Built on innovation, local flavor and community
By Lexi Marshall
South Denver’s dining scene has evolved far beyond its reputation for wild game meat and craft beer. The city now pulses with chef-driven restaurants that blend global techniques with Colorado’s agricultural heritage.
From award nominees crafting innovative tasting menus to hole-in-the-wall spots serving reimagined comfort foods, Denver’s restaurants showcase both technical mastery and deep community connections. In this high-altitude hub, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of a food culture that’s earning national acclaim. In 2024, WalletHub even ranked Denver as the 9th best city in the country for food, up from 11th place in 2023.
Where Food, History and Community Come Together
In Castle Rock, Ecclesia Market stands as a testament to the power of food to bring people together. Housed in a repurposed church, the food hall is the brainchild of David Schutte, who envisioned a space that celebrated local vendors and community spirit.
“We wanted to create a space that brings people together,” Schutte explains. “Ecclesia isn’t just about food; it’s about connection.”
The idea for Ecclesia Market was sparked during a trip with his wife and friends who owned former Maddie’s Biergarten in Castle Rock. “We started dreaming up going into business together,” Schutte recalls. The group had always admired the church building in downtown Castle Rock but never imagined it would become available. While traveling for his son’s wedding, Schutte received a text that the building was on the market. “I had them take down the sign and said we will have a letter of intent in by this afternoon,” he says.
The building, a church as recently as 2017, retains many of its original features, including stained glass windows and vaulted ceilings. “We wanted to lean into the fact that it was a church and not try to separate that history,” Schutte says. The name Ecclesia, Latin for “church” or “gathering place,” reflects this respect for the past. Visitors are greeted by a striking mural commissioned for the space while seating options range from traditional dining chairs to cozy couches and even original church pews.
Ecclesia Market opened in March 2019 as Castle Rock’s first food hall and features a variety of locally-owned eateries. Among the offerings are Ram3n, known for its warm, comforting bowls of ramen; Fish & Company, specializing in classic fish and chips; Romo’s Street Tacos, a staple since the market’s debut; Arayes Grill, offering Mediterranean wraps with bold flavors; and Gluttony & Graze, a dual-concept eatery serving indulgent hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken sandwiches on the “Gluttony” side, alongside massive, shareable salads on the “Graze” side.
The market also features Sinners & Saints, a full bar showcasing local craft beers and spirits. “The bar itself serves the food from the different vendors,” Schutte notes. Guests can order from miniaturized menus at the bar and enjoy their meals delivered directly to them.
“We went into the pandemic as the shiny new dime and came out with a lot of new competition,” Schutte says. “But we’re doing okay. It’s just not the same rocket ship I was riding before.”
Ecclesia Market isn’t just about food—it’s a cultural hub. Live entertainment every Friday night adds to the festive atmosphere, making it a destination for locals and visitors alike. Families gather for weeknight dinners, friends meet for drinks and newcomers marvel at the blend of historic charm and modern design.
“It’s a very unique use of a repurposed church,” Schutte says. “People just like coming into the lounge, ordering food, ordering their cocktails, relaxing and waiting for the live entertainment.”
Fresh, East Coast Flavors On The Go
As one of the freshest additions to Denver’s seafood scene, Oyster Bae brings the East Coast’s salty air to Colorado’s landlocked heart. Founder Martha Boff saw an opportunity to offer a dining experience that is both elevated and accessible, focusing on fresh, sustainably sourced seafood.
The traveling catering and event service brings that vision to life with a menu featuring crab-stuffed lobster tails, shrimp po’boys and a rotating selection of the finest oysters from both coasts. Each dish is crafted with care, highlighting the fresh, quality ingredients.
But Oyster Bae is more than just a raw bar or seafood catering business. It’s the product of Boff’s unique journey—a blend of her experience as a registered dietitian and her passion for creating memorable culinary experiences.
“My background in nutrition plays a huge role in my vision for Oyster Bae,” Boff explains.“Starting Oyster Bae has been the best of both worlds—it lets me use my credentials as a dietitian, giving me the authority to talk about nutrition and the benefits of oysters while giving me a creative outlet I didn’t have in a clinical setting.”
Oyster Bae’s commitment to sustainability runs as deep as the oceans where its oysters are harvested. “Sustainability is at the heart of what we do because oysters are one of the most environmentally friendly proteins,” Boff explains. “They filter water, support marine ecosystems and are an excellent example of how seafood can be both sustainable and delicious. I prioritize sourcing from oyster farmers who use responsible aquaculture practices, and I love sharing these stories with guests. Whether through conversations at events or social media posts, I educate people on how eating oysters supports cleaner oceans and healthier seafood.”
Though Colorado lacks an ocean coastline, that hasn’t stopped Boff from bringing the coastal magic of oysters to Denverites. “I fly in fresh oysters and seafood for every event to guarantee the best quality,” Boff says. “Colorado also has a lot of transplants from both the East and West Coasts, so there is a market for it, and people appreciate having access to quality seafood.”
As the south metro’s culinary scene continues to evolve, so does Boff’s vision for Oyster Bae, citing the trend toward experiential dining. “Guests seek unique, interactive experiences, and I see a growing appreciation for raw bars and curated seafood,” she says. “As a result, I’m exploring ways to expand my offerings, like adding crudos, ceviches and caviar, and even hosting oyster shucking classes.”
Boff admits that being a dietitian and an oyster shucker might be a tad random or even odd, but she loves it. “It’s fulfilling, exciting and feels exactly like what I’m supposed to be doing,” she says.
Italian-American with a Colorado Twist
Nestled within the stylish Kimpton Claret Hotel near Belleview Station, Saverina is an ode to Italian-American cuisine, thoughtfully elevated with seasonal Colorado ingredients.
Christian Graves, formerly of Citizen Rail in downtown Denver, now Saverina’s Executive Chef, envisioned a restaurant that seamlessly honors tradition and embraces modernity, crafting a menu that fuses Italian heritage with the natural rhythms of Colorado.
Saverina’s menu reads like a love letter to both Italy and the Rocky Mountains. Highlights include brick oven sourdough focaccia, roasted chicken under a brick and vegetarian ricotta dumplings—each dish crafted with precision and purpose. Graves’ sourcing philosophy reflects his commitment to sustainability, with ingredients like local vegetables and house-made pasta anchoring the offerings.
“At Saverina, we embrace the best of Italy while incorporating the seasonality of Colorado into our cooking,” says Graves.
The restaurant’s ambiance, a blend of contemporary sophistication and warmth, invites guests to linger. Exposed brick, marble finishes and an open kitchen bring energy to the space, making Saverina feel both approachable and elegant.
Upstairs, Halo Rooftop Bar embraces casual Asian fusion with shareable plates designed for grazing and conversation. The menu transforms familiar favorites into elevated small bites: soy-glazed crack wings topped with quail egg; tempura oyster-studded soba noodles in leek cream; and glazed pork belly with sticky rice.
Beyond innovative menus, Graves’ culinary concepts aim to be Denver’s natural gathering spots—where locals drop in for craft cocktails, inspired bites and easy conversation, making the restaurant feel less like a hotel venue and more like their favorite neighborhood haunt.
For a more traditional Italian experience, Venice Ristorante & Wine Bar, founded in 2002, brings authentic Venetian cuisine to Denver through three locations—with one in the Denver Tech Center. Owner Alessandro Carollo, who began cooking at age 14 in Palermo, the capital of Sicily, partners with executive chef Christian Delle Fave to craft a menu that balances traditional recipes with innovative dishes.
Carollo’s journey from training in Italy’s finest restaurants to establishing Venice in Colorado reflects his commitment to authentic Italian dining. Together with Delle Fave, he curates seasonal menus that showcase fresh ingredients and refined techniques.
The restaurant’s elegant ambiance, exceptional service and carefully curated wine list create an immersive Italian dining experience. Venice excels in both intimate dinners and grand events, offering everything from casual meals to elaborate five-course experiences that transport guests to the heart of Venice.
Venice Ristorante exemplifies the Mile High City‘s evolution from a cow town to a sophisticated metropolis, with its refined Italian cuisine and elegant atmosphere serving as a bridge between the city’s Western heritage and its emergence as a cosmopolitan dining destination.
Redefining the Steakhouse
Steakhouses carve out a prominent place in Denver’s culinary identity. Among these is Eddie Merlot’s, which brings an upscale yet approachable take on the traditional steakhouse model. Known for its premium cuts like the bone-in filet mignon and New York strip, the restaurant also caters to modern tastes with offerings such as Wagyu beef and seafood specialties like Chilean sea bass.
While Denver is no stranger to steakhouses, Eddie Merlot’s represents a shift towards blending old-school luxury with a broader, more inclusive menu. This trend mirrors the city’s broader culinary development, where diners seek both quality and variety. Helmed by executive chef TJ Lengnick, fine wines, craft cocktails and options for non-meat eaters now complement the steakhouse staple of sizzling cuts cooked to order.
“A new market of diners has emerged—younger and more adventurous guests are seeking out bold flavors, unique preparations and eccentric dining environments,” says Jenny Lynch, Eddie Merlot’s senior director of marketing and off-premise sales. “In turn, we’ve seen a push for steakhouses to rethink their menus, wine pairings and overall approach to service. We’re seeing a bigger emphasis on local ingredients, sustainable sourcing and a larger shift towards lighter and diverse offerings to appeal to differing tastes.”
The resurgence of steakhouses in the Denver metro—long a city tied to its Western ranching heritage—shows how tradition and innovation can coexist. From longstanding institutions downtown to newer arrivals in surrounding areas like Greenwood Village and Englewood, these restaurants are redefining what it means to dine out in the Mile High City. Eddie Merlot says it’s about creating a dining experience that reflects the city’s changing tastes while paying homage to its roots.
Overall, south Denver’s culinary scene is rapidly evolving, blending local ingredients with global influences to create something truly unique. From community-driven spots like Ecclesia Market to fresh takes on seafood at Oyster Bae and Italian-inspired dishes at Saverina, the city is pushing the boundaries of what dining can be. As chefs focus on sustainability and innovation, Denver is quickly establishing itself as a hub for forward-thinking cuisine, where tradition meets modern flavor, and every meal reflects the city’s growing sophistication and diverse tastes.
Ecclesia Market
221 Perry St.
Castle Rock
720.476.7172
ecclesiamarket.com
Eddie Merlot’s
10110 East Dry Creek Rd.
Englewood
720.744.2622
eddiemerlots.com
Oyster Bae
theoysterbae.com
Saverina
6985 E. Chenango Ave.
Denver
983.999.0399
saverinadenver.com
Venice Ristorante & Wine Bar
5946 S. Holly St.
Greenwood Village
720.482.9191
veniceristorante.com
