The tastiest Denver restaurant openings in 2026
Denver’s culinary scene is evolving fast — and 2026 looks like one of the most exciting years yet for food lovers. New restaurants opening across the city are helping shape neighborhood appeal, increase foot traffic near homes, and create fresh gathering spaces for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, homeowner, renter, or property investor, here are the most anticipated spots making Denver even more irresistible in 2026.
1) Uchiko - a fire-driven Japanese experience in Cherry Creek North
One of the most talked-about openings of early 2026 is Uchiko, the sister concept to the acclaimed Uchi restaurant from James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole. This 7,400-sq-ft Cherry Creek North space blends a wood-fired Japanese menu with design that reflects both the historic gallery building it occupies and a modern culinary vision. Expect immersive dining with bold flavors and craft cocktails when it opens in February.
2) Ash & Agave - coastal Mexican flavors in Cherry Creek
Denver Gazette reports that Ash & Agave, a coastal Mexican restaurant from the team behind Blue Island Oyster Bar and Oliver’s Italian, is heading to Cherry Creek in early 2026. Featuring wood-fired cooking and mezcal-forward cocktails, this vibrant concept will bring bold, sun-soaked flavors to one of Denver’s most desirable neighborhoods.
3) Maize - intimate tasting experience in RiNo
From the team that runs Michelin-recognized Alma and Mezcaleria Alma comes Maize — a 16-seat tasting-menu counter celebrating masa, moles, and house ferments rooted in Mexican tradition. This highly choreographed multi-course experience is set for a spring 2026 debut in RiNo, one of Denver’s fastest-growing cultural and dining hubs.
4)Dear Emilia - northern Italian comfort with a RiNo twist
The team behind beloved Restaurant Olivia is opening Dear Emilia in RiNo on January 29. Inspired by the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, this concept pairs soulful Italian cooking with a curated Italian wine list — perfect for neighborhood gatherings or special dinners.
5)Paperboy – a brunch favorite
The Austin-based brunch favorite Paperboy is bringing its acclaimed menu to Denver’s West Highland neighborhood. Known for locally inspired, seasonal brunch fare, this marks the brand’s first expansion outside Texas, helping solidify Denver’s reputation as a top-tier brunch destination.
6)La Vie En Rose - Paris-inspired champagne & cocktails
Also coming to RiNo this spring is La Vie En Rose, a sophisticated concept from the team behind Nocturne jazz club. With Parisian-style champagne, craft cocktails, plush interiors, and a wine cave, this is poised to become a stylish night-out destination in one of Denver’s most lively districts.
7) Leven Downtown - elevated casual dining
Beloved sandwich and salad staple Leven is expanding with a downtown Denver location at Block 162. This full-service concept will feature an expanded menu, bar program, and design-forward space with an open kitchen and live greenery — adding to the urban living draw of Denver’s Central Business District.
8) Madeline - chef-driven seasonal dining
Chef Quincy Cherrett, known for his work at Colt & Gray and Sushi Den, is opening Madeline in spring 2026 at 1313 E. 6th Ave. This intimate restaurant will spotlight seasonal ingredients and refined takes on comfort classics, adding culinary gravitas to the Cheesman Park area.
9) Nana’s Dim Sum & Dumplings Expansion
Fan-favorite Nana’s Dim Sum & Dumplings, known for its handmade dim sum and dumplings, is continuing to grow in 2026 with a new location in the Denver metro. For lovers of authentic Chinese cuisine, this expansion reflects Denver’s appetite for diverse, high-quality dining.
New and anticipated restaurants influence more than just dinner plans, they shape neighborhood character, increase walkability, and can help boost property values over time. As Denver continues its growth, these dining destinations are key lifestyle amenities that both longtime locals and newcomers will savor in 2026.