Dining
The List: Cherry Creek’s Best Restaurants
From power lunches to date-night destinations, Cherry Creek’s dining scene has evolved into one of Denver’s most dynamic. These seven standouts define the neighborhood’s culinary moment—each distinct, all exceptional. — Betsy Marr
Alteno
Led by Michelin-starred chef Johnny Curiel, Alteño brings modern Mexican cooking to Cherry Creek with a confidence that feels both grounded and new. Drawing inspiration from his native Jalisco, Curiel crafts dishes that balance warmth and precision—think deeply flavored moles, fresh seafood, and open-flame techniques that add complexity without pretense. The space hums with understated energy, anchored by an inventive bar program and a menu that honors its roots while pushing them forward.
When to go: Weeknights at the bar for mezcal cocktails and small plates before the dinner rush.
Barolo Grill
A Denver institution for more than three decades, Barolo Grill remains the definitive destination for Northern Italian cuisine. The restaurant’s commitment to hospitality is unwavering—polished service, an award-winning wine cellar, and seasonal menus that weave Colorado ingredients into Italian tradition. There’s a sense of timelessness here, where the pace slows, the pasta is handmade, and every detail feels intentional. It’s not just one of Cherry Creek’s best restaurants—it’s one of Denver’s most enduring.
Order this: The tasting menu paired with Piedmont wines—an experience that never feels rehearsed.
Matsuhisa
Sophisticated yet unpretentious, Matsuhisa brings international pedigree to Cherry Creek without sacrificing intimacy. The sleek interior sets the stage for chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s signature style—Japanese precision infused with Peruvian flair. Every dish, from the yellowtail jalapeño to black cod miso, carries the quiet confidence of a kitchen that knows exactly what it’s doing. Refined, rhythmic, and flawlessly executed, Matsuhisa continues to set the bar for elevated dining in Denver.
Insider pick: The omakase menu—best enjoyed at the sushi bar for an orchestrated experience.
Le Colonial
A study in atmosphere as much as flavor, Le Colonial marries the elegance of French technique with the vibrancy of Vietnamese cuisine. Its palm-framed dining room feels like a portal to another time, while the menu celebrates balance—bright herbs, layered spices, and classic French structure rendered with grace. Service is crisp, the lighting forgiving, and every plate arrives with a sense of place. Le Colonial is escapism done right, equal parts cosmopolitan and comforting.
Best seat: The private dining sunroom at golden hour—it feels like Saigon at sunset.
Town Pump Provisions
Part bodega, part eatery, and entirely on point, Town Pump Provisions brings a fresh, fast-casual sensibility to Cherry Creek. The brainchild of Dana Monfort, the concept blends thoughtful sandwiches, seasonal salads, and a curated grocery selection that feels equal parts local market and chef’s pantry. Just next door, a Little Man Ice Cream counter adds a playful finish, underscoring the space’s approachable energy. It’s smart, streamlined dining that proves casual can still feel considered.
Stop by: Mid-day for a quick lunch, an afternoon iced coffee, or a scoop next door that feels like summer, even in the fall.
801 Chophouse
At 801 Chophouse, the steakhouse tradition is alive and well—but with a modern edge that fits Cherry Creek’s evolving aesthetic. The space exudes confidence: leather banquettes, moody lighting, and a wine list built for decision-makers. Prime beef, fresh seafood, and impeccable service form the backbone of the experience, but it’s the sense of ritual—the martini, the crisp linen, the unspoken precision—that keeps regulars returning. This is indulgence handled with restraint and style.
When to go: Late on a Friday for the perfect martini and a power-table crowd.
La Merise
Tucked along Third Avenue, La Merise delivers effortless charm and old-world sensibility. The French bistro’s menu reads like a collection of classics—steak frites, coq au vin, crème brûlée—each prepared with consistency and care. There’s nothing flashy here, and that’s precisely its appeal. The cozy dining room and garden patio invite lingering conversation, and the experience feels delightfully familiar, as though it’s always been part of the Cherry Creek fabric.
When to go: Sunday brunch for croque madames, mimosas, and a true neighborhood moment.
