136 |^5280 |^ MAY 2018
25 BEST Departure Denver Restaurant
& Lounge $$$$
Cherry Creek / Asian This Portland import serves stun-
ning Asian fare in a modern, sleek space. Celebrity chef
Gregory Gourdet balances flavor, texture, and spice in
dishes like crispy whole sea bass with green mango.
Reservations accepted. 249 Columbine St., 720-772-- Breakfast, Dinner, Brunch
25 BEST Dio Mio $$
RiNo / Italian One thing you can count on at Alex
Figura and Spencer White’s fast-casual Italian eatery:
pasta. Try approachable takes on traditional plates such
as cacio e pepe. Reservations accepted for parties of
eight or more. 3264 Larimer St., 303-562-1965. DinnerDomo Restaurant $$$
Lincoln Park / Asian Enjoy authentic Japanese country
foods in a traditional setting. Reservations not accepted.
1365 Osage St., 303-595-3666. Lunch, DinnerDos Santos $$$
City Park / Mexican The menu features light, seafood-
centric dishes like a green taco made with lime-cured
shrimp, tomatillo sauce, and cucumber. Reservations
not accepted. 1475 E. 17th Ave., 303-386-3509. Lunch,
Dinner, BrunchDuo Restaurant $$$
Highland / Contemporary With Duo, owners Stepha-
nie Bonin and Keith Arnold have captured the true
essence of the neighborhood restaurant. The seasonal
cuisine constantly surprises and comforts, and dessert is
worth a visit in itself. Reservations accepted. 2413 W.
32nd Ave., 303-477-4141. Dinner, BrunchD
D Bar $$$
Uptown Area / Contemporary Chefs Keegan
Gerhard and Lisa Bailey produce exquisite desserts and
modern comfort food. Reservations accepted. 494 E.
19th Ave., 303-861-4710. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
BrunchDae Gee $$
Congress Park / Korean Enjoy bold and authentic
Korean flavors and grill-it-at-your-table barbecue at this
Congress Park eatery. Order the spicy pork bulgogi or
try the bibimbap rice bowl. Multiple locations. Reserva-
tions accepted. 827 Colorado Blvd., 720-639-9986.
Lunch, DinnerDel Frisco’s Grille $$$$
Cherry Creek / Contemporary A more casual itera-
tion of the beloved steak house, this venue serves up
classic dishes with modern twists and local ingredients.
Don’t miss the cheese steak egg rolls. Reservations
accepted. 100 St. Paul St., Ste. 140, 303-320-8529.
Lunch, Dinner, BrunchDenver Central Market $$
RiNo / Global This RiNo marketplace features 11
vendors with dining options ranging from ceviche to ice
cream. Take your pick from Crema Bodega, Culture
Meat & Cheese, Curio Bar, Greenseed Market, High
Point Creamery, Izzio’s Bakery, Tammen’s Fish Market,
SK Provisions, Temper Chocolate, Vero Pizza and Pasta,
and the Local Butcher. 2669 Larimer St.,. Breakfast,
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch25 BEST Concourse Restaurant Moderne $$$
Stapleton / Contemporary ChoLon chef Lon
Symensma and chef Luke Bergman offer a European-
style menu at their chic Stapleton eatery. Don’t miss the
pasta. Reservations accepted. 10195 E. 29th Drive, Ste.
140, 720-550-6934. Lunch, Dinner, BrunchCoohills $$$
Downtown / French Enjoy the French-inspired cuisine
made with local, sustainable products as you sip cock-
tails in a dining room that opens right onto Cherry
Creek. Reservations accepted. 1400 Wewatta St.,
303-623-5700. DinnerThe Cooper Lounge $$
Downtown / Seafood This Union Station speakeasy
overlooks the Great Hall. Order bites like wagyu steak
tartare from chef Lon Symensma. Reservations recom-
mended. 1701 Wynkoop St., 720-460-3738. Dinner
25 BEST Coperta $$$
Uptown Area / Italian Tuck into comforting Italian fare
at this restaurant, which celebrates the cuisine of Rome
and Southern Italy. Try the pollo allo diavolo or the
spaghetti carbonara. Reservations accepted. 400 E.
20th Ave., 720-749-4666. Lunch, DinnerNEW Corrida $$$$
Boulder / Spanish Housed on the rooftop level of
Boulder’s PearlWest building, this elegant Spanish steak
house offers stunning views and fabulous cocktails and
wines. Splurge on Japanese wagyu or opt for a locally
sourced steak and pair your meat with veggie-forward
tapas, such as marinated carrots. Reservations accepted.
1023 Walnut St., Ste. #400, 303-444-1333. Dinner