Discovering Denver’s Culinary Hotspots: The Best New Restaurants of Spring 2023

As the temperatures rise this spring, so does the excitement in Denver’s culinary scene. With a vibrant mix of flavors and innovative concepts, the Mile High City is buzzing with new dining experiences that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. From Spanish tapas to artisan ice cream, here’s a look at the 11 best new restaurants that have recently opened their doors.

Casa Juani: A Spanish Culinary Tribute

Location: 901 Pearl St., Boulder
Cuisine: Spanish
Price: $$$$

At Casa Juani, former co-executive chefs of Frasca Food & Wine, Eduardo Valle Lobo and Kelly Jeun, pay homage to Valle Lobo’s Spanish heritage. The menu features a delightful array of Madrid-style tapas and shareable plates, including hearty rice dishes and elegant seafood platters. The highlight? The Cinco Jotas jamón leg, served tableside with captivating stories from Valle Lobo himself. Don’t miss the inventive cocktails, especially the Spanish martini garnished with an anchovy, and the Basque cheesecake that perfectly balances salty and sweet.

Chicken Riot: A Poultry Paradise

Location: 2906 E. Sixth Ave., Denver (Cherry Creek)
Cuisine: Barbecue
Price: $

At Chicken Riot, owners Manny Barella and Patrick Klaiber have taken poultry to new heights. Their chicken is brined and marinated in Mexican spices before being smoked to perfection. The menu features two standout styles: the Big Boy Pibil, with a tangy Yucatecan marinade, and the Señor Loco, showcasing a Monterrey-style rub. Pair your meal with sides like beef tallow frijoles negros or a smoked turkey tamale for a truly satisfying experience.

Darlene’s Ice Cream: A Sweet Escape

Location: 3105 S. Peoria St., Aurora
Cuisine: Ice Cream
Price: $

Joy Williams-Clark and her husband Kyle have crafted a delightful ice cream shop named after Joy’s grandmother. Darlene’s Ice Cream offers a mix of classic and original flavors, all made with a proprietary dairy base. Indulge in unique flavors like caramelized pineapple and toasted sesame, or try the fudge brownie ice cream studded with homemade brownie bits. With new flavors on the horizon, this shop is a must-visit for ice cream lovers.

Dear Emilia: A Taste of Emilia-Romagna

Location: 3615 Delgany St., Denver (RiNo)
Cuisine: Italian
Price: $$$$

Dear Emilia, the younger sibling of Restaurant Olivia, focuses on the rich culinary traditions of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region. The menu features exquisite pastas and locally sourced ingredients, including Colorado bison mortadella and rye flour garganelli. The elegant dining space, designed with pink hues and arched alcoves, sets the perfect backdrop for a romantic evening.

Eloise: Sandwich Perfection

Location: 4317 Tennyson St., Denver (Berkeley)
Cuisine: Sandwiches
Price: $

Oliver Finkel’s Eloise sandwich shop offers a rotating menu of high-quality sandwiches made with airy shokupan bread. The egg salad sandwich features soy-marinated eggs for a unique twist, while the pork belly BLT is a tender delight. With a focus on fresh ingredients and innovative techniques, Eloise is quickly becoming a local favorite.

Fino: A Mediterranean Revival

Location: 3015 E. Colfax Ave., Denver (City Park)
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Price: $$$

Restaurateur Steven Waters has transformed a former motel into Fino, a chic dining spot with a Western Mediterranean menu. The space features olive green leather booths and a menu that includes everything from chargrilled artichokes to Vodka-Os—an adult take on SpaghettiOs. With a spacious patio and live music planned for the summer, Fino is the perfect place to unwind.

Mar Bella Wine Bar: A Spanish Delight

Location: 233 Clayton St., Denver (Cherry Creek)
Cuisine: Spanish
Price: $$$$

Co-owners Johnny and Kasie Curiel have brought a taste of Spain to Cherry Creek with Mar Bella Wine Bar. The menu features small plates inspired by their travels, including piquillo peppers stuffed with braised oxtail and blue crab croquettes. For a unique experience, reserve a spot at the chef’s tasting counter to sample a variety of dishes.

Moodswing: Pizza and Pickleball

Location: 3625 E. 48th Ave., Denver (Elyria-Swansea)
Cuisine: Pizza and Bar Food
Price: $

Moodswing combines the fun of pickleball with delicious dining. The menu, crafted by chef Nick Dalton, features Italian brick oven pizzas and shareable plates. The cabbage pie, topped with miso mayo and crispy shallots, is a standout dish that’s sure to impress.

Noodles by Nina: Hand-Pulled Noodle Heaven

Location: 1400 E. 17th Ave., Denver (City Park West)
Cuisine: Chinese
Price: $

At Noodles by Nina, chef-owner Nina Zhang showcases the art of hand-pulled noodles. The menu features spicy Sichuan-style soup and a variety of dumplings. Watching the chefs create these noodles is a mesmerizing experience, making it a must-visit for noodle enthusiasts.

Petit Chelou: A Chef’s Counter Experience

Location: Inside Hop Alley, 3500 Larimer St., Denver (RiNo)
Cuisine: Modern American Chef’s Counter
Price: $$$$

Chef Douglas Rankin’s Petit Chelou offers an intimate dining experience with just 10 seats at the chef’s counter. Guests can enjoy a multi-course meal featuring seasonal ingredients and innovative dishes. The focus on produce and proteins ensures a delightful culinary journey.

Uchiko: A Japanese Culinary Gem

Location: 299 Fillmore St., Denver (Cherry Creek)
Cuisine: Japanese
Price: $$$$

Fans of Uchi will be thrilled with the opening of Uchiko, which brings a new level of sushi and grilled dishes to Cherry Creek. The menu features a wood-burning grill for added flavor, along with a diverse wine program. Whether you’re in the mood for sushi or a hearty cheeseburger, Uchiko has something for everyone.

With so many exciting new dining options, Denver’s culinary landscape is thriving. Whether you’re in the mood for tapas, ice cream, or hand-pulled noodles, these new restaurants are sure to satisfy your cravings and keep you coming back for more.