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Modern ChineseRino
Hop Alley in Denver is Tommy Lee's modern Chinese dining room on Larimer in RiNo since 2015, a Michelin Bib Gourmand that runs Sichuan and northern Chinese.
OrderThe cumin lamb noodles and the tea-smoked duck, both menu signatures since opening.
TipBook the bar counter to watch the wok station.
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New AmericanSunnyside
The Wolf's Tailor in Denver is Kelly Whitaker's tasting-menu room in Sunnyside since 2017, a James Beard Best Chef Mountain finalist running East-meets-West.
OrderThe chef's tasting menu only; a la carte is not offered.
TipTickets release on Tock 30 days ahead at 9 am. Walk-ins are taken at the bar counter when bookings cancel; arrive by 6 pm to chance it.
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Tasting MenuRino
Beckon in Denver is Duncan Holmes's 18-seat chef's counter on Larimer in RiNo since 2018, a Michelin-recognised tasting room behind sister bistro Call.
OrderThe tasting menu only; one seating per night.
TipTickets release one month out at 12 noon on a Wednesday via Tock; sell out in minutes. Try the bar at Call next door for walk-ins.
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French BistroDowntown
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.
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Japanese-peruvianCherry Creek
Matsuhisa in Denver is Nobu Matsuhisa's Cherry Creek dining room since 2009, the chef's third Colorado location with the canonical Nobu-style.
OrderThe black cod miso and yellowtail jalapeno are the Matsuhisa signatures.
TipThe sushi bar pours through a separate booking link from the dining room. The Aspen location is the chef's original; Denver is the day-trip Front Range version.
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Modern MexicanDowntown
Tamayo in Denver is Richard Sandoval's modern Mexican dining room on Larimer Square since 2001, a rooftop patio anchor for upscale tacos, ceviche and tequila.
OrderThe tableside guacamole and the cochinita pibil with Yucatan-style achiote; flight of mezcal to pair.
TipThe rooftop patio runs March through October with mountain views; book it three weeks ahead. The bar is open for walk-ins.