Denver Restaurant Week dates back to 2005, when it was created to highlight the burgeoning culinary offerings across the Mile High City. In an effort to combat a traditionally slow time of year for restaurants, Restaurant Week also helps to boost business across the board from both locals and visitors. Over the course of the past two decades, the week has continued to grow year over year to highlight Denver as a culinary destination.
From 83 participating restaurants in 2005 to now boasting 300+ restaurants, the 10-day, two-weekend event is a can’t-miss for foodies everywhere. The event represents dozens of types of cuisine, as well as a broad range of price points to ensure everyone gets a taste! Denver Restaurant Week is more than just a one-of-a-kind opportunity to score a good deal on dinner, it’s a citywide celebration of all things creativity, hospitality and the flavors that make Denver’s food scene so special.
In 2026, Denver Restaurant Week will be held from March 6th through the 15th. The week is hosted by VISIT Denver and this year, the Mile High City event is supported by generous sponsors including Blue Moon, Swire Coca-Cola, Uber Eats, and E&J Gallo Winery.
How Does Denver Restaurant Week Work?
Denver Restaurant Week features prix-fixe menus at participating restaurants throughout the city and surrounding areas. The concept is simple: restaurants craft special multi-course menus (typically featuring an appetizer, entrée and dessert) and set a fixed price that’s typically lower than what customers would typically pay if ordering à la carte. Participating Denver Restaurant Week restaurants can select from four price points ($25, $35, $45, or $55) for their menu, which makes this an accessible event for a range of budgets. This transparent pricing structure can make dining out less stressful, while also encouraging exploration.
These pricing tiers make it easier than ever for consumers to compare options and budget ahead of time for a 10 day foodie extravaganza or for one or two meals out. Select restaurants may offer lunch menus and takeout options as well. Others might offer upgraded add-ons, such as wine pairings or premium protein selections, for an additional fee. It’s truly a create your own adventure type of experience and diners can curate an itinerary fit for their budget, tastebuds and even schedules.
This style of multi-course dining encourages guests to explore new flavors, neighborhoods and dining and beverage programs. This is a great opportunity to cast aside routine and try something new without committing to just one course.
Whether you’re looking to revisit old favorites or splurge on a restaurant that you’ve always wanted to try, the options are endless during Denver Restaurant Week. Personalize your experience by creating a playbook to ensure you don’t miss out on the spots that are most appealing to you. Whether you’re a first-time Restaurant Week-goer or you’re a seasoned Denverite who knows what they want, this guide will help you plan smarter, make reservations strategically and dine like a pro.
How to Prepare Ahead of Denver Restaurant Week like a PRO
Menu-induced paralysis is a real thing! If scanning dozens and dozens of menus isn’t enough to make you feel a touch overwhelmed with all of the mouthwatering options, then we’re not sure what is! That’s why it’s important to approach Restaurant Week like a pro and get ahead of the curve.
First things first, if you’re interested in joining in on the fun of Denver Restaurant Week — create a diner account here. This feature was introduced at last year’s festival and was a big hit. The online account allows you to favorite restaurants and track where you’re interested in dining throughout the 10 days program. All that’s needed is an email address and a password and you’re off to the races! The online portal is a helpful tool when it comes to personalizing your experience. At the end of Denver Restaurant Week, diners will even be able to share their dining adventures across social media platforms with a summary-style recap!
Browse Ahead of Time
Once the list of participating restaurants for the 2026 Denver Restaurant Week is released, start browsing ASAP! Whether you’re narrowing down your options by type of cuisine, price, neighborhood or simply going off of vibes alone, selecting a handful of interesting options is key. Consider what you’re looking to get from the event, whether that be high end dining experiences or global bites that you’ve never tried before. Everyone’s approach is different, so lock down your requirements now.
Remember to Think Logistically
Everyone approaches Denver Restaurant Week with different goals in mind. Whether you’re planning a group dinner, a romantic date night or a solo evening where you treat yourself and splurge on a wine pairing, there’s a Denver restaurant for you. Some locations will be better suited towards a more intimate occasion, while others are perfect for groups. When in doubt, give the restaurant a call to see what they can accommodate.
Remain Flexible on Reservations
The more flexible you can be with your timing, the better. Weekday reservations are often easier to secure and can result in a more relaxed experience, free from the dinner crowd or the weekend rush. If your schedule is open for a midweek dinner, you’re likely to find that you have more options available to you. Always have a backup plan in place. If your first choice is booked out, have a second and/or third option so you’re not left scrambling. Look at Restaurant Week as a great dining adventure, even if it veers off from where you originally set course.
Consider the Value
Value means different things to different guests. For some, value is all about getting a significant discount compared to the regular menu. For others, value could mean experiencing an adventurous concept or an all-new cuisine that they wouldn’t otherwise have the chance to sample. As you’re exploring menus, ask yourself whether this is something you’d typically order and whether it’s a menu that is representative of the restaurant’s strengths. With so many options available and participating restaurants, only choose those that feel “high value” to you and your goals.
Narrow Down Cuisines and/or Atmospheres
While it can be tempting to want to try everything, that’s just not realistic with hundreds of participating restaurants. Denver Restaurant Week boasts everything from barbecue joints, pizzerias, noodle houses, cocktail lounges, steakhouses, cafes, pubs and more. If you’re feeling lost, then narrow down your options by determining what type of atmosphere you’re most comfortable in or what type of foods you’re most looking forward to trying. Menus span global cuisines, including but not limited to Asian, Cuban, French, Greek, Indian, Italian, Mexican, Thai, and much more.
Understand Restaurant Week Etiquette
For many Denver area restaurants, Restaurant Week is one of the busiest times of the year. A little patience can go a long way, especially as dining rooms fill and kitchens are working nonstop to provide exceptional value. This high-volume period means that servers are working their hardest to ensure an above and beyond experience for every guest. Some restaurants may have dining time limits in place and modifications and substitutions should be kept reasonable. Prix-fixe menus are designed for efficiency. When calculating gratuity, consider the full value of the experience as opposed to the discounted menu price.
Remember to Make Your Reservations Early!
With so many incredible options to choose from in Denver, it’s no surprise that tables start booking up quickly. Whether you’re searching for a Michelin-starred experience or you want to enjoy a cozy favorite from a new neighborhood, Denver Restaurant Week offers something for everyone. That said, planning ahead will dramatically improve your experience. This isn’t necessarily a week you’ll want to wing!
Popular spots are likely to fill up fast, so being flexible when it comes to booking weekday or non-peak times is the best way to increase your chances of securing seating. When the list of restaurants is released here, get busy looking at all of your options! In past years, Michelin-recognized restaurants such as Ash’Kara, Mercantile and Dio Mio have participated and booked up quickly.
For those hard-to-get tables, timing is everything. The most popular hot spots may even book out within hours of reservations opening! This is when having a game plan in place is essential. Set a reminder on your calendar to ensure that as soon as reservations go live, you’re on top of the ball. It’s key to not feel pressured to overcommit to reservations. Remember, one or two well-chosen experiences are better than a handful of rushed meals.
Don’t panic if you missed a reservation you were really hoping for! Cancellations happen often, especially as the date gets closer. Check back frequently and keep those fingers crossed. Weekdays, early dinners and late seatings may be easier to snag, so keep an eye on those. When securing a reservation, online platforms are typically the go-to method for booking. However, calling the restaurant directly to inquire about openings may also yield results on occasion.
Interested in Participating in Denver Restaurant Week?
Denver Restaurant Week is intended to be a big lift for restaurant staff in both the front and back of the house. These days, the program has transformed into something that restaurateurs look forward to throughout the year. The program allows restaurants to reach new diners and put their best foot forward for returning guests and familiar faces.
If you own or officially represent a restaurant and are interested in submitting a menu, you can do so here. A helpful FAQ page for interested restaurants can be found here and the deadline to sign up to participate in 2026 is set for March 4th.
To determine which menu price point is right for your restaurant, determine what the lowest price point would be that would allow for the standard of quality that you’re known for and for the variety that diners expect. Denver Restaurant Week is intended to be a financial success for participating restaurants!
Menus will start to launch and promotions will kick off on February 5th, 2026 for restaurants who have submitted by January 29th. There is no cost to participate, as registration fees have been waived by VISIT DENVER. To participate in the program, restaurants must offer a multi-course meal for one of the four price points per person. Determining the menu is left up to the restaurant.
To learn more or ask questions about the week, contact drw@visitdenver.com.
Now You’re Ready to Conquer Denver Restaurant Week in 2026!
With Denver Restaurant Week just around the corner, you’re prepared to tackle dining reservations like a pro and make the most out of this exciting annual event. Now your job is to wait on menus to be released so you can study them and see which restaurants are calling to you. Go into Denver Restaurant Week with a flexible mindset and your expectations are likely to be blown out of the water! If this is your first time participating, you’ll soon see why this time of year is a highlight of the Colorado culinary calendar.