What’s the word on the Denver dining scene? If you ask the DiningOut crew, 2023 was a year filled with delectable delights that deserve a standing ovation. Let’s face it, Denver and Colorado as a whole are home to a plethora of sizzling restaurants, and our team hasn’t been holding back on their culinary conquests. We’ve gathered the ultimate hits of 2023 from our DiningOut and DiningOut Events squads, who are always up for an adventure in gastronomy. From pizza perfection to taco titillation, here’s the inside scoop on the Mile-High City’s culinary marvels.
Montana Rae, Writer
My favorite dish? The Beet Mafaldine with Buffalo Ricotta, Pink Peppercorn, and Honey from Restaurant Olivia that I featured in this article. It’s just insane, and I still dream about it!
Scott, Ops
Garlic knots at Red Tops Rendezvous
[Editor’s note: I probably ate at this spot more than anywhere else last year, and the place only opened halfway through. Excellent addition to the neighborhood, a great spot, love the upstairs bar patio. As for the best dishes, I’ll give a shoutout to the Too Many Mushrooms pizza and the garlic parmesan wings—only $1 during happy hour!]
Ben, Festival Director
El Agave Tacos Al Vapor on South Federal. Da’ Bomb.
Skylar, 2023 Intern
My favorite Denver dish this year was by far the short rib birria tacos at My Neighbor Felix
Kyanne, Sales Director
Dry Aged Bluefin Tuna Sashimi at Jack’s on Pearl
It’s served with coconut-mango salsa and topped with kazami wasabi, pickled Fresno chiles, and black garlic.
Kilby, Social Media Manager
Shao mai at LingLon Dumpling House
Gaby, Restaurant Encyclopedia
Mix Grill Combo at Crave Mediterranean Grill
Jazmin, Volunteer Coordinator
Chicken on the Stick at KoCo Street Food
Reda, Site Manager
Sea Bass at Blue Island Oyster Bar
Jeff Suskin, The Man
Hummus at Ash Kara
Egg sandwich at Call Your Mother
Dry-aged tuna at Kumoya
Taylor, Web Editor
Beef Carpaccio at The Fifth String
Kate, Permitting Coordinator
Hamachi Crudo at Point Easy
Kevin Fox, Video Producer and Writer
Denver Biscuit Co. – Double Smash Burger with aged American cheese, house-made pickles, diced onion, and special sauce on a garlic butter toasted brioche bun.
Katsu Ramen – Black Garlic Tonkotsu
Steph Wilson, Contributing Editor
I came up with this question and I hate it—the pressure! But here are some of my top pics:
ChoLon’s Kaya Toast with coconut jam and egg cloud. Shoutout to Lon’s soup dumplings, too—I’m obsessed with the French onion soup ones.
Hey Kiddo’s Shaken Rice. And the milk bread—so simple, so effing good.
The Left Coast Toast at Wonder Press (@wonderjuiceco). It’s made with avocado, radish, microgreens, olive oil, lemon chili flakes, and mineral salt served on amazing fresh bread from Rebel Bread Co. One bite and you’ll realize why millennials don’t have houses but we do have avocado toast galore.
Also, Leven Deli’s turkey club: is amazing. So good. Must-try.
