While the journey from Denver to Europe requires a plane ticket, its dining scene offers a passport-free journey to exceptional culinary destinations. Across the city, intimate Italian trattorias, cozy French bistros and elegant Mediterranean wine bars transport diners through authentic flavors, enhanced by thoughtfully curated ambiance. This time, your next European adventure is just a reservation away.
Indulge in the rich traditions of European cuisine at these six standout Denver restaurants serving authentic flavors – no traveling required.
Lo Stella Ristorante
Where: 1136 S Bannock St., Denver
When: Closed Sunday – Monday, Tuesday – Saturday 4 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
The Lowdown: Founded in 1850 in Portofino, Italy, Lo Stella Ristorante brought its rich culinary heritage to Denver in 2013. Owner Alessandro is committed to delivering an authentic Italian dining experience, and he’s done just that. At Lo Stella Ristorante, time-honored family recipes shine, with dishes like fresh pesto, hearty Bolognese, marinara, fish and vegetable ravioli, handmade pappardelle, tagliatelle and perfectly crafted pizzas. But before you order, note Alessandro’s one lighthearted request: “Please don’t ask me for Alfredo sauce, meatball spaghetti, or chicken in the pasta—we are Italian for real!”
Chianti Ristorante Italiano
Where: 5121 S Yosemite St., Greenwood Village
When: Closed Sunday, Monday – Thursday 4:30 p.m. – 9 p.m., Friday – Saturday 4 p.m – 9:45 p.m.
The Lowdown: Owner Alessandro Carollo and Executive Chef Christian Delle Fave invite you to experience the rich flavors of Venice at Chianti Ristorante Italiano. With its warm, intimate atmosphere and expertly curated wine selection, every visit is designed to be unforgettable. From crispy calamari and tender veal meatballs to house-made pasta, ravioli, veal scaloppine, chicken marsala and seafood cioppino, each dish promises authentic Italian excellence.
Corsica Wine Bar
Where: 2801 Walnut St., Denver
When: Sunday 11 a.m – 10 p.m., Monday – Thursday 4 p.m. – 10 p.m., Friday 2 p.m – 12 a.m., Saturday 11 a.m – 12 a.m.
The Lowdown: The award-winning team behind Barcelona Wine Bar came together to create Corsica Wine Bar, a haven for exceptional European wines. With around 30 wines by the glass, carefully selected from Corsica and beyond, its team is dedicated to delivering an unforgettable tasting experience. Its menu is thoughtfully designed to complement each pour, featuring an Apéro selection with house-made vinegar potato chips, roasted olives and artisanal bread. The small plates menu offers refined bites like beef tartare, tuna carpaccio and mussels. Be sure to end your evening on a sweet note with their indulgent desserts and brewed coffee. Pro tip: visit them on Sunday and get all bottles, no matter the price or rarity for half off!
READ: Escape to Corsica – Your New Hotspot for All Things Food, Drink and Late-Night Dining
Barcelona Wine Bar
Where: 2900 Larimer St., Denver
When: Sunday 11 a.m – 10 p.m., Monday – Thursday 4 p.m. – 1 a.m., Friday 12 p.m – 1 a.m., Saturday 11 a.m – 1 a.m.
The Lowdown: Inspired by the vibrant flavors of Spain, Barcelona Wine Bar is a standout tapas destination in the heart of Denver. Its ever-evolving menu highlights seasonal ingredients, Mediterranean specialties, rustic tapas and chef-driven creations. Home to one of the largest Spanish wine programs in the U.S., Barcelona Wine Bar offers expertly curated pairings for every dish. Its current menu includes seared scallops, prawns a la plancha, harissa chicken thighs, eggplant caponata and classic patatas bravas—ensuring every bite and sip is as unforgettable as the experience itself.
La Forêt
Where: 38 S Broadway, Denver
When: Closed Sunday – Monday, Tuesday – Saturday 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.
The Lowdown: South Broadway is a haven for exceptional dining, and La Forêt is no exception. This cocktail-forward, rustic French restaurant captivates with its enchanted forest ambiance and an equally enchanting menu – echoes of its European heritage. Savor classic French delicacies like beef bourguignon, rabbit, frog legs, stag au poivre and escargot, all crafted with authenticity. For a true taste of tradition, visit during Pastis Hour from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. and enjoy anise-flavored pastis, a spirit born in 1930s southern France following the ban on absinthe. This cherished ritual pays homage to the French tradition of pairing curated libations with delightful bites.
Brasserie Brixton
Where: 3701 N Williams St., Denver
When: Sunday – 10 a.m – 2 p.m., 5 p.m. – 9 p.m., Closed Monday – Tuesday, Wednesday – Saturday 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
The Lowdown: Brasserie Brixton brings a playful twist to classic French cuisine, offering a laid-back yet innovative dining experience. With a focus on natural wines and fresh, locally sourced ingredients, every dish celebrates flavor. Settle in and indulge in delights like pâté, hamachi, caviar and steak frites, all crafted with a nod to tradition. Its ever-evolving menu, inspired by the finest local suppliers, ensures that every visit brings something new and exciting to the table.