Le Colonial Lands in Denver

Celebrated Vietnamese restaurant will bring the seductive spirit and vivid flavors of 1920s Saigon to Cherry Creek

Le Colonial is set to make its Colorado debut when it opens to the public on Nov. 25. Located at 255 Fillmore St., the restaurant will bring the seductive spirit and vivid flavors of 1920s Saigon to Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood.

Drawing inspiration from Saigon’s deep-rooted natural heritage, the 6,000-square-foot venue evokes a romantic ambiance and old-world sultriness by blending outdoor elements and custom-crafted furnishings throughout its outdoor patio, dining room, porch, lounge and private dining areas. The design, spearheaded by architecture and design firm Knauer Inc., melds influences from Paris, Marrakesh and the Far East that exudes a harmonious mix of vintage and contemporary styles with velvet banquettes, brass light fixtures and silk lampshades. Upon entry, guests are transported to a bygone era with hand-painted murals, charcoal-gray Marmorino hand-troweled plastered walls, custom wrought iron marquee and a hand-applied gold leaf ceiling, all of which were designed under the direction of famed Swedish artist Jonas Wickman. The interior showcases innovative design elements, with a focus on lush greenery. Large tropical plants, eye-catching floral arrangements and Vietnamese accents adorn the interior, carefully curated by Darrah Ferrari Wahlstedt, Le Colonial’s marketing and creative director.

Designed to transport guests into an oasis from another era, the restaurant offers multiple dining areas, allowing patrons to tailor their experiences. Outside, a spacious patio welcomes guest for al fresco dining amid vibrant florals and foliage. It evolves into the main dining room through French doors, providing a refined atmosphere with Moroccan cement tile floors, smoky-hued wood paneling and leather banquettes, all anchored by a large oil landscape painting of the Vietnamese countryside. Adjacent is a picturesque porch that serves as a garden retreat, inviting guests to unwind amidst verdant tropical foliage. The inviting cocktail lounge is reminiscent of a buzzy, intimate hotel bar, perfect for casual drop-ins and evening nightcaps; here, diners enjoy a full, dedicated bar, as well as a curated selection of bites from the main menu. For intimate gatherings, the private dining room accommodates 12 guests in a secluded setting, enveloped by a hand-painted mural of delicate orchids and a charming herring-bone-patterned floor reminiscent of classic Parisian apartments.

Celebrating more than three decades in business, Le Colonial is helmed by famed restaurateurs Rick Wahlstedt (who also brought Le Bilboquet to Cherry Creek) and Joe King. Colorado will mark its seventh U.S. location, with existing outposts in Atlanta, Chicago, Delray Beach, Houston, Lake Forest, Naples and soon, Scottsdale.

“We’re elated to add Le Colonial to Cherry Creek’s vibrant culinary landscape,” Walhstedt says. “We want our guests to feel transported and enchanted by our design and ambiance. Our goal is to become an integral part of the local community and a go-to spot for celebrating life’s moments.”

Under the leadership of acclaimed Vietnamese chef and cookbook author Nicole Routhier and national culinary director Hassan Obaye, the menu artfully blends time-honored classic Vietnamese recipes with contemporary trends. Le Colonial has partnered with several local vendors including Rebel Farm, Colorado Sun Tofu, Boulder Farms, Petrocco Farms, Fiber of Life and Rocky Mountain Fresh to showcase fresh, locally sourced vegetables, premium seafood and top-quality meats and poultry, all of which are enhanced by the chefs’ skillful use of herbs and spices.

The restaurant’s signature offerings include dishes that have been menu staples since 1993, such as Bo Luc Lac, shaking beef complete with caramelized filet mignon, garlic confit, snow peas, organic watercress salad, Vidalia onions and market lime; Mi Xao Don Chay, crispy egg noodles served with a wok-seared leafy greens, shiitake mushrooms, tofu and soy-ginger sauce; Ca Chien Saigon, a whole red snapper for two with peppers, scallions, dill, butter lettuce and chili-garlic fish sauce. New additions specific to the Denver location include Soun Cuu Nuong, grilled lamb chops from Boulder Farms served with roasted rainbow carrots, petite potatoes and lamb jus; Goi Bo, grilled beef tenderloin tossed with Rebel Farm local greens, pickled red onions, cucumber, herbs and sesame rice cracker garnished with Thai basil, sweet chili-garlic dressing, fried garlic and fried shallots; Ca Kho Tieu, ginger marinated sablefish prepared with Fiber of Life’s shiitake mushrooms, Rocky Mountain tomatoes, herbs and fresh jalapeños; and more.

The beverage program incorporates bright Southeast Asian flavors and was curated in collaboration with world-renowned mixologist Danito Bozoviks of New York’s Employees Only, ranked one of the world’s top cocktail bars. The menu offers an array of classic and signature cocktails and mocktails, as well as organic teas and a more than 110 bottle wine selection.

Notable offerings include the Lychee Martini, blending Wheatley vodka, house-made yuzu liqueur, lychee puree, a sake spritz and fresh lime juice; Le Colonial, combining Corazon Añejo tequila, Kikkoman plum wine, absinthe mist, egg white and fresh lime juice; Saigon Tea, Askur gin, shochu, Lush Orchard tea, house-made yuzu liqueur, fresh lemon juice and Q tonic. Non-alcoholic selections include Le Diable, a refreshing blend of fresh pomegranate, ginger root, cilantro, lime juice, pomegranate molasses and Q ginger beer; the Saigon Mint Colada made with coconut milk, fresh pineapple, lime juice, mint, turmeric and freshly grated nutmeg; and more.

Le Colonial will be open daily for dinner from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Sunday and Monday and 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. The Lounge will be open from 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 4-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Lunch service is set to launch January 2025. Reservations will be available starting Monday, November 18.

About Le Colonial 

Le Colonial brings the seductive spirit and vivid flavors of 1920s Saigon to Cherry Creek with an enchanting ambiance and upscale Vietnamese fare. The culinary team artfully blends time-honored classic Vietnamese recipes with contemporary trends, offering a well-curated menu that highlights fresh produce, premium seafood, top-quality meats and a masterful use of herbs and spices. The beverage program features an innovative cocktail selection incorporating bright Southeast Asian flavors as well as organic teas and an extensive list of wines. Transporting diners to a bygone era, the meticulously designed spaces – including a bar, lounge, outdoor patio and private dining space – merge vintage charm with modern sophistication and Parisian influences. Owned by renowned restaurateurs Rick Wahlstedt and Joe King, Le Colonial Denver is open daily for dinner. For more information, visit lecolonial.com/denver.