Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Denver

16 restaurants available nearby

1. Venice Ristorante

4.8

Exceptional(4789)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Tech Center / Greenwood Village

Booked 44 times today

Venice Ristorante in Greenwood Village is a treasure trove of contemporary Italian cuisine, offering a dining experience that blends authentic Italian flavors with a modern twist. Patrons rave about the "exceptional meals" and "incredible service," making it a standout in the Denver area. The restaurant is celebrated for dishes like "the best ever zabaglione" and "delicious lasagna," with ingredients that reflect high-quality preparation. The ambiance is described as "great" with a "fabulous" wine selection, ensuring a perfect pairing for every dish. Whether it's a special occasion or a casual outing, Venice Ristorante promises an unforgettable Italian dining experience with every visit.

2. Undici Ristorante

4.8

Exceptional(1462)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Englewood

Booked 9 times today

At Undici Ristorante in Englewood, the essence of Contemporary Italian cuisine is brought to life with a delightful twist on Italian classics. Diners rave about the “excellent service and cleanliness” and describe the food as “extremely yummy with well-sized portions.” The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident, with guests frequently complimenting the “amazing” atmosphere and “fabulous” staff. The menu, rich with dishes like polenta with shrimp and homemade rigatoni, showcases the authentic and innovative spirit of Italian cooking. A standout feature is the well-curated wine list, perfect for pairing with their exquisite meals. Undici Ristorante is a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier Italian dining experience in Englewood.

3. Saverina

4.1

Excellent(58)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Greenwood Village

Booked 8 times today

Saverina is a neighborhood restaurant in the heart of Belleview Station. Chef Christian Graves brings the spirit of Italian cooking to your plate by way of local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients. Our wine list, with a focus on Italian labels and California reds, is the highlight of our beverage program, but we can’t help but champion our thoughtful selection of local beers, classic cocktails, and aperitifs. In our lively dining room, we celebrate the beauty of simplicity—that of delicious food and drinks made with intention, warm and welcoming hospitality, and friends gathered together to enjoy it all. Complimentary Valet

4. Tavernetta

4.7

Exceptional(170)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Downtown / LoDo

Booked 73 times today

Nestled in the heart of Denver's vibrant Union Station neighborhood, Tavernetta offers a slice of Italy with its authentic cuisine that has garnered accolades from the James Beard Foundation and the Michelin Guide. Guests rave about the "truly delicious" homemade focaccia and the "innovative and uniquely presented" dishes like mushroom lasagna and tagliatelle lobster pasta. Praised for its "phenomenal dining experience," Tavernetta delights with its extensive wine list and exceptional service, making every visit memorable. As one patron put it, "Everything was perfect," capturing the essence of Tavernetta's commitment to bringing the best of Italian dining to Denver.

A photo of North Italia – Denver restaurant

5. North Italia – Denver

4.8

Exceptional(4300)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Cherry Creek

Booked 102 times today

At North Italia in Denver's Cherry Creek neighborhood, the art of authentic Italian cuisine is celebrated with exceptional flair. Specializing in Pizzeria, North Italia's menu features pizzas that are a true testament to traditional Italian cooking, beautifully blended with modern touches. Guests rave about the "Funghi Pizza," described as "one of the best pizzas tasted anywhere," with its perfect crust and a hint of truffle oil that elevates it above the ordinary. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident, as everything is made from scratch using seasonal ingredients, ensuring each dish bursts with flavor. North Italia's vibrant atmosphere and outstanding service make it a standout destination for anyone craving genuine Italian pizza in Denver.

A photo of Odyssey Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar restaurant

6. Odyssey Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar

4.7

Exceptional(3260)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Central

Booked 33 times today

Nestled in the heart of Central Denver, Odyssey Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar offers a unique dining experience that blends Sicilian and Classic Italian flavors with a contemporary twist. Housed in a historic Victorian Mansion, Odyssey is renowned for its vibrant ambiance and exceptional service. Patrons rave about their culinary experiences, highlighting dishes like the "lobster ravioli" and "bone-in lamb shank on flat pasta" as nothing short of spectacular. With glowing reviews like "the best Italian restaurant in Denver," and comments praising the unbeatable Monday pasta deal, Odyssey ensures every meal is memorable. Whether it's the attentive service, the exquisite flavors, or the cozy, family-operated atmosphere, Odyssey Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar stands out as a top destination for Contemporary Italian cuisine.

7. Barolo Grill

4.8

Exceptional(3824)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Cherry Creek

Booked 31 times today

Barolo Grill in Cherry Creek, Denver, stands out as a beacon of authentic Northern Italian cuisine. This award-winning restaurant prides itself on a menu that changes seasonally, featuring hand-crafted dishes from the Northern Italian provinces of Piedmont and Tuscany, using locally sourced ingredients. Reviewers rave about their experiences, mentioning "the best appetizer of my entire life" and "unbelievable cheesecake" among their culinary highlights. The attention to detail extends to their Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning wine cellar, with an extensive selection of Barolo wines, enhancing the dining experience. The knowledgeable staff, including praised servers like Gage and Tyler, offer personalized wine pairings, making each meal at Barolo Grill not just a dinner, but an authentic Italian celebration.

A photo of Venice Ristorante & Wine Bar restaurant

8. Venice Ristorante & Wine Bar

4.8

Exceptional(4430)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Downtown / LoDo

Booked 29 times today

Venice Ristorante & Wine Bar in Downtown Denver is a true gem for wine lovers and enthusiasts of authentic Italian cuisine. With an impressive selection featuring over 800 wines from around the globe, including 500 Italian varieties, this venue stands out as a premier Wine Bar. Patrons rave about the "outstanding wine list" and the knowledgeable staff who help navigate the extensive options. Whether you're enjoying a casual happy hour or a special dinner, the expert pairing of exquisite wines with flavorful Italian dishes ensures a memorable experience. Reviews consistently praise the venue, noting it as "the only authentic Italian restaurant in Denver" with a wine program that is "very nice" and a bar area that is "lively and fun!" This makes Venice Ristorante & Wine Bar a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier wine and dining experience.

9. Bar Dough

4.5

Awesome(1324)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Highlands

Booked 16 times today

Bar Dough in Denver's vibrant Highlands neighborhood has quickly become a beacon for those seeking exceptional Pizzeria cuisine. With Chef Stefy DeVita at the helm, this local gem crafts wood-fired pizzas that truly stand out, thanks to the high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients from Colorado's rich agricultural scene. Diners rave about the Salsiccia pizza, highlighting its perfect blend of flavors and authentic Italian touch. Reviews consistently praise not only the food but the atmosphere and service, describing it as "absolutely fantastic" and noting that the dishes, especially the pizza, are "worth the wait." Bar Dough's commitment to providing a top-tier dining experience is reflected in its thoughtful service and creatively curated menu, making it a must-visit for anyone craving genuine, delicious pizza in Denver.

A photo of Washington Park Grille restaurant

10. Washington Park Grille

4.5

Awesome(3358)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Washington Park

Booked 21 times today

Washington Park Grille, nestled in the charming neighborhood of Washington Park, Denver, is a culinary gem for those seeking authentic and exceptional Italian cuisine. Zagat praises its "good food" and "cheerful" ambiance, making it a local favorite. Diners consistently rave about the quality and creativity of the dishes, from the "exceptional" Barada appetizer to the "ridiculously delicious" tiramisu. The restaurant offers a diverse menu that includes perfectly prepared pastas and a variety of Italian specialties that keep guests returning. As one patron put it, the "lobster a la Vodka" and "lasagna" are must-tries, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to blending traditional Italian flavors with innovative twists. Washington Park Grille is truly a culinary destination, celebrated for making each dining experience memorable with its atmospheric charm and top-notch Italian fare.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
Richardvip
Greater Boston •23 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Excellent food, excellent service but be aware Manhattan prices.
More info
TavernettaPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Downtown / LoDo
•
4.7
B
Brandonvip
Denver / Colorado •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
My family has dined at this location 3-4 times/month for the past couple of years. Food is always outstanding! If I had to grasp for something to complain about, parking can occasionally be a challenge, but that’s to be expected in any popular area. North has fabulous food with a casual and enjoyable atmosphere at a reasonable price.
More info
North Italia – DenverPrice: Moderate• Italian• Cherry Creek
•
4.8
L
Lizvip
Denver / Colorado •464 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We enjoyed another lovely dinner at Venice. The service, food & wine are all outstanding. The gracious, welcoming manner of Aldo, the manager, just makes the evening special! We love sharing the beef carpaccio appetizer, which is just the right size for the 2 of us. For entrees we had the lasagna and sausage ravioli. Our favorite server moved on as manager of Alessandro's other restaurant in DTC, Chianti, but we very much liked the server we had this night. Giancarlo's wine pairing with our dinner was excellent, as always.
More info
Venice RistorantePrice: Moderate• Italian• Tech Center / Greenwood Village
•
4.8
J
Jerryvip
Denver / Colorado •111 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
A lasting favorite place with excellent service and good food. Both of our pastas seemed a bit salty, but not sure if that was with lots of added parmigiana. Early dinner hour was great because we could have a comfortable conversation with old friends without busy commotion of other guests around. Recommend highly!
More info
Undici RistorantePrice: Expensive• Italian• Englewood
•
4.8
ML
ML15
Denver / Colorado •47 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 17, 2024
The pasta rivaled Restaurant Olivia which is Michelin starred. Our waiter Kevin was amazing! Don’t hesitate to go.
More info
SaverinaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Greenwood Village
•
4.1

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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Denver

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16 restaurants available nearby

1. Venice Ristorante

2. Undici Ristorante

3. Saverina

4. Tavernetta

5. North Italia – Denver

6. Odyssey Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar

7. Barolo Grill

8. Venice Ristorante & Wine Bar

9. Bar Dough

10. Washington Park Grille

See what locals rave about

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