The Local newsletter is your free, daily guide to life in Colorado. For locals, by locals. Sign up today!
Today is not only Election Day, it marks the opening of Twelve Restaurant. Located in Ballpark, between Snooze and Marco’s Coal-Fired Pizzeria, this is the first solo venture from chef-owner Jeff Osaka. The Los Angeles-born chef (who most recently cooked at L.A.’s two-Michelin-star Mélisse) found the location on Craigslist in March, moved to Denver in August, and immediately got to work on the space.
The modern American restaurant, named after the 12 months of the year, is seasonally focused with an eye toward local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. At 28 seats (plus nine at the bar), tables are nicely spaced, and the quality of dishes lends an air of fine dining.
“I wanted to do ultrafine dining,” says Osaka. “But I’m scaling it down–this is fine-dining food at reasonable costs.” (Expect prices to average $10 for starters and $28 for entrées.)
Our picks: the rustic mushroom tartlets and decadent beef short ribs with yukon potato puree.
Twelve serves dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m. 2233 Larimer St., 303-293-0287
