Colorado’s restaurant scene is just as flavorful, diverse, and eclectic as the communities that it calls home. With so many different cuisines to explore, there’s always something new to try across the Front Range. Whether you’re a self-proclaimed foodie or searching for a new go-to restaurant, you’ll want to make a reservation at these local favorites.

1650 Wewatta Street, DENVER – Southern

Get a taste of the South in the West. Tupelo Honey, located in downtown Denver, serves up scratch-made, responsibly sourced Southern comfort food. The savory dishes that come out of Tupelo Honey’s kitchen are inspired by the restaurant’s Appalachian roots. There are plenty of mouth-watering options to choose from, but the Shoo Mercy Griddle is one of their most beloved brunch offerings. This classic griddle is piled high with honey-dusted fried chicken, two fried eggs, apple cider bacon, and spiced pecans.

1111 Miner’s Alley, GOLDEN – Distillery

Sip on something special at Golden Moon Speakeasy. This hidden gem is a cocktail lounge and distillery tasting room that shakes and stirs up award-winning pre-Prohibition-style punches and craft cocktails with spirits that are produced in-house. Golden Moon Speakeasy has won numerous awards and was most recently named “Gin Bar of the Year” by Gin Magazine/Icons of Gin for 2021. Order your libation of choice with a charcuterie board or other tasty small bites as you enjoy the atmosphere and the live music from local artists. Once you find a favorite drink, take a bottle home with you. Golden Moon Speakeasy has everything from gin and whiskey to more exotic finds such as absinthe and crème de violette.

3457 S. Broadway, ENGLEWOOD – Asian-American

Built by a family of blended backgrounds, ZOMO creates tantalizing twists on classic Asian and American dishes. The families’ Vietnamese and Chinese heritages are the source of inspiration for each dish. Here, every entrée comes with a story as rich as the flavors in the food – such as the Vietnamese-style eggrolls. These eggrolls use a Filipino wrapper rather than the traditional eggroll wrap, since that is all that was available to ZOMO co-owner’s grandmother, Chi, when she immigrated to the U.S. Explore these and other delicious dishes at ZOMO.

RIVER AND WOODS

2328 Pearl Street, BOULDER – American

Head to River and Woods in Boulder for locally sourced comfort food in a cozy cabin setting. Within the walls of the restaurant’s century-old miner’s cabin, River and Woods combines whimsical and traditional flavors to bring guests one-of-a-kind dining experiences for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Satisfy your cravings with the River and Woods’ short rib. You’ll love every bite of the cut of Colorado-raised beef that’s braised for eight hours in tangy pomegranate juice, red win, and fig. This delectable dish is served up with a side of scallion chevre mashed potatoes and sauteed garlic broccolini, all topped with a drizzle of basting pan jam.

SAFTA

3330 Brighton Boulevard, DENVER – Mediterranean

Indulge in the flavors of Israel at Safta. The restaurant’s ever-evolving menu is the product of Chef Alon Shaya’s vision for authentic yet creative takes on Israeli food. He incorporates influences from the cuisines of Israel, Bulgaria, Yemen, Syria, Morocco, Turkey, Palestine, and Greece to bring guests a selection of culturally diverse and delicious meals. The wood-fired pita bread and hummus have made Safta a local staple, but there are many delicious dishes to discover at this renowned restaurant.

MATSUHISA

98 Steele Street, DENVER – Japanese & Sushi

Led by famed Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, the Cherry Creek location is one of three exquisite Japanese restaurants in Colorado. Chef Nobu’s take on new-style Japanese cuisine blends techniques learned during his training in Tokyo, flavors found while traveling through South America, and only the freshest ingredients. Sushi lovers will be amazed by some of the signature dishes such as Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño, Black Cod Miso, and Whitefish Tiradito, which have helped establish Matsuhisa as one of the best restaurants in town.