With nostalgic red-sauce joints, handmade pasta havens, wood-fired pizza spots, and fusion fare, Denver’s Italian food scene is beaming with options. Restaurants pay homage to the vibrant cuisine of Italy and beyond, from Venice all the way down to Sicily, infused with flavors from around the globe.
Longstanding spots like Gaetano’s and Amici’s have shaped the local scene, while newcomers like Osteria Alberico and Saverina are paving the way for the future of the Mile High’s Italian cuisine.
In this roundup, we explore ten of the best Italian restaurants in Denver (plus a bonus one!), from cozy neighborhood joints to upscale destinations. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty plate of spaghetti and meatballs, delicate handmade ravioli, or creative spins on Italian classics, these tasty Denver, and just outside of Denver, spots can satisfy your craving. Mangia!
Thoughtful Southern Italian at Coperta
Coperta is a staple in Uptown where it serves seasonally-inspired Southern Italian cuisine. With exposed brick, hexagonal white tiles, and an open kitchen, both the ambiance and menu evoke a classic Roman cafe feel. Plus, chef and co-owner Paul C. Reilly just made the 2025 semifinalist list for the James Beard Awards Best Chef Mountain. Awards aside, diners are the real winner at Coperta.
Start with La Merendina (Italian snacks) featuring delicious morsels like broiled chili-parm oysters before moving onto antipasti with options like daily baked focaccia and mussels. Primi and secondi courses include more specialties from Mezzogiorno like orecchiette, cavatelli ragu, and pollo alla diavola. Round out the meal with homemade desserts and the trattoria’s selection of more than 25 amari. 400 E 20th Ave., Denver, copertadenver.com
Old School Red Sauce at Gaetano’s
This retro red-sauce joint has been serving the Highlands community for more than seven decades. Crimson vinyl booths against cherry wood tables, and large black and white murals of influential Italian families from the neighborhood capture the restaurant’s old-school, New York vibe.
The legendary establishment, formerly operated by Denver’s Smaldone crime family, has hosted iconic guests ranging from Frank Sinatra to Al Capone. The menu is full of classic Italian-American staples like clams casino, chicken parmigiana, and lasagna with housemade marinara. It’ll make you feel like you’re back at your nonna’s house, if your nonna was Tony Soprano. 3760 Tejon St., Denver, gaetanositalian.com
Jovanina’s Broken Italian
Jovanina’s offers a vibrant interpretation of Italian fare, filtered through a Colorado lens. The restaurant, owned by Jennifer and Jake Linzinmeir, shines in Denver’s LoDo neighborhood. The sultry vibe is complete with exposed brick, vintage light fixtures, and candelabras. For a romantic nightcap, head down the candlelit stairs to the Sotto Voce, Jovanina’s moody Prohibition-era-style lounge and enjoy carted craft cocktails, local beer, an extensive wine list, and absinthe rituals.Dinner is a lively, shareable affair. There are starters like oysters, rosemary-smoked bone marrow served with grilled sourdough, and oak-ember roasted rainbow carrots. Fresh pastas come in delectable varieties like elk bolognese and Sicilian sun-dried tomato cavatappi, or go for a wood-fired pizza. Larger plates include classics like branzino and grilled trattoria steak, while the evening wraps up with inventive desserts like the daily cannoli and nutella tiramisu. 1520 Blake St., Denver, jovanina.com
Northern Italian Fine Dining at Barolo Grill
Set in upscale digs in Cherry Creek, the Michelin-recommended Barolo Grill has been satisfying Denverites’ cravings for authentic Northern Italian fare since 1992. Its menu deftly travels from Piedmont to Venice and beyond with dishes such as Vitello Tonnato (thinly-sliced veal tenderloin, $23), Tagliatelle ai Funghi (housemade pasta with mushrooms, $35), and Capesante (Venitan-style diver scallops. $45).
The pillowy agnolotti di zucca (handmade pasta stuffed with butternut squash and cheese, $36) caught our attention last October as one of our ten best bites of the month. Each dish features a suggested Italian wine pairing chosen by the restaurant’s sommelier team. Or, diners can select their own wine from Barolo’s extensive collection, which showcases vinos from around the globe. 3030 E 6th Ave., Denver, barologrilldenver.com
Family-Friendly Fare at Amici’s Pizzeria & Italian
The warm and welcoming atmosphere at Amici’s makes it the perfect place to bring the whole family. iIt’s been a locally loved spot since it first opened in Wheat Ridge in 1976, and through the decades the family-owned operation has served comforting homestyle red-sauce dishes.
Inside there are no frills, but it’s comfortable and perfect for tucking into a dish from the large selection of Italian-American classics. Think baked pastas, calzones, sandwiches, and, of course, pizzas. Try the Amici’s Supreme, a sauceless pie topped with sausage, pepperoni, mushroom, green pepper, onion, fresh tomato and spices (three sizes starting at $21.25). Every day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. the restaurant serves lunch specials that come with soup or salad, as well as dinner specials Monday through Thursday. 4300 Wadsworth Blvd., Wheat Ridge, amicisitalian.com
Osteria Alberico, Frasca Food & Wine’s Little Sister
This casual neighborhood spot nestled next to a King Soopers in Englewood is the latest concept by Frasca Hospitality Group (Frasca Food & Wine, Tavernetta, Sunday Vinyl, Pizzeria Alberico). Debuting July 2024, the restaurant derived its namesake from Danette Alberico Stuckey, Frasca co-founder Bobby Stuckey’s wife, whose family traces its roots to the picturesque Italian town of San Vittorino.
Though located in a stripmall, Osteria Alberico brings all the charm of an unpretentious Italian osteria within its doors. Chef de cuisine Russell Stippich has a whole fresh pasta program featuring traditional Cacio e Pepe ($18) and Pansotti, a ravioli-like pasta with dandelion greens, fennel, walnut, and ricotta ($25). Or go with an elevated classic such as whole Mediterranean branzino ($42) or the lamb with lamb, rosemary, arugula, saba, lemon ($55). There’s also a variety of white and red pizzas, ranging from $20 to $26 each. 3455 South University Blvd., Englewood, osteriaalberico.com
Casual Meets Sophisticated at Parisi
Located on Tennyson St., Parisi is divided into two spaces. First, the fast-casual Parisi Pizzeria, Trattoria e Vino. Second, Parisi Sotto, a fine dining concept located underneath the restaurant, whose name aptly translates to “below Parisi.” Exposed brick walls and wood accents create a warm ambiance at the trattoria, which has been around for more than 25 years.
Over the decades the business has been through many iterations. It first started as a market and deli before moving to its current location to focus on serving fresh pasta, pizzas, calzones, sandwiches, and paninis. Downstairs at Parisi Sotto, formerly Firenze a Tavola, the vibe is more intimate, featuring a smaller menu and special experiences such as grazing nights, which is an evening of connected tables and large antipasto boards. Also go for the community tables and give yourself a chance to break bread with neighbors with a curated menu and communal seating. 4401 Tennyson St., Denver, parisidenver.com
Italian Food Meets Indian Ingredients at Spuntino
Spuntino in the Highlands goes beyond your average trattoria, with nods to co-owner and chef Cindhura Reedy’s South Indian heritage in the Italian fusion fare. The purely from-scratch kitchen makes all of its pasta, breads, gelati, and even some cheeses and digestivi in-house.
The fearless menu effortlessly journeys between Italy and India with dishes such as the Agnello ($48) featuring South Indian spiced braised lamb osso bucco, saffron basmati rice, and broccolini. On the pasta side, the Capellini Aglio e Olio ($30) marries hand-crafted strand pasta and Indian spice-preserved garlic to create a dish so good, it was deemed one of our ten best bites of September last year. 2639 W 32nd Ave., Denver, spuntinodenver.com
Odyssey Italian Restaurant
Nestled in a charmingly restored Victorian home in Cap Hill, Odyssey Italian Restaurant offers Sicilian hospitality with candlelit upstairs booths, exposed brick, and a Violin Room where a violinist serenades guests.
The menu by chef Ignazio Mulei, who hails from Palermo, strikes a balance between comforting crowd-pleasers and hearty Sicilian specialties. Plus, all items are served with homemade bread, olive oil, and balsamic reduction.
Starters include lobster-stuffed mushrooms and Sicilian petite rack of lamb, and regular Monday happy-hour pasta specials (with salad and bread included for $11.95) give guests a reason to look forward to the start of the week. Not to be missed are mains like pappardelle with lamb shank, seafood fra diavola, and veal braciole.
Dessert lovers will appreciate the tiramisu, cannoli, and house-baked cakes — or grab one of Odyssey’s many martinis as a nightcap. 603 E. 6th Ave., Denver, odysseyitalian.com
Restaurant Olivia, A Pasta-Forward Operation
Washington Park’s Restaurant Olivia knows its way around fresh pasta and fine wines. Housemade french onion ravioli and creamy risotto are standouts at this Michelin-recommended joint. In addition to its handcrafted pastas, chef Ty Leon and his team take pride in incorporating homegrown ingredients in the menu with offerings such as Wild Idea Bison Tartare ($22) and the ribbed shell pasta dish Malloreddus ($32), served with local mushrooms.
For those that prefer the culinary team to take the wheel, try the five-course tasting menu ($115 per person) with optional wine pairings (additional $75). The Olivia team, Leon, Austin Carson, and Heather Morrison, are currently working on a sister concept, Emilia. When it opens this summer in RiNo, expect a special place inspired by the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. 290 South Downing St., Denver, oliviadenver.com
Na Favola
Na Favola, which translates to “fairy tale” in Italian, is exactly that. With red tablecloths and black and white mosaic tiles adorning bar, the quaint neighborhood joint is reminiscent of an old-world Roman trattoria.
The family-owned spot is helmed by brothers Daniele and Silvio Pellico, who hail from Italy. The menu reflects their heritage with straightforward, authentic offerings like house-made bread, fresh hand-rolled pastas, and wood-fired pizzas. On that note, think crisp crusts topped with buffalo mozzarella, cured meats like prosciutto di Parma and mortadella, and vibrant veggies. Don’t skip dessert with classic offerings such as olive oil cake and panna cotta.
The restaurant’s convivial charm and rustic feel make it the perfect gathering spot for friends and family. 5909 S. University Blvd., Greenwood Village, nafavolatrattoria.com
Eclectic Noodles and More at Dio Mio
The laidback and eclectic pasta spot in RiNo is also Michelin-recommended, and features an ever-changing menu of small plates, fresh noodles, and shareable mains. Chefs and owners Alex Figura and Spencer White boasts a background in fine dining and aren’t afraid to take creative risks on Italian classics.
For example, the newly added Garganelli ($20), which comes with a kimchi alla vodka sauce, lardon, and pork fat breadcrumbs. A pasta production station in the center of the quaint, counter-service eatery allows customers to watch their rigatoni, parpadelle, and spaghetti (among other items) being made.
Dio Mio’s sister concept, Redeemer, is located just down the street and slings some of the best New York-style slices in town. Acclaimed chef Jennifer Jasinski even called it her go-to spot for to-go pizza when we interviewed her last month. Notably, both restaurants offer a Wine Wednesday special with 50-percent off nearly all bottles. The team is also working on a new pizza and pasta restaurant, Johnny Bechamel’s, slated to debut this spring in Washington Park. 3264 Larimer St., Denver, diomiopasta.com
Wood Fired Magic at Bar Dough
Since opening in 2015, it’s constantly raked in accolades and brought chef Carrie Baird to the limelight and to Top Chef: Season 15 when it aired in Colorado. Over the decade the kitchen host chef Russell Stippich and then, in 2024, brought in Stefy Devita, the current chef. While the talent has shifted, the dedication to modern Italian food has remained.
The wood-fired oven helps make Bar Dough stand out, as anyone who has ever ordered the Prada Bread ($12) knows. Also coming out of the oven are Slow Roasted Carrots ($18) with cashew butter and chili crunch, prawns in fra diavolo sauce ($26), and a whole menu of pizzas ($20 to $26). Full entrees such as Pollo al Lemon ($37), Berkshire Pork Milanese ($50), and Seafood Linguini ($32) with crab, calamari, smoked tomato butter, and trout roe also help win dinner.
The bar offers an array of spritzes, a well-curated Italian wine list, and craft cocktails. Also check out Bar Dough’s weekend brunch where the wood-fired Monkey Bread ($12) is a must have. 2227 W. 32nd Ave., Denver, bardoughdenver.com
Suburban Staples at Saverina
With chef Christian Graves at the helm Saverina opened inside the Kimpton Claret Hotel last year. Here you’ll find Italian-inspired meals with a modern twist, and a menu that emphasizes local ingredients, handmade pasta, and wood-fired pizza. The fresh mozzarella topped with chili crunch and Angel Hair Slippery Noodles with Dungeness crab are particularly tasty. You also can’t go wrong with an eight-ounce prime grilled filet, which comes with gnocchi and red wine sauce.
After dinner, head upstairs for a nightcap at the hotel’s Halo Rooftop Bar. Not only do you get sweeping views of the Rockies and the cityscape beyond the hotel, but alongside globally inspired cocktails and a solid wine list. 6985 E Chenango Ave., Denver, saverinadenver.com
Frasca Food & Wine
This Boulder gem needs no introduction, but we’ll give it one anyway. Inspired by the warm hospitality of Italy’s Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, the Michelin-starred Frasca Food & Wine has long been a fine-dining destination for Boulder County locals. Most recently, the beloved establishment took home the 2025 James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant, one of the foundation’s top honors.
Helmed by master sommelier and Julia Child Award recipient, Bobby Stuckey, the restaurant epitomizes fine dining with its white tablecloths, hand-blown wine glasses, and meticulous attention to detail. The rotating Quattro Piatti menu features four seasonal courses, while the Friulano tasting menu delivers an adventurous experience with expertly chosen wine pairings. If you’re looking to impress your dinner date, this is the spot. 1738 Pearl St., Boulder, frascafoodandwine.com
Angelo’s Taverna
Angelo’s Taverna has been a Cap Hill favorite over four decades, and it also opened a Littleton location in 2016. It has earned praise as Denver’s go-to spot for Oyster Happy Hour, which offers raw oysters for $1.25 a pop and chargrilled oysters for $2.75 each from 3 to 6 p.m. daily.
The extensive menu features familiar comforts like toasted ravioli, garlic bread with marinara, mussels, classic pasta dishes including vodka penne and pappardelle bolognese, plus inventive options such as gorgonzola steak fettuccine. Pizza lovers can indulge in playful creations like the Kitchen Sink, made with sausage, pepperoni, olives, peppers, onions, mushrooms, red sauce; and Under the Bridge, with shaved ribeye, onions, peppers, shredded provolone and fresh mozzarella, red sauce. There’s also plenty of calzones and strombolis. The family friendly spot also offers kids meals for just $8.Behind the bar, expect Italian‑influenced cocktails and a lineup of wines and beers to match the food. 620 E. 6th Ave., Denver and 6885 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton, angelostaverna.com
Basta
Wood-fired Italian joint Basta is another eatery that’s been nationally recognized for its incredible fare. With a Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction, and James Beard-recognized owners Kelly and Erika Whitaker, this spot puts a contemporary twist on Italian classics.
Located inside the Peloton complex, its industrial-chic space is complete with concrete floors, stacked wood, and an open kitchen. The menu is masterfully concise, starting with small plates like smoked olives, chicken liver mousse, and burrata served alongside house-baked fan-favorite Piada bread, before moving into wood-fired pizzas and large plates (think half chicken with white wine jus or trout with herbs and roe).At the bar, customers can order wine by the glass, a rotating selection of beers and ciders, and seasonal cocktails. It’s the ideal spot for date-night pasta or a celebratory pizza in a modern atmosphere. 3601 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, bastaboulder.com
Tavernetta
From the same award-winning team behind Frasca, Tavernetta is a force of its own. The Michelin Bib Gourmand spot has earned high praise from locals and fellow restauranteurs alike, bringing a more relaxed, pan‑Italian approach that’s equally refined. The sleek space anchored by a cozy fireplace features an open kitchen pasta bar, and lofty dining rooms with views of Union Station’s train platform.
Start with shareable items like burrata, carpaccio, or fritto misto, or, just dive right into the handmade pasta section. Secondi dishes spotlight proteins such as branzino and wild boar, while desserts like tiramisu and affogato finish the meal on a high note. The nearly all‑Italian wine list is expertly curated to pair beautifully with the menu, guided by sommeliers inspired by Frasca’s stellar heritage.
For a special deal on the wine, apps, and pastas, head to the bar during the restaurant’s daily happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. If you find yourself in Vail, make a reservation at Tavernetta’s newest location inside the Four Seasons Vail, which opened last ski season. Pro tip, find the spritz window at the mountain location and ring the buzzer for a pleasant surprise. 1889 16th St. Mall, Denver, tavernettadenver.com
Quality Italian
This Italian‑American steakhouse brings bold flavors and upscale yet eclectic decor to the heart of Cherry Creek. Inside, the space features ornately framed photos, vintage wallpaper with avian motifs, exposed wood-beam ceilings, and garage-style doors that open to a lively patio in warmer months.
House‑baked monkey‑bread rolls open the evening, followed by shareable starters like Tanara 24-Month Prosciutto di Parma, housemade ricotta, selections from the raw bar, and various crudos. The fresh pasta selection is headlined by Spicy Lobster Rigatoni alla Vodka and a rich porterhouse agnolotti. For carnivores, there are a variety of options like Berkshire Pork Chop, Mediterranean Branzino, Veal Milanese, and, of course, steaks, including classic filet mignon and Filet Au Chianti-Poivre. Feeling adventurous? The restaurant’s muti-severing chicken parm pizza is basically a large breaded chicken patty covered in gooey cheese and is simply delightful.If you’re up for it, try The Godfather giant cannoli for dessert, filled with cannoli cream, gelato, raspberry compote, espresso nib streusel, and pistachios. 241 Columbine St., Denver, qualityitaliandenver.com
Lechuga’s Italian Restaurant
Lechuga’s has been a no-nonsense red sauce staple in the Highlands since 1961. The casual dining room features a bar, TVs, and a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for lunch or a laidback meal with the family.
The Italian-American menu features “buckets” of spaghetti piled high with sausage and meatballs, as well as classic ravioli, lasagna, and manicotti. All come with garlic bread and salad. Weekday specials offer hearty servings for around $8 to $11, and square pizza pies are a standout. But the real star of the show is the “canoli,” which come in varieties like the Original Mini Canoli with sausage and jalapeno, Meatball Canoli, the spicy Little Devil Canoli, and The Elegante large canoli topped with cheese and shredded lettuce. All are savory, and all are delicious. 3609 Tejon St., Denver, lechugasitalian.com
Carmine Lonardo’s Italian Deli & Market
While this spot isn’t a restaurant, per se, it’s certainly worth mentioning in the canon of iconic Front Range Italian joints. A Lakewood staple since 1976, Carmine Lonardo’s Italian Deli & Market is a no-frills, family-run joint known for its massive deli sandwiches. Built on fresh rolls and stacked high with meats and cheeses, fan favorites include The Godfather with Piedmontese Italian beef and hot Giardiniera peppers, Lonardo’s Famous Italian Sausage with housemade sauce, and meatball subs.Beyond sandwiches, the deli market is stocked with frozen sausage links, meatball trays, Italian desserts like cannoli and limoncello cake, and an array of imported goods to build your own Italian pantry. 7585 W. Florida Ave., Lakewood, carminelonardosdeli.com
