The Best Italian Restaurants in Denver

Denver is one of the most popular cities in America. It has plenty of things that make it a desirable place to live and work: great sports teams, excellent art, and unrivaled outdoor recreation opportunities. One other thing that draws people to Denver is its dining scene. The town is packed with restaurants specializing in a huge range of cuisines—from local American eateries to authentic ethnic mom-and-pop cafes. Denver's restaurant scene has endless options. So, when it comes to pizza and pasta where are the locals going? Welcome to our Tastemaker Lists. We’ve sorted through our data to discover the real tastemakers, the diners who always know the greatest places to eat in the city. Here’s a list of where those people are going for the best Italian food in the Mile High City.

The OpenTable Team

11 Restaurants

Updated January 29, 2021

Restaurants:	Venice Ristorante & Wine Bar, Panzano, North Italia – Denver…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$
Cuisines:	Italian…
Neighborhoods:	Downtown / LoDo, Cherry Creek…

Venice Ristorante & Wine Bar

$$$$

Italian

Downtown / LoDo

4.6

3735 reviews

Oenophiles rejoice! Venice Ristorante and Wine Bar has excellent Italian food, but it's also one of the best wine bars in the area. This classic Italian spot is upscale, so picture white tablecloths and attentive service from the waitstaff. Diners will find all of their traditional Italian classics on the menu. And visitors looking to try wines may be pleasantly delighted by all of the unique and rare choices on the extensive wine list. Don't hesitate to consult with the sommelier, who is knowledgeable about all the varietals they have to offer.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Panzano

$$$$

Italian

Downtown / LoDo

4.7

5453 reviews

This excellent Italian restaurant in Denver focuses on Northern Italian cuisine. The chef is creative here, so diners can try something brand-new, like beet-green ricotta ravioli and black pepper fazzoletti with butter poached lobster. The centerpiece of Panzano is its open kitchen. Diners will be hard pressed not to be distracted during their meal, since the scene in the kitchen is flashy, loud, and fun to watch.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

North Italia – Denver

$$$$

Italian

Cherry Creek

4.8

3758 reviews

North Italia is another of the best Italian restaurants in Denver. This Italian chain eatery does not disappoint with its Denver outpost, serving a large menu of Italian favorites like pasta bolognese, squid ink mafaldine, and grilled branzino. North Italia has a great wine list of Italian wines, as well as bottles from the U.S. The restaurant has brick walls and wooden tables, so enjoy the rustic, homey vibe while dining.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Quality Italian- Denver

$$$$

Italian

Cherry Creek

4.7

2457 reviews

Quality Italian is a beautiful restaurant with soaring ceilings, chandeliers, and an impressive central bar in a distinct art deco style. Want Italian food that feels updated, with a focus on seasonal ingredients? This is the spot, since the restaurant alters its menu regularly based on what is in season locally. Diners rave about menu options like housemade ricotta with Colorado honey and pine nuts, or veal Milanese with a tomato and arugula salad.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Barolo Grill

$$$$

Italian

Cherry Creek

4.7

3125 reviews

A dark, candlelit atmosphere and well-spaced tables make Barolo Grill one of the most romantic Italian restaurants in Denver. The menu features Northern Italian cuisine, but the real star here is the wine list, which wins awards from Wine Spectator regularly. Order from the tasting menu, or dine à la carte. There are no bad choices. Dessert is one of the specialties of the house, so don't pass up one of the decadent options. Choices like the castelmagno cheesecake with lavender honey and toasted hazelnuts will ensure diners leave the meal wanting more.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

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Takeout available

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Coperta

$$$$

Italian

Uptown

4.6

1325 reviews

The menu at Coperta focuses on the food of Rome and Southern Italy. This means that the menu has a seafood focus, and a wine menu specifically from that region. One of the best parts about Coperta is that it's genuinely no frills. Wood tables, exposed brick walls, and an open kitchen make for a meal that involves no pretention or stress. Come for the comfort food and stay for the easy-breezy vibe.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Odyssey Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar

$$$$

Italian

Central

4.6

2800 reviews

Another spot in Denver where wine lovers will be happy eating Italian food is Odyssey. This restaurant and wine bar is casual through and through, so no need to dress up for a meal here — diners simply can come as they are. Red tablecloths adorn the tables and exposed brick walls hold chalkboards with the specials of the day. The menu is packed with classic Italian favorites: fettucine carbonara, fettucine Alfredo, lobster fra diavolo, and shrimp scampi, just to name a few. Odyssey is festive and fun, so bring the kids along for a meal.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Il Posto

$$$$

Italian

River North (Denver)

4.4

1224 reviews

Il Posto describes itself as "hip." Head to this industrial-feeling restaurant for a dining experience that is as much about the food as the people-watching. The menu here is all of the Italian peninsula, and the wine list is expertly picked to pair with specific dishes on the menu (just ask the sommelier for guidance ordering). All dishes feature local and organic produce and meat, and the chef flies in seafood from Italy each day.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Shells and Sauce

$$$$

Italian

Cherry Creek

4.7

2793 reviews

This is one of the most friendly and laid-back Italian restaurants in Denver. Shells and Sauce is a place where families can come with kids to relax and enjoy a delicious leisurely meal. Diners can enjoy Italian classics, like cheese ravioli, caprese, homemade lasagna, and chicken piccata. The restaurant is small and cozy, just the way a neighborhood local joint should feel. Regular diners will have the chance to get to know their neighbors who also eat there, as well as the owners and general manager, who are always around the restaurant. Shells and Sauce recently added a rooftop patio, so choose it for an outdoor meal when the weather's nice.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Spuntino

$$$$

Italian

Highlands

4.8

1643 reviews

The motto of Spuntino is "Global Mind, Colorado Body, Italian Soul." This sums up the menu well, since the options are mostly Italian with international influences, and they are made with only local and sustainable ingredients. There are things on the menu here diners won't find on other Italian restaurant menus: Elk Tartare, made with Rocky Mountain elk, or Pollo al Mattone, a Boulder Natural half chicken with polenta. Spuntino is distinctively rustic inside, with a reclaimed wood bar, beautiful old-fashioned wooden floors, distressed metal bar stools, and antique, dark wood dining chairs. Cozy up for some warm, comforting food.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

View Takeout Menu

Sforno Trattoria

$$$$

Italian

Boulder

4.5

904 reviews

Diners at Sforno Trattoria will have to pinch themselves to remember that they aren't actually eating in an old, cozy eatery in Rome. String lights adorn the ceiling, the walls are made of plaster, and Italian music wafts gently from speakers. The environment will transport, and the food helps too. The menu of authentic Italian classics is straightforward, but it has everything an Italian food fan would want: antipasti, pasta dishes, meat, fish, and more. The restaurant is sensitive to diners with food allergies, and dishes can be made gluten-free upon request. Sforno is in the heart of downtown Boulder, just a short drive from the Mile High City.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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The Best Italian Restaurants