Denver hosts a vibrant and diverse restaurant scene for its young locals. Upscale bars, laidback diners, and more await you in this bustling city by the mountainside. If you’re craving some hearty and authentic Italian food, Denver has plenty of that to go around. Check out the top 7 restaurants in Denver for savory Italian food.
Is your friend’s birthday coming up? Are you looking to give your parents a gift to celebrate their upcoming anniversary? Give them the gift of delicious food by purchasing a virtual GiftYa card for them. GiftYa cards can be applied to a variety of different restaurants throughout Denver. You can also customize the amount of money you put into them, and even add a personal message for your loved one.
620 E 6th Ave, Alamo Placita, Southwest
Angelo’s Tavern offers spacious indoor and outdoor dining spaces. If you want to bring your dog with you, you can dine out with them on the taven’s shaded back patio! To keep everyone safe, Angelo’s is limiting parties to 8 people, setting tables 6 feet apart, and requiring everyone to wear masks.
When it comes to their Italian food, Angelo’s serves some of the best in the city. For your first visit, you should try out their famous oyster bar. On a daily basis, Angelo’s brings in the freshest oysters from the East and West coasts. Their pizzas, ravioli dishes, and pasta selection will also make you want to come back for more.
“The staff greeted us with a smile (though they wear a mask we can see sparkling their eyes, indicating that we were so much welcome in this restaurant) and what to say about food, it was just amazing. Kudos to the services! Despite the pandemic, everyone enthusiastically doing their job at its best for their customer's happiness and satisfaction.” - Yelp Review
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2598 S Broadway, Southwest Denver
For over 60 years, Gennaro’s Italiano has served as a popular hubspot for delicious Italian meals. Customers adore Gennaro’s hearty pasta dishes and unbeatable drink specials. Every night, you will find new drink and food specials that are sure to leave you filled and satisfied. If you’re a beer lover, you’ll love Gennaro’s for its huge selection of Deschutes draft beer. In addition to its appetizing selection of meals, Gennaro’s also holds weekly events such as Texas Hold Em and Open Stage Jam.
“Garlic, garlic, garlic. If you love garlic, you will love Gennaro's! Their red sauce is loaded with about 8 tons of garlic and super delicious! We have ordered quite a few items either off their happy hour menu (Meaty knots...so yummy...think garlic knots with pepperoni inside) or usually their pizza (and they do not skimp on the cheese!) They also have a good beer selection and they also do free trivia on Wednesdays!” - Yelp Review
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difrancos.com
955 Lincoln St, Unit D, Capitol Hill
If you’re looking for authentic Italian food that traces back all the way to Sicily, head to Di Franco’s Restaurant. Known for its quick service and delicious meals, Di Franco’s is one of the most popular Italian restaurants in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.
On its summer menu, you’ll find appetizing options such as the Watermelon Salad filled with fresh melon and feta cheese and the Chicken Parm Sandwich stuffed with local chicken breast and fresh parsley. In addition to its diverse selection of entrees, you also have a fine selection of wine and beer to choose from.
“This is my favorite Italian Restaurant in all of Denver! The staff is so friendly and omggggg is the food amazing! My go to is the fettuccine. The part about it is that it already comes with broccoli!!! The sauce is creamy and perfect. I'm drooling as I'm writing this.” - Yelp Review
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400 E 20th Ave, Curtis Park, Northwest
Coperta is a popular restaurant in Northwest Denver that celebrates the fine cuisine of Southern Italy. At Coperta, you’ll find the freshest ingredients and most appetizing meats throughout each of its dishes. In order to bring high quality meals to your table, Coperta works with local farmers to source its ingredients. Creative antipasti, mozzarella, pasta, and side dishes are offered at this bustling Italian restaurant. In addition to its wide selection of entrees, Coperta also offers an extensive cocktail, wine, and beer list.
“My wife and I came here the night before we got married. We sat down and immediately were greeted by a super attentive and friendly server. He talked with us, treated us to champagne, and paced out our meal perfectly. The food, service, and atmosphere were all amazing. I can't recommend this place enough.” - Yelp Review
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6701 Tower Rd, Denver
Since 1956, DiCocco’s has served as a top destination for people who want an authentic slice of Italy in their meals. A wide variety of classic and contemporary Italian dishes can be found in this popular family-owned restaurant. DiCocco’s elegant old-world feel also makes it perfect for special nights with your friends or family.
Savory sandwiches, pizza, pasta, and more can be found at DiCocco’s. Many of these selections have been passed down from multiple generations. If you end up ordering pasta, you will have over 20 different types of sauces to choose from. No matter what dish you end up choosing for the night, you can always come back a second (or third) time to get that other meal you were eyeing.
“Service was great, my server suggested a few dishes and I'm glad I listened as it was an excellent choice. Ordered the chicken marsala with fettuccine alfredo and it came with steamed vegetables. Oh my the marsala was to die for, such an amazing flavor and they did not skimp
on the mushrooms and it went so well with the fettuccine alfredo.” - Yelp Review
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3030 E 6th Ave, Congress Park
Barolo Grill is a popular Italian restaurant in Congress Park known for its authentic cuisine and elegant wines. Both indoor and outdoor dining is available for guests at this lively eatery in the Congress Park neighborhood. You can order a dish a la carte or choose 3-course or 5-course meals. When it comes to their extensive selection of food, you can’t go wrong with your choice. Everything from the Risotto al mais to the Gnocchi di rampa is made with skill and passion.
“Our first visit to Barolo and it did not disappoint! We were out for a special company New Year Kick-Off party in the reserved Wine Room. Really special setting, quiet and very conducive to great conversation, a little music, and it's private, tucked away in the back.” - Yelp Review
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diomiopasta.com
Hearty and savory pastas are a staple at Dio Mio. Whether you are in the mood for some classic Rigatoni or Chicken Parmesan, Dio Mio has everything you could possibly want in an Italian restaurant. Delicious wines, beers, and cocktails are also served here. If you have enough room for dessert, you can try either the Strawberries & Cream or Affogato ice cream.
“Amazing restaurant! Visited here a few weeks back and have been thinking of this place ever since. Great pastas and wine selection, but the real star is the broccoli. Hands down, the best thing on the menu. It'll have you wondering why you ever said you didn't like broccoli as a kid. The Happy Hour is definitely worth getting there for too with great food and drink specials.” - Yelp Review
Purchase a GiftYa card for Dio Mio.