Over a hundred restaurants opened in Denver during 2025, though some definitely had a following well before launch date. Some of these concepts were additions to an already robust portfolio (we’re looking at you Olive & Finch), others were second acts for beloved chefs, and a couple were popular transplants. From casual noodle shops to the omakase trend to a busy Mexico City-style taco spot, here are some of the hottest restaurant openings we tried in 2025.
Sushi by Scratch
Ringing in the new year came Sushi by Scratch, chefs Phillip Frankland Lee and Margarita Kallas-Lee’s Michelin-starred concept that originated in Texas. The intimate space opened under Not a Damn Chance Burger, Lee’s wagyu burger concept he started with skateboard pro Neen Williams in Austin. The 10-seat omakase-style counter has since offered an immersive 17-course nigiri tasting menu. Most of the seafood gets flown in directly from Tokyo’s renowned Toyosu Fish Market, and the restaurant has been going strong since January. 1441 Larimer St., Denver, sushibyscratchrestaurants.com
Cart-Driver LoHi
While not a new restaurant, Cart-Driver LoHi had been closed so long, it started to feel like it would never reopen. But on January 16 it did, and the neighborhood flocked to the space, which got refurbished after a water leak and led to even more unexpected construction. Read more about it here. 2239 W. 30th Ave., Denver, cart-driver.com/lohi
Alteño
In mid-March chef Johnny and Kasie Curiel launched their fourth concept, this time in Cherry Creek. Alteño opened in the former Kini’s spot in the Clayton Hotel & Members Club, and was created in order to pay homage to the chef’s Jaliscan Highland roots. The result is a concept offering the same refined Mexican fare and sleek style as the other three spots, the Michelin-starred Alma Fonda Fina and Mezcalria Alma, as well as Cozobi Fonda Fina in Boulder. 249 Clayton St., Denver, altenorestaurant.com
The Counter at Odell’s
We were already a fan of chef Miles Odell’s bagel and cured fish program. However, when he launched an omakase in the bagel shop in April, it brought to light a whole new level of the chef’s talent. With The Counter at Odell’s you can taste the years of experience the chef garnered in Japan, and enjoy a feast unlike any other in Denver. 3200 Irving St., Denver, odellsbagel.com
Kizaki
Denver saw a boom in omakase eateries, and one of the best was chef Toshi Kizaki’s concept. The Sushi Den founding chef, who at 69-years-old decided he wanted to spend his last 10 years making and showcasing edomae-style sushi, offers two seatings four times a week, so it’s hard to get a reservation. But once you do, you’ll understand how it not only received a Michelin star, but our hearts as well. 1551 S. Pearl St., Denver, denchukizaki.com
Riot BBQ
On June 5, Riot BBQ opened inside the former AJ’s Pit-Bar-BBQ in Rosedale. Run by skilled pitmaster Patrick Klaiber and Top Chef’s Manny Barella, the cuisine centers around Mexican-meets-Texan barbecue. It’s the perfect takeover after AJ’s Pit Bar-B-Q, which occupied the space before and closed dramatically. 2180 S. Delaware St., Denver, riotbbqcompany.com
Pig and Tiger
Chefs Darren Chang and Travis Masar started their Taiwanese concept in Avanti Boulder, now they have a restaurant in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood. Bringing Masar’s dedication to Asian cuisine and Chang’s Taiwanese heritage, the pair have created a unique space that’s all at once sexy and inviting. The chilled sesame noodles, fried chicken, and signature salad are just some of the highlights. 2200 California St., Denver, pigandtiger.com
Rougarou
In July the team behind the award-winning Yacht Club opened their first restaurant. Dubbed Rougarou, the Southern-style comfort food spot is owned by Mary Allison Wright, her brother John David Wright, and her husband, McLain Hedges. It’s a comfortable, hip, and busy spot, and you already need to score a reservation in order to guarantee a table. 2844 Welton St., lerougarou.com
BearLeek
At the end of July chefs Harrison Porter and Rema Maaliki debuted BearLeek, which opened in the revamped basement spot that formerly housed Osaka Ramen in RiNo. The team, along with beverage director Carlos Hugo Meza, bring a unique globally-influenced barrage of seasonal dishes to the neighborhood. There’s also a killer bar burger on the menu, not to be missed. 2611 Walnut St., Denver, bearleek.com
Margot
For three years chef Justin Fulton’s Margot captivated Denver’s culinary scene with his pop-ups around town. Then, with the July opening of his brick-and-mortar spot, he also wowed the palates of the Michelin inspectors, as we witnessed with the one-star dedication it received this year. Margot features the chef’s take on contemporary American food, offering both a signature tasting menu at the intimate eight-seat chef’s counter, and à la carte offerings. 1551 S. Pearl St., Denver, margotdenver.com
Berliner Haus
One of the quiet openings that had a lot of impact came from the launch of Berliner Haus’ inside Avanti Food & Beverage in Denver. The Mediterranean and European-inspired street food concept launched in 2024 as a food tent in the Denver Christkindl Market, then later went on to be a popular food truck dishing out its signature German döner kebab sandwiches. Berliner Haus had a strong following, and now fans, and those who don’t know they are fans yet, can indulge all year long. 3200 N. Pecos St., Denver, berlinerhausdenver.com
Crepe Therapy Café
In early October the celebrated chef Mawa McQueen left her perch in Aspen and opened Crepe Therapy Café in Boulder. McQueen also runs the award-winning Mawa’s Kitchen in Aspen, and while that spot speaks to her African roots, the new cafe is a casual affair featuring an array of sweet and savory crepes. She also hired a community liaison, the first we have ever seen. 2273 31st St., #140, Boulder, crepetherapycafe.com
Malinche Audio Bar
On October 13, La Diabla owner Jose Avila launched his second solid concept, Malinche Audio Bar. The stylish space is a hybrid of a Japanese kissa mixed with Mexican flavors. The chef, along with his friends and dedicated team, turned the bare bones space into a unique listening bar complete with mezcal, small bites, a taco truck out front, and daytime coffee program. 1541 Platte St., Denver, no website
Biker Jim’s Bikers & Bakers
After a tumultuous three years battling for his name, chef Jim Pittenger reopened his exotic sausage spot in Avanti Denver this past November. Six of his classic dogs remain, and now there’s a solid brunch menu, including his funky takes on the classic Dutch baby pancakes. 3200 N. Pecos St., Denver, avantifandb.com
Cimera
In November a Peruvian rainforest grew on the top floor of the The Source Hotel + Market Hall in RiNo, and with it Cimera was born. Consulted by Peruvian chef Diego Muñoz and overseen locally by executive chef Geoff Cox, the remodel of what once was The Woods gave Denver a pan-Latin food and drink spot paired with a killer view. It’s all at once beautiful from every angle, and delicious too. 3330 Brighton Blvd #200-2, Denver, cimeradenver.com
Molino Chido
Molino Chido has officially opened in the old Comida spot, located inside Stanley Marketplace in Aurora. Run by acclaimed chefs Tommy Lee (Hop Alley, Uncle Ramen) and Michael Diaz de Leon (formally at BRUTO), enjoy simple street tacos with hand-pressed tortillas, which gets made from corn the team nixtamalizes in house. Go in and try as much as you can, it already has a solid following. 2501 Dallas St., Aurora, molinochido.com
Ma’s Kitchen Dim Sum & Noodle
Ma’s Kitchen Dim Sum & Noodles opened on November 1 inside the former Tacos Tequila Whiskey/Rolling Pin Pizza space. Developed under the guidance of chef Xi Nuan Zheng, this spot became the first dim sum and noodle restaurant in the area, and it truly wows the tastebuds. Make sure to order the eggplant claypot and any of the noodles. 1514 York St., Denver, no website
Boombots Pasta
For months Odie B’s owners Cliff and Cara Blauvelt worked on opening their global pasta concept, and finally in November, Boombots was ready. On the menu you’ll find pastas including Smoked Duck and Green Chili Lumache, a take on mac n’cheese with smoked cheddar and duck fat bread crumbs; Dirty Martini Bucatini, one of the first dishes created for the restaurant; and Samosa Agnolotti, which oddly tastes just like the Indian appetizer in the best way. 2647 W. 38th Ave., Denver, boombotspasta.com
Peach Crease Club
We were very excited to hear award-winning bartenders Alex Jump and Stuart Jensen were making their long-anticipated debut with Peach Crease Club. The bar opened on November 29 right next to Mission Ballroom in Denver. The menu focuses on carefully-crafted cocktails made with fresh and seasonal ingredients, as well as a robust low-ABV and non-alcoholic drink program. 4180 Wynkoop St., Denver, peachcreaseclub.com
Johnny Bechamel’s
The idea for Johnny Bechamel’s has been out for some time, but the comforting Italian-American spot didn’t open until this month. Run by the team behind Dio Mio and Redeemer Pizza, it’s no surprise the menu comprises eclectic dishes of handmade pasta, Neapolitan-inspired pizza, and an elevated beverage program. 81 S. Pennsylvania St., Denver, johnnybechamels.com
