LoHi neighborhood. Their elegant menu features distinctively sophisticated touches throughout, making it the perfect spot for a special date night or celebratory dinner. The dessert menu has been handcrafted by pastry chef, Lillian Lu, who trained at The French Culinary Institute of New York. Diners are sure to be delighted by eclairs, croissants, and macarons. The Tarte Tropézienne is a sweetened brioche bun that is split open and piped with vanilla bean ice cream and berries. Other French-inspired desserts include the Mousse Et Noisette with milk chocolate and hazelnut and the Pomme Au Four with caramel and créme anglaise.
The main courses on the menu include salmon, monkfish, pork chops, and even duck breast. Wine is sold by the glass and cocktails include cognac and gin-based drinks. Consider ordering an espresso or an aperitif after your meal to prepare you to fully enjoy dessert. No detail has been spared when plating each dish, from delicately dotted Chantilly cream and silky smooth raspberry glaze.
PRO Tip: When dining at Noisette, it’s recommended to reserve a table beforehand to ensure that they have a spot available when you arrive. The restaurant was named as the best new restaurant by Westword in 2023 and the top new restaurant in 2023 by 5280 Magazine — which has made it increasingly in demand.
Where? 2227 West 32nd Avenue
Bar Dough is one of the best Italian restaurants in Denver, with a small yet respectable menu that’s packed with flavor. Diners can opt for pasta dishes like bucatini, Cacio e Pepe, or tagliatelle with pork bolognese and Aleppo pepper. Main courses like the pollo al limon with chicken and grilled lemon and the Berkshire pork chop with pickled red cabbage are hearty and packed with classic flavors. If you’re looking to add a mouthwatering photo to your Instagram feed, the Salsiccia pizza is topped with fennel sausage, buffalo mozzarella, and spicy orange honey.
Those looking to splurge on dinner may want to consider the Tavola Della Nonna which includes a chef’s selection of house favorites and seasonal variations. At $70 per person, this includes four courses that are served family-style for the entire table to enjoy their “grandmother’s table” meal.
PRO Tip: The aperitivo menu shouldn’t be forgotten when dining at Bar Dough. Olives, house pickles, Marcona almonds, and various spritz cocktails bring a distinctive Italian flare to the table. Add an order of focaccia that can be dipped in high-quality olive oil to complement any pasta entree.
Where? 1433 Larimer Street
Molten chocolate cakes are a tried and true dessert option at many restaurants around town. Corridor 44 makes theirs stand out by adding thinly slivered almonds, powdered sugar, and of course — lots of fresh fruit to cut through the richness. If you love all things chocolate, this cake doesn’t disappoint. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or simply any day that you want to indulge, this gooey dessert is always a crowd favorite if you choose to share it. Other dessert options include an espresso crème brûlée with caramelized espresso beans and chocolate-dipped strawberries topped with nuts and coconut.
Other shareable favorites at Corridor 44 include the calamari, the charcuterie plate, and the American caviar service for those looking to splurge. Larger plates include Colorado lamb lollipops, seared sea scallops with parmesan risotto and saffron beurre blanc, and herb-roasted chicken with shiitake mushrooms and white truffle oil.
PRO Tip: Corridor 44 has a weekday happy hour that runs from 3 PM to 6 PM. Well liquor, draft beer, house wines, and champagne cocktails are all discounted by varying amounts. Diners will also enjoy discounts on the parmesan truffle fries, smoked salmon caviar chips, and the assorted cheese plate.
Where? 1745 Wazee Street
The crispy sopapillas at Denver’s Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant are dusted with cinnamon and sugar. The tortilla dough becomes puffy and crunchy after being lightly fried, making it the perfect after-dinner sweet treat that won’t leave you weighed down. Diners can opt to include a scoop of Little Man ice cream on the side for a creamy accompaniment. Aside from this traditional fried dessert, the restaurant also serves flan, churros, and Mexican chocolate mousse with citrus whipped cream. Don’t forget to order a famous Rio margarita and a bowl of chips, salsa, and guac for the table.
There’s no shame in ordering sopapillas on their own but it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to resist the temptation of delving into a plate of appetizers and an entree. The grilled steak quesadilla is a great on-the-go option, while the chicken and Texas sausage fajita combo is best enjoyed with conversation across a table. Tacos can be ordered a la carte, with options ranging from Baja fish, grilled steak, cilantro-lime grilled chicken, and birria.
PRO Tip: In an effort to provide a place where all Denverites can enjoy a good meal and a delicious dessert, the restaurant also features a gluten-free menu that includes desserts like coconut flan and all-natural ice cream from Boulder.
Where? 2160 South Broadway
If you love pumpkin spice season, then Bacon Social House has a dish on its brunch menu specifically for you. The pumpkin spice latte pancakes are served with an espresso cream cheese glaze, brown butter coffee crumble, and vanilla whipped cream. This decadent dish is sure to make your Instagram following drool. If you enjoy a more savory breakfast and brunch option, the social house has chicken and waffles, bacon shrimp and grits, and even huevos rancheros with eggs, pork green Chile, and a chipotle crema. Expect the DMs to come rolling in once you’ve posted photos of your brunch.
Naturally, Bacon Social House is known for its bacon-forward dishes. They serve a variety of American favorites and a range of morning-appropriate cocktails like signature bloody Marys and mimosas. Try the breakfast shot if you want to get your day started with a bang or the apple pie shot for a sweet kick of vodka and cider.
PRO Tip: If the weather is nice, the patio at Bacon Social House is the place to be. You’ll soon discover why this restaurant has been voted as one of the top brunches in America — with its mid-century space and variety of unique takes on classic brunch dishes.
Where? 1817 Central Street
The Bindery’s take on this classic dessert features slivered almonds and a unique and tangy lime mascarpone icing. The slice of gluten-free dessert is served with homemade ginger ice cream, for a spicy kick that complements the carrots and cinnamon. Similarly, The Bindery is known for spinning classic menu items in a sophisticated way. Pair your dessert with one of the unique cocktails on the drink menu, with flavors ranging from hibiscus, peach, and even parsley.
While you’re there, The Bindery’s dinner menu is an unforgettable one. Start with oysters by the half dozen or the burrata Napoletana with pickled spiced peach and heirloom tomatoes, drizzled with lemon-vanilla bean oil. Mains include rabbit cannelloni and a green chili and calamari risotto with jalapeño and charred onions. Whatever you order, your Instagram friends are sure to be jealous!
PRO Tip: If vegetables in your dessert isn’t your cup of tea, try the affogato if you need a midday or evening pick me up or the dark chocolate brownie eton mess. This rich dessert features chocolate ganache, thyme macerated raspberries, and a light and airy freshly whipped cream.
Where? 1890 East Evans Avenue
If you want to make your Instagram followers drool, snap a closeup of the baklava at Jerusalem Restaurant. This age-old dessert is ultra sweet, crispy, and bursting with flavors of vanilla, honey, and cinnamon. The family-owned restaurant has been a Denver favorite for over three decades. All desserts are proudly made in-house on a daily basis. The baklava is cut into diamond shapes, showing off the many layers of filo dough and intricate filling. At only $2.50 a slice, it may be difficult to not take some to go. Other Mediterranean desserts include ladies’ fingers with walnuts, birds nest with pistachios, and mamool, which is a semolina cake that’s filled with dates and topped with sweetened syrup and pistachios.
Popular entrees at Jerusalem Restaurant include a variety of kabobs, such as chicken and lean beef sirloin. The lamb is stuffed with tomatoes, jalapeño, and a variety of aromatics. The falafel and hummus combo is a vegan option that’s sure to please most carnivores as well, with flavorful chickpea patties and a side of tabbouleh salad. For a heartier option, the gyros are shaved onto the grill before being folded up in a warm pita.
PRO Tip: Jerusalem Restaurant is considered a landmark for many Denver University students and long-term local residents. The affordable dining options are well-loved and allow everyone to try the robust flavors packed into Middle Eastern dishes.
Where? 494 East 19th Avenue
D Bar has several locations throughout Denver, including spots in Uptown, Central Park, and soon-to-be at the Denver International Airport. The acclaimed chef, Keegan Gerhard, has previously been known for his time on Food Network. His wife, a pastry chef, has been a key component in making D Bar’s desserts as decadent as they are beautiful. D Bar serves their beignets in orders of three and can either be traditional and unfilled or diners can choose from three filling options — lemon, raspberry, or Nutella.
Unless you’re just in it for the dessert, you’ll want to sample some of D Bar’s tasty entrees as well. The D Bar Burger is served with crispy bacon and onion on a brioche bun with parmesan fries on the side. The salmon bowl features miso glazed fish, quinoa, pineapple relish, and fresh vegetables. If you’re looking for something comforting and unique, the pizza salad sandwich delights diners of all ages.
PRO Tip: Other tasty desserts on the menu at D Bar include their churros with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream, as well as a classic crème brûlée served with fresh berries and crispy biscotti.