Named after NFL legend John Elway, Elway’s is undoubtedly one of Denver’s finest steakhouses. Despite the high prices, you’ll find this place rather relaxed, with a distinct Colorado-inspired atmosphere. Patrons can choose between hand-cut prime steaks, fin fish, crustacean, and more. The food is always fresh, as the menu changes with market availability. Be sure to try the Spicy Steak Chilli – a favourite with everyone who’s tasted it.

This relaxed Denver restaurant serves classic American dishes to an adoring public. Set in an intimate house-style venue, customers munch through dishes like bavette steak au poivre and organic duck breast. The restaurant has an impeccable wine list and the maître d is more than happy to talk you through it. Beware though, it gets booked up fast so make sure you reserve a table on weekends.

Kevin Taylor’s is definitely up there among the very best restaurants in Denver. Located in the beautiful Ellie Caulkins Opera House within the Denver Performing Arts Complex, Kevin Taylor’s reputation as a nationally acclaimed chef and local restaurateur legend precedes him. With this restaurant, he has created contemporary cuisine that emphasises flavour and treads a fine line between fusion and French, the American southwest and the Asian Rim.

This modern Italian restaurant offers traditional Italian flavours with a contemporary flair, and never fails on freshness. Located in the heart of the Cherry Creek neighbourhood, the restaurant is always upbeat yet provides a warm, intimate setting to enjoy your meal. Be sure to try the delicious peach bread pudding for dessert.

 This eclectic and energetic restaurant specialises in farm fresh cuisine tailored to a modern, hip crowd. Located in a converted gas station, Root Down offers vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options aplenty. Both food and drinks get high praise from visitors, who revel in the restaurant’s chill and funky vibe.

This Denver restaurant has been churning out top-quality sushi for over 25 years. A firm favourite with locals, the restaurant serves up classic sushi and sashimi in stylish surroundings. The owners import all their fish fresh from local Japanese markets, and the place is always packed. A must-try is the deep-fried green tea ice cream. Unusual but heavenly.

If you’re looking for New York-style pizza, you won’t find it here. BeauJo’s is all about Colorado-style pizzas. The restaurant works to make healthy food while causing as little harm to the environment as possible. But don’t think for a second that the food is short on flavour or taste. There are a large number of possibilities when it comes to building your own pizza, and if pizza isn’t what you’re looking for, you won’t be short on options either.

A dive bar in the upmarket Cherry Creek district may not sound like the most promising eating experience in Denver, but the burgers in this place are divine. The bar offers over 70 types of beer, 30 types of vodka and a good selection of wines, while the food menu makes almost any burger topping possible, even peanut butter. It quickly becomes clear why this restaurant never struggles to attract a fun crowd and is a regular winner of ‘best bar food' awards.

 A lunchtime favourite, Tocabe is an icon of fast-casual Denver food, adored by locals and visitors alike. It specializes in a contemporary approach to traditional Native American cuisine, offering such specialties as bison ribs and wojapi topped fry bread. You can order out or eat in for the full effect, where exposed white brick walls and colourful textured art make for an aesthetic experience.