5 Best New Restaurants in Denver, Colorado that Locals Swear By

Denver’s dining scene has evolved into one of the most dynamic in the Mountain West, with ambitious chefs, serious cocktail programs, and a strong farm‑to‑table ethos.

These five relatively new or newly buzzy restaurants capture where the city is right now: creative, casual, and distinctly Denver.

1. Beckon

Beckon is an intimate, tasting‑menu restaurant that feels like a special occasion without slipping into stuffiness.

With limited seating and a counter-style layout around the open kitchen, you’re right in the middle of the action as chefs plate each course.

The menu changes seasonally and follows a set progression, often highlighting Colorado ingredients and Nordic-leaning techniques—think cured fish, thoughtfully handled root vegetables, precise sauces, and delicate desserts.

Wine pairings are a big part of the experience, with the team walking you through why each glass works with each dish.

2. Somebody People

Somebody People brings a bright, modern Mediterranean vibe to Denver’s plant‑forward dining.

The room is colorful and airy, with an easygoing energy that makes it just as suitable for a casual weeknight dinner as a celebratory night out.

The menu is vegetable‑driven (with many vegan options), showcasing pastas, roasted seasonal produce, and clever takes on small plates—crispy polenta, vibrant salads, and dips with house‑baked bread.

Flavors skew toward olive oil, citrus, herbs, and spice rather than heavy creams and cheeses, so you leave feeling satisfied but not weighed down.

3. Brutø

Tucked into the Dairy Block, Brutø is a chef’s-counter experience centered on live fire and carefully sourced ingredients.

Seating is limited, and you watch the small team cook over an open hearth, shaping each course right in front of you.

The menu tends to be a fixed or semi‑fixed tasting format, often exploring Latin American influences, heirloom grains, and house‑fermented elements.

Expect tortillas made from stone‑ground corn, grilled meats and vegetables treated with exceptional care, and dishes that feel both rustic and highly refined.

4. Mister Oso

Mister Oso is a playful, Latin‑inspired spot where the energy is high, the decor is fun, and the tacos and small plates are the stars.

It’s an easy choice for groups, date night, or a casual evening with a few rounds of cocktails.

The menu leans into tacos with inventive fillings, shareable snacks like aguachile or queso, and larger plates that riff on Latin American street food and coastal flavors.

Cocktails are bright and fruit‑forward—mezcal margaritas, palomas, and seasonal creations built around fresh juices and chiles.

5. Sunday Vinyl

From the team behind some of Denver’s most respected restaurants, Sunday Vinyl is part wine bar, part European café, part listening lounge. Vinyl records spin all evening, and the soundtrack is treated as seriously as the food and drink. The menu features refined but approachable plates—cheeses and charcuterie, carefully composed salads, pastas, and mains like roast chicken or steak, all built to match the extensive wine list. Small plates and snacks make it easy to graze while you linger over a bottle or a glass.