The Best Restaurants in RiNo, Denver (2026 Edition)

Dio Mio

3264 Larimer Street │ Dio Mio Website │ Price: $$ │ Counter-Serve Pasta

Savor handmade pasta in a fun, casual atmosphere — all at a great price (photo: Dio Mio website)

Handmade pasta at Dio Mio is one of the best things to eat in RiNo. The ambiance at this counter-serve eatery is casual and approachable, and the global wine selection won’t break the bank. Yet, a glass of merlot paired with its fennel sausage rigatoni makes for a truly exceptional experience.

Dear Emilia

3615 Delgany Street │ Dear Emilia Website │ Price: $$$$ │ Northern Italian Flavors

Pasta dishes and more celebrate the Emilia-Romagna region (photo: Dear Emilia Instagram)

The founders of Michelin-recommended Olivia debuted this fine dining restaurant in the winter of 2026. Quickly, it’s become a top choice for date nights and special occasions given its gorgeous ambiance and outstanding menu. Experience the flavors Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region by ordering handmade tagliatelle, a warm parmesan soufflé and bubbly glasses of Lambrusco.

Cart-Driver

2500 Larimer Street │ Cart-Driver Website │ Price: $$ │ Southern Italian Eats

Savor a meal inspired by the flavors of Southern Italy (photo: Cart-Driver Facebook)

Cart-Driver operates its counter service within a trendy renovated shipping container. Inside and out on its spacious patio, locals gather over platters of wood-fired pizza, oysters and tins of sardines. Pair your meal with an Aperol spritz or choose the rotating monthly cocktail, as all proceeds benefit a deserving local cause.

The Walnut Room

3131 Walnut Street │ The Walnut Room Website │ Price: $$ │ Chicago Thin-Crust

The Walnut Room offers an extensive menu and entertainment (photo: The Walnut Room Facebook)

Thin-crust, Chicago-style pizzas are The Walnut Room’s specialty. In authentic fashion, whole pies are square-cut and nineteen signature topping options make up the menu. Gluten-free crust and plant-based cheese are also available, as are individual slices and other pub grub.

Entertainment is a key draw to The Walnut Room. It shows prime-time games on its TVs and allows guests to play rounds on its golf simulator. Book a tee time via The Back 9.

Work & Class

2500 Larimer Street │ Work & Class Website │ Price: $$ │ Southern Meets Spice

Taste a blend of Latin American and Southern flavors (photo: Work & Class Facebook)

Adjacent to Cart-Driver, you’ll find another shipping container housing Work & Class. It offers an eclectic menu, taking inspiration from Latin American and classic Southern cooking. Try its signature dishes like coriander-roasted Colorado lamb, jalapeño cornbread muffins and more.

Cimera

3330 Brighton Boulevard │ Cimera Website │ Price: $$ │ Rooftop Dining

This rooftop restaurant celebrates a range of Latin flavors (photo: Cimera Instagram)

Set on the Source Hotel rooftop, Cimera pairs expansive mountain views with Pan-Latin fare. Take a seat outdoors to savor fresh ceviche, its signature braised beef croquettes, Peruvian coal-fired skewers and carne asada with bright chimichurri. The bar program is equally vibrant with tequila and rum anchoring several cocktails.

Mister Oso

3163 Larimer Street │ Mister Oso Website │ Price: $$ │ Serious Value

Vibrant South American dishes are served on bright trays (photo: Mister Oso Facebook)

Hands down, Mister Oso is one of the best restaurants in RiNo. The recent Bib Gourmand award-winner takes inspiration from the bold flavors of South America. Patrons love its daily happy hour deals and the extensive taco selection. The quesabirria tacos are a popular choice, which pair perfectly with coconut rice and cinnamon-dusted churros.

Los Chingones

2463 Larimer Street │ Los Chingones Website │ Price: $$ │ Creative Street Tacos

This Mexican eatery’s menu is as colorful as its interior (photo: Los Chingones Facebook)

Los Chingones ranks as one of the best rooftop restaurants in Denver. Dine al fresco or pop inside this edgy Mexican eatery. Its graffiti-painted walls are as vibrant as its plates of tacos, quesadillas and smothered burritos. 

Visit during happy hour (weekdays from 3 – 6 pm) to enjoy select menu items for $12 or less. Or, sample this eatery’s creative street tacos on our RiNo Arts District Food Tour!

Uchi

2500 Lawrence Street │ Uchi Website │ Price: $$$$ │ Worth the Splurge

Uchi impresses with fresh and authentic Japanese dishes (photo: Uchi Facebook)

Despite its landlocked location, Uchi creates masterful Japanese cuisine including sushi and sashimi. To sample several of the kitchen’s best dishes, many visitors opt for the ten-course omakase menu. Happy hour is another ideal time to book a table.

Magna Kainan

1350 40th Street │ Magna Kainan Website │ Price: $$$ │ Modern Filipino Fare

Savor upscale Filipino dishes and signature cocktails (photo: Magna Kainan Facebook)

Filipino restaurants are a rarity in Denver, making Magna Kainan all the more special. This newer eatery puts an upscale twist on the classics. Think lumpia egg rolls with pineapple sweet chili, crispy lechon and crab fat noodles with squid ink pasta. Spark a conversation with the owner after a cocktail or two — the rum-based cocktail with ube and calamansi citrus is a must.

Izzio Bakery

2669 Larimer Street │ Izzio Bakery Website │ Price: $$ │ Pastries Galore

Kouign amann, a fan favorite at Izzio Bakery (photo: Denver Central Market Facebook)

A trip to Denver Central Market is one of the best things to do in RiNo. Here, you’ll find several local vendors including Izzio Bakery. Its selection includes flaky croissants and various flavors of kouign amann. For a more substantial meal, order from a variety of toasts, sandwiches and hearty bowls.

During the winter months, we make a stop at Izzio on our RiNo Arts District Food Tour! Hear the bakery’s story and taste its incredible sweet pastries on one of our daily outings.

Call Your Mother

2669 Larimer Street │ Call Your Mother Website │ Price: $ │ Bagel Sandwiches

Bagel sandwiches add to Denver Central Market’s variety (photo: Call Your Mother Deli website)

This Washington DC-based chain was warmly welcomed when it opened its first out-of-state outpost in Denver a few years ago, kickstarting a local bagel obsession. Its fifth metro area location recently debuted inside Denver Central Market.    

If it’s your first time visiting, order one of Call Your Mother’s signature breakfast sandwiches. You can’t go wrong with pastrami and bodega-style eggs stacked between a crisp-chewy everything bagel. Vegetarian options are also plentiful.

Butcher Block Cafe

1701 38th Street │ Butcher Block Cafe Website │ Price: $ │ Greasy Spoon

The cinnamon rolls are famous at this traditional diner (photo: Butcher Block Cafe TripAdvisor)

For the classic greasy spoon diner experience, head to Butcher Block Cafe. This affordable, nostalgic eatery serves up sweet and savory breakfast favorites. Cinnamon rolls and French toast appear on the menu alongside chicken fried steak and biscuits and gravy, plus more hearty options.

Crema Coffee House

2862 Larimer Street │ Crema Coffee House Website │ Price: $$ │ Hipster Hangout

Banh mi is one of the most popular food items at Crema (photo: Crema Coffee House Instagram)

Crema has a location within Denver Central Market, but its original brick-and-mortar offers a far more extensive food and drink menu. Pair coffee and tea beverages with options like its breakfast burrito, daily quiche, beet salad and banh mi with pork belly or tofu. Though outlets are unavailable, the shop offers wifi and a hipster vibe, complete with bold murals and an eclectic playlist.

Stowaway Kitchen

2528 Walnut Street │ Stowaway Kitchen Website │ Price: $$ │ Global Flair

Sourdough waffle toppings rotate seasonally (photo: Stowaway Kitchen Facebook)

Stowaway Kitchen is one of the best brunch spots in Denver, loved for its ambiance and globally-inspired fare. Favorites on the menu include its sourdough waffle and scram’ sandwich made with soft scrambled eggs and tomato chutney. Several dishes are available gluten-free and vegan, and visitors love its housemade cashew milk lattes. Craft cocktails and other beverages round out the selection at this bright, cheerful eatery.

Port Side

2500 Larimer Street │ Port Side Website │ Price: $ │ Casual Coffeehouse

The Duke breakfast sandwich, a weekend special at Port Side (photo: Port Side Instagram)

Like its neighbors Work & Class and Cart-Driver, Port Side is set within a renovated shipping container. It offers limited indoor seating and an outdoor patio where guests can dine on breakfast sandwiches, burritos and avocado toast. Complete your meal with made-to-order smoothies, coffee beverages and brunch cocktails like its mezcal sunrise and housemade Bloody Mary.

Odie B’s

1350 40th Street │ Odie B’s Website │ Price: $$ │ Bodega Vibes

Odie B’s isn’t any ordinary sandwich shop (photo: Odie B’s website)

Since opening a couple years back, Odie B’s has become one of our favorite RiNo lunch spots. This lively bodega is loved for its chopped cheese, double smash burgers with melty cheddar and other flavor-packed sandwiches — which in many cases, can be made vegan. Round out your meal with a bag of mismatched fries and maybe even a mid-day cocktail. Tequila-spiked Gatorade, anyone?

Shake Shack

2995 Larimer Street │ Shake Shack Website │ Price: $$ │ National Favorite

Dine on gourmet burgers and cheesy fries from Shake Shack (photo: Shake Shack Facebook)

Unlike most restaurants in RiNo, Shake Shack is a national chain. But its mouthwatering menu makes it a worthy inclusion in this 2026 guide. 

Order its signature Angus beef cheeseburger or opt for its ‘shroom burger featuring a deep-fried, cheese-filled portobello patty. Like any good burger joint, Shake Shack also offers crinkle-cut fries and hand-spun milkshakes in classic chocolate, vanilla and strawberry flavors.

Pit Fiend Barbecue

2826 Larimer Street │ Pit Fiend Barbecue Website │ Price: $$ │ Smoked Meats

Live fire, wood-smoked barbecue is this casual restaurant’s specialty (photo: Pit Fiend Barbecue)

Denver has a surprising number of barbecue restaurants and Pit Fiend ranks highly for its smoked meats and fixin’s. Find classics like beef brisket and pulled pork on the menu, along with mac and cheese, potato salad and jalapeño cornbread muffins. The eatery serves unique options, too, like vegan jackfruit barbecue available by the quarter, half and full pound.

Smōk Barbecue

3330 Brighton Boulevard │ Smōk Barbecue Website │ Price: $$ │ Nationwide Styles

Order a meat platter with flavorful fixin’s (photo: Smōk Barbecue Facebook)

Smōk Barbecue is another vendor at the Source Hotel and is loved for its selection of regional barbecue styles. Savor Carolina-style pulled pork, Nashville hot chicken, and burnt ends that take you right to Kansas City. Fried okra, sweet potato tots and other flavorful sides appear on the menu, along with housemade banana pudding for dessert.

Bierstadt Lagerhaus

2875 Blake Street │ Bierstadt Lagerhaus Website │ Price: $$ │ German Fare

Sample smoked brats and a pilsner on our food tour (photo: Bierstadt Lagerhaus Instagram)

Featuring regular live music and jumbo-sized lawn games, this independent craft brewery is a local favorite. Pair traditional lagers with delicious German fare like schnitzel, giant pretzels and our personal favorite: smoked brats served with housemade sauerkraut and fermented mustard, which we feature on our RiNo Arts District Food Tour. Alcoholic beverages are optional, but we highly recommend its signature slow-pour pilsner.

Safta

3330 Brighton Boulevard │ Safta Website │ Price: $$ │ Middle Eastern Cuisine

Savor and share small plates influenced by Middle Eastern flavors (photo: Safta Facebook)

Sampling Middle Eastern cuisine at Safta is one of the best things to do in Denver. Set inside the Source Hotel, this modern eatery was founded by Israeli-American celebrity chef Alon Shaya. Menu favorites include muhammara and labneh served with housemade pita bread, along with baba ganoush and lamb ragu.

Nocturne

1330 27th Street │ Nocturne Website │ Price: $$$ │ Romantic Jazz Club

Nothing beats an incredible dinner and a show (photo: Nocturne Facebook)

Nocturne may be one of Denver’s most romantic restaurants, but all are welcome at this lively jazz club. Order à la carte or treat yourself to a New American three-course menu. Live music fills its two-level lounge every Wednesday through Sunday night. Note that reservations are highly encouraged. 

Fish N Beer

3510 Larimer Street │ Fish N Beer Website │ Price: $$ │ Happy Hour Oysters

Pop in at happy hour for oysters, available three ways (photo: Fish N Beer Facebook)

For a great happy hour special, head to Fish N Beer. Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00-6:30 pm, this seafood mainstay serves up $2 oysters by the half- and full dozen, plus other discounted food and drinks. Standard menu staples include smoked fish dip, crab-stuffed cod and other decadent plates.

Barcelona Wine Bar

2900 Larimer Street │ Barcelona Wine Bar Website │ Price: $$$ │ Spanish Tapas

Sample an array of Spanish flavors (photo: Barcelona Wine Bar Facebook)

Barcelona Wine Bar offers an incredibly extensive list of globally sourced wines, available by the bottle and the glass. To make sense of the 20-page menu, speak with your server about your preferences and ask for pairing recommendations. Many wines match beautifully with its paellas and tapas, which include whipped sheep’s cheese and oyster mushrooms, along with decadent jamón and manchego croquetas.

Corsica Wine Bar

2801 Walnut Street │ Corsica Wine Bar Website │ Price: $$$ │ European Small Plates

Share French and Italian small plates with friends (photo: Corsica Wine Bar website)

Corsica offers an array of small plates, similar to its sister concept Barcelona Wine Bar. But this RiNo restaurant spotlights the flavors of France, Italy and its namesake Mediterranean island. Bring a few friends to dinner, as everything on the menu is tempting. But be sure to start with the vinegar potato chips, Bastian meatballs and ricotta toast. Pair these with one of several apéritifs, served as a spritz or on the rocks.

Beckon

2843 Larimer Street │ Beckon Website │ Price: $$$$ │ Michelin Star Dining

A monkfish dish at this fine dining restaurant, which regularly updates its menu (photo: Beckon Yelp)

Few of Denver’s best restaurants are as exclusive as Beckon, which was recently awarded a Michelin star. Dining at its chef counter is a pre-paid, ticketed affair. The seasonal menu rotates, featuring beautiful local ingredients and exquisite plating. Wine pairings are available, as well as an upscale cocktail menu.

Major Tom

2845 Larimer Street │ Major Tom Website │ Price: $$$ │ Special Occasion Pick

Toast Champagne and share elevated plates at Major Tom (photo: Major Tom Facebook)

Intimate eatery Major Tom is a sister concept of Beckon but comparatively, it’s more approachable in its ambiance and menu. Phases of the moon decorate its interior walls and an outdoor mural which backdrops its cozy patio.

Take a seat near the fire pit and order popular plates like its overnight cabbage, mushroom tartine and smoked duck served with pistachios and huckleberries. Wine and a wide selection of Champagne add reasons to visit for a special occasion.

High Point Creamery

2669 Larimer Street │ High Point Creamery Website │ Price: $ │ Ice Cream Flights

A selection of this shop’s creative flavors (photo: High Point Creamery website)

High Point Creamery is a must-try dessert spot inside Denver Central Market. It features some of the city’s most delicious ice cream flavors. Satisfy your cravings with options like brown sugar cinnamon, mint chocolate bark and Earl Grey with shortbread cookies. During the summer months, its signature blackberry basil swirl ends our RiNo Arts District Food Tour on a sweet note!

Temper Chocolates

2669 Larimer Street │ Temper Chocolates Website │ Price: $ │ Artisan Bonbons

A few of Temper Chocolates’ many bonbon options (photo: Temper Chocolates Facebook)

Another Denver Central Market vendor, Temper Chocolates offers fancy confections and an array of art-decorated bonbons. Indulge in flavors like mango-passionfruit white chocolate, Jameson-infused milk chocolate and coconut cream caramel in a dark chocolate shell. Purchase single pieces or boxes in varying quantities, or peruse its wide selection of local and globally sourced chocolate bars.