Denver is a city of culture, breathtaking scenic views of nature and countless outdoor activities to engage in. Whether you’re visiting Denver with your loved one in the warm seasons or in the winter, or if you live in Denver, there is no shortage of adventures you can engage in. But in between your activities, you’ll have to find some time to eat at some of the best romantic restaurants and Denver. Check out these top picks.
Restaurant Olivia
For all the pasta-loving couples out there, Restaurant Olivia (290 S Downing St) would have to be the first restaurant for you to check out when visiting Denver for a romantic dinner.
Restaurant Olivia is a pasta-focused Italian restaurant situated in the Wash Park neighborhood.
All pastas are made fresh and in-house.
Considered to be one of the best fine-dining experiences, Olivia’s offers a wide range of options to select from on their menu from their a la carte menu, a 4-course or 6 course tasting, and phenomenal selection of international wines and cocktails to choose from.
Some highlights of the menu are the Charred Spanish Octopus; Lobster Spaghetti with Black Truffle; Eggplant Parmesan; and Apple Crisp Tiramisu.
Mizuna
Mizuna (225 E 7th Ave, Denver, CO) by Chef Frank Bonanno is the perfect intimate restaurant for a date night, serving New American cuisine rooted in French cooking techniques paired with high-quality wines.
There is a quaint country-club feel to the restaurant with the wooden accents, printed carpets and white table cloths layout.
Mizuna is one of the top rated restaurants not only in Denver, but in the Western United States.
You won’t want to miss out on the chef-driven fresh-produce menu with their quality American grown truffles, farm raised meats and wild fishes, local vegetables, and fresh ice creams made from scratch.
Start off with the Mizuna Salad, try the Pan Seared Striped Bass. Finish off with a Passionfruit Panna Cotta.
Bistro Vendôme
Bistro Vendôme (1420 Larimer St UNIT 1705, Denver, CO) is a charming, family-owned-French bistro located in Denver that looks almost like it was taken straight out of a street in Paris.
The menu consists of carefully crafted French dishes using local, seasonal ingredients with items such as oysters, braised pork belly, roasted chicken and crispy duck confit.
Bistro Vendome focuses on a theme of classical French cuisine with a contemporary influence, perfect for a romantic night out.
Highlights include Escargot au Beurre Noir; Champignon Bourguignon (whole roasted oyster mushrooms, mushroom bourguignon, vegan pomme purée); and Confit de Canard (crispy duck confit, blood orange demi, spiced wheat berries, baby arugula, blood orange, preserved orange peel).
Be sure to pair your meal with one of the 65+ selections of French wines offered.
Ocean Prime
Another addition to this roundup of Best Romantic Restaurants in Denver is Ocean Prime.
Located in Denver’s Historic Larimer Square Block, Ocean Prime is an upscale, white table cloth, intimate setting.
The restaurant is a nationally acclaimed, American restaurant & lounge, serving seafood and steaks.
Ocean Prime is a popular fine dining chain in the U.S, and takes pride in their chefs ‘from-scratch’ menu, using regional flavors to highlight each location they operate in.
Indulge in some of the best seafood Denver has to offer with their naturally harvested fish, and steaks which include only USDA aged prime cuts.
Rioja
Rioja (1431 Larimer St) is a Mediterranean restaurant in Downtown Denver with a menu influenced by Mediterranean ingredients, emphasizing local and seasonal products.
A perfect getaway for your romantic night out. You’ll find indoor and outdoor seating are both available – from modern yet cozy indoor white table cloth seating with tufted olive plush booths, to outdoor seating with magical fairy lights.
The Rioja house salad with arugula, dates, gorgonzola, almond vinaigrette make a solid start.
Then try Chef Jen’s hand made pastas like the tagliatelle or artichoke tortelloni.
For dessert, try the orange risotto cannoli with Grand Marnier scented risotto, vanilla-passionfruit coulis, and Chantilly cream.
Be sure to also pair your meal with a wine from their wine list which features a wide selection of Spanish wines complemented by selected bottles from across the world.
Coohills
If you’re in the mood for French-inspired cuisine for your date night, be sure to check out Coohills (1400 Wewatta St, Denver) located at LoDo near Union Station.
This restaurant serves French-influenced cuisine in a modern, high-end dining room, lounge and patio.
Aside from being one of the best romantic restaurants in Denver, they are also one of the most longstanding.
Coohills has been around for over a decade and is owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Tom and Diane Coohills.
Enjoy your meal at Coohills at a welcoming community table or kitchen-view Chef’s Counter, or opt to dine in at an intimate space for two.
Share a house-cured charcuterie board or steak tartare served with butternut squash chips, potato chips, micro greens, and cured and shaved egg yolk
Then savour a beautiful entrée with seasonal ingredients like the Heritage Chicken Fricassee or Fettuccine Pasta.
Don’t skip out on the house-made dessert like the Bread Pudding, made with brioche croutons,
Outdoor seating is also available – so be sure to grab one of the delicious hand-crafted cocktails with small plates and an impeccable view of the Rocky Mountain.
Fruition Restaurant
Fruition Restaurant by Chef Alex Seidel serves sophisticated New American comfort food and high-quality wines from their seasonal menu.
You can enjoy a lovely meal with your loved one at this small, intimate restaurant with some of their popular items such as their Miller Farms Chicken, Bavette Steak, Shrimp & Grits or light vegetable starters.
Tavernetta
Tavernetta (1889 16th St Mall), in Denver’s Union Station is by a James Beard Award-winning team of Frasca Hospitality Group inspired by the the flavors of Italy.
Tavernetta prides itself with their fresh handmade pastas, Italian influenced wine and spirits selection and their open kitchen.
There is also a cozy fireplace lounge to add to the intimacy for your romantic dinner. Menu items include small plates, handmade pastas, antipasti and duck, grass-fed beef, chicken and fresh seafood.
Highlights include the Maltagliati (braised ruck, chestnut and pomegranate); Pappardelle (mushroom ragu, taleggio and parmigiano-reggiano); and Fennel-Rubbed Rotisserie Chicken.
The Lemon Cake is what sweet dreams are made of: Meyer Lemon, Limoncello, Polenta, and Green Tea Gelato.
Odyssey Italian Restaurant
If you’re looking for traditional home-style Italian food, for your date in a comfortable setting, you’ll want to check out Odyssey Italian Restaurant located on 6th Ave.
Aside from being one of the best romantic restaurants in Denver, Odyssey Italian Restaurant is considered to be one of Denver’s most authentic Italian restaurants.
This restaurant is in a Victorian style home and offers a rustic, traditional dining experience with their red and white checkered tablecloths, dimmed lighting, and brick walls almost as if it was taken straight out of the infamous scene in Lady and the Tramp.
You won’t be disappointed with the authentic Italian dishes offered, some of which include Sicilian penne bolognese, fettuccine carbonara and alfredo, cavatelli, gnocchi, arancini, rack of lamb, veal and chicken, only to name a few.
The Plimoth
Next on this list of Best Romantic Restaurants in Denver is The Plimoth (2335 E 28th Ave) – another New American restaurant to check out in the City North Park area of Denver for a date.
The menu encompasses influences from French and Italian cuisine, with an emphasis placed on seasonal and local ingredients with a modern flare added to each dish.
Start with a French onion soup, cave aged gruyere with emmenthal cheeses and crouton.
Next indulge in the sweet yam and potato pave, ‘blanquette de champignon’, braised leeks, endive and egg garni.
Finish off with a Gianduja pot du crème and candied hazelnut Chantilly.
The Plimoth has a rustic layout in a quaint setting and farm-like building, with brick walls behind the bar and fairy lights on the outside seating area.
A5 Steakhouse
One of the newest restaurants in Denver, A5 Steakhouse, puts a new twist on your traditional steakhouse with its eccentric atmosphere and ultra-sleek design.
You’ll want to visit this restaurant with your loved one for the simple fact of having to try the delicious meats and immersing yourself in the playful atmosphere that include the Balinese-wooden accents, organic indoor plants surrounding the restaurant and bar, an industrial outlay with brick walls, and a pop of color with their signature bright green tones throughout the restaurant.
Menu items include some of the most quality meats offered, such as the highest rating wagyu beef from Japan, an American line of wagyu, and grass-fed beef.