15 Best Restaurants in RiNo Denver That Will Make Your Mouth Water (2023)
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
Looking for the best restaurants in RiNo Denver?
Denver’s vibrant River North Art District, better known as RiNo, is a hub for eclectic art, unique boutiques, and a thriving food scene. To help navigate this culinary haven, we’ve curated a list of the top 15 must-visit restaurants in RiNo.
Living in Denver, one of our favorite places to visit is RiNo. Situated just north of LoDo, this neighborhood is filled with street art, amazing breweries, and lots of great food halls.
We’re covering food from all over the world, you’ll have a great bite and beverage no matter where you decide to go from this list! Keep reading to learn about the best restaurants in RiNo Denver.
🚗 Click here to rent a car for your trip to Denver!
While public transportation is alright in Denver, it’s truly easiest to get around by car. (Trust us, we didn’t have a car our first year living there… not fun!)
Best Restaurants in RiNo Denver
Dio Mio
Located at 3264 Larimer Street, Dio Mio is a counter-service restaurant focusing on fresh, handmade pasta. Its menu is a creative fusion of traditional Italian and contemporary food.
Besides the pasta, the affordable wines, craft beer, and a selection of cocktails and Italian spirits are also worth exploring. Eating here will make you say… dio mio. Cheesy, we know.
Park Burger
Park Burger at 2615 Walnut St is a family-friendly neighborhood restaurant serving some of Denver’s best burgers, fries, shakes, and beers. Its menu starts with all-natural, never frozen beef, buffalo, and house-made turkey and veggie burger patties.
A wide selection of Colorado beers, wines, and cocktails add to the charm of this 2009-established place. We love a long-standing establishment; it’s been around that long for a reason!
Nocturne
Nocturne, at 1330 27th Street, stands out for its blend of jazz and supper club experience. With seasonal three-course menus and wine and cocktail pairings, it offers a unique hospitality experience.
The food offerings emphasize local, seasonal produce and are complemented by a hand-selected wine list. If you’re looking for a little bit more of a sultry night out, this is your spot.
Osaka Ramen
At 2611 Walnut St, you’ll find Osaka Ramen, a brainchild of Chef Jeff Osaka. This spot offers a variety of ramen, bento, small plates of curry, bacon fried rice, and gyoza, demonstrating Osaka’s mastery of merging Asian cuisine with French influences.
They even have specific instructions for how to eat their ramen if you get it to go, which is awesome!
Pit Fiend Barbecue
Pit Fiend Barbecue, located at 2826 Larimer St, is an all-natural wood-smoke barbecue restaurant. Their menu is inspired by a barbecue and live fire traditions from across the country and around the world, promising an authentic BBQ experience.
Chicken, pork, beef, and all the sides you could want make this the perfect place to visit when you’re craving meat.
Barcelona Wine Bar
Barcelona Wine Bar at 2900 Larimer Street is known for its clean and rustic cuisine with tapas shaped by Mediterranean, Spanish, and South American influences. With a selection of nearly 400 wines, this is a fantastic spot for wine lovers. They have great bites, too!
Hop Alley
Hop Alley, situated at 3500 Larimer St, is a hip Chinese restaurant offering modern shared plates along with craft beer, cider, and clever cocktails. This place is perfect for those looking to enjoy an innovative approach to Chinese cuisine.
Il Posto
Il Posto at 2601 Larimer Street is a destination for refined Italian cuisine. Here, food and wine come together to highlight the sophisticated simplicity of Italian food and wine, promising a delightful experience.
Fresh, handmade pasta and delicious drinks are always flowing to ensure you have a great experience.
Los Chingones
Los Chingones, located at 2463 Larimer Street, is Chef Troy Guard’s Mexican concept. Serving delicious tacos, margs, and street corn, it doesn’t claim to be “authentic,” but it does promise to be delicious.
Plus, every item is $5 or less! If that doesn’t draw you in to give it a shot, we don’t know what will.
Safta
Situated at 3330 Brighton Blvd #201, Denver, Colorado, Safta is an oasis in the heart of RiNo, serving a menu that transports you through a culinary journey of Israel. With food and beverage influences from the Middle East, Europe, and North Africa, Safta brings a taste of an ever-evolving cuisine right at your table.
Noteworthy menu items include traditional hummus, spring asparagus with black truffle, duck matzah ball soup, and braised lamb shank. Don’t miss out on the freshly baked, wood-fired pita bread.
Redeemer Pizza
Tucked away at 2705 Larimer, Redeemer Pizza takes the New York-style pizza to the next level. They specialize in naturally-leavened sourdough pizza, offering large, delicious traditional pizza pies alongside rotating sandwiches and hoagies.
Keep an eye on their Instagram for their weekly pizza and sandwich specials, and make sure to drop in for their happy hour from 4-6 pm.
Bellota
Located at The Source Hotel & Market Hall, 3350 Brighton Blvd, Denver, CO, Bellota brings high energy, incredible tacos, and frozen margaritas to RiNo’s bustling culinary scene.
The menu features family-style dishes, regionally inspired tacos, numerous offerings that take advantage of the wood-fired oven, and a variety of house-made salsas. The agave-based bar program takes Mexican cocktails beyond the typical margarita, offering a unique and exciting drinking experience.
Comal Heritage Food Incubator
A true gem of the Denver community, Comal Heritage Food Incubator is located at 3455 Ringsby Ct #105, Denver. This restaurant serves as a platform for economic development for immigrant and refugee women entrepreneurs. The menu, which changes daily, is a tribute to the heritage of its participants.
Using locally sourced ingredients, everything is made from scratch, including a significant portion of their produce from the on-site Heritage Garden. They’re open Tuesday to Friday from 11 am – 2 pm.
Bigsby’s Folly Craft Winery & Restaurant
Located at 3563 Wazee Street, Denver, CO 80216, Bigsby’s Folly brings the best of the world’s wine regions to Denver.
Besides expertly crafted high-quality wines, the restaurant offers a variety of vegan and gluten-free options such as charcuterie & fromage, rosemary sea salt nuts, truffle popcorn, roasted garlic & artisan bread, and a beet & kale salad. The relaxed ambiance and high-quality wines make it a must-visit for both wine lovers and foodies.
Mister Oso
Situated at 3163 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205, Mister Oso is a vibrant restaurant in Denver’s RiNo Arts District, recognized for its outstanding Mexican cuisine. Since opening in 2019, Mister Oso has gained a reputation for its rotating taco dishes, Peruvian ceviche, crudo, and crave-worthy vegetarian offerings.
Its energetic atmosphere is perfect for a night out with friends or a casual date night. To top it all off, their inventive Non-Alcoholic Agua Fresca cocktail program ensures everyone gets to enjoy a delicious hand-crafted beverage.
Final Thoughts: Best RiNo Denver Restaurants
And there you have it! Whether you’re seeking a delightful bite, a comforting meal, or an indulgent feast, these 15 restaurants in Denver’s RiNo district have got you covered. From traditional hummus to New York style 2.0 pizza to high-quality wines, there’s a culinary adventure waiting for you in RiNo.
Save this post for later:
Keep reading:
