In this guide, you’ll get a local foodie’s take on the best restaurants in RiNo, Denver. No matter your budget or the cuisine you’re craving, you’ll find dozens of options in the city’s art district. Authentic dishes, fusion creations, and hidden gems are around every corner.
Head to the following RiNo restaurants to hang out with friends and satisfy your hunger. Or, opt for a guided experience!
Delicious Denver Food Tours’ highly-rated RiNo Food Tour will take you to the neighborhood’s five absolute best spots. Optional drink pairings are available, and you’ll also get interesting insights into each restaurant and the area’s incredible street art.
Our Favorite Restaurants in RiNo
Comal Heritage Food Incubator
Address: 3455 Ringsby Ct Unit #105 │ Restaurant Website │ Menu │ Price: $$ │ Book A Table
RiNo residents love Comal Heritage Food Incubator — not only for its Latin American fare but its philanthropic mission. Behind its casual lunch counter work immigrant and refugee women who aim to develop their culinary skills. Visiting is a mutual learning opportunity, as you’ll be exposed to delicious food and vibrant cultures.
Dio Mio
Address: 3264 Larimer St │ Restaurant Website │ Menu │ Price: $$ │ Book A Table
Few quick-service counters can compete with Dio Mio, renowned for its handmade pasta. The ambiance 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 matches the experience of any Italian fine dining restaurant.
Fish N Beer
Address: 3510 Larimer St │ Restaurant Website │ Menu │ Price: $$ │ Book A Table
For one of Denver’s best happy hours, head to Fish N Beer. Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00-6:30 pm, this seafood mainstay serves up oysters for $2.50 per, plus other discounted food and drinks. Standard menu staples include smelt fries, crab-stuffed cod, and other decadent plates.
Osaka Ramen
Address: 2611 Walnut St │ Restaurant Website │ Menu │ Price: $$ │ Book A Table
Past the neon sign and down into the basement level, you’ll find a hidden gem: Osaka Ramen. Authentic in ambiance and Japanese fare, this restaurant is loved for its warm noodle bowls and small plates. Save room for dessert, as the mochi donuts are a crowd favorite.
Another reason why we love Osaka Ramen? It’s one of several delicious stops on our RiNo Arts District Food Tour!
Safta
Address: 3330 Brighton Blvd Unit #201 │ Restaurant Website │ Menu │ Price: $$ │ Book A Table
Sampling Middle Eastern cuisine at Safta is one of the best things to do in Denver. Set inside the Source Hotel, this modern eatery was founded by Israeli-American celebrity chef Alon Shaya. Menu favorites include muhammara and labneh, served with house-made pita bread, along with baba ganoush and lamb ragu.
Temaki Den
Address: 3350 Brighton Blvd │ Restaurant Website │ Menu │ Price: $$$$ │ Book A Table
Another Source Hotel mainstay, Temaki Den is known for its industrial vibe and Japanese menu. Opt for an omakase tasting to sample some of the restaurant’s best, including salmon oshizushi and tuna nigiri. A sake flight completes the experience.
Bellota
Address: 3350 Brighton Blvd Unit #150 │ Restaurant Website │ Menu │ Price: $$ │ Book A Table
Another reason to visit the Source Hotel? Bellota, a contemporary Mexican eatery with great service and flavorful food. Start the meal with a margarita, along with housemade chips and salsa. Then, select from tacos, enchiladas, chile rellenos, and more mouth-watering options.
Note that Bellota makes for a great lunch spot. For more delicious options, see our article on the best lunch restaurants in Denver!
Park Burger
Address: 2615 Walnut St │ Restaurant Website │ Menu │ Price: $$ │ Book A Table
If you’re looking for a casual spot to catch the game, Park Burger is it. This lively sports bar and restaurant specializes in creative burgers. Topping combinations include fig jam and brie, as well as jalapeño cream cheese and diced green chile. Pair your meal with a house-spun milkshake or your choice of craft beer.
Hop Alley
Address: 3500 Larimer St │ Restaurant Website │ Menu │ Price: $$$ │ Book A Table
Savor shared plates of Chinese fare at one of the most celebrated Asian restaurants in RiNo. Though the modern menu is upscale, the vibe is far from pretentious with an upbeat ‘90s hip-hop playlist. Banter with friends between bites of Beijing duck rolls, bone marrow fried rice, and other Szechuan-inspired dishes.
Los Chingones
Address: 2463 Larimer St │ Restaurant Website │ Menu │ Price: $$ │ Book A Table
Los Chingones ranks as one of the best rooftop restaurants in Denver. Dine al fresco or pop inside this edgy Mexican eatery. Its graffiti-painted walls are as vibrant as its plates of tacos, quesadillas, and smothered burritos. Visit during happy hour (weekdays from 3:00-5:30 pm) to enjoy all menu items for $5 or less.
Or, sample this eatery’s street tacos on our RiNo Arts District Food Tour!
Cart-Driver
Address: 2500 Larimer St Unit #100 │ Restaurant Website │ Menu │ Price: $$ │ Book A Table
Cart-Driver operates its counter service within an intimate, renovated shipping container. Locals gather over platters of wood-fired pizza, oysters, and tins of sardines. Pair your meal with an Aperol spritz, or opt for a Turkish Delight cocktail, featuring rose-infused gin and limoncello.
Work & Class
Address: 2500 Larimer St │ Restaurant Website │ Menu │ Price: $$ │ Book A Table
Adjacent to Cart-Driver, you’ll find another shipping container housing Work & Class. It offers an eclectic menu, taking inspiration from Latin American and classic Southern cooking. Try its signature dishes like coriander-roasted Colorado lamb and smoked gouda mac and cheese.
Uchi
Address: 2500 Lawrence St Unit #200 │ Restaurant Website │ Menu │ Price: $$$$ │ Book A Table
Despite its landlocked location, Uchi creates masterful Japanese cuisine, including sushi and sashimi. To sample several of the kitchen’s best dishes, many visitors opt for the ten-course omakase menu. Happy hour is another ideal time to book a table.
Nocturne
Address: 1330 27th St │ Restaurant Website │ Menu │ Price: $$ │ Book A Table
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.
Il Posto
Address: 2601 Larimer St │ Restaurant Website │ Menu │ Price: $$$ │ Book A Table
This chic Italian mainstay is the first stop on our RiNo Food Tour. Toast to the occasion with an Aperol spritz paired with housemade burrata!
Or, visit Il Posto anytime to experience its charcuterie, small plates, housemade pasta, and generous entrees. The pappardelle and steak tartare are crowd favorites. Complement the meal with a glass of wine, and save room for desserts like pineapple zeppole and tiramisu panna cotta.
Pit Fiend Barbecue
Address: 2826 Larimer St │ Restaurant Website │ Menu │ Price: $$ │ Book A Table
Denver has a surprising number of barbecue restaurants, and Pit Fiend ranks highly for its smoked meats and fixins. Find classics like beef brisket and pulled pork on the menu, along with mac and cheese and potato salad. The eatery serves unique options, too, like vegan jackfruit barbecue and curry cauliflower.
Butcher Block Cafe
Address: 1701 38th St │ Restaurant Website │ Menu │ Price: $ │ Book A Table
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, biscuits and gravy, and more hearty options.
If you’re a big breakfast fan, don’t miss our guide to the best brunch spots in Denver!
Mister Oso
Address: 3163 Larimer St │ Restaurant Website │ Menu │ Price: $$ │ Book A Table
Hands down, Mister Oso is one of the best restaurants in RiNo, Denver. It takes inspiration from the bold flavors of South America. Patrons love its happy hour deals (including $7 house margaritas) and the extensive taco selection. The birria tacos are a popular choice, which pairs perfectly with coconut rice and cinnamon-dusted churros.
Beckon
Address: 2843 Larimer St │ Restaurant Website │ Menu │ Price: $$$$ │ Book A Table
Few of Denver’s best restaurants are as exclusive as Beckon. Dining at its chef counter is a pre-paid, ticketed affair. The seasonal menu rotates, featuring beautiful local ingredients and exquisite plating. Wine pairings are available, as well as an upscale cocktail menu.
Redeemer Pizza
Address: 2705 Larimer St │ Restaurant Website │ Menu │ Price: $$ │ Book A Table
Redeemer Pizza puts a unique spin on New York-style pies, using a delicious sourdough crust. Don’t skip on the house-made dipping sauces, including dilly ranch and chili honey. An order of garlic knots is a must, too.
For the VIP experience, join our RiNo Food Tour! It makes a stop at this celebrated pizzeria, one of the best restaurants in RiNo.
Izzio Bakery Central Market
Address: 2669 Larimer St │ Restaurant Website │ Menu │ Price: $$ │ Book A Table
A trip to Denver Central Market is one of the best things to do in Denver. Here, you’ll find several RiNo restaurants, including Izzio Bakery. It’s loved for its pastry selection, featuring flaky croissants and various flavors of kouign amann. For a more substantial meal, order from a selection of toasts, sandwiches, and hearty bowls.
Vero
Address: 2669 Larimer St │ Restaurant Website │ Menu │ Price: $$ │ Book A Table
Another Denver Central Market mainstay, Vero is known for its Italian fare. Its glossy, green-tiled pizza oven creates wood-fired pies, and the menu features a selection of pasta, too. Housemade ricotta gnocchi and bucatini diavola with spicy salami are a couple of noteworthy favorites.
Also, if visiting mid-afternoon on a weekday, swing by the market’s Curio Bar. It’s featured in our guide to the best happy hours in each Denver neighborhood!
High Point Creamery
Address: 2669 Larimer St │ Restaurant Website │ Menu │ Price: $$ │ Book A Table
Bonus: Denver Central Market also has a must-try spot for dessert. High Point Creamery features some of the city’s most unique ice cream flavors. Satisfy your sweet tooth with options like brown sugar cinnamon, Earl Grey and shortbread, or its signature flavor: basil with blackberry swirl.
Super Mega Bien
Address: 1260 25th St │ Restaurant Website │ Menu │ Price: $$ │ Book A Table
Inside the trendy Ramble Hotel lies Super Mega Bien, one of the best restaurants in RiNo. Its atmosphere is undeniably cool, and its Latin American fare is top-notch. Order from dim sum-style carts, featuring small plates like ceviche, patatas bravas, and saffron arancini. Housemade tonics with various gins create must-try cocktails, all of which pair beautifully.
Dochi
Address: 2449 Larimer St │ Restaurant Website │ Menu │ Price: $$ │ Book A Table
Of course, our RiNo Arts District Food Tour has to include dessert! For this, we take our groups to Dochi, a charming cafe known for its mochi donuts.
These unique confections are soft and chewy, like Japanese mochi, as well as slightly crisp like an American fried donut. Join the tour or visit on your own to try its wide variety of flavors, including ube bae, matcha pistachio, and many more.
Split Lip
Address: 3560 Chestnut Pl │ Restaurant Website │ Menu │ Price: $$ │ Book A Table
Split Lip is a unique restaurant concept inside Number Thirty Eight, a spacious RiNo hangout. Order beer from the bar, then head here for tasty pub grub including piled-high burgers. Most options come with “too many pickles,” and pair perfectly with cheese curds, tots, and other tasty sides.
The Greenwich
Address: 3258 Larimer St │ Restaurant Website │ Menu │ Price: $$$ │ Book A Table
At this New American restaurant, guests are treated to a classy atmosphere and thoughtful dinner menu. Locally-sourced ingredients come together to create delicious starters, pizzas, and vegetable sides. Mains include lemon-roasted chicken and pan-seared monkfish. Though, its most popular dish may be its decadent Greenwich cheesecake.
