Here are 9 Denver Restaurant Week recommendations

Denver's restaurants are buzzing after a two-year pandemic squeeze, and just in time for the city's Restaurant Week.

What to know: The annual event starts Thursday and runs through March 20 with price-fixed menus that allow you to explore the breadth of the city's culinary talents.

Where to go: We drooled over the roughly 200 menus crafted by participating restaurants and selected those that gave us the biggest cravings.

• Be smart: Be sure to get reservations, as some places fill quickly.

At the $25 level:

• Gigi's pick: Yumcha. A spread of homemade dumplings includes a crystal carrot variety — for my purposes best enjoyed alongside the beef and broccoli chow fun.
• Alayna's pick: Steuben's. This go-to spot is serving a seafood lover's dreams, with lobster bisque to start and a fresh crab roll on a toasted bun as the main.
• John's pick: Milk Market. Take your pick from this food hall's favorite, whether a Lou's sandwich or tacos — and save money for good drinks as you decide.

At $35:

• Gigi's pick: Redeemer Pizza. Keep it simple and satisfying at this New York-style pizza joint, where you can go carb-crazy with stuffed mozzarella garlic knots and a tomato pie.
• Alayna's pick: Sunday Vinyl. The menu at this intimate wine bar is calling my name with its roasted cabbage, grilled trout and chocolate mousse cake with salted caramel.
• John's pick: D Bar. This is an old standby, and even without a menu posted, I know it will be tasty and whimsical.

At $45:

• Gigi's pick: Apple Blossom. This seasonally inspired American eatery has been on my must-try list and said to be redefining the city’s hotel restaurant standards.

• Alayna's pick: Daughter Thai Kitchen & Bar. Choose from a variety of Thai dishes, from Tom Yum Kha soup and pork ribs to curry, noodles and prawns.
• John's pick: Tables. I've wanted to visit this small neighborhood spot for years, and now plan to try the pan-fried shrimp cake with jalapeño-grapefruit vinaigrette.

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