Are you a fan of Italian food living in Denver? Is your romantic interest pining for an Italian atmosphere, good service and, most importantly, high quality food? Here are the eight best romantic Italian restaurants in Denver for a first date, blind date, anniversary or marriage proposal.
Fruition Restaurant, 1313 East 6th Avenue; dinner is served Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00 PM until 10:00 PM and on Sundays until 8:00 PM.
This is not one of the “Italian” restaurants in Denver in the strictest sense, since the cooking has distinct French influences. Nonetheless, quite a few of them have distinct Italian flavors and you cannot help but for those who are planning a first romantic dinner and are not quite sure what their date will enjoy, this provides the perfect middle ground! Try the Pasta Carbonara which is served with house-cured pork belly, handmade cavatelli, and parmesan broth and you will not be disappointed. Prices are reasonable to midrange and you will do well to plan on spending a little extra if you will be having wine with your dinner. This is a small restaurant and the tables are rather close together making very intimate conversation somewhat inappropriate, so this is a great option for someone on a blind date where you are anticipating the potential for awkwardness and need a way to curb odd pauses and so on by appearing fascinated by your table neighbors’ conversation.
Luca d’Italia, 711 Grant Street; dinner is served Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
One of the few Italian restaurants in Denver where the portions are small (by current oversized portion standards) but the taste is out of this world. For a romantic evening or a marriage proposal, this is the place to go! The prices are on the high end – estimate between $75 and $150 per person, depending on your tastes in wine – but the fare is well worth it. Start with a fusilli (wild mushrooms, shaved grana padana and creamy white truffle sauce) and continue with pan seared Alaskan halibut which is served with caramelized fennel and the same white truffle butter sauce.
Cafe Cero, 1446 South Broadway; open daily from 3:00 PM to 2:00 AM.
If Italian restaurants in Denver seem to have prices that are out of this world and your budget is not quite ready for the big leagues, try this little spot. Italian dishes vie for attention with Scottish and British inspired fare, and the prices are very reasonable. Live music rounds out the experience but if you are ready for a quieter one on one dining experience, look for a place on the back patio.
Venice Ristorante Italiano, 1700 Wynkoop Street (LoDo); lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM; the restaurant opens for dinner daily from 4:00 PM to 10:30 PM.
This is a restaurant with an upscale feel but without the stuffiness. A great place for a first dinner date or anniversary celebration, the prices are fairly reasonable and if you anticipate spending about $50 per person, you won’t be in for any surprises. Try the Tagliatelle con Salsiccia or the Petto di Pollo al Marsala and you will not leave disappointed. Although not required, reservations are greatly encouraged and you will be wise to call 303-534-2222 by Tuesday to ensure a great table for Friday or Saturday evening.
Alto Denver, 1320 15th Street; happy hour takes place Tuesday through Friday from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, while dinner is served Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00 PM until late.
This is a great place for an after work happy hour date that has the potential for turning into a dinner date. If you time it just right, you will have the opportunity to not only try a hip and tasty cherry & vanilla bean infused Manhattan but, if things work out well, move to a table and sample the beef tenderloin with wild mushrooms and cipoilini onion or braised buffalo short ribs with parsnip puree, watercress gremolata. Although laid back, the prices are a bit higher and if you include drinks, it is wise to budget for about $50 to $75 per person. Live jazz and blues are part of the ambiance but also put this restaurant in hot demand and reservations are required. Call 303-893-2586.
Panzano, 909 17th Street; breakfast is served Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM, brunch is an option on Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM, lunch is shared with various business execs from the surrounding office buildings at the 16th Street Mall Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM, and dinner is yours to enjoy from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM Monday through Thursday and slightly longer Friday and Saturday.
Of all the Italian restaurants in Denver, this one offers the widest variety for a romantic get together. Enjoy a leisurely brunch on the weekend or a quiet dinner – the opportunities and hours are sure to permit for a great time even if you usually have a hard time getting your schedules to match up. In addition, if you or your date has gluten intolerance, this is the locale where gluten free dining does not have to throw a monkey wrench into your dining plans! A special menu is available. Call ahead to 303-296-3525 to make your reservation and expect price to be midrange or slightly higher, if you enjoy wine with your meal.
Bravo Ristorante (inside the Adam’s Mark Hotel), 1550 Court Place; lunch is served Monday through Friday 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM; dinner is available Sunday through Thursday from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM and Friday and Saturday until 11:00 PM.
A romantic dinner that might also include a serenade from one of the talented servers could be yours! Located on the 16th Street Mall, this restaurant has various specials and also the traditional Italian fare. This is a wonderful locale for a marriage proposal, especially if you wish to have your spouse to be serenaded in traditional Italian! Prices are on the higher end and if you have your server sing, please be sure to leave a generous tip.
Barolo Grill, 3030 East Sixth Avenue; this restaurant only serves dinner and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM.
A fixture in Denver for about 16 years, the dining room has all the upscale Italian rustic elegance you would expect it to have. The menu changes frequently, but if you and your date are Italian food aficionados, then the tasting menu is perfect! For $58 per person you will be treated to an amazing assortment of dishes and flavors that speak of Tuscany and Piedmont; add another $40 per person, and you will have wines paired with your meal. Make a reservation (303-393-1040) and request the table by the fireplace for a particular romantic ambiance on a cold Denver winter night.
