These are the hottest restaurants in Denver, according to OpenTable

DENVER ( KDVR ) — OpenTable recently released a list of Denver’s top restaurants, which range from Italian favorites to Mediterranean classics. The list is based on metrics that helped determine the best establishments in the Mile High City.

Earlier this summer, the restaurant-reservation service released OpenTable Icons , a list that features a handful of the hottest restaurants known as the “best of the best.”

The website released lists for Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles and other major cities. Now, there’s a list of “icons” in Denver .

These are the best restaurants in Denver

To reach icon status, OpenTable said restaurants need to meet criteria including having accolades like Michelin stars and James Beard Foundation awards and nominations, positive diner and critic reviews, celebrated chefs and strong diner interest.

Here are OpenTable’s icon status restaurants in Denver.

Tavernetta

This Italian restaurant in downtown Denver is known for its award-winning handmade pasta. Tavernetta has claimed Michelin’s Bib Gourmand award two years in a row, along with other notable awards like a mention from the James Beard Foundation.

Rioja

The Mediterranean restaurant in Larimer Square serves local seasonal products. OpenTable said it’s an icon because Rioja’s chef, Jennifer Jasinski, was the first chef from Denver to win a James Beard Award for Best Chef Southwest in 2013, along with many other accolades.

The Wolf’s Tailor

The Wolf’s Tailor is another Michelin award-winning spot, as it earned a star the first year the Michelin Guide came to Colorado . It also earned a green star for 2023 and 2024.

The restaurant combines flavors from Nordic, Italian and East Asian cuisines with a menu that switches based on the month. Warmer months are focused on garden produce while cooler months feature local grains and fermentation.

Bruto

The contemporary American establishment has won many accolades like the Michelin star and the green star. It’s known for up-close cooking where guests can watch the entire culinary process. Bruto gained national recognition last year when the New York Times named its hearth bread as one of the best dishes across the whole country .

Basta

Another Italian spot made OpenTable’s list. Basta in Boulder was recognized by Michelin when it received the Bib Gourmand Award. The restauranteurs, Erika Whitaker and Kelly Whitaker, were noticed by the James Beard Awards in the “Outstanding Restaurateur” category.

The duo is also behind Bruto and The Wolf’s Tailor.

OpenTable has the earliest available reservations at these popular restaurants, so if you want to try out these spots as soon as possible, you can see which one has openings.

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