Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Congress Park

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

Boulder AreaDenverDenver SuburbsMountains

Neighborhoods

AuroraBlack HawkBoulderBroomfieldCastle RockCentennial

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

79 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of North Italia – Denver restaurant

1. North Italia – Denver

4.7

Exceptional(4778)

$$$$

• Italian • Cherry Creek

Booked 98 times today

At North, we focus on what we do best: Italian from scratch. Enjoy any of our handmade pastas and pizzas, created with seasonal ingredients and inventive flavors. Or, try a different signature dish, prepared with our fresh flavors from the garden, farm, and sea. We’ve hand crafted seasonal cocktails that pair great with our food, creating a real modern Italia experiences perfect for any occasion.

Icon

2. Tavernetta Denver

4.7

Exceptional(1209)

$$$$

• Italian • Downtown / LoDo

Booked 106 times today

Tavernetta brings Authentic Italian, Genuine Hospitality to Denver’s Union Station neighborhood, inspired by the food, wine, and culture of Italy. Led by Executive Chef Cody Cheetham, the menu features fresh handmade pastas and beloved signatures like Burrata with Pesto Trapanese, Rigatoni with Lamb Ragu, and classic Tiramisu.The Italian-focused wine list and thoughtful spirits program reflect the restaurant’s deep commitment to regional traditions. Tavernetta has been recognized by the Michelin Guide (Bib Gourmand), the James Beard Foundation, the World’s 50 Best Discovery List, and Wine Spectator.The dining room blends sleek, minimalist design with vintage Slim Aarons portraits and warm handcrafted details, creating a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. Guests can also enjoy the lively train-platform patio just steps from Union Station.Tavernetta offers a transportive Italian experience rooted in comfort, craft, and genuine hospitality.

3. Shells and Sauce

4.7

Exceptional(3196)

$$$$

• Italian • Cherry Creek

Booked 39 times today

General Manager, Oscar Venegas and Executive Chef Marcus Jimenez are serving authentic Italian American food in the heart of Congress Park. Shells and Sauce brings Old Country taste to a cozy neighborhood restaurant. If you’re craving home-made lasagna, meat or fish, Shells and Sauce has a variety of savory appetizers and entrees to chose from. We also boast an extensive wine list to pair with anything you choose, and we offer delicious desserts to top off your evening. Whether you sit on our rooftop or in our main dining room to watch our open kitchen, Shells and Sauce is a great place to entertain friends or family in an inviting setting. Step into our kitchen and let us share our passion for food!

4. narrative.

4.5

Awesome(1509)

$$$$

• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Cherry Creek

Booked 21 times today

Narrative, with its award-winning Executive Chef, offers a unique blend of global flavors and a modern American menu. The restaurant's upscale cocktail menu and over 1,500 bottles of wine are sure to impress. The place is consistently praised for its great food, wonderful service, and the welcoming ambiance. It's a favorite among locals and is definitely worth the drive.

5. Matsuhisa Denver

4.9

Exceptional(3102)

$$$$

• Japanese • Cherry Creek

Booked 50 times today

Featuring Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s signature new-style Japanese cuisine, Matsuhisa Denver anchors the ground floor of the Steele Creek luxury apartment building in Cherry Creek, Denver’s premier shopping, restaurant, and entertainment district. Our 7,800 square foot dining room is open for dinner service from 5pm nightly. Takeout available nightly from 5-9pm. Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s world-famous cuisine draws influence from his classical training in Tokyo and his life abroad in Peru, Argentina, and around the world, showcasing signature dishes such as Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño, Black Cod Miso and Whitefish Tiradito.

6. Steuben's

4.6

Exceptional(1555)

$$$$

• Comfort Food • Uptown

Booked 49 times today

Steuben’s is named after a restaurant in Boston that my Great Uncles, Max and Joe, opened in 1945. Steuben's became a famous Boston restaurant, nightclub, and hotspot from the 1940’s to the 1960’s on Boylston Street. The Vienna Room, The Cave, and The Blue Room were all part of the Steuben's space and hosted Big Band, Jazz, and Swing groups with The Rat Pack, proms and sweet sixteens, and more. In its prime, Steuben’s was the center of the Boston dining and nightlife scene.

7. Alteno

4.9

Exceptional(523)

$$$$

• Mexican • Cherry Creek

Booked 36 times today

From the heart of Michelin-starred Chef/Owner Johnny Curiel comes Alteño. Curiel’s newest creation pays homage to his Jaliscan Highland roots and traditions, incorporating a mix of heritage flavors and rustic preparations that spotlight the cuisine and culture of the iconic Los Altos de Jalisco. The spirit of Johnny’s restaurateur father, the original Alteño, is felt in the very soul of the restaurant.The campestre influence woven throughout Alteño is inspired by Johnny’s childhood spent in the mountainous region of Los Altos, known for its rolling hills, historic colonial architecture, and wild, untamed land. Chef Johnny and his partner and wife, Kasie, developed the beverage program balancing top-shelf, native Mexican flavors and agave spirits like raicilla and mezcal, with classic cocktails and a wine list that includes a selection of Mexican, European and American wines overseen by Alteño’s in-house sommelier.

8. Mister Oso - RiNo

4.6

Exceptional(282)

$$$$

• Contemporary Latin • River North (Denver)

Booked 48 times today

At Mister Oso we serve up family style latin food with rotating taco dishes, bright ceviches, house made churros, and award-winning coconut rice. Seasonal ingredients and creativity drive our menu and our talented chefs put passion into every bite. Come see us for daily Happy Hour featuring refreshing margaritas, frozen cocktails, Gordo Crunches and Death Bear Nachos. Our vibrant atmosphere lends itself perfectly to a night out with friends, casual date night, family gathering, or a weekend brunch get-together.

9. Acova

4.7

Exceptional(2361)

$$$$

• Comfort Food • Highlands

Booked 46 times today

Acova is writing the next chapter of one of Denver’s great neighborhoods. An iconic locale in a historic district, Acova builds on the rich story of “The Northside” (now known as LoHi) by breathing new life into an address with soul. Even its name pays homage to its South Broadway sibling restaurant The Hornet, while tipping a cap to its storied Italian predecessor Patsy’s. The place you bring friends and family from out of town to show them what Denver’s all about. The place you go for that after work cocktail, or your go to date spot, whether it’s your first or 50th date. The place you get the group together on a Saturday night, and where you recover together on a Sunday morning. Acova is the next Highlands institution, bearing vintage flair and contemporary charm that threads the past into the future. Acova brings you back time and again because you are part of this story now, and Acova is part of yours.

10. ELWAY'S Downtown

4.6

Exceptional(4339)

$$$$

• Steakhouse • Downtown / LoDo

Booked 60 times today

ELWAY'S Downtown is worth the drive with its 100% USDA Prime steaks and award-winning wine selection. Reviews rave about the quality and quantity of food, impeccable service, and beautiful ambiance. One reviewer noted it's a 'culinary masterpiece' and a 'must-visit' for food enthusiasts in Denver. Another said it's a 'great choice for a high-end dinner in an elegant setting'. So, it's not just about the food, it's the overall experience that makes it worth the trip.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
carterGold
Denver / Colorado •25 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Excellent meal. Portions are a little small for the price but everything was fantastic. The gluten free bread is amazing!
More info
Bistro Vendome$$$$• French• Park Hill
•
4.8
SF
SantaFe7Gold
Denver / Colorado •117 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Super service and the food is a 10. Their posole is better than any I have ever had! Love the patio and the whole experience. They never skimp. Plus, the drinks are stunning. We all go there after work and stay waaay to long it's so fun!
More info
Acova$$$$• Comfort Food• Highlands
•
4.7
J
Jim
Charlotte •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
It was our first time dining at Tavernetta. We loved it in so many different ways. The quality of the food, drink and service was consistently excellent. We really enjoyed the decor and ambience of the dining room and open kitchen. And all of the staff were cheerful and friendly. We’ll be back soon.
More info
Tavernetta Denver$$$$• Italian• Downtown / LoDo
•
4.7
H
HeatherGold
Denver / Colorado •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Amazing - beginning to end. The perfect birthday celebration.
More info
Alma Fonda Fina$$$$• Contemporary Mexican• LoHi
•
4.9
G
Grace
Los Angeles •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 22, 2026
Jeremy took fantastic care of us and catered to our favorite tastes through the delicious omikase. Every minute spent inside was welcoming and enjoyable. Can’t wait to go back!
More info
Matsuhisa Denver$$$$• Japanese• Cherry Creek
•
4.9

Explore OpenTable

Neighborhood
Worth the drive

Congress Park

Fort Collins
Thornton
Black Hawk
Edwards
Aspen
Denver International Airport
Centennial
Avon
Breckenridge
Tech Center / Greenwood Village
Steamboat Springs
Colorado Springs
Windsor
Broomfield
Lafayette
Greenwood Village
Boulder
Golden
Niwot
Congress Park