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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Central

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16 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Odyssey Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar restaurant
1. Odyssey Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar
4.7
Exceptional(3261)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Central
Booked 53 times today
Nestled in the heart of Central Denver, Odyssey Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar offers a unique dining experience that blends Sicilian and Classic Italian flavors with a contemporary twist. Housed in a historic Victorian Mansion, Odyssey is renowned for its vibrant ambiance and exceptional service. Patrons rave about their culinary experiences, highlighting dishes like the "lobster ravioli" and "bone-in lamb shank on flat pasta" as nothing short of spectacular. With glowing reviews like "the best Italian restaurant in Denver," and comments praising the unbeatable Monday pasta deal, Odyssey ensures every meal is memorable. Whether it's the attentive service, the exquisite flavors, or the cozy, family-operated atmosphere, Odyssey Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar stands out as a top destination for Contemporary Italian cuisine.
A photo of Tavernetta restaurant
2. Tavernetta
4.7
Exceptional(176)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Downtown / LoDo
Booked 65 times today
Nestled in the heart of Denver's vibrant Union Station neighborhood, Tavernetta offers a slice of Italy with its authentic cuisine that has garnered accolades from the James Beard Foundation and the Michelin Guide. Guests rave about the "truly delicious" homemade focaccia and the "innovative and uniquely presented" dishes like mushroom lasagna and tagliatelle lobster pasta. Praised for its "phenomenal dining experience," Tavernetta delights with its extensive wine list and exceptional service, making every visit memorable. As one patron put it, "Everything was perfect," capturing the essence of Tavernetta's commitment to bringing the best of Italian dining to Denver.
A photo of North Italia – Denver restaurant
3. North Italia – Denver
4.8
Exceptional(4303)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Cherry Creek
Booked 126 times today
At North Italia in Denver's Cherry Creek neighborhood, the art of authentic Italian cuisine is celebrated with exceptional flair. Specializing in Pizzeria, North Italia's menu features pizzas that are a true testament to traditional Italian cooking, beautifully blended with modern touches. Guests rave about the "Funghi Pizza," described as "one of the best pizzas tasted anywhere," with its perfect crust and a hint of truffle oil that elevates it above the ordinary. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident, as everything is made from scratch using seasonal ingredients, ensuring each dish bursts with flavor. North Italia's vibrant atmosphere and outstanding service make it a standout destination for anyone craving genuine Italian pizza in Denver.
A photo of Barolo Grill restaurant
4. Barolo Grill
4.8
Exceptional(3823)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Cherry Creek
Booked 28 times today
Barolo Grill in Cherry Creek, Denver, stands out as a beacon of authentic Northern Italian cuisine. This award-winning restaurant prides itself on a menu that changes seasonally, featuring hand-crafted dishes from the Northern Italian provinces of Piedmont and Tuscany, using locally sourced ingredients. Reviewers rave about their experiences, mentioning "the best appetizer of my entire life" and "unbelievable cheesecake" among their culinary highlights. The attention to detail extends to their Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning wine cellar, with an extensive selection of Barolo wines, enhancing the dining experience. The knowledgeable staff, including praised servers like Gage and Tyler, offer personalized wine pairings, making each meal at Barolo Grill not just a dinner, but an authentic Italian celebration.
A photo of Venice Ristorante & Wine Bar restaurant
5. Venice Ristorante & Wine Bar
4.8
Exceptional(4433)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Downtown / LoDo
Booked 68 times today
Venice Ristorante & Wine Bar in Downtown Denver is a true gem for wine lovers and enthusiasts of authentic Italian cuisine. With an impressive selection featuring over 800 wines from around the globe, including 500 Italian varieties, this venue stands out as a premier Wine Bar. Patrons rave about the "outstanding wine list" and the knowledgeable staff who help navigate the extensive options. Whether you're enjoying a casual happy hour or a special dinner, the expert pairing of exquisite wines with flavorful Italian dishes ensures a memorable experience. Reviews consistently praise the venue, noting it as "the only authentic Italian restaurant in Denver" with a wine program that is "very nice" and a bar area that is "lively and fun!" This makes Venice Ristorante & Wine Bar a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier wine and dining experience.
A photo of Panzano restaurant
6. Panzano
4.5
Awesome(5746)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Downtown / LoDo
Booked 22 times today
Panzano, nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown Denver, is celebrated for its exquisite Northern Italian cuisine, which shines with its commitment to local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. The restaurant's authentic dishes, such as the hand-made Frutti de Mare with squid ink buccatini, are a testament to its quality, drawing comparisons to meals in Italy itself. The ambiance, inspired by Renaissance Florence, complements the culinary experience, making every visit memorable. With glowing reviews like "the most incredible service I’ve experienced" and "the food here is top notch," Panzano proves to be a gem for Italian cuisine aficionados. Whether it's the chef’s tasting menu paired with an award-winning wine list or the praised calamari and All'Amatriciana, Panzano delivers an exceptional Italian dining experience that locals and visitors to Denver cherish.
A photo of Bar Dough restaurant
7. Bar Dough
4.6
Exceptional(1325)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Highlands
Booked 10 times today
Bar Dough in Denver's vibrant Highlands neighborhood has quickly become a beacon for those seeking exceptional Pizzeria cuisine. With Chef Stefy DeVita at the helm, this local gem crafts wood-fired pizzas that truly stand out, thanks to the high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients from Colorado's rich agricultural scene. Diners rave about the Salsiccia pizza, highlighting its perfect blend of flavors and authentic Italian touch. Reviews consistently praise not only the food but the atmosphere and service, describing it as "absolutely fantastic" and noting that the dishes, especially the pizza, are "worth the wait." Bar Dough's commitment to providing a top-tier dining experience is reflected in its thoughtful service and creatively curated menu, making it a must-visit for anyone craving genuine, delicious pizza in Denver.
A photo of Gattara restaurant
8. Gattara
4.3
Awesome(174)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Uptown
Booked 3 times today
At Gattara in Uptown, Denver, diners are treated to a masterful blend of traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine under the expert guidance of Executive Chef Mimmo Faid. This culinary haven is celebrated for its locally sourced ingredients and scratch-made Neapolitan pizzas, which emerge perfectly baked from a copper-clad brick oven. Reviewers rave about the "flavorful and fresh" beet salad and the "perfectly cooked" pesto gnocchi, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to authenticity and quality. The bustling yet warm atmosphere is complemented by an "amazing" staff and "top-notch" service, making Gattara a must-visit for anyone seeking a slice of contemporary Italian excellence in Denver.
A photo of Washington Park Grille restaurant
9. Washington Park Grille
4.5
Awesome(3358)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Wash Park
Booked 38 times today
Washington Park Grille, nestled in the charming neighborhood of Washington Park, Denver, is a culinary gem for those seeking authentic and exceptional Italian cuisine. Zagat praises its "good food" and "cheerful" ambiance, making it a local favorite. Diners consistently rave about the quality and creativity of the dishes, from the "exceptional" Barada appetizer to the "ridiculously delicious" tiramisu. The restaurant offers a diverse menu that includes perfectly prepared pastas and a variety of Italian specialties that keep guests returning. As one patron put it, the "lobster a la Vodka" and "lasagna" are must-tries, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to blending traditional Italian flavors with innovative twists. Washington Park Grille is truly a culinary destination, celebrated for making each dining experience memorable with its atmospheric charm and top-notch Italian fare.
A photo of Voghera Ristorante & Apericena restaurant
10. Voghera Ristorante & Apericena
4.8
Exceptional(669)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Wheat Ridge
Booked 10 times today
Nestled in the bustling neighborhood of Wheat Ridge, Denver, Voghera Ristorante & Apericena brings the charm and culinary innovation of Milanese dining to the heart of the U.S. Celebrated as Denver’s go-to spot for Contemporary Italian cuisine, Voghera sets itself apart with its unique Apericena concept – a delightful blend of APERITIVO and CENA that encourages communal dining and exploration of diverse flavors. Patrons are enamored, describing it as “like eating in Italy but right here on Tennyson” and praising its “authentic, delicious and affordable” offerings. From the saffron-infused Risotto alla Milanese to the perfectly curated charcuterie boards, every dish is crafted to transport diners straight to Northern Italy, making every meal not just a feast, but a memorable Italian escapade.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Tj
    New York City •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    What a lovely trattoria. Great service from maitre’ d Seth, my server Alane and her support team. The food was excellent, gnocchi and polenta stole my heart as well as the authentic and mouthwatering puntarelle insalata. Approachable in all areas for the casual diner to the elegant wine savant. 10/10.
    More info
    TavernettaPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Downtown / LoDo
    •
    4.7
  • Josh
    Denver / Colorado •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    It was a fantastic experience. We sat upstairs in a little room. Cozy atmosphere. The food and drinks were fantastic. Highly recommended.
    More info
    Odyssey Italian Restaurant & Wine BarPrice: Expensive• Italian• Central
    •
    4.7
  • Courtney
    Denver / Colorado •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We were a large party of 9. We were welcomed and seated immediately. Drinks and food came out fast. The staff was so patient with us taking our time to decided between multiple amazingly sounding foods. When the food came out, it was off the charts amazing. I frequent the Holly St location of this establishment and have never been disappointed so I had similar expectations here and it was everything I expected. The rest of party had never been before and they were raving about the food and asking to come back. We will definitely be back.
    More info
    Venice Ristorante & Wine BarPrice: Moderate• Italian• Downtown / LoDo
    •
    4.8
  • Neal
    Baltimore / Maryland •72 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Fantastic!!! Will definitely return when in Denver. Place was busy hopping, but all staff worked hard to keep things moving smoothly. Jordan, our waiter crushed it. Outstanding attention & service. Treat her well cuz she is the best advertising your restaurant can have. Food also awesome from presentation to taste and menu choice great.
    More info
    North Italia – DenverPrice: Moderate• Italian• Cherry Creek
    •
    4.8
  • Lawrencevip
    Anchorage •33 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    We live out of state and wanted to take my mom out to a great dinner while we were in Denver. We went there with high expectations based on the reviews and my wife being from northern Italy and we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of service and food. Our tajarin con conigelio was one if the highlights of the evening.
    More info
    Barolo GrillPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Cherry Creek
    •
    4.8

Discover best Contemporary Italian restaurants in Central

Discover the vibrant essence of contemporary Italian cuisine in the heart of Central Denver, Colorado. Our featured restaurants offer a modern twist on Italian classics, blending traditional flavors with innovative culinary techniques to create truly unique dining experiences. Each establishment boasts a menu rich with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and artisanal dishes, crafted to satisfy both the adventurous and traditional palates. The dining scene in Central Denver is renowned for its eclectic and dynamic offerings, making it a culinary hotspot for food enthusiasts. Indulge in beautifully presented plates that not only tantalize the taste buds but also showcase the chefs' deep respect for Italian culinary traditions, all set against the backdrop of Denver's charming urban landscape. These restaurants provide not just a meal, but a memorable gastronomic journey that reflects the contemporary Italian flair with a touch of Denver's vibrant food culture. Perfect for food lovers seeking a sophisticated yet comfortable dining experience, each location promises an evening of delightful flavors and impeccable service.

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