The 10 Most Authentic Italian Restaurants in Denver
Denver offers a culinary adventure you must partake, mushrooming into a foodie’s paradise thanks to the mix and match of different cuisines. At the heart of this is Italian cuisine. There are numerous restaurants in different neighborhoods. These Italian Denver Restaurants have upheld Italian traditions in their methods of food and drink preparation. While you might not be able to go to Italy due to travel restrictions, you can definitely enjoy the different tastes of the country in Denver.
If you want a taste of great alfredo and pizza, these are the top 7 restaurants to experience the taste of Italy.
Cucina Colore
3041 E Third Avenue, Cherry Creek North, Denver, CO
(303) 393-6917
Established in 1994 in Denver’s Cherry Creek North, this Italian restaurant has modernized Italian cuisine in every way possible. Their chic interior suits the food they serve. The menu is fun and creatively delivers on Italian food with a modern twist while maintaining the traditional aspects like wood-fired pizzas. Even though it has been operational for the last 27 years, the restaurant has maintained its selection process that includes getting the best and the freshest produce and ingredients to achieve the best food. They have delicious sauteed mussels, and the wood-fired pizzas are a heated favorite for many of the regulars.
Luca
711 Grant Street Denver, Colorado 80203
(303) 832-6600
Sicily is a gem that many people can only admire from afar. If you cannot travel to see the clear waters and the countrysides, you can have a taste of Sicily in Denver. Luca is a restaurant that serves the taste of Sicily in its food and drink. Owned by Chef Frank Bonanno, the restaurant will serve up food that has deep Italian roots like the ricotta cavatelli, black cod that is seasoned and roasted, and pappardelle. The pizza, veal, and roasted cod are all done in the traditional wood fires so you can taste the herby smoke that is infused into the food. The fresh veggies and locally sourced breads, pastas, and spices make for a great collection of mouthwatering delicacies. You can call in or make an order through their website for a family night in because the portions made are sizeable enough to enjoy as a group.
Barolo Grill
3030 East Sixth Avenue Denver, Colorado 80206
(303) 393-1040
When you first enter the restaurant, the Tuscan feel welcomes you as you settle in to sample the best of Tuscany, Piedmont, and Veneto. To kickstart things, you can try the tasting menu, which goes for $70. This menu will allow you to sample foods from all these regions. The decision on what you get depends on Chef Darrel Truett’s choice, and for an additional $45, you can get a bottle of wine as well. There are many foods that make the favorite lists of regulars, but the creme brulee tops this list for many. The five-grain pastry choices are a twist that gives a definitive taste for many food choices. Their wine list is one of the best in the food scene in Denver, so it is a great option when you want fine dining without paying the extra money.
Panzano
909 17th Street Denver, Colorado 80202
(303) 296-3525
Let’s talk vaulted ceilings, a modern chic perspective on decor, and windows with a view that could drive your Instagram followers into a frenzy. Then let’s get into the food and drink.
The food is majorly Northern Italian so expect some mushroom crepes, Brussel sprouts with apple cider reduction, and a lot of pistachios. The carbonara is a taste of the millennia thanks to the in-house pancetta that they cure themselves. There is also the gnocchi option if you want a different variation of pasta. As for drinks, you are going to love the happy hour prices that include craft beers for around $4 and cocktails for $6. You can also enjoy a selection of wines that you can order by the bottle or by the glass.
II Post
2601 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
(303) 394-0100
II Posto in Italian roughly translates to “the place,” and it is definitely the place to be for Italian dishes. Run by Chef Andrea Frizzi, who is also helped by two chefs de cuisine, the restaurant has managed to bring to life an exquisite menu that changes daily. The unique thing about this restaurant is the fact that each day, the menu is determined and inspired by the mood, the weather, and the availability of ingredients. You could visit the restaurant every day for a week and not taste the same item twice. The fact that they source their ingredients fresh and organic every day is an assurance of quality dining experiences for their North Italy-inspired dishes. The customer service is spectacular, and you will be feeling at home as you enjoy the tasty meals. You can choose to dine in as they allow people selectively or order from their website and enjoy the foods at home.
Bar Dough
2227 West 32nd Avenue Denver CO, 80211
(720) 668-8506
Bar Dough is one of the most renown Italian Denver Restaurants that is after the heart of many. Run by celebrated chef Max Maxkissock, the restaurant is home to an array of fish, rich deserts, house-made fresh pasta, and vegetables. The decor is lively, and you definitely want to tag your friends or family along when you go to this restaurant. The community tables are an invitation to eat and laugh with family, as you should around good food.
As expected in an Italian restaurant, wood fire ovens assist in the creation and delivery of mouthwatering delicacies like their signature Mountain Man pizza. The pizza has blistered and charred edges for that crunchy edge and a generous topping of gorgonzola cheese, guanciale, pistachios, and drizzled with Calabrian honey. You can order pastas in half or full orders, from gnocchi and Bolognese, which taste amazing. You can enjoy the food with craft beers, wines, and spritzes infused with herbs.
Osteria Marco
1453 Larimer St Denver, CO 80202
(303) 534-5855
If you walked into Osteria Marco on a slow day, you would be excused for thinking it is a fine-dining eatery that will cost you a lot of money, but in essence, it is an affordable place with great food that fills up over the weekend. The dark hardwood interior is great for a first date. Under Chef Frank Bonanno, this restaurant serves up some great artisan pizzas, salads, pasta, and meats. If you love burettes, prepare yourself because you are going to get addicted to the ones served up here. Their thin-crusted pizzas are some of the best in Denver, and the Italian toppings like prosciutto and pancetta taste great. The pie crowned pizza is topped with mortadella, pepperoncini’s, fontina, and an egg that spills the yolk into a sauce-like consistency. The wine list is also an affordable option if you are a fan.
Carmine’s On Penn
92 S Pennsylvania St Denver, CO 80209
(303) 777-6443
Carmine’s On Penn is another authentic Italian spot with a welcoming atmosphere. Their dine-in dishes are served for parties of two or family-size portions that serve up to six. This makes it a great place for a family gathering or a beautiful dinner date. Try any of their ravioli, especially their vodka ravioli. Ragu con Funghi is another delicious pasta dish with caramelized onions in mushroom cream sauce with fresh-cut fettuccini. Enjoy any of their plates with a sip of their exclusive 100% Italian wine list.
Voghera Ristorante & Apericena
3963 Tennyson St Denver, CO 80212
(303) 455-9111
The name might be hard to pronounce, but the food is easy to love. Voghera Ristorante & Apericena is open throughout the week. They are only open at night for dinner usually, but on Sunday do not miss their lunch and dinner. This restaurant pays tribute to the owner’s hometown and represents the authenticity of the little town of Voghera. Appreciate the warmth of their zuppa di zucca, known as butter squash soup, and the variety of seafood in their spaghetti al Frutti di mare. End the night with a sweet treat like the chocolate truffle!
Bella Italia
5075 Leetsdale Dr Denver, CO 80246
(303) 388-3211
Bella Italia is owned by siblings Ben and Sam, who wanted to share their favorite family dishes they grew up with. An all-time favorite is Chicken Piccata and ravioli tostati. They serve good size portions so do not be surprised if you have leftovers! One unique thing about Bella Italia is that you can bring your own container! Do not underestimate anything on their menu, every dish has its special taste and the atmosphere is welcoming.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on May 13, 2021 and last updated November 28, 2022.
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