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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Central

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102 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Odyssey Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3257)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Central
Booked 57 times today
Odyssey Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar is a neighborhood gem, as described in the reviews. It's a cozy, inviting spot with delicious Sicilian & Classic Italian dishes. Customers appreciate the family-operated, unique atmosphere of the historical Victorian Mansion. The food consistently receives high praise, with one reviewer calling it 'the best atmosphere'. Another noted it was 'a delightful dining experience'. It's a place that customers are eager to return to, whether for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.
A photo of Luca restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(2084)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Central
Booked 16 times today
Chef Frank Bonanno dug into his Sicilian heritage and east coast roots to create this authentic, rustic Italian eatery. Luca has amazing personal touches from the daily made breads and pastas to the meats and cheeses cured in house, to the charcoal drawing of Bonanno’s son (and the restaurant’s namesake) that hangs in the dining room. Luca is heartwarming and satisfying from the wood-fired pizzas to the hand-rolled pastas to the perfectly seared proteins. It’s not your ordinary pile-of-pasta-and-sauce Italian joint; it’s the real (and tasty) deal.
A photo of Tavernetta restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(162)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Downtown / LoDo
Booked 84 times today
Authentic Italian. Genuine Hospitality. Inspired by the food, wine, and culture of Italy, Tavernetta brings "la dolce vita" style to Denver's bustling Union Station neighborhood with fresh handmade pastas, an Italian directed wine & spirits list and world-class hospitality.Tavernetta's cuisine and wine have been heralded by the James Beard Foundation, the Michelin Guide, World's 50 Best Discovery List, Wine Spectator and more.
A photo of Linger restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(7625)
Price: Expensive
• Global, International • Highlands
Booked 91 times today
Housed in a former mortuary, the decor layers macabre remnants with posh details in a window-flanked space overlooking the charming Lower Highland neighborhood. The drink menu features sips and seasonings as savory as the dishes with which they're paired. While the rooftop patio-outfitted with 1975 GMC RV as bar and repurposed food truck as kitchen- beckons patrons towards adventure.
A photo of Quality Italian- Denver restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3048)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Cherry Creek
Booked 91 times today
Quality Italian in Denver is open for indoor dining and outdoor patio dining with seating also available in our covered and heated outdoor cabins,Visit us at www.qualityitaliandenver.com for more information.
A photo of North Italia – Denver restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4298)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Cherry Creek
Booked 113 times today
North Italia – Denver is a neighborhood gem due to its exceptional Italian cuisine and lively atmosphere. As one reviewer said, 'North is a Cherry Creek staple. Great food, great service, and great atmosphere.' The restaurant consistently receives high ratings for food, ambience, and service. Their unique, handmade pastas and pizzas crafted from seasonal ingredients are a hit with customers. A reviewer mentioned, 'food is always great and fresh ingredients, never had a dish I did not like.' It's a must-visit spot for any occasion.
A photo of El Five restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4148)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mediterranean • Highlands
Booked 95 times today
Nestled high above LoHi on the fifth floor of 2930 Umatilla, El Five boasts spectacular, unobstructed views of the downtown Denver skyline. The menu is an homage to the Mediterranean and features small plates built on bold flavors found throughout the region: Spain, North Africa, the Middle East. Inside, the space is understated and sensual, flanked by a large, open-air patio for sun-kissed Colorado nights. As the newest restaurant in the Edible Beats family, El Five celebrates the confluence of flavors, ideas and geographies made possible by a subtle shift in perspective.
A photo of Corinne Restaurant restaurant
4.5
Awesome(2491)
Price: Expensive
• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Downtown / LoDo
Booked 53 times today
Voted one of the best restaurants in downtown Denver, CO, we cut through the complex to find honesty and effortless simplicity, serving you the food you want with the drinks you crave. Corinne Denver provides an inviting neighborhood environment with a modern design and honest food + drinks, from hearty to healthy. Drop in and stay awhile.
A photo of Osteria Marco restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(4925)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown / LoDo
Booked 50 times today
Chef-driven, artisan Italian nestled in the heart of iconic Larimer Square. Osteria Marco is fine dining quality in a casual setting. We believe in craftsmanship and artistry—pizzas hand tossed to order, pasta hand rolled daily, cheese (like our famous burrata) and salumi crafted on site. Bartenders muddle and infuse; wines evolve to reflect the variety of the Italian countryside and climate. Descend the grand staircase, hunker down and, really... try the burrata. Don't forget to join us for Drag Bingo Brunch every Sunday alongside bottomless mimosas and a scratch Italian brunch!
A photo of Xiquita restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(96)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Denver
Booked 12 times today
Xiquita is a highly anticipated restaurant that brings the vibrant flavors and rich culture of Mexico City to the Mile High City. Inspired by the diverse culinary traditions of Mexico, Xiquita offers a unique dining experience that celebrates the country's indigenous ingredients and cooking techniques. Led by Chef Erasmo Casiano, the restaurant's name, Xiquita, is a playful twist on "chiquita," a term of endearment for Casiano's mother, and a nod to the indigenous languages of Mexico.At Xiquita, diners can expect to find dishes that are both authentic and innovative. The menu features a variety of traditional Mexican dishes, such as tamales and tortillas, made with locally sourced ingredients. Guests can also enjoy unique creations like the Infladita de Carne Apache, a play on steak tartare, and the Tikin Xic, a Yucatan dish featuring fish grilled over charcoal in a banana leaf.Join us for a dining experience you won't soon forget!

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Laurenvip
    Denver / Colorado •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    My friend and K really enjoyed Linger! We ordered the pork belly bao, sweet fries, and charred edamame for a shared dinner. All of the food was packed with flavor and delicious. She ordered an old fashioned and I ordered the Thai tea cocktail. She enjoyed her old fashioned and said it was very orange forward, I was unfortunately not a fan of my cocktail but I think only because of personal preference. Overall I still would give it a 5/5. Ambiance was great but it was a tad loud. Looking forward to going back and trying more things!
    More info
    LingerPrice: Expensive• Global, International• Highlands
    4.6
  • Kimberly
    San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    This was our second time to dine here. Love the ambience. The food in general was not as good this time as it was when we dined here last year.
    More info
    Quality Italian- DenverPrice: Expensive• Italian• Cherry Creek
    4.7
  • Derek
    Austin •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We were the last table on a Tuesday night and you would have thought we were the first table on a Saturday night. From the complementary Prosecco to the fantastic Charcuterie board to the even better pasta(I’m from the east coast and it’s great pasta) Cat our server was the best.
    More info
    LucaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Central
    4.9
  • David
    Denver / Colorado •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    We recently celebrated my wife’s birthday at Tavernetta and it was an unforgettable experience. The highlight of the evening was the pasta with lobster—perfectly cooked and brimming with flavor. It was a dish to savor with every bite. The ambiance was warm and inviting, making it an ideal spot for a special occasion being my wife’s birthday. The staff were attentive and friendly. Great suggestion made for our first time here! If you’re looking for authentic Italian cuisine with a touch of elegance, Tavernetta is a fantastic choice. We’ll definitely be back!
    More info
    TavernettaPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Downtown / LoDo
    4.7
  • Jonna
    Austin •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Pasta Mondays are the best idea! We made a reservation about a month and a half in advance. Definitely worth it as I overheard there was a 2 hour wait at 7:00pm. Food was delicious, service was great. Will be back.
    More info
    Odyssey Italian Restaurant & Wine BarPrice: Expensive• Italian• Central
    4.7

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Central

Discover the charm of Central Denver's dining scene with our carefully selected neighborhood gems. These restaurants stand out not only for their unique and high-quality culinary offerings but also for their warm, inviting atmospheres that make each visit a special occasion. Whether you're craving contemporary Asian flavors or classic Italian dishes, these spots in Denver, Colorado, offer a delightful dining experience that reflects the local culture and culinary diversity. Each restaurant is praised for its exceptional service and the ability to consistently deliver exceptional food that captivates both locals and visitors alike. The settings are often described as cozy and intimate, perfect for both a romantic dinner and a casual, memorable meal with friends or family. As neighborhood gems, they are integral to the fabric of Central Denver, enhancing the city's reputation as a vibrant culinary destination. For those looking to explore the rich flavors and welcoming atmosphere of Denver's best-kept dining secrets, these neighborhood gems are a must-visit. Whether you're a Denver local or just passing through, these restaurants promise an unforgettable gastronomic journey right in the heart of Colorado.

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