Most-anticipated Denver restaurants opening in early 2026
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
A rendering of Dear Emilia, the upcoming Italian eatery from the team behind Restaurant Olivia. Image: Courtesy of Regular Architecture
Denver's dining scene shined in 2025, landing more Michelin recognition and a coveted nod from the New York Times as one of America's most exciting food cities.
The big picture: The momentum only appears to be accelerating this year, especially in the River North Arts District.
Zoom in: Here are the seven spots we're most anticipating in 2026:
🐟 Mar Bella Boqueria — Michelin-starred duo Johnny and Kasie Curiel are opening a Spanish "neo-bistro" and wine bar, inspired by the Basque coast, inside Cherry Creek's Clayton Hotel & Members Club, where they already operate Alteño. Opening: Jan. 10
🌽 Maize — Also from Johnny and Kasie Curiel, this intimate 16-seat tasting-menu counter will spotlight masa, moles and house ferments, with a highly choreographed, multi-course experience rooted in ancestral Mexican corn. It's located in RiNo, in the former Comal Heritage Food Incubator space. Projected opening: Spring
🍗 Heretík — James Beard-nominated chef Theo Adley of Marigold in Lyons is converting Koko Ni's former home into a southern French- and northeastern Spanish-inspired restaurant in RiNo, with a focus on poultry, seafood small plates and a raw bar. Projected opening: Early 2026
🍝 Dear Emilia — The Restaurant Olivia team's second concept will channel northern Italy's Emilia Romagna region, pairing soulful Italian cooking with locally sourced ingredients and an all-Italian wine program in RiNo. Projected opening: Jan. 29
🍳 Paperboy — This acclaimed brunch spot in Austin, Texas, is debuting its first out-of-state location in Denver's West Highland neighborhood, taking the spot of the previous Rooted Craft Kitchen. Projected opening: Early 2026
🍾 La Vie En Rose — The team behind RiNo jazz club Nocturne is transforming the former Noble Riot into a Parisian-inspired champagne and cocktail bar, complete with plush velvet, a bar with a built-in champagne bowl and a glass-walled wine cave. Projected opening: Spring
🥪 Leven Downtown — The beloved sandwich-and-salad staple is expanding to the Central Business District, occupying the large ground-level retail space at Block 162. The full-service restaurant will include a bar, expanded menu and a design-forward space featuring an open kitchen and live trees. Projected opening: 2026