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Dim lighting. A sultry soundtrack. Menus that double as conversation starters. Nearby cocktail or dessert bars to extend the evening…. There are so many elements that make a place the right choice for date night. Whether you’re trying to impress a first date, celebrate an anniversary, or simply enjoy a night out without the kids, Denver has no shortage of restaurants that deliver on romance. Here, in alphabetical order, 10 of our current favorite date night spots in Denver.
Editor’s Note: This is a living list of the best date night restaurants that was last updated on November 20, 2023. Did we miss your favorite? Email us at dining@5280.com.
A5 Steakhouse
Forget the pretentious, white-tablecloth steak houses of yore. A5 Steakhouse is a swanky, easygoing twist on the classic. Whether you grab a seat at the garden-inspired bar (pergola included) or a more dimly lit spot in the back, the attentive yet approachable servers will make you and your date feel like the center of attention. Indulge in chef Max MacKissock’s shareable cuts (the bavette is always a winner), or make a meal out of oysters, the beef tartare katsu sando, and build-your-own Korean lettuce wraps. Add a classic cocktail to the mix, and the celebratory feeling will be complete. 1600 15th St.
Hey Kiddo
If there’s one thing Michelin-star chef Kelly Whitaker knows how to do, it’s embrace elegance while avoiding the stuffiness of other higher-end venues. Hey Kiddo—with its blush woods, tucked-away booths for two, and third-story perch overlooking Tennyson Street—is a prime example. Case in point: Mainstays of the ever-changing menu include both Korean-style popcorn chicken and market-price “bling bling” caviar. The drink choices, which encompass plenty of bubbles and sake, are ample; the noise level is moderate; and the dishes are made to be shared. Our tip: Surprise your date with a pre- or post-dinner drink at Ok Yeah, a secluded back bar where the cocktails are almost too pretty to drink. 4337 Tennyson St., Unit 300
Sotto Voce at Jovanina’s Broken Italian
Descending the candlelit stairs to Sotto Voce—the Prohibition-style lounge at Jovanina’s Broken Italian—feels like you’re walking toward a private dining retreat. While you likely won’t be dining alone, the downtown eatery does have an intimate vibe, especially if you can nab the two-top in a restored nook of one of the space’s original tunnels. Libations (including absinthes) are served from a roving cart, and many of the dishes are kissed by the wood-fired oven upstairs, including the oysters and pizzas. You won’t go wrong with any of the handmade pastas either. If you’re not ready to call it an evening, saunter over to nearby Emerald Eye or the Cruise Room for a nightcap. 1520 Blake St.
Major Tom
Some love stories are written in the cosmos; others get their start at a cosmic-themed restaurant. That’s not to say that Major Tom is kitsch. Far from it. The Five Points eatery is the more casual sister to Michelin-starred Beckon next door, so instead of a set menu at a chef’s counter, you can dig into more approachable bites—oysters, fries, luxe tartines—made with the same technical precision. The wine list leans toward aphrodisiacal bubbles (there are 40-plus bottles to choose from). With its moody ambience and warm service, Major Tom is a clear winner for an anniversary—or any evening when you want to make sure that special someone knows they’re, well, special. 2845 Larimer St.
Nocturne Jazz & Supper Club
At RiNo’s Nocturne Jazz & Supper Club, the soundtrack is always smooth. Make reservations for dinner and a show at the restored, brick-walled warehouse to enjoy a live jazz set alongside a three-course meal, with optional wine or cocktail pairings. From pan-seared duck breast to red wine–poached pears, the regularly changing menu manages to be sumptuous without being heavy. A variety of spirit-free drinks are available for those who don’t imbibe, or there’s a higher end “platinum edition” menu for those who want their tipples to impress. Regardless, the performance featuring Nocturne’s own artists in residence will provide plenty to talk about. 1330 27th St.
The Plimoth
No matter how many times you dine at the Plimoth, a New American eatery on a residential corner in Skyland, you’ll always be surprised. That’s mainly because the seasonally based menu changes so often, but also because of executive chef Josh Abro’s ability to turn simple ingredients like mushrooms or broccoli into extraordinarily delicious bites. Despite the Plimoth’s finessed cuisine, it still feels like a neighborhood hangout, which means you can both impress your date and be totally yourself. 2335 E. 28th Ave.
Point Easy
Denver isn’t New York City, but at Point Easy, you get a taste of that raucous city vibe that can be the ideal date backdrop. Yes, that means the sleek, light-filled dining room can be loud, but it also equates to a friendly atmosphere that’ll make you want to open up to whoever’s sitting across from you. Of course, the neighborhood eatery’s seasonal menu of American and Italian eats helps, as do the trendy cocktails and homey, plant-filled environment. Plus, the off-the-beaten-path Whittier location shows you made an effort to find just the right place. 2000 E. 28th Ave.
Restaurant Olivia
Love is at the heart of Restaurant Olivia: The elegant Wash Park trattoria is named after the daughter of co-owners Heather Morrison and Austin Carson. Fair warning: After one bite of chef Ty Leon’s pastas, you may start to fall in love, too. The hand-cut carbs change with the season, and you’ll likely find a new-to-you shape on the menu, such as anolini or culurgiones. A recent expansion added an open-concept pasta station, so you can watch the pasta chefs at work—a surefire conversation starter. Pair your pick with a creative take on the Negroni (like the trending white version). Looking for a more hands-on date? Sign up for a monthly pasta-making or wine education class. 290 S. Downing St.
Somebody People
Not every date calls for candlelight and a Lana Del Rey streaming station. Sometimes, you just want to have fun, and Somebody People’s bright, tropics-inspired space and inventive zero-waste menu definitely brings the joy. The Overland eatery’s cocktail list has full-spirit and nonalcoholic options (try the blackberry-infused Rendezvous), and its vegan menu is so good, even carnivores won’t miss their favorite proteins. For a great deal, we recommend the $38, five-course Sunday Supper special—dessert included. 1165 S. Broadway, Unit 104
Uchi
Everything about Uchi sets the stage for a promising date night: The high-energy atmosphere of a trendy restaurant in lively RiNo. The warm lighting and crystal brick wall that appears to glow in the background. The balanced cocktails with smart Japanese twists. And, of course, the impeccably presented—and sourced—seafood, served primarily as sushi but also as crudos and fork-tender hot preparations. To make the evening extra special, order the six- or 10-course omakase tasting menu so you can focus your attention fully on your dining partner. 2500 Lawrence St.
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