If you’ve been waiting for a special occasion to book that new, trendy spot, here’s the perfect excuse. Denver Restaurant Week returns March 6 through 15. There’s an option for every taste and budget, with multi-course menus offered at one of four price points: $25, $35, $45, or $55 per person.
This program began in 2005 as an effort to elevate the city’s culinary reputation and to promote patronage during a slower time of year for restaurants. For over two decades now, diners and chefs have responded enthusiastically. This year, more than 270 eateries across the metro area have signed up to participate.
On Denver Restaurant Week’s website you can filter options by cost, cuisine, neighborhood, and dietary restrictions. But if you’re still feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry. From recent debuts and award-winners to editor favorites, here are ten standouts to help narrow your search.
Check Out the $25 Menu
Belles & Boots
We love a spot where entertainment and great food collide. For some honky-tonk fun, look no further than Belles & Boots, a Western-themed venue that recently opened in LoDo. Hop on the mechanical bull, line dance beneath a boot-shaped disco ball, and dine on saucy barbecue. The restaurant week menu features a chipotle ranch garden salad, your choice of brisket or pulled pork sandwich, and ice cream-topped lava cake. 1930 Blake St., Denver, bellesandbootsco.com
Yu’s Noodle Shop
This new Lone Tree eatery checks off two of the city’s latest culinary trends: casual, authentic Asian cuisine and oodles of noodles. Local influencers have been posting about this place plenty, as watching its chefs hand-pull long, springy noodles is a feast for the eyes. Even better, you can taste Yu’s Chinese dishes at a discount during Denver Restaurant Week. Savor spicy wontons or soup dumplings, entree options like beef noodle soup and dan dan noodles, and matcha cheesecake for dessert. 9996 Commons St., Lone Tree, yusnoodleshop.com
Book a Spot With a $35 Menu
Mister Oso
Mister Oso has been recognized by the Michelin guide three years in a row and arguably, it’s offering one of the best deals. With its mix-and-match menu, you could stop in up to four times during Denver Restaurant Week and continue to enjoy a unique meal. Dine on Latin American-inspired options like tuna ceviche, chicken empanadas, mojo pork or smoked sweet potato tacos, and sugar-dusted churros. Specials will be offered at both its RiNo and Wash Park outposts. Multiple locations, misterosodenver.com
Konjo Ethiopian Food
During restaurant week, head to one of the best vegetarian spots in Denver for a flavorful feast. Konjo at Edgewater Public Market will serve a mixed greens salad, sambusa (a fried pastry stuffed with seasoned lentils), and hearty combination plates. Select a protein or opt for the vegan special to sample three comforting stews made from turmeric-spiced split peas, red lentils, or curried veggies. A craft beer or non-alcoholic beverage is included, as is dessert from Bibamba Artisan Chocolate. 5505 W. 20th Ave., Edgewater, konjoethiopianfood.com
Mama Kim
When you make a reservation to this family-run eatery, plan to relax at Jalan Spa, too. Inspired by wellness trends in Malaysia, these two sister concepts recently debuted side-by-side in Greenwood Village. Feel refreshed as you dine on its restaurant week menu, which includes red coconut curry, veggie-filled tofu with creamy peanut sauce, pandan steamed rice cakes, and more health-forward fusion dishes. 8745 E. Orchard Rd., Greenwood Village, mamakim.com
Indulge in the $45 Menu
Champagne Tiger
To sample one of our editor’s favorite bites in the city, put Champagne Tiger on your list. Alongside its gooey Mortadella Melt, this fabulous diner-brasserie crossover on Colfax will be serving a maitake mushroom linguine, spicy pork green chile, and dessert options like its dark chocolate pot de creme. If available, book your reservation for March 11 as live pianists perform every Wednesday. Local singing drag queens often make appearances, too. 601 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, champagnetiger.com
Ash’Kara
Bold Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and North African flavors come together at this Michelin Bib Gourmand award-winner in LoHi. Several popular dishes appear on its restaurant week menu, including housemade dips like hummus and babganoush served with pillowy-soft pitas. For your second course, select from a fattoush salad or falafels, followed by your choice of entree: za’atar chicken, braised lamb shoulder, lemon pepper salmon, or roasted eggplant. 2005 W. 33rd Ave., Denver, ashkaradenver.com
Splurge With the $55 Menu
Cimera
Cimera is one of last year’s hottest restaurant openings and if you haven’t yet experienced it, Denver Restaurant Week is the time. Helmed by renowned chef Diego Muñoz, this Pan-Latin eatery recently debuted on the Source Hotel rooftop in RiNo. Admire skyline views and the vibrant interior while savoring its four-course menu, which features Peruvian ceviche, coal-fired pork belly skewers, esquites, and carne asada topped with fresh chimichurri. 3330 Brighton Blvd., Denver, cimeradenver.com
Mercantile
From its interior redesign to innovative menu changes by chef Alexander Grenier, Mercantile saw a major refresh last year. While a $35 prix fixe lunch is always on offer, the Michelin-recommended eatery at Union Station will also serve a special $55 selection during restaurant week. Start with roasted Brussels and turnips or heirloom baby beets, followed by a main course: petrale sole, Colorado beef short rib, or broken grain farrotto with caramelized kale and shiitake mushrooms. Dessert is a tough choice between coffee flan and yuzu olive oil cake. 1701 Wynkoop St., Denver, mercantiledenver.com
Molotov Kitschen + Cocktails
Chef Bo Porytko, one of this year’s James Beard semifinalists, opened Molotov on Colfax a couple of years back. Whether it’s your first time at this Eastern European eatery or you’re a repeat guest, its restaurant week menu is worth the reservation. First course options include duck holubtsi, sweet potato latkes, and its creamy potato-gruyère pierogi. Next, tuck into braised lamb or pan-fried sole, and end with bay leaf panna cotta. The comforting fare perfectly pairs with the homey, grandma-inspired space. 3333 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, molotovdenver.com
