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Best Contemporary Mexican Restaurants in University Hills

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11 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Los Chingones DTC restaurant
1. Los Chingones DTC
4.5
Awesome(318)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary mexican • Tech Center / Greenwood Village
Los Chingones DTC in Greenwood Village, Denver, is a hotspot for Contemporary Mexican cuisine that promises an adventure with every dish. Revered for its "out of the norm proteins and fusion of flavors," this establishment thrives on redefining traditional Mexican food. Diners rave about unique offerings like the birria tacos and fried avocado tacos, describing them as "the best tacos I've ever tasted thus far!" and the food presentation as "one of the best. Very appetizing. Yum." Moreover, the vibrant atmosphere and exceptional service, led by praised staff members like Chris and Sasha, make every visit memorable. Los Chingones DTC is a must-visit for anyone seeking a bold and innovative Mexican culinary experience.
A photo of Alma Fonda Fina restaurant
2. Alma Fonda Fina
4.9
Exceptional(67)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary mexican • LoHi
Booked 63 times today
Chef Curiel makes his solo restaurant debut with Alma Fonda Fina, a restaurant dedicated to sharing the integrity, tradition and culturally rich experiences that defined his culinary journey and create a transportive dining experience that embodies the beauty of Mexico. As Chef Curiel continues to push the boundaries of taste and tradition, he pays homage to his roots and uses food as a way to showcase his cultural pride.
A photo of Mezcaleria Alma restaurant
3. Mezcaleria Alma
new
5.0
Exceptional(46)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary mexican • LoHi
Booked 27 times today
Chef Johnny Curiel debuts Mezcaleria Alma in Denver’s LoHi neighborhood, bringing the dynamic spirit of Mexico City to life with CDMX-inspired small plates and an expansive Mexican spirits menu. Located beside Curiel’s first solo restaurant, Alma Fonda Fina, Mezcaleria Alma marks the natural next chapter in Curiel’s culinary journey to share the beauty of Mexico through food. Each dish and drink draws from Curiel’s experiences in one of the world’s most renowned culinary capitals—a city where culture and tradition merge with global inspiration and constant innovation. While Alma Fonda Fina is a love letter to the home-cooked traditions of Chef Curiel’s childhood—the comfort food found at traditional fondas across Mexico—Mezcaleria Alma embodies the unbridled innovation that defines CDMX.
A photo of Tamayo Restaurant restaurant
4. Tamayo Restaurant
4.4
Awesome(4391)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary mexican • Downtown / LoDo
Booked 16 times today
At the heart of Denver's vibrant Downtown/Lodo district, Tamayo Restaurant sets the standard for exquisite Mexican cuisine. Helmed by the acclaimed Chef Richard Sandoval, known as the “Father of Modern Mexican Cuisine,” Tamayo offers a culinary adventure that is both authentic and innovative. With a menu that boasts savory dishes and an impressive selection of over 100 tequilas, guests consistently rave about their experiences. As one Mexican diner noted, the food is "exquisite," particularly recommending the "chicken tinga sopes and tacos." Whether it's the "amazing" bottomless brunch or the crafted cocktails like the serrano margarita, every visit to Tamayo promises a delightful and unforgettable dining experience, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking the true flavors of Mexico.
A photo of Mister Oso - RiNo restaurant
5. Mister Oso - RiNo
4.6
Exceptional(169)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary mexican • River North (Denver)
Booked 11 times today
Located in the vibrant River North (Denver) neighborhood, Mister Oso stands out as a gem for authentic Mexican and Southwestern cuisine. With an upbeat and lively atmosphere, this restaurant has quickly become a go-to spot, celebrated for its "melt in your mouth meats" and variety of tacos that are truly a delight. Patrons rave about the Birria tacos accompanied by consome and freshly squeezed limes, describing them as "wow oh wow!" The creative touches, like their queso fresco with a thick layer of peanut and sesame salsa macha, elevate traditional dishes to new heights. Mister Oso's commitment to quality is consistently highlighted in reviews, with comments like "the flavors and quality of food here are top tier." Whether it’s the lively vibe, the innovative margaritas, or the deliciously crafted tacos, Mister Oso is a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-notch Mexican/Southwestern dining experience in Denver.
A photo of Blue Agave Grill - Denver restaurant
6. Blue Agave Grill - Denver
4.5
Awesome(1467)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary mexican • Downtown / LoDo
Booked 2 times today
Blue Agave Grill in Downtown Denver excels in delivering a vibrant, contemporary Mexican dining experience. Nestled in the bustling LoDo neighborhood, this independent gem shines with its "from-scratch kitchen" and an extensive selection of over 120 tequilas. Patrons rave about the "delicious food" and the "extensive gluten-free options," highlighting the restaurant's commitment to inclusive dining. The made-to-order guacamole and house-infused tequilas are crowd favorites, enhancing the authentic flavors with a modern twist. Guests particularly adore the "delicious margaritas" and the ambiance that's perfect for any occasion, from casual luncheons to festive dinners. Blue Agave Grill's dedication to quality and authenticity makes it a standout destination for contemporary Mexican cuisine in Denver.
A photo of Elements restaurant
7. Elements
3.6
Very Good(32)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary mexican • Downtown / LoDo
Booked 1 time today
Nestled in the heart of Downtown Denver, Elements stands out as a premier destination for Contemporary American cuisine. This gem, located on the 4th floor of the Embassy Suites Denver Downtown, offers a delightful twist on classic dishes. Patrons rave about the "delicious food" with standout dishes such as the Colorado Lamb ataco-Dillas, which guests "would definitely order again." The atmosphere is described as "cozy" with "wonderful views," making it a perfect spot for both locals and travelers. With its commitment to freshness and quality, one diner noted the "salmon entree with chili sauce, rice, and snap peas was amazing," compelling them to enjoy it two nights in a row. Elements is truly a culinary highlight in Denver's LoDo neighborhood, offering an exceptional dining experience that is both innovative and welcoming.
A photo of Los Chingones restaurant
8. Los Chingones
3.6
Very Good(23)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary mexican • Downtown / LoDo
Booked 2 times today
At Los Chingones in Downtown Denver's vibrant LoDo neighborhood, contemporary Mexican cuisine is redefined with Chef Troy Guard's imaginative flair. This bustling hotspot delivers a modern twist on Mexican favorites, offering an array of "bold, flavorful" tapas-style dishes that are both inventive and deeply satisfying. Diners rave about the "delicious & flavorful" tacos, particularly recommending the birria and shrimp varieties, and highlight the "killer margaritas" that are "perfectly balanced and refreshing." With its "fun, party vibes" and stunning rooftop views, Los Chingones is celebrated for its "great atmosphere" and "exceptional service," making it a must-visit for an authentic yet contemporary Mexican dining experience. As one enthusiastic diner puts it, "The rooftop view be so sigma fr folks" – underscoring the unforgettable ambiance and quality of this culinary gem.
A photo of El Jefe restaurant
9. El Jefe
4.8
Exceptional(681)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary mexican • Highlands
Booked 4 times today
El Jefe in Highlands, Denver, offers a culinary journey through the flavors of Yucatán, Oaxaca, and Veracruz. With a steadfast commitment to authenticity and quality, El Jefe crafts dishes that are a reflection of Mexican traditions melded with the local terroir. Praised for its "fantastic quesa biria tacos" and "delicious El Jefe margaritas," this restaurant is not just about food but a celebration of Mexican culture. Patrons rave about the "amazing brunch" and the "best guac in town," underscoring the kitchen's dedication to freshness and culinary excellence. One reviewer summed it up perfectly: "The atmosphere at El Jefe is relaxed while being festive... The flavors are authentic Mexico." El Jefe stands out as a beacon of genuine Mexican cuisine in Denver.
A photo of Mesa Latin Kitchen restaurant
10. Mesa Latin Kitchen
4.5
Awesome(25)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary mexican • Ken Caryl
Mesa Latin Kitchen in Littleton, CO, is a treasure for those seeking authentic and high-quality Mexican cuisine. This vibrant eatery stands out for its unique take on traditional dishes, such as the Oaxaca-originated Tlayuda, often hailed as the "original Mexican Pizza," and the mouth-watering Birria Quesatacos. Patrons rave about the authenticity and innovative flavors, with one enthusiast noting, "The Birria tacos were a highlight, bursting with an abundant amount of rich, flavorful meat" and another proclaiming the food "out of this world." Mesa Latin Kitchen not only promises a sublime dining experience but also enchants with its warm ambiance and exceptional service, making every visit memorable.
‘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
  • Alison
    Hawaii •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    This was the best meal I have ever had in Denver, and I’ve been to most of the top rated restaurants. The frijoles with the chorizo and the birria were our top two favorites. The tequila old fashioned was amazing! I’m already planning my next reservation and to bring friends. One area of improvement is that the food is all cooked in the dining area and it got really smoky. My eyes kept watering and I had to go outside for fresh air at one point. We also came home smelling strongly of the food. The rest of the experience outweighed this so we’ll definitely be back but I’m writing this in hopes the air flow will be improved.
    More info
    Alma Fonda FinaPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary Mexican• LoHi
    •
    4.9
  • Kristen
    Denver / Colorado •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Everything about this place is exceptional! We worked our way through the menu and everything we tasted was amazing. The combinations of flavors were all exquisite. The toro tostada was one of our favorite dishes. The mushrooms and the mole beef cheeks were also stand outs. We truly didn’t have an unsatisfactory bite in anything that we tried. The mezcal selection was fun and on point. Our server, Christina, along with all of the other staff, was attentive and kind and added to the whole experience. I woke up the next day still dreaming about this place. 20/10
    More info
    Mezcaleria AlmaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Mexican• LoHi
    •
    5
  • JenniferVIP
    Denver / Colorado •26 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Always top notch service with wonderful food selections. I had tofu tacos and asked for all the sauces on the side and they accommodated without hesitation. Our waiter (I believe his name was CJ) was super attentive, friendly and welcoming. This place is a family favorite
    More info
    Tamayo RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Mexican• Downtown / LoDo
    •
    4.4
  • Devin
    New Orleans / Louisiana •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 11, 2024
    Went for the chefs tasting experience. Both the last theme of Mexico and the most recent theme, Peru, were amazingly well curated. Beverage pairings were thoughtful and added to the dining experience. Would highly recommend attending one of these events when you can. On a normal day Mr. Oso has one of the best happy hours in Denver as well as some of the most delicious food.
    More info
    Mister Oso - RiNoPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Mexican• River North (Denver)
    •
    4.6
  • JoeyB
    Denver / Colorado •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 15, 2024
    Food is good, margs were great, hard to hear my table mate for the loud music… it’s like a loud bar….loved the Valentine’s Day special and appreciate everyone who was working that night
    More info
    Los Chingones DTCPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Tech Center / Greenwood Village
    •
    4.5

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