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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. 

About The Author

Steph Wilson

Steph Wilson is a writer, editor, and creative maximalist in Denver. She makes magazines for a living and throws color around the world like confetti for fun.

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