The Best Place in Denver for Every Type of Cuisine

Denver’s not short on great restaurants, but what do you do when hunger hits hard and you’re longing for something specific? Sure, you could spend hours researching the city’s best tacos like Aziz Ansari, but that didn’t turn out so well for him. Instead, save yourself precious time that could be spent eating and check out our list of the best places to hit for whatever cuisine you’re craving.

 

Japanese: <a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venue/eat/denver/restaurants/sushi-den" target="_blank">Sushi Den

Platt Park

On top of just about everyone’s list when it comes to a sushi night out, this restaurant’s been open since 1984 and there’s good reason for its longevity. Over the years, brothers Toshi and Yasu Kizaki have redefined the way Denver eats Japanese (and seafood in general) with their commitment to sourcing only the freshest ocean fare. And if you’re not craving sushi in particular, you’re in luck. Sushi Den’s two sister restaurants are also on Pearl St and offer a different approach to this cuisine: the stunning Izakaya Den and newly resurrected OTOTO.

Bar Dough

Italian: <a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venue/eat/denver/restaurants/bar-dough" target="_blank">Bar Dough

Highland

Some of the Mile High city’s all-time best restaurants serve up Italian (Panzano and Osteria Marco are two that shouldn’t be forgotten), but it’s this newcomer to the dining scene has quickly become the go-to. Executive Chef Max MacKissock’s menu is filled with memorable dishes from the bright (in flavor and color) tri-color salad to the house-made pappardelle with lamb Bolognese and the lineup of perfectly scorched wood-fired pizzas.

Bistro Vendome

French: <a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venue/eat/denver/restaurants/bistro-vendome" target="_blank">Bistro Vendome

Larimer Square

Grief is slow process, and we’re admittedly still drying our tears after the closure last month of Le Central and the loss of its rightfully famous mussels and frites. But at Bistro Vendome, moving on is made easier thanks to a menu filled with French classics like escargot, bouillabaisse, and the resto's own mouthwatering version of mussels draped in garlic, herbs, and white wine, and served with grilled bread.

El Chingon

Mexican: <a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venue/eat/denver/restaurants/el-chingon" target="_blank">El Chingon Mexican Bistro

Berkeley

You can drive down any street in Denver and spot a Mexican restaurant (or three), but many seem to serve up the same greasy, sloppy plates. Not at El Chingon. From ceviche and enchiladas to the not-to-be-missed chile rellenos, this spot plates up carefully prepared Mexico City-style dishes with authentic flavors as the focus -- not electric-orange cheese.

Manuel Carlop Maxyn Flash/Thai Pot

Thai: <a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venues/eat/denver/restaurants/thai-pot-cafe" target="_blank">Thai Pot Cafe

Virginia Village

One mouthful of the food at this unassuming spot tucked into a strip mall and you’ll see why it’s more than worth dealing with the perpetual traffic on Colorado Blvd to get here. Whether you’re a spice-level 1 kind of person (we forgive you) or you like things full-on Thai hot, the warm embrace of deeply flavored dishes (like the rich green curry and pad kee mao with fresh noodles) add up to more than your average takeout.

Pho 95

Vietnamese: <a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venue/eat/denver/restaurants/pho-95" target="_blank">Pho 95

Mar Lee &amp; Centennial

We know that there’s a lot more to Vietnamese cuisine than just pho. But also, like most of Denver, we just can’t stop craving this ultimate comfort food. Even though there’s quality pho to be found on many corners in town, the family-owned Pho 95’s tender noodles, rich broth, and huge portions consistently keep us coming back.

Star Kitchen

Chinese: <a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venue/eat/denver/restaurants/star-kitchen" target="_blank">Star Kitchen

Athmar Park

Two words: dim sum. Want to order a heaping box filled with beef and broccoli covered in some kind of sweet sauce? Go right ahead. More steamed buns for us. If you’re ready to go beyond the typical American version of Chinese, this is your spot. It’s best to go with someone experienced, otherwise the idea of items like preserved duck eggs might keep you from something truly delicious. But otherwise, expect cart after cart filled with flavorful dumplings, veggies, seafood, desserts, and so much more.

Little India

Indian: <a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venues/eat/denver/restaurants/little-india" target="_blank">Little India

University &amp; Speer

If you’re willing to travel north a bit, both Zaika and Azitra in Broomfield admittedly win the Indian food battle on taste alone. And Biju’s Little Curry Shop in Five Points is redefining what it means to eat Indian food with its veggie-packed fast-casual set-up. But in Denver, Little India is the place to go for popular dishes like chicken tikka masala along with the requisite kitschy decor and lunch buffet that really make going out for Indian food a crave-worthy experience. Just be aware: flavors here tend to be on the tame side, so if you like spice, don’t forget to ask and you shall receive.

Tom's Home Cookin'

American: <a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venue/eat/denver/restaurants/toms-home-cookin" target="_blank">Tom’s Home Cookin’

Five Points

American, as a cuisine, is a bit hard to define. But straightforward comfort food is always a winner no matter where you’re from. Especially when it’s from Tom’s. This weekday, cash-only lunch spot serves up its fare in a Styrofoam box, but don’t let that fool you. The line out the door isn’t a fluke. Whether you’re going for Southern soul food classics like fried chicken and collard greens or the gigantic servings of meatloaf and mashed potatoes topped with mouthwatering gravy, just go soon -- rumor has it the owners have put the building up for sale which means there’s a chance that Tom’s may not be cookin’ much longer.

Dae Gee

Korean:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venue/eat/denver/restaurants/dae-gee" target="_blank">Dae Gee

Congress Park, Arvada &amp; Speer (opening soon)

Once a well-hidden secret stashed away in Arvada, the buzz on this place hasn’t died down since the opening of its second location off Colorado Blvd. A third is coming soon to Broadway, but even that may not be enough with all of Denver seemingly craving this restaurant’s delectable array of grilled meats. Definitely go all in with the all-you-can-eat option, and be sure to schedule time for a nap after.

Root Down

Vegetarian: <a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venue/drink/denver/bar/root-down" target="_blank">Root Down

Highland

Chef and restaurateur Justin Cucci brings energy to Denver dining with playful restaurants like Linger (housed in a former mortuary) and Ophelia’s (housed in a former brothel), but it’s his first endeavor, Root Down, that we love for bringing together vegetarians and meat-lovers alike in peaceful, delicious harmony. The current menu is packed with the kind of veggie-centric dishes that are so good, we order them even though there’s also a rack of lamb listed.

Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant

Ethiopian: <a href="http://www.thrillist.com/venues/eat/denver/restaurants/ethiopian-restaurant" target="_blank">Ethiopian Restaurant

City Park

This place is as nondescript as it comes. If you’ve driven down Colfax, you’ve likely passed it a thousand times without noticing a thing, despite it’s brightly colored exterior. It’s time to change all that. Run by a husband and wife team, this cash-only restaurant serves up a wide array of traditional Ethiopian dishes. Get a group together, order yourself an Ethiopian beer and dig in (with your hands, of course) to one of their platters filled with richly flavored items like doro wot and spicy lentils all served with spongy injera bread.

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Molly Martin is a freelance writer in Denver, Colorado who likes her pad kee mao Thai hot. See what else she’s eating around town @mollydbu on Twitter and Instagram.