Ranked by TableJourney editorial score.
Slow-roasted Colorado lamb shoulder or rack from the Western Slope, rubbed with mountain herbs, salt and garlic; the state's premium pasture-raised lamb on Denver tasting menus.
Colorado lamb has been a Front Range ranching staple since the 1880s, raised on the Western Slope and San Luis Valley pastures. The state ranks among the top US lamb producers. Mountain States Rosen marketed Colorado lamb to white-tablecloth kitchens nationally from the 1970s. Frasca's Friuli kitchen, Bistro Vendome and Rioja all run lamb-shoulder courses through the year; the slow-roast preparation owes to Italian and Greek immigrant kitchens on Federal Boulevard and in Globeville from the early 20th century.
4 editor picks for Colorado lamb in Denver, ranked by editorial score. All Denver signature dishes · Colorado lamb across every city.
Frasca Food and Wine in Boulder is Bobby Stuckey and Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson's James Beard-winning Friulian dining room since 2004, the kitchen.
OrderThe four-course Friuli tasting menu and the frico caldo to start.
TipBoulder is a 40-minute drive from Denver. Frasca Caffe next door runs walk-in pasta and aperitivo without a reservation.
Rioja in Denver is Jennifer Jasinski's James Beard-winning Mediterranean dining room on Larimer Square since 2004, a flagship of the Crafted Concepts group.
OrderThe artichoke tortelloni and the goat cheese ravioli, both on the menu since opening.
TipSunday brunch with bottomless mimosas is a Larimer Square institution. The chef's tasting menu changes weekly and is the best way to see Jasinski's range.
Bistro Vendome in Denver is Jennifer Jasinski's Larimer Square French bistro since 2003, with a courtyard patio and a menu of canonical bistro plates.
OrderThe steak frites with bearnaise and the duck confit, both menu mainstays since opening.
TipThe courtyard is one of Larimer Square's best-kept patios. Brunch on Sunday with the French toast is the room's busiest service.
The Buckhorn Exchange in Denver is the city's oldest steakhouse since 1893, holding Colorado liquor license number one and a game menu that includes elk.
OrderThe elk steak or the buffalo prime rib, both on the menu since opening.
TipThe dining room is the original 1893 saloon with mounted heads on every wall; second-floor lounge is quieter. Light rail stops 50 feet from the door.
Colorado lamb makes more sense with someone from Denver explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.
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Guided tour · 3 hours
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Guided tour · 2.5 hours
See how beer is made, learn about its history, and try a range of flavorful craft beers on this guided walking tour through downtown Denver.