Restaurants are listed alphabetically.
AMERICAN
Masterpiece Deli
1575 Central St. (at 16th St.), 303- 561-3354,
(Very Good) Sandwiches $8-$10.50; breakfast sandwiches $4.75 and up. Denver’s sandwich scene took a quantum leap with the opening of Masterpiece Deli, just a block down the hill from Lola in the Lower Highland neighborhood. Top-shelf ingredients and preparation make the common-sounding sandwiches (Reuben, egg salad) uncommon. Last reviewed April 2009.
Root Down
1600 W. 33rd Ave., 303-993-4200,
(Very Good/Great) Plates $7-$22, with most around $9-$11. An eclectic menu of innovative, flavorful small dishes (many of which are vegetarian) drives this forward-thinking eatery and watering hole, fashioned from a reclaimed garage. Last reviewed March 2009.
Shazz
4262 Lowell Blvd., 303-477-1407,
(Very Good/Great) Appetizers $7-$11; mains $24-$35. Chef Benny Kaplan is one of Denver’s best, and his commitment to locally sourced, sustainable food is commendable. Don’t miss the braised oxtail appetizer, served over asiago grits, and don’t miss a few minutes at the bar for a signature cocktail mixed with house- made ingredients such as grenadine and orgeat. Last reviewed April 2009.
Twelve
2233 Larimer St., 303-293-0287,
(Great/Exceptional) Entrees $22-$28. Wedged into a tiny storefront in the northern reaches of LoDo, this newcomer changes its menu monthly — 12 times a year. So don’t get attached to a favorite dish. Instead, have your socks knocked off by chef Jeff Osaka’s brilliant technical skills and instinctive flavor play. Last reviewed February 2009.
EUROPEAN
Brasserie Felix
3901 Tennyson St., 303-953-2401,
(Very good) Appetizers $5.95-$12.95, mains $14.95-$20.95. A very good example of the Americanized French Brasserie, with accessible and relevant fare like steak frites, mussels and croque monsieurs. Small but serviceable wine list. Great sunny room looks even better at lunchtime. Last reviewed April 2009.
Indulge French Bistro
4140 W. 38th Ave., 303-433-7400,
(Very good/Great) Appetizers $6.50-16. Entrees $16-$28. This small, hospitably operated bistro in north Denver changes its menu frequently, but you can always count on a well-executed steak frites, an inexpensive glass of house wine, and a cheery welcome. Last reviewed May 2009.
ASIAN
India’s Pearl
1475 S. Pearl St., 303-777-1533
(Very Good/Great) Starters $3.95-$9.95; entrees $10.95-$24.95. Surprised that an Indian restaurant would have such an expansive wine list? Don’t be. India’s Pearl proves that Indian food pairs beautifully with wines of all hues. Last reviewed October 2008.
Taste of Thailand
504 E. Hampden Ave, Englewood, 303-762-9112
(Very Good) Nothing over $15. Every neighborhood has at least one Thai restaurant, but not every neighborhood has one as good as Englewood’s Taste of Thailand. Fresh, tasty dishes are assembled with a light hand, and spice is applied with precision. Lunch specials every day. Last reviewed March 2008.
CARIBBEAN
Eight Rivers Lodo
1550 Blake St., 303-623-3422, 8rivers
(Very Good) Appetizers $7-$13; mains $15-$19. Denver’s very best rum list anchors this downtown homage to Jamaican cuisine. Think jerk chicken, jerk pork, jerk steak and a beautifully rich-spicy oxtail stew. Last reviewed December 2008.
LATIN
Limon
1618 E. 17th Ave., 303-322-0898,
(Very Good/Great) Entrees mostly under $20. Set on a hopping strip of East 17th Avenue, Limon serves innovative, contemporary Peruvian food and classic, refreshing cocktails, most notably traditional pisco sours. Come at happy hour for the best deals or later for a quieter dinner. Last reviewed February 2008.
PIZZA
McKinners Pizza Bar
2389 W. Main St., Littleton, 303-798-8500,
(Very Good) Pizzas $9.25 and up; salads $6.25-$9. Downtown Littleton is one of the area’s most pleasant town strips, studded with boutiques and wine shops and restaurants and, happily, McKinners, a favorite watering hole, pizza joint and gathering place. Last reviewed March 2009.
Virgilio’s
7986 W. Alameda Ave., Lakewood, 303-985-2777
(Very Good) Pizzas (14- or 18-inch) $8.99-$19.49; appetizers and sides $1.99-$8.99. Don’t fill up on garlic knots, because you’ll need room for pizza. Crusts are buttery, salty and nicely cooked. Toppings are straightforward and simple, particularly the Mama’s Favorite (shaved sausage, red onion, garlic). Gluten- free menu too. Last reviewed April 2006.
Our star system:
: Exceptional
: Great
: Very good
: Good
