No matter how much I do it, dining out is something I will never tire of. Denver itself boasts so many quality restaurants, we’re lucky to have such great choices and plenty of best bites to enjoy.
Over the months I sampled everything from high-end tasting menus to casual comfort food to simple bites on the go. There were tons of new restaurants to try and plenty of old favorites to rediscover.
A shout out to the epic meals I shared in Denver at Ukiyo under Bao Brewhouse, The Counter at Odell’s, Kizaki, the Day of the Dead feast at Xiquita, and Rioja’s A Tables for Change Fundraiser for the Independent Restaurant Coalition dinner. A bucket list meal at Flagstaff House in Boulder wowed with multiple courses, and would have been doubly stunning if a snowstorm hadn’t blocked the view.
These aren’t experiences I will ever forget. With so many small plates, main dishes, and bites dominating my palate during these special occasions, it’s impossible to choose one to highlight. That said, here are some stand out dishes I had throughout the year in Colorado, though this just grazes the surface.
Read on for the list, and check out the hottest openings of 2025 and the 2026 trend predictions as well.
Smoked Turkey at Riot BBQ
Everything pitmaster Patrick Klaiber and chef Manny Barella are doing at the newly-opened Riot BBQ is hitting, but the sleeper secret is the smoked turkey. No seriously, it may be the best smoked turkey I’ve ever had. Tender, flavorful without being too smoky, and none of that Thanksgiving essence so many turkey dishes tend to exude. Pair it with the equally addictive elote corn bread for a stellar meal. 2180 S. Delaware St., riotbbqcompany.com
Jamon y Beurre at GetRights
It’s hard to beat a solid ham and butter sandwich. Yet GetRights goes beyond the classic and soaks the fresh baguette in a delightful herb-filled butter. The outside of the sandwich stays crunchy and warm, while hearty slices of high-quality ham melts inside within the dairy bliss. While the menu at GetRights changes, the Jamon y Beurre is usually on it, and yes, you will dream about it. 6985 W. 38th Ave., Wheat Ridge, goodygetright.com
Taco Magic at Molino Chido
With one bite you’ll understand why the Prime Strip Loin taco at Molino Chido costs almost $12. The savory beef melts in the mouth, and sings with a luxurious pepper spice. It’s all at once simple and incredibly rich, especially if you add on a cheese crust. 2501 Dallas St., Aurora, molinochido.com
Eggplant Claypot at Ma’s Kitchen
I can’t stop raving about the eggplant at Ma’s Kitchen, which has only been open about two months. The way chef Xi Nuan Zheng simply prepares it gives the dish a whole new level of flavor even naysayers enjoy. Paired with the other excellent dishes, it’s a meal in general to remember. 1514 York St., Denver, no website
Egg Cups at Black Cat Farmstead
Okay, I will share one tasting menu and dining adventure that simply can’t be topped. At the beginning of 2025 I had the pleasure of experiencing one of chef Eric Skokan’s long anticipated farm dinners, held on part of his actual, 500-acre, full-scale diversified organic farm, inside one of the beautiful private greenhouses. It was cold, but the glass-windowed room remained toasty thanks to a wood-burning stove and pelts of sheep hide. Outside the snow fell so fast and thick by the time the meal ended, I had to dig my car out. Even with the storm dampening the mood, it was all worth it.
One of the dishes that stood out appeared simple at first, but with one bite you could tell Skokan had taken exacting care to execute it. I’m talking about the egg cups. Each delicate egg was carefully opened, cleaned, and then filled with a savory garlic flan, pickled shiitake, mustard seeds, and sesame. Yes, the three-bite starter proved as rich and decadent as it sounds.
While we can’t promise the egg cups will be served in the same manner, or even again, expect true farm-to-table bites at each dinner. Reservations are required, and highly recommended. 9889 N. 51st St., Longmont, blackcatboulder.com
Tom Kha Tomato Salad From Boombots Pasta
Okay, you can’t actually get this dish again until it’s tomato season. But, having tried it in early September during a Boombots Pasta pop-up, I can promise you chef Cliff Blauvelt is a tomato genius, and the pairing of classic Thai tom kha flavors with the ripe fruit works so well, I’m surprised I haven’t had it. Expect to see the dish on the menu as soon as heirloom tomatoes come back to market. 2647 W. 38th Ave., Denver, boombotspasta.com
Roasted Half Chicken at American Elm
For as long as I have been writing about food, a solid roasted chicken has always been my ultimate litmus test. Thank goodness we have chef Daniel Mangin at American Elm, who makes maybe the best roasted chicken in Denver. It’s simple, succulent, and juicy. On the side you’ll find smoked cheddar polenta, braised collards, and heirloom tomatoes, all for $33. The chicken does take more time, about 20 to 30 minutes, so plan for that when you go. 4132 W. 38th Ave., Denver, amelm.com
Roasted Broccoli Caesar From Mercantile
If you know me, you know I love a good salad. The Roasted Broccoli Caesar from Mercantile is one I haven’t stopped thinking about. The $16 plate features Bruson bacon, an umami-tinged miso dressing, and savory bread crumbs in lieu of croutons. It’s worth heading to Union Station just for that, though I highly recommend adding a plate of fries and glass of rosé to go with it. 1701 Wynkoop St. #155, Denver, mercantiledenver.com
Kanpachi Tostada at Alteño
Chef Johnny Curiel’s Cherry Creek restaurant sticks to the same theme of serving refined Mexican cuisine as his other three spots, but one thing they don’t have is The Kanpachi Tostada ($24). The simple-sounding dish comprises a round, crunchy corn tortilla topped with Baja kanpachi, dollops of fresh Santa Barbara uni, avocado, and salsa de chiles seco, which brings the whole things together. You could share it with a really good friend, but I’m pretty sure you’ll want to eat the whole thing. The tuna tostada at Mezcalria Alma is just as memorable, so really, you should go to both places. 249 Clayton St., Denver, altenorestaurant.com
Mortadella Melt at Champagne Tiger
If you’ve ever had mortadella you know it’s the upscale version of supermarket bologna, in the best way. When paired with melty gruyere, the pistachio-studded slices reach another level. At Champagne Tiger the high-brow-low-brow sandwich comes on thick sourdough bread with mayo, Dijon mustard, and a side of pickles, which really work to cut the richness of the proteins. Get it for dinner, Friday lunch, and brunch, and don’t be shy if you want to pair it with a glass of sparkling wine. 601 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, champagnetiger.com
Wagyu Beef at Hey Kiddo
About midway through the year Hey Kiddo launched the Walk With Us menu, which offers dinner family style. While all the small and side dishes get prearranged, the protein is something diners choose. Hands down, the wagyu beef with an apple-pear and jalapeno glaze was the winning plate. It was so tender and tasted a bit like Korean barbecue. While you can get a la carte dishes too, the only way to enjoy these best bites is with the full meal. 4337 Tennyson St. #300, Denver, hk-oy.com
