Casey Wilson
In terms of hugely successful restaurant openings, 2023 was a banner year in Denver: Molotov Kitschen + Cocktails, Hey Kiddo, Alma Fonda Fina, Kiké’s Red Tacos, Major Tom, Sắp Sửa, Yuan Wonton, and Kawa Ni all come to mind. In fact, every single one of those places now counts among the Essential 38, Eater’s guide to the city’s best restaurants. (And that’s not even to speak of the triumphant return of Casa Bonita.)
But what about 2024? The answer to that question lies right here: Though things were relatively quiet on the dining front in the first half of the year, they’ve been heating up quick in recent weeks. Listed in geographical order from north to south, the following 16 newcomers — all of which opened, or reopened after a long hiatus, within the past eight months — have got more than enough mojo to make a lasting mark on the Mile High City and its environs.
