Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Denver / Colorado

Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Art District on Santa Fe

Price
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

16 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Tavernetta restaurant
1. Tavernetta
4.7
Exceptional(170)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Downtown / LoDo
Booked 73 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 Odyssey Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar restaurant
2. Odyssey Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar
4.7
Exceptional(3260)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Central
Booked 33 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 Venice Ristorante & Wine Bar restaurant
3. Venice Ristorante & Wine Bar
4.8
Exceptional(4430)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Downtown / LoDo
Booked 29 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 North Italia – Denver restaurant
4. North Italia – Denver
4.8
Exceptional(4300)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Cherry Creek
Booked 102 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 Panzano restaurant
5. Panzano
4.5
Awesome(5744)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Downtown / LoDo
Booked 21 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 Barolo Grill restaurant
6. Barolo Grill
4.8
Exceptional(3824)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Cherry Creek
Booked 31 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 Bar Dough restaurant
7. Bar Dough
4.5
Awesome(1324)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Highlands
Booked 16 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(171)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Uptown
Booked 11 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 Marco’s Coal Fired restaurant
9. Marco’s Coal Fired
4.8
Exceptional(1231)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Downtown / LoDo
Booked 8 times today
Marco's Coal Fired in Downtown Denver is a beacon of authenticity in the world of Pizzeria cuisine. Celebrated for its adherence to traditional Verace Pizza Napoletana (VPN) standards, Marco's uses only the finest ingredients like 00 flour, San Marzano tomatoes, and all-natural mozzarella, which are essential for crafting the perfect Neapolitan pizza. Patrons rave about the "best pizza I've ever had in the United States" and the unique offerings like the "Limoncello Wings" that are a must-try. Marco’s commitment to quality and its vibrant atmosphere make it a standout destination for anyone craving a slice of Italy in the heart of Denver.
A photo of Washington Park Grille restaurant
10. Washington Park Grille
4.5
Awesome(3358)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Washington Park
Booked 21 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.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Open for Business Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo