As we enter 2025, the Denver culinary scene will be bursting with exciting and fresh flavors waiting to be discovered. This year promises an array of must-try new restaurants that will tantalize your taste buds and ignite your passion for dining out. From cozy neighborhood cafés, chic wine bars and casual brunch spots serving inventive twists on classic comfort food to vibrant eateries showcasing global cuisine, there’s something for every palate. Whether you’re a foodie on the hunt for the next Instagrammable dish or simply looking to spice up your dining routine, these new spots are set to make your culinary adventures unforgettable. So grab your friends, loosen your belts, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey through the hottest new dining destinations of the year.
While some uncertainty may make you believe that you have to eliminate the enjoyment of all the fun and unique dining experiences that the Denver Metro area has to offer, we suggest more intentional meetups and date nights that allow you to satisfy all of your foodie desires. We are happy to share the following list of various new openings to be your guide to help you get your 2025 foodie journey off to a good start.
Flora
Where: 370 W 12th Ave., Denver
When: Monday – Thursday 7 a.m. – 10 p.m., Friday – Saturday 7 a.m. – 11 p.m., Sunday 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
The Lowdown: Flora is the new café and wine bar concept from Daniel Masters. Located in the Golden Triangle Neighborhood to create connection and vibrancy, Flora is the perfect spot for coffee with friends, a solo date or connecting with that New Year’s Eve chance encounter that resulted in an exchange of phone numbers and a promise to meet. Flora will officially open its doors in January 2025. During the day, the menu will include specialty coffee, artisanal pastries and breakfast options. In the evening, Flora will transform into an intimate, relaxing atmosphere wine bar offering curated wines paired with light bites.
NADC Burger
Where: 1441 Larimer St., Denver
When: 11:30 a.m. – 12 a.m. daily
The Lowdown: With many facing a full return to the office, finding a good spot to order and pick up lunch will be top on the list. If this describes you and you love to indulge in the occasional burger and fries for lunch but want to skip the line at the local chain restaurant, you will want to check out NADC Burger ($16). Prepared with 100% Wagyu beef, the NADC cheeseburgers are full of flavor and a must-try. If you are not into beef, NADC Burger offers a vegetarian option that allows you to experience the flavor without the beef.
Wayan Aspen
Where: 614 E Cooper Ave., Aspen
When: Sunday – Thursday 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. (bar closes at 11 p.m.), Friday – Saturday 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Apres Ski service available daily from 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
The Lowdown: If you are planning your annual ski trip to Aspen and want to be in the know regarding new dining experiences, then you’re in the right place. According to Innova Market Insights, innovative flavors are number three on the list of food and beverage trends for 2025, so it’s safe to say that Wayan Aspen’s French-Indonesian cuisine is a “must-try.” On the menu, you will find lobster noodles with black pepper and Thai Basil, pekytoe crab fried rice with kerupuk, cilantro and corn fritters. Dessert does not fall short with flavor either. The pandan passion fruit custard and banana sundae are just a sneak peek of its sweet side.
Leven Supply
Where: 300 E Alameda Ave., Denver
When: January 13, 2025
The Lowdown: You may be familiar with Leven Deli in the Golden Triangle Neighborhood. Here comes its newest restaurant, grocery, gift and wine shop, Leven Supply bringing the same great flavors to this grab-and-go concept that will be located in the Wash Park Supply retail center. Leven Supply will also feature a curated high-end grocery selection and approachable wines.
Leven Downtown
Where: Leven Downtown will occupy the ground-level retail space of Block 162
When: Summer 2025
The Lowdown: Leven Downtown will be an expansion of Leven’s offerings to a full-service dining experience with a wider range of lunch and dinner options. While you will have to wait until Summer 2025, it’s perfect if you are working in or visiting downtown Denver.
Finch on the Fly at DIA
Where: Denver International Airport – Terminal A
When: Mid-2025
The Lowdown: Olive & Finch will be opening three new locations in 2025, but this one will definitely bring something new to DIA for those traveling from, to and through Colorado will enjoy. Finch on the Fly will offer chef-crafted salads, pastries and ready-made meals made 100% from scratch with whole ingredients. This will sure please travelers who want to avoid processed foods and may be running behind and want some quick and delicious to eat during their flight.
Homegrown Tap and Dough
Where: 1257 W 120th Ave., Westminister
When: Sunday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Friday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
The Lowdown: What makes a good pizzeria even better? When they expand and open a location closer to your neighborhood. Originally opened in Denver in 2014, Homegrown Tap and Dough has opened a second location in Westminster, with a location in Parker to come soon. From small plates, salads, wings, pasta, dessert (can someone say Creme Brûlée Cheesecake) and, of course, pizza, Homegrown Tap and Dough is a great 2025 dining experience for the whole family.
Tavernetta Vail
Where: One Vail Rd., Vail
When: Breakfast 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. daily, Dinner 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily
The Lowdown: We don’t know what is going on at the top of those snowy Rocky Mountains, but they are bringing the heat in 2025 – in the kitchens, that is. While Tavernetta Vail is a perfect pre-slope stop for a breakfast menu that includes the benedetto Italian benedict, salmone affunicato, lemon ricotta pancakes and panettone french toast, we think that with its partnership with the Four Seasons Resort and Residencies Vail adds a nice little winter getaway for two that does not need to include being on a cold ski lift if that is not your cup of tea. With a year-round heated pool and hot tubs, healing massages at the renovated spa, pretending like you are in a Hallmark holiday movie roasting s’mores by the grand outdoor fireplace and a luxurious, romantic dinner enjoying Tavernetta’s menu that includes canederli di speck, rigatoni, manzo and more.
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants
Where: Located inside NADC Burger; 1441 Larimer St., Denver
When: Wednesday – Sunday 5 p.m., 7:15 p.m., 9:30 p.m. (Complimentary welcome reception starts 30 minutes before reservation time)
The Lowdown: The Sushi by Scratch Restaurants dining experience is perfect for an elevated date night. The restaurant seats a maximum of 10 guests per seating time so you will definitely want to get your reservations in early if planning for a special occasion. This Denver Signature Omakase tasting menu is $195.
Elemental Bakery & Coffeehouse
Where: 3875 Steele St., #1143, Denver
When: Monday – Friday 7 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. *Bakery retail will be offered Thursday -Saturday
The Lowdown: Elemental is a new bakery and coffeehouse concept formed through the partnership of Cindy Wright and Sani Obhodas. Some may be familiar with Cindy Wright from her days of running the Central Park favorite Beeker Park Coffee Trailer. Additionally, Sani Obhodas is known as the Bosnian Baker. Elemental will feature Queen City Coffee beans and a custom Elemental Espresso Blend. The menu will include Sweet Potato Latte and Mapel Bourbon Latte. The menu, while simple to start, will feature classics like croissants, scones, and muffins. Sani Obhodas is looking to expand the menu by offering Bosnian pastries and cuisine. This addition to the Clayton Neighborhood will be a must-visit in 2025.
Toastique
Where: 8501 E Arapahoe Rd, #B, Greenwood Village
When: Monday – Sunday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Lowdown: We know you are not new to gourmet avocado toast. If you are here, we listen and we don’t judge. Toastique is the new gourmet toast and juice bar in Greenwood Village. Offering menu items such as the Tuscan tuna, PB crunch, smoked salmon and classic avocado smash, Toastique is definitely on our must-visit list for 2025. Centering itself on healthy living that also includes delicious food, Toastique also offers bowls like the DragonBerry, Cocolada and Black Mystique in addition to cold press juices, smoothies, wellness shots, coffee and iced collagen lattes.
As we enter 2025, we want to wish you all a wonderful New Year. We look forward to bringing you more interviews and fun roundups of all that the Denver Metro food scene has to offer, whether you are local or planning a visit.