Restaurants are listed alphabetically. See recent reviews at denverpost.ccom/restaurants
AMERICAN
Masterpiece Deli
1575 Central 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.
Palettes
At the Denver Art Museum (North Building), 100 W. 14th Avenue Parkway, 303-534-1455,
(Very good/Great) Appetizers $8-$14; lunch entrees $10-$17; dinner entrees $16-$29. Take the afternoon off for an art-viewing session followed by a langorous meal at this Kevin Taylor lunch spot. Choose a salad, a piece of fish and a glass (or two) of wine. Last reviewed March 2010.
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.
EUROPEAN
Farro
8230 S. Holly St., 303-694-5432,
(Very Good) Almost nothing over $15. The southern suburbs are awash in restaurants, but precious few of them are any good. Enter Farro, at the corner of Holly Street and County Line Road, which serves homey, substantial fare with a casual-elegant twist. Good wine list, too. Last reviewed February 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. Tip for seasonal eaters: Order seafood; it’s almost always nicely prepared here. Last reviewed May 2009.
Ondo’s Tapas Bar
250 Steele St., 303-975-6514,
(Very good) Tapas $6-16. One flight down from street level, this cheery and comfortable tapas bar features smart takes on San Sebastian and Barcelona favorites. Come with a small group, or even better, on a date. And sit, if possible, at the bar. Last reviewed March 2010.
ASIAN
Den Deli
1501 S. Pearl St., Denver, 303-733-2503,
(Very good) Noodle bowls, $9.95 and up. Sandwiches, $9.95 and up. Ramen has arrived in Platt Park neighborhood with this casual new branch of the Den (Sushi Den, Izakaya Den) family. Choose a noodle bowl and seaweed salad; your sandwich-loving companion can have a French dip instead. Last reviewed March 2010.
CARIBBEAN
Eight Rivers Lodo
1550 Blake St., 303-623-3422,
(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. Happy hour on weekdays. Last reviewed December 2008.
PIZZA
Virgilio’s
7986 W. Alameda Ave., Lakewood, 303-985-2777,
(Very good) Pizzas $8.99- $19.49; appetizers and sides $1.99- $8.99. Crusts are buttery, salty and nicely cooked. Toppings are straightforward and simple, particularly the Mama’s Favorite (shaved sausage, red onion, garlic). Last reviewed April 2006.
Our star system:
: Exceptional
: Great
: Very good
: Good
