Yelp is a community of food-lovers, locals and business reviewers alike. Over the years, as the community has grown, the website has become a go-to destination to find the best of the best.
Based on an algorithm that considers the number of reviews and star ratings, they’re able to rank most dining destinations around the country. And in Denver, you’ll find reviews from locals, transplants and visitors—all with something to say about their meal.
We organized a list of the most consistently top-ranked restaurants in the city for your next night out. You’ll find everything from casual cafés to family-owned Italian restaurants and everything in between. The next time you need a place to celebrate or just need to step out of the kitchen, consult our list of Denver’s best and hear from Yelp reviewers who have been there!
1.) Harley’s: A Hot Dog Revolution
1500 West Littleton Boulevard, Littleton
Forget everything you thought you knew about hot dogs because Harley’s is about to change everything. This casual, counter-service joint offers gourmet hot dogs that Yelpers can’t get enough of. All of their dogs are made to order and as healthy as possible, using turkey in their chili and adding less fat than the name-brand hot dogs do. We are practically obsessed with their fried pickle hot dog, which features fried pickle spears, zesty jalapeno ranch and an everything bun.
2.) The Rolling Pin Bakeshop
Photo courtesy of the Rolling Pin Bakeshop
This charming French bakery near Five Points offers a variety of pastries—including croissants, danishes, freshly baked breads and sandwiches—all made from scratch. They also feature plenty of specialty coffees and handmade cakes that you can (and should) bring to your next gathering.
One visitor from Pennsylvania wrote, “What an absolutely delightful little Bakeshop in Five Points. They have a ton of treat options, both sweet and savory. I tried the lemon tart and it was perfectly lemony and perfectly tart. I cleaned my plate in record time.”
3.) Café Miriam
Nestled right across from City Park, Café Miriam hits the spot with its melt-in-your-mouth confections. The family-owned shop strikes a perfect balance between classic and innovative, sweet and flavorful, buttery and light. Everything is made fresh with the best ingredients available, and designed to delight! Yelpers urge new patrons to try the house-made pastries, one of their warm and light crepes and most definitely a cup of signature coffee.
4.) Yahya’s Mediterranean Grill & Pastries
Photo courtesy of Yahya’s Mediterranean Grill & Pastries
Opened in 2019 and specializing in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, Yahya’s Mediterranean Grill & Pastries is a fabulous addition to Denver’s growing culinary scene. The space itself is cozy yet modern, offering ample seating along with a buffet on Saturday from 6-9 p.m.
One local Yelper wrote, “An absolute pleasure! Hands down the best Mediterranean food in Denver,” and if that isn’t a rave review we don’t know what is!
5.) Turtle Boat
Nestled on a stretch of South Broadway near Evans Avenue, you’ll find Turtle Boat, a newer eatery that features traditional poke salads with Colorado flare. They serve their poke salads in a fast-casual style, allowing you to add whatever you want to your bowl and offering a wide selection of fresh, local ingredients. While you may find limited seating inside, there is always plenty of space on their outdoor patio—where you can admire the vibrant Turtle Boat mural on the side of their building.
6.) Jessie’s Smokin NOLA
7422 South University Street, Centennial
Photo courtesy of Jessie’s Smokin NOLA
What was once an ultra-popular food truck is now located in a brick and mortar location in Centennial! If you’re looking for a taste of Bourbon Street here in the Front Range—you’ve found it! Here, you’ll find everything from po-boys and muffaletta to jambalaya and gumbo, all in massive, delicious quantities.
One Yelp review starts off, “Definitely as good as it gets. [We] stumbled across this wonderful place on yelp while looking for a place to have lunch with our son while in Denver. The absolute best gumbo I have ever had.” So stop in for a bowl of life-changing gumbo—or their Yelp famous “gumbalaya”—today!
7.) Taqueria La Familia
This unassuming Mexican restaurant in North Denver practically has a cult following on Yelp, featuring pages upon pages of flawless, 5-star reviews. Family-owned and -operated, Taqueria La Familia offers a smattering of authentic Mexican dishes, including plenty of vegetarian options, that will have you coming back again and again.
Yesenia D. said this of the restaurant: “Walking into Taqueria La Familia, I instantly felt at home as if I [was] back in my Abuelita’s kitchen.”
8.) Pho Haus
Photo courtesy of Pho Haus
You may never have thought you would need a pho burrito in your life—but trust us, you do. You can get one at Pho Haus, a now locally Instagram-famous establishment on East Alameda Avenue. While you definitely can’t go wrong with one of their traditional noodle-soups, the bursting “phoritto” filled with thinly-sliced brisket and rice noodles are worth a trip alone.
9.) Pizzeria Lui
Pizzeria Lui provides a more upscale dining experience than your traditional pizza joint. In fact, it is unique in several different ways. They are one of Denver’s only pizzerias specializing in authentic wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, in a casual, approachable atmosphere. Don’t miss their well-loved Margherita pizza, if you’re after a classic recipe. Or venture on the wild side with their Street Taco Pizza, featuring homemade chorizo, tomatillo salsa, red onion, cotija cheese, fresh corn and cilantro.
Need more reasons to go? “This place is truly for the pizza connoisseur. From the moment you walk-in, you can feel the passion and commitment from the crew to create pizza perfection. From the handmade sauces to the choice ingredients, every pizza is brilliantly crafted,” wrote one Yelp reviewer.
10.) Grammy’s Italian Goodies
4601 North Harlan Street, Wheat Ridge
Photo courtesy of Grammy’s Italian Goodies
After years of working mostly at local festivals, Grammy’s Goodies has settled down at a brick and mortar location in Wheat Ridge to continue dishing up Italian mainstays like lasagna, garlic knots, and Sicilian pizza.
According to Yelpers, you can’t leave without at least one sweet treat. “But it gets better…the DESSERTS! Oh my gosh…the desserts not only looked great…they also tasted great!” said one reviewer. “Truth be told, we took home a bunch of desserts…about $80 worth.”
Happy Eating!
Where do you love to eat in Denver? Tell us all about it in the comments!