Restaurant Olivia has taken the guesswork out of the perfect picnic. Its new seasonal picnic baskets make it easier than ever to picnic without the prep. While Restaurant Olivia sets a high bar, it’s not the only Denver spot making alfresco dining feel effortless. From stacked sandwiches at Leven Deli to build-your-own spreads at Denver Central Market, these spots make it easy to grab gourmet eats on the go, plus, we’ve got the perfect park pairings to match.
Restaurant Olivia Picnic Baskets
Where: 290 S. Downing St., Denver
When: Picnic pickup every Saturday from 1 – 3 p.m., reserve your picnic here
The Lowdown: Leave it to Restaurant Olivia to turn a picnic into a five-star experience. The acclaimed eatery is now offering seasonal picnic baskets that feel more like a curated tasting menu than a to-go meal. Thoughtfully packed and bursting with fresh, Italian-inspired flavors, each basket is designed for effortless outdoor indulgence.
Expect rich bison mortadella sliders layered on housemade focaccia, a vibrant pasta salad with hazelnut pesto and a cheese selection complete with rye crackers and seasonal jam, tiramisu with mascarpone sabayon, ladyfingers and a hint of cold brew coffee wraps things up on a sweet note. Optional wine and cocktail add-ons let you level up even further. It’s savory, satisfying and elegantly simple and all you have to do is choose your view.
Where to Picnic: Located in the Wash Park neighborhood, Restaurant Olivia makes it easy to grab and go. Just a few blocks away, Washington Park’s 155 acres and two lakes offer endless picnic potential. It’s a natural choice for an effortlessly elevated outdoor meal.
READ: From Dough to Plate – Behind the Scenes at Restaurant Olivia
Lunchboxx at Denver Central Market
Where: 2669 Larimer St., Denver
When: Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
The Lowdown: Picnics and childhood nostalgia go hand-in-hand, and Chef Zach Spott at Lunchboxx knows just how to tap into that feeling. Located inside Denver Central Market, this fast-casual spot serves fresh, shareable bites perfect for snacking outdoors.
Expect Mezze Platters loaded with baba ghanoush, hummus, Israeli salad, whipped feta and more, alongside a lineup of sandwiches from Curry Chicken Salad to Mushroom and the classic B.L.T. Don’t forget to explore the other market vendors, offering everything from ice cream and fresh pizza to gourmet salads and craft cocktails.
Where to Picnic: Located in RiNo’s Art District, Denver Central Market makes it easy to grab your spread and find a scenic spot nearby. Stay close and settle at a patio table surrounded by the district’s vibrant murals, or walk a few blocks to Commons Park, where tree-lined paths and grassy stretches along the South Platte offer a laid-back place to lounge. Or head just a bit farther to Confluence Park, known for its river views, shaded spots and urban energy.
Spinelli’s Market
Where: 4621 E 23rd Ave., Denver
When: Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The Lowdown: Spinelli’s Market has been a Park Hill staple since 1994. This neighborhood gem delivers charm and picnic potential. This Italian-style market and deli is stocked with gourmet sandwiches, housemade pasta salads, antipasti and all the fixings for a no-fuss, high-flavor spread. Whether you grab a prosciutto and mozzarella sandwich on a fresh baguette or load up on olives, cheeses and crackers, everything here is made with care and easy to pack. Don’t forget to browse the specialty snacks and sweets, perfect for rounding out your basket with something a little indulgent.
Where to Picnic: Just over a mile from Spinelli’s, City Park offers a picture-perfect backdrop for your picnic. Spread out beside one of its two lakes, stroll the shady paths or settle in with panoramic views of downtown and the mountains.
Leven Deli Co.
Where: 123 West 12th Ave., Denver
When: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday – Sunday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Lowdown: Leven Deli Co. is more than just a sandwich shop; it’s a go-to for a reason. Known for its Mediterranean flair and from-scratch approach, Leven serves up some of the city’s most craveable lunch fare. The menu features standouts like the Leven House Salad, Classic Pastrami Sandwich, Smashed Chickpea Sandwich and even House-Made Whoopie Pies. Everything is fresh, flavorful and ready to go, ideal for a laid-back, seriously good picnic. Don’t forget to check out its newest endeavor at Leven Supply for its sourdough pizza.
Where to Picnic: Less than a mile from Leven, Civic Center Park offers flower beds, shady colonnades and Capitol views. It’s a classic Denver setting for a classic Denver deli.
The Green Collective
Where: 2158 W 32nd Ave., #100, Denver (LoHi); 1058 S. Gaylord St., Denver (Wash Park)
When: Closed Mondays, Tuesday – Friday 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. (LoHi); Closed Mondays, Tuesday – Sunday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Wash Park)
The Lowdown: Green Collective is a fast-casual breakfast and lunch eatery with locations in LoHi and Wash Park, serving up smoothies, smoothie bowls, vibrant salads, toasts, adaptogenic lattes, coffee and tea. Its focus is on food that tastes great and makes you feel even better. The menu is organic whenever possible, refined sugar-free and packed with superfoods, making it a top pick for health-forward picnic fare. Whether you’re loading up on a colorful bowl, a nutrient-packed toast or a cold-pressed juice, everything is fresh, energizing, and picnic-ready.
Where to Picnic: Walk to Commons Park or Confluence Park to picnic by the water, stretch out on the grass or people-watch along the South Platte Trail (LoHi). The Green Collective Wash Park location is just minutes from Washington Park, offering the perfect escape for a nourishing outdoor lunch (Wash Park).