Denver Restaurants

Owner and chef Rachel Woolcott uses local seasonal ingredients in the composition of her French/American fusion entrees and small plates at this popular uptown Denver restaurant that features four-course menu options and wine pairings as well as with cocktail-and-appetizer pairing specials nightly. Aix is also popular for its weekend brunch.

The Avenue Grill, known simply as the "Avenue" by locals, brings the flavors of San Francisco to the heart of Denver, offering a unique menu of fusion Italian and Asian cuisine inspired by the culinary traditions of the Chinatown, North Beach and Fisherman's Wharf. Aside from the food, the Avenue Grill maintains the ambiance of a depression-era supper club, and features a wide selection of vintages and specialty cocktails.

The brainchild of successful Colorado restaurateur Steve Whited and executive chef Sean Huggard (of Black Pearl fame) Encore occupies Denver's former Lowenstein Theatre Complex. Complete with a baby grand piano, the sleek modern dining room plays host to Denver restaurant goers eager to try Huggard's contemporary samplings drawing from a wide range of international influences, such as a Spanish seafood stew, a Thai beef tenderloin noodle salad, a array of locally grown chops, and of course from his home state of Massachusetts, his signature "clam chowdah."

Hailing from Milan, chef/owner Andrea Frizzi recently opened Il Posto's doors to the Denver scene and the restaurant has since come to be regarded as one of Denver's top Italian eateries. Frizzi changes the chalkboard menu almost daily based on the availability of both seasonal, local ingredients imported items flown directly from Italy. Il Posto makes its own fresh pasta nightly, including the chefs special gnocchi weekly on Friday nights.

Randolph's of Denver was recently awarded the "best chill scene" of 2007 by local reviewers. Serving contemporary American cuisine with decidedly international influences and featuring an award winning wine list, Randolph's can hold its own with any similar Denver restaurant, but it's the partially outdoor dining area with sunset views and the happy hour pairings and tastings that set Randolph's apart from the pack.

Acclaimed Chef Christian "Goose" Sorensen heads up the kitchen at Solera, an uptown Denver restaurant featuring a menu of international fusion cuisine, such as a "Thai style" calamari appetizer with chile sauce, spiced peanuts, mint and cilantro, and an ancho braised pork shoulder with roasted corn posole and a cipollini onion salsa. Solera is also popular among Denver restaurant-goers for its extensive international wine list.

This popular Uptown Denver restaurant attracts an eclectic crowd of visiting celebrities, politicians and Denver locals. Strings serves up contemporary American cuisine with some interesting takes on noodle dishes and fresh seafood. Denver restaurant-goers speak highly of the bar at Strings, in terms of both cocktails and the affordable bar menu.