When Dio Mio opened in 2016, it was even more casual than it is now, and smaller too. Last year owners and chefs Spencer White and Alex Figura revamped the space, adding seats and creating extra room for more Italian comfort food magic. It’s still a hybrid service model, with counter ordering and delivery by anyone who has hands available, even the chefs.
Over the years the restaurant has not only expanded, but become a true staple in the RiNo neighborhood. Best part, four days a week there’s a happy hour worth checking out. Plus, a bonus deal perfect for date night.
The Food
Dio Mio is known for really good casual Italian fare, especially when it comes to fresh pastas. Chef Pete McTiernan runs the kitchen, which we got a glimpse into when he did a chef takeover with us last March. For happy hour he serves $6 small plates and $12 pasta orders.
Right now the pasta dishes include cacio e pepe with the ruffled-edged mafalde pasta; and a classic spaghetti that will make you understand why eating homemade sauce trumps anything on the grocery store shelf.
On the appetizer side, the house focaccia is a must, and you can get it toasted with stracciatella and prosciutto. Another favorite are the artichokes, a dish of the black butter marinated flower hearts with orange, croutons, and a briny olive sauce. Currently you can also find carrot croquettes with herbed goat cheese, and a spring salad. With these specials, you could have a filling portion of pasta and a salad for under $20.
The Drinks
The happy hour menu features four $9 cocktails, a good deal given the regular prices range from $12 to $13. Choices are the Espresso Martini, Negroni, Old Fashioned, and Amaro Sour, which is unique to the happy hour list. House red, white, and rose wines are two-for-one at $11 an order. There’s a rotating 16-ounce draft beer discount for $5. The best deal by far is the wine, but if you’re a cocktail queen then take advantage of those drink specials.
The Details
Happy hour runs Monday through Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. You can sit anywhere in the restaurant to get the deal, and yes, if you get the two-for-one wine special you can get both at the same time, all the way up to the last second. For all food and drink order at the counter, and the staff will deliver it to your table.
As for the romantic date night deal we mentioned? Well, there’s actually two. Tuesdays at Dio Mio is Dio Date Night. For just $45 you can order two pastas, salad, house bread, and dessert to enjoy in the restaurant or at home. On Wednesdays it’s Wine Wednesday, which means almost all the wines by the bottle are just $35 each. With all these ways to save on delicious Italian delights, why wait, the time to carb load is now.
Visit Dio Mio every day of the week starting at 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday, and until 10 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. 3264 Larimer St., Denver, diomiopasta.com
