Key Findings:
- Denver’s dining scene continues to rise, powered by Chefs who combine bold flavors, thoughtful technique and a distinct culinary point of view.
- Chefs like Dana Rodriguez, Kelly Whitaker, Jennifer Jasinski and Ludo Lefebvre have helped shape Denver’s reputation as a serious food city, bringing global influences, seasonal ingredients and a strong sense of place to each dish.
- You’ll find handmade pastas at Tavernetta, wood-fired comfort food at Annette, and shareable ceviche and arepas at Super Mega Bien. Each restaurant reflects the chef behind it, offering a balance of polish and personality.
- Entrée prices typically range from $35 to $120, with tasting menus at the higher end and several spots offering casual formats or shareable plates at more accessible price points.
- Booking ahead is a smart move — especially at high-demand destinations like The Wolf’s Tailor, Beckon or weekend dinners at Work & Class. Most restaurants use OpenTable or Resy, though direct calls still work best for special requests.
While the food is front and center, it’s the full experience — from the Chefs' philosophies to the design, service and storytelling — that makes these 10 celebrity Chef restaurants in Denver truly worth your reservation.
Best Celebrity Chef Restaurants in Denver
Denver’s top celebrity Chef restaurants showcase the city’s growing reputation for its noteworthy culinary scene.
1. Guard and Grace
[Source: Guard and Grace]
Guard and Grace is a modern steakhouse in downtown Denver led by Chef Troy Guard. Known for its elegant yet approachable style, the restaurant combines wood-fired cooking with sleek design elements like floor-to-ceiling wine displays and a spacious raw bar. The menu goes well beyond steak, featuring dishes like miso black cod and roasted cauliflower with tahini. Located in the heart of the business district, it’s a go-to for power dinners, special occasions or solo bar seating with a glass of wine.
- Solo dining estimate: $60–$90
- Reservations: Guard and Grace
2. Tavernetta
Tavernetta, brought to Denver by the James Beard Award-winning Frasca Hospitality Group, offers a warm embrace of Italian culture right next to Union Station. Founded by Chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson and Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey with partner Peter Hoglund, the restaurant draws inspiration from their extensive travels across Italy, bringing regional flavors to the Mile High City. The menu features fresh handmade pastas and dishes that reflect the diverse culinary traditions of Italy. The dining space exudes la dolce vita style, combining rustic textures with contemporary design elements. Guests can enjoy an Italian-directed wine and spirits list, curated to complement the seasonal offerings.
- Solo dining estimate: $60–$80
- Reservations: Tavernetta
3. Annette
[Source: Annette]
Located inside Stanley Marketplace, Annette is Chef Caroline Glover’s love letter to wood-fired cooking and casual hospitality. The menu rotates seasonally, offering comforting but elevated dishes like grilled lamb shoulder, duck confit and cast-iron cornbread. The space balances charm and minimalism, with cozy lighting and a tight-knit staff that brings a personal touch. It’s especially popular with locals for anniversaries and quiet dinners away from downtown crowds.
- Solo dining estimate: $50–$70
- Reservations: Annette
4. The Wolf’s Tailor
The Wolf’s Tailor, co-owned by Chef Kelly Whitaker and part of the Id Est Hospitality Group, offers a unique dining experience in Denver's Sunnyside neighborhood. This innovative, multi-course tasting experience revolves around the seasons, preservation and the Chef's creative vision. The restaurant emphasizes fermentation, grain, wild game and seasonal produce, intentionally layered throughout the menu. Guests can enjoy their meal in various settings, including the indoor dining room, garden or private outdoor tents, each providing a distinct ambiance. The Wolf’s Tailor has been recognized with a MICHELIN Star and a MICHELIN Green Star, highlighting its commitment to sustainability and high-quality cooking.
- Solo dining estimate: $125–$150
- Reservations: The Wolf’s Tailor
5. Mercantile Dining & Provision
[Source: Mercantile Dining & Provision]
Located inside Denver’s Union Station, Mercantile is both a European-style market and full-service restaurant by Chef Alex Seidel. The menu is rooted in local sourcing, often showcasing produce and cheese from Seidel’s farm. Signature dishes include handmade pastas, fresh fish and elevated vegetable plates. The airy dining room, large open kitchen and central location make it a popular pick for solo diners, business travelers and brunch seekers alike.
- Solo dining estimate: $55–$75
- Reservations: Mercantile Dining & Provision
6. Super Mega Bien
Located in Denver's RiNo district within The Ramble Hotel, Super Mega Bien offers a vibrant dining experience that blends Latin American, Spanish and Portuguese flavors. In partnership with James Beard Foundation-recognized chef Dana Rodriguez, owners Chef Victor Mena and Jenn Mena-Wenstrom present a unique dim sum-style service where small plates are delivered tableside on roving carts. The menu emphasizes seasonal ingredients and is predominantly gluten-free, catering to various dietary preferences. Guests can enjoy dishes like Leche de Tigre ceviche, patatas bravas and arepas de queso, all served in a high-energy, communal atmosphere. The restaurant encourages family-style dining, making it an ideal spot for groups seeking a shared culinary adventure.
- Solo dining estimate: $45–$65
7. Work & Class
[Source: Work & Class]
Dana Rodriguez’s original hit, Work & Class, is a celebration of Latin and Southern American flavors served without pretense. Inside the converted shipping container space, guests enjoy hearty dishes like roasted goat, brisket and griddled cornbread. The casual layout includes long communal tables and counter seating, giving it a lively, neighborhood feel. It’s especially popular for early evening bites and unpretentious group hangs.
- Solo dining estimate: $35–$55
- Reservations: Work & Class
8. Ultreia
Chef Jennifer Jasinski’s Ultreia focuses on Portuguese and Spanish-inspired tapas with a modern twist. Set in the historic Union Station building, it offers an intimate space with warm wood accents and old-world charm. Dishes like grilled octopus, jamón ibérico and patatas bravas are ideal for sharing. The sherry-forward cocktail list and Iberian wine selection round out the experience. It’s a relaxed yet refined choice for travelers or small group dinners.
- Solo dining estimate: $45–$65
- Reservations: Ultreia
9. Beckon
[Source: Beckon]
Beckon offers a refined tasting menu experience in a small, reservation-only space helmed by Chef Duncan Holmes. Awarded a Michelin star in 2023, the multi-course meal showcases seasonal ingredients, intricate plating and elegant wine pairings. The Scandinavian-style interior and open kitchen create an immersive, intimate vibe. Beckon is best for serious food lovers and celebratory occasions where detail and artistry matter.
- Solo dining estimate: $165–$200
- Reservations: Beckon
10. Chez Maggy
Renowned French Chef Ludo Lefebvre brings classic brasserie fare to downtown Denver with Chez Maggy, housed inside the Thompson Hotel. The menu includes duck à l’orange, French onion soup and dry-aged steak frites, each plated with Parisian precision and Colorado ingredients. The plush interior features leather banquettes and moody lighting, perfect for quiet dinners or romantic dates. While formal in concept, the vibe remains welcoming.
- Solo dining estimate: $70–$95
- Reservations: Chez Maggy
See also: Top Celebrity Chef Restaurants in Phoenix
Tips for Dining at Celebrity Chef Restaurants in Denver
Not sure what to expect at a celebrity Chef restaurant in Denver? These tips will help you plan your reservation, get the most out of your meal and avoid common surprises:
- Reserve early: High-demand spots like The Wolf’s Tailor, Tavernetta and Beckon often book out well in advance — especially on Friday and Saturday nights. If you're hoping for a Chef’s counter seat, patio table or special occasion setting, make your booking early.
- Check the fine print: Dress codes in Denver are generally relaxed, but upscale spots like Chez Maggy and Guard and Grace may suggest business casual. Parking varies — downtown restaurants may offer valet or nearby garage options, while locations like Annette inside Stanley Marketplace typically have surface lot parking.
- Trust the Chef: Seasonal dishes, tasting menus, and chef-recommended pairings showcase what makes each kitchen unique. If you have allergies or dietary preferences, it’s a good idea to mention them when reserving.
- Preview the environment: Check Instagram tags or Stories to get a sense of the space — from the bold, colorful atmosphere at Super Mega Bien to the intimate counter service at Beckon or the garden setting at The Wolf’s Tailor. A quick scroll can help you pick the right seat or dress code for the evening.
How To Make Reservations at Celebrity Chef Restaurants in Denver
Securing a table at Denver’s top celebrity Chef restaurants takes a little strategy. Here’s how to improve your odds:
- Use OpenTable or Resy: Most spots, including Work & Class, Annette and Guard and Grace, use online platforms where you can browse openings or join waitlists.
- Call for special requests: If you're booking for a celebration, want a quieter table or have dietary restrictions, calling the restaurant directly can be more effective than using apps.
- Book ahead: For weekend or peak-time dinners, aim to reserve 1–3 weeks in advance. For tasting-menu experiences like Beckon or The Wolf’s Tailor, plan even earlier.
- Set a reminder: Don’t risk a no-show. Add your reservation to your calendar so you don’t lose a hard-to-get spot.
- Try off-peak hours: Early dinners or weekday slots can be easier to book and offer a more relaxed atmosphere for solo diners or spontaneous plans.
