25 Fancy Restaurants in Denver, Colorado for 2024

The Mile-High City gets its nickname thanks to its elevation above sea level, but that's not all that's elevated in this popular city. Dozens of fancy restaurants in Denver provide a heightened experience to diners seeking a special night out. 

In fact, there are so many fancy restaurants in Denver that you may have a hard time choosing just one, but don't worry — whichever you visit, you can’t go wrong. Whichever Rocky Mountain high you’re looking for, you're bound to find it at one of these fancy restaurants in Denver, Colorado. 

 Jump to Section

• The 25 Fanciest Restaurants in Denver, Colorado
• Indulge in a Private Chef Meal in Denver

The 25 Fanciest Restaurants in Denver, Colorado

1. Mercantile Dining and Provision

Everything about Mercantile Dining and Provision is wide-open and sleek, with huge bay windows to let in light. Head Chef Alex Seidel, a recipient of the prestigious James Beard award, focuses on seasonality and quality local ingredients at this fancy restaurant in Denver.  

The Vibe 

This fancy restaurant in Denver has a rather unusual location inside a working train station and as such, it has exactly the stylish utilitarian look you might expect. White tiles, warm wood and chalkboard menus add an air of ease and familiarity to an elegant menu and clientele.  

What to Order 

Lamb with turnip sauce — the state of Colorado happens to do lamb very well and so do the chefs at this fancy restaurant in Denver — or the fan-favorite Niman Ranch prime strip loin. Afterward, stop by the adjacent market to grab a flaky croissant. 

Mercantile Dining and Provision | 1701 Wynkoop St., Ste. 155, Denver, CO 80202 | $$$$

2. Uchi Denver 

Uchi means “home” in Japanese, and that is exactly what Uchi Denver aspires to be: a comfortable place to try impeccably prepared sushi and sashimi. Helmed by James Beard award winner Tyson Cole, this fancy restaurant in Denver is an inviting but elegant choice for an upscale dining experience. 

The Vibe 

Uchi's atmosphere is all Japanese-inspired minimalism, replete with exposed wood and neutral tones for an elegant simplicity that perfectly suits its menu. Sit at this fancy Denver restaurant’s sushi bar for an up-close-and-personal experience as chefs prepare meals before your eyes. 

What to Order 

If it’s fine dining you’re after (and at this fancy restaurant in Denver, you must be), go all the way and order the tasting menu. For the set price of $150, you’ll get ten courses and dessert, all prepared at the chef’s discretion and all beautifully plated. 

Uchi Denver | 2500 Lawrence St., Denver, CO 80205 | $$$$

3. El Five 

Tapas bar El Five is one of the Edible Beats group of restaurants, which focuses on sustainable, plant-based cuisine. This fancy restaurant in Denver receives rave reviews for serving Spanish tapas in a spectacular top-floor setting with a skyline view.  

The Vibe 

In its penthouse setting, funky El Five sparkles: an interior enlivened by colorful murals, geometric designs and clean lines overlooks the city for an unbeatable night-time view. There are no white tablecloths at this bold, colorful tapas spot; this fancy restaurant in Denver contends that fine dining can be much less fussy and much more fun than you’d expect. 

What to Order 

For a taste of Spain, try the seafood paella. For something a bit different, El Five’s menu incorporates flavors from across the Mediterranean, like the much-loved Moroccan lamb skewers.

El Five | 2930 Umatilla St., Unit #500, Denver, CO 80211 | $$$$

4. Fire Restaurant & Lounge 

Attached to Art Hotel, Fire Restaurant & Lounge brings the artsy originality of its setting into the dining room. With a hip, airy setting, this fancy restaurant in Denver is one of the city’s trendiest places for a top-notch meal. 

The Vibe  

Both indoor and outdoor seating at Fire Restaurant & Lounge are impossibly chic. Inside, you’ll look out over the city from a smart, minimalist-mod dining room through walls of windows, taking your pick between table seating in a wide-open space or a cozy armchair around a fire pit. Either way, you’ll feel as hip as the setting. 

What to Order 

This fancy restaurant in Denver is widely praised for its salmon; start your meal with fried goat cheese. At breakfast, go for the avocado toast. This is the perfect spot to savor delicious Denver food.

Fire Restaurant & Lounge | 1201 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203 | $$$

5. Brutø 

A fancy restaurant in Denver that reinterprets its "upscale" label, Brutø’s brutalism is about breaking the art of dining down to its simplest elements and seeing what emerges. The results, from the atmosphere to the tasting menu, are spectacular.

The Vibe 

Brutø takes nods from the Brutalist movement in some elements of its design: exposed ventilation, lots of bare concrete, a neutral color palette and a distinct lack of adornment. The expansive space allows diners to take in the unique aesthetic of this fancy restaurant in Denver before seeing how well the concept meshes with those presented in the food. 

What to Order 

If you’re exploring things to do in Denver, add Brutø to your list. This fancy restaurant in Denver exclusively serves a prix-fixe tasting menu that’s worth every cent.

Brutø | 1801 Blake St., Denver, 80202, USA | $$$$

6. Jack’s on Pearl 

Offering two distinct dining experiences, Jack’s on Pearl gives you options for fine dining. Winner of the 2024 Rare Competitions People Choice award for best seafood dish, this is a fancy restaurant in Denver where you’ll be treated to classic steakhouse fare as well as a sashimi bar, all in a refined setting.  

The Vibe 

Though elegant, the dining room at this fancy restaurant in Denver is contemporary and on-trend and the casual floor upstairs adds a relaxed air to the experience you’ll get here. Jack’s on Pearl is a ritzy place, but it’s not a pretentious one. 

What to Order  

You probably chose Jack’s for the steak, but you won’t regret taking a chance on the dry-aged sashimi combo. Made with aged tuna and glutinous black “forbidden rice,” it’s a top-notch addition to the expected steakhouse menu.  

Jack’s on Pearl | 1475 S. Pearl St., Denver, CO 80210 | $$$

7. Panzano  

Set in the glamorous Monaco Hotel, Panzano is another upscale hotel eatery that focuses on Italian cuisine made with sustainable, locally produced ingredients. A small space and elegant design lend this fancy restaurant in Denver an air of sophistication. 

The Vibe 

Cozy but immaculate, a hemmed-in space where elegance and warmth are not at all at odds. This fancy restaurant in Denver is lively but not hectic and posh but approachable — just like the menu. 

What to Order 

If you’re indecisive, fret not — Panzano offers a Theatre prix fixe menu, so you can delegate your decision-making to the kitchen and enjoy whatever the seasonal menu has to offer. Don't sleep on the tiramisú, it's by far the best way to end your meal.

Panzano | 909 17th St., Denver, CO 80202 | $$$ 

8. Wildflower  

While its focus is on local and plant-based food, Wildflower takes its inspiration from further afield — namely, the Italian and Mexican immigrants who founded the surrounding neighborhood. That concept has proven so alluring that this fancy restaurant in Denver requires reservations, so plan ahead if you want to snag a table. 

The Vibe 

Vintage, in the best possible way. The design of this fancy restaurant in Denver evokes mid-century elegance with Southwestern touches. The dimly-lit dining areas create an intimate atmosphere perfect for a romantic meal or a muted celebration. 

What to Order 

The Sicilian risotto with rabbit and the moulard duck are some fan favorites. With the Bouquet of Wildflowers tasting, you will be able to try several of this fancy Denver restaurant’s specialties without the pressure of choice.

Wildflower | 3638 Navajo St., Denver, CO 80211 | $$$$ 

9. Mizuna 

This fancy restaurant in Denver claims, “There is such a thing as a perfect dining experience. We provide it.” It’s a lofty claim, but one that diners and critics alike would attest to. Mizuna’s intimate setting and elegant French menu are many diners’ ideas of the quintessential culinary experience, celebrated nationwide. 

The Vibe 

An intimate atmosphere is integral to the concept and design of the self-described “neighborhood eatery” Mizuna. It’s a tiny place where white tablecloths and clean aesthetics set the scene for a memorable meal. Despite the pared-back vibe, guests here should fully expect a fancy restaurant in Denver.

What to Order 

Give Mizuna's famous lobster macaroni and cheese a try. If you don’t mind surprises, the best fine-dining experience here can be enjoyed via the multi-course pre-fixe tasting menu — sit back and let Mizuna’s kitchen show you why it’s so acclaimed. 

Mizuna | 225 E. 7th Ave., Denver, CO 80203 | $$$$ 

10. Rioja  

Mediterranean-influenced Rioja is both happening and elegant, but not above offering takeout, and that makes it all the more enjoyable to dine here. Fine dining without an ounce of pretense, this fancy restaurant in Denver is a welcoming place for knockout takes on classic meals from around the Mediterranean. 

The Vibe 

Whitewashed brick walls and a simple color palette with pops of green: Rioja’s interior is eye-catching without taking the attention off its spectacularly plated dishes. You won’t easily forget that this fancy restaurant in Denver is a classy place, but you also won’t feel like you’re eating your ravioli in a museum.  

What to Order  

Tender braised short rib or Amish chicken, both served with a generous array of tasteful sides, make for a filling entrée. For dessert, go for the beignets. 

Rioja | 1431 Larimer St., Denver, CO 80202 | $$$ 

11. Ocean Prime 

Landlocked Colorado might not be the place you associate most closely with seafood, but Ocean Prime challenges that perception with a top-notch surf-and-turf menu. One of several Ocean Prime outposts nationwide, this fancy restaurant in Denver is a posh place for a taste of the ocean hundreds of miles from the shore. 

The Vibe 

Classy, with service to match. Everything about Ocean Prime screams old-fashioned elegance. It's the kind of steakhouse you’d visit to mark a very special occasion. Come to this fancy restaurant in Denver for the lobster and stay for the attentive service. 

What to Order 

The chilled oysters are an elegant choice and a consistent favorite of Ocean Prime customers. For your main, if you're in the mood for seafood, order the sea bass. Fancy something more "turf?" The ribeye will hit the spot!

Ocean Prime | Multiple Locations | $$$$

12. Palace Arms 

The setting alone makes a meal at Palace Arms one of the most unique dining experiences in Denver — you’ll think you’ve stepped into a 19th-century Parisian salon. This fancy restaurant in Denver is as memorable for its theme (name another fine dining establishment that takes its design inspiration from the Napoleonic era) as it is for its exquisite farm-to-table menu. 

The Vibe 

As gilt, ornate and French-patriotic as you would expect a restaurant called the Palace Arms to be. At this fancy Denver restaurant, the continental atmosphere is a big part of the appeal. Expect roomy armchairs and more gold in the décor than your eyes can properly appreciate.  

What to Order 

For a meal as posh as the setting, try the caviar dip — nothing says refinement like caviar in an elegant European-style dining room. Shepherd's pie or wagyu tenderloin would be excellent choices for a diner hoping for heartier fare. 

Palace Arms |  321 17th St., Denver, CO 80202 | $$$$

13. Elway’s Downtown 

Looking for a slick steakhouse? If so, Elway’s Downtown has you covered. Think impeccable cuts of meat, an extensive wine list and a classy setting. In short, it's nothing less than you’d expect from a fancy Denver restaurant, especially one that's partnered with the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. 

The Vibe 

Anything with the Ritz-Carlton name attached calls for class. Dress to the nines when visiting this fancy restaurant in Denver and, when you arrive, prepare to enjoy a refined atmosphere and impeccable service.  

What to Order  

No steakhouse is too elegant for truffle fries and this fancy restaurant in Denver has them down to a science. If steak isn’t your current craving, try the lamb chop fondue, a local specialty served with green chile fondue, sweet potato and Chimayo chips.

Elway’s Downtown | 1881 Curtis St., Denver, CO 80202 | $$$$ 

14. Fruition Restaurant 

Another brainchild of James Beard award-winning Chef Alex Seidel, Fruition Restaurant reflects its owner’s philosophy of using what is local and in season to prepare elegant, memorable meals. With a heavy focus on Colorado ingredients, this fancy restaurant in Denver is Michelin Guide-listed and a sophisticated choice for a special occasion.  

The Vibe 

Visually simple with an open dining room layout and minimalistic décor, Fruition Restaurant’s unpretentious aesthetic lets the food shine. Though the impressive menu will continually remind you that you’re eating at one of Denver’s fanciest restaurants, you could easily forget it in the dining room's relaxed but polished atmosphere. 

What to Order  

The menu at this fancy restaurant in Denver varies seasonally. If available, the swordfish schnitzel is a perennial favorite. 

Fruition Restaurant | 1313 E. 6th Ave., Denver, 80218, USA | $$$$ 

15. Tavernetta 

An inviting Italian spot in Denver’s Union Station area, Tavernetta’s strongest points are its warm hospitality, extensive wine list and well-made renditions of the classics.​​ This fancy restaurant in Denver aims to capture the warmth of Italian hospitality while maintaining an elegant atmosphere in which to enjoy a special night out. 

The Vibe 

Tavernetta is always bustling and with a view of historic Union Station for those who choose an outdoor seat, there’s never a dull moment here. It feels sharp and polished, yet wonderfully relaxed. 

What to Order 

Start with focaccia and then indulge in some of the pasta offerings. Costumers rave about the agnolotti and the gnocchi. If you're a seafood fan, don't sleep on the branzino.

Tavernetta | 1889 16th St. Mall, Denver, 80202, USA | $$

16. Beckon 

A highly exclusive, reservations-only fine dining restaurant where the menu changes with the seasons, Beckon serves multi-course meals in an intimate setting. More than just another fancy restaurant in Denvero, Co, a trip here offers an immersive dining experience.

The Vibe 

If you manage to snag a coveted reservation at this RiNo Denver restaurant, you’ll sit at the chef’s counter, where you can watch your meal being prepared. You’ll be treated to a series of beautifully-plated, one-bite courses crafted to harmonize with the seasons. No stone is left unturned here and you won’t soon forget how lucky you were to have gotten a seat. 

What to Order  

Since Beckon serves a pre-fixe menu, there’s no need to worry about planning your order ahead of time. 

Beckon | 2843 Larimer St., Denver, 80205, USA | $$$$ 

17. A5 Steakhouse 

Michelin Guide-listed A5 Steakhouse invites you to consider what’s on your plate, with thoughtfully chosen suppliers and ingredients that bridge the gap between farm and table. Located in a region rich in cattle-raising history, this fancy restaurant in Denver serves premium cuts that don't have to travel far to reach your plate.

The Vibe  

Bright, modern, funky and slick, with few frills but much style. Service is attentive and presentation is elegant but simple. When you’re choosing what to wear to this fancy restaurant in Denver, you’ll want to aim for dressy-casual.  

What to Order  

Start with the Char Siu bacon, featuring slow-cooked pork belly, bok choy, lemon aioli, and peanut crunch. For your entrée, while any steak would satisfy, the bavette with chimichurri is a customer favorite. 

A5 Steakhouse | 1600 15th St., Denver, 80202, USA | $$$$

18. Potager  

This fancy restaurant in Denver resists classification: it does not identify with a particular cuisine or technique and the menu is not bound to a certain category of food or part of the world. All that holds the menu together is a commitment to cooking with what is local and in-season, an ethos that's made Potager a local favorite for nearly three decades. 

The Vibe 

Small, intimate and popular enough that you will definitely want a reservation. If the weather permits, ask for a patio seat in the back garden for a more relaxed experience. 

What to Order  

Since Potager is committed to using seasonal ingredients, the menu is constantly changing and you’ll have to see what’s on offer when you dine. That said, the gargouillou (a variety plate of seasonal vegetables) is usually available and consistently impresses. 

Potager | 1109 Ogden St., Denver, CO 80218 | $$$

19. Guard and Grace

An elegant but unfussy steakhouse, Michelin Guide-recommended Guard and Grace takes its name from the head Chef, Troy Guard and his daughter Grace. Though elegant, this fancy restaurant in Denver aspires to welcome diners with sincerity and warmth, which is often hard to find in the picture-perfect world of fine dining. 

The Vibe 

While you’ll likely want to dress up for the occasion, Guard and Grace isn’t the kind of place where you’ll be turned away at the door for wearing athletic shoes with your slacks, or where you’ll feel like you’re in a museum and can’t touch anything. This fancy restaurant in Denver creates an inviting space that doesn’t sacrifice elegance for hospitality and with its relaxed warmth, a meal at Guard and Grace is one of the best Denver birthday ideas. 

What to Order  

To start, try the oak grilled octopus with a white bean and celery salad, Spanish chorizo, sherry vinaigrette and red pepper sauce. If you’d like to try multiple cuts of meat, the filet flight is an excellent choice, featuring a sampling of prime, wagyu and grass-fed 4 oz filets.

Guard and Grace | 1801 California St., Denver, 80202, USA | $$$$ 

20. ChoLon Downtown 

Named after a famous market in Saigon, ChoLon is a high-end spot that evokes the variety and freshness of that Vietnamese market with its creative menu of Asian fusion dishes. Come for a swanky night out, stay for the dumplings. 

The Vibe 

ChoLon is as bustling as its namesake, with a simple but creatively designed interior that lends itself just as well to large-group dining as it does to intimate date nights. Expect dim lighting and elegant hardwood touches at this fancy restaurant in Denver. 

What to Order  

Stick to traditional dishes with pork belly bao or kaya toast, a beloved breakfast food in Singapore. For something more playful and modern, try the wagyu kebabs or the French onion soup dumplings. 

ChoLon Downtown | 1555 Blake St, Ste. 101, Denver, CO 80202 | $$$ 

21. Matsuhisa Denver 

Helmed by celebrity Chef Matsuhisa Nobu — yes, that Nobu! — Matsuhisa Denver takes pride in elegant presentation, top-notch ingredients and perfect preparation. It's really no surprise that it's made it to our list of fancy restaurants in Denver!

The Vibe  

As simple and elegant as its cuisine, Matsuhisa Denver is a restaurant where you won’t want to talk too loudly, dress too casually, or eat too quickly. If you’re celebrating an occasion that calls for slowing down and savoring a meal, this fancy restaurant in Denver would fit the bill perfectly. 

What to Order 

Traditional Japanese fine dining is often prepared at the chef’s discretion. With this in mind, when visiting this fancy restaurant in Denver, diners in the know recommend The Experience — a chef-directed omakase-style meal.  

Matsuhisa Denver | 98 Steele St., Denver, CO 80206 | $$$$

22. Barolo Grill  

Italian restaurants may be common, but Barolo Grill stands out by honoring Italy's regional traditions, focusing on dishes from northern Italy’s Piemonte region. This dedication to authentic cuisine earned this fancy restaurant in Denver a spot in the Michelin Guide.

The Vibe 

Elegant but unfussy, Barolo Grill ushers diners into a classic fine-dining atmosphere with its white tablecloths, elegant place settings and open-air wine storage. If a romantic evening is what you’re after, a visit to this fancy restaurant in Denver would be a wonderful date idea in Denver. 

What to Order 

For something you won’t find in every Italian restaurant, try the braised duck. The fritto misto (fried seafood and vegetables) would be another great choice. If you have any room left at the end of the night, fill it with a decadent slice of cheesecake.

Barolo Grill | 3030 E. 6th Ave., Denver, 80206, USA | $$$$ 

23. Restaurant Olivia  

Most people wouldn’t associate the simple, hearty comfort of a pasta dinner with fine dining, but when that pasta is made fresh daily in-house, you have an experience worth splurging on. At Restaurant Olivia, you have the chance to do just that. With warm service, fresh pasta and fine wine, this fancy restaurant in Denver elevates Italian comfort food to an art form. 

The Vibe 

Picture a classic, white-tablecloth Italian eatery and dim the lights. This is Restaurant Olivia in a nutshell. This fancy restaurant in Denver is a place for dressing up and relishing hushed conversation.

What to Order 

There’s nothing wrong with sticking to what you know, especially when it’s as good as Restaurant Olivia’s ravioli or tagliatelle bolognese. If you didn’t believe that your comfort dishes could seem at home on a date-night table, let this fancy restaurant in Denver convince you otherwise. 

Olivia | 290 S. Downing St., Denver, 80209, USA | $$$

24. Capital Grille 

A classic steakhouse, Capital Grille has white tablecloths, gold-framed paintings and an extensive wine selection. This fancy restaurant in Denver is the kind of place you’d celebrate an anniversary or graduation — a classy joint where the light is dim and warm, the cocktails come in fluted glasses and everything you order is plated to perfection. 

The Vibe  

A meal at Capital Grille comes with a dress code: this fancy restaurant in Denver does not allow uncovered undergarments, tank tops, athletic clothes, shorts or anything “excessively revealing.” That’ll give you a pretty clear taste of the kind of ritzy atmosphere to expect. 

What to Order 

Lobster mac and cheese for a perfect marriage of comfort and poshness. Alternatively, nothing says fine dining like lobster tails! If you’re more into steak, the bone-in Kona-crusted New York strip is another menu highlight. And don’t miss the creme brulée cheesecake for dessert.  

Capital Grille | 1450 Larimer St., Denver, CO 80202 | $$$$ 

25. Noisette  

Michelin Guide-listed Noisette set out to bring classic French comfort food to U.S. diners without sacrificing elegance. This fancy restaurant in Denver channels a Rococo salon vibe, offering a refined take on “cuisine bourgeoise”—hearty, traditional French dishes elevated with extraordinary presentation.

The Vibe 

Pastel, airy and beautifully appointed, the kind of place you’d visit before a night at the opera. When dining at this fancy restaurant in Denver, dress accordingly and keep conversations to a hush.

What to Order 

Meals at this fancy restaurant in Denver are filling but exquisite. You might try rabbit leg or duck breast, two hearty specialties you won’t often find elsewhere. Stop at the adjacent bakery afterward for an elegant pastry to end your meal.

Noisette | 3254 Navajo St. Ste. 100, Denver, CO 80211 | $$$

Indulge in a Private Chef Meal in Denver

If you need any more options to choose from, there is one more way to indulge in fine dining: hiring private chefs in Denver. Prepared by an expert chef in the comfort of your home, a meal from a private chef lets you indulge in expertly prepared cuisine without the dress code some one of the fanciest restaurants in Denver require.  

Whether you’re looking for a night on the town or a chance to boost your culinary know-how, culinary experiences in Mile High City are consistently excellent, with plenty of places to enjoy a high-class meal. Where will your exploration of fancy restaurants in Denver, Colorado take you next?

For more ways to explore Denver and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.