Your Guide to Denver Restaurant Week

Restaurant Week in Denver is a highly anticipated annual event celebrating the vibrant culinary scene in the City of Heights. With many participating restaurants offering specially designed menus at affordable prices, it’s the perfect opportunity for food lovers to indulge in a delightful gastronomic adventure.

One of the great things about Denver Restaurant Week is its affordability. The fixed-price menu is tailored to a variety of budgets, making haute cuisine more accessible to a wider audience.

Understanding Denver Restaurant Week

Restaurant Week in Denver usually takes place in late February and early March and lasts for ten days of culinary bliss. During this time, participating restaurants put together a fixed-price, multi-course menu, allowing diners to sample a variety of dishes that showcase a chef’s expertise and creativity.

The purpose of the event is to promote local restaurants, showcase Denver’s diverse culinary landscape, and encourage people to try new dining establishments.

Denver Restaurant Week participating restaurants develop prix fixe, multi-course menus that allow visitors to sample a variety of dishes and learn about the culinary talents of the city’s top chefs. The event encourages restaurants to showcase their unique offerings, highlight their signature dishes, and attract new diners.

How participants are selected for Denver restaurant week

The process for selecting Denver Restaurant Week participating restaurants is usually done by the event organizers, Visit Denver, in collaboration with the participating restaurants. Here’s an overview of the overall process:

  • Application and Registration: Before Denver Restaurant Week begins, Visit Denver opens a registration period for restaurants interested in participating. Restaurants usually need to fill out an application form, providing information about their establishment, the menu offered, and any special requirements or restrictions;
  • Criteria and Eligibility: Visit Denver usually sets specific criteria and requirements for participating restaurants. These may include factors such as restaurant reputation, quality of service, variety of cuisine, and compliance with health and safety standards. The goal is to ensure a high standard of dining experience for Denver Restaurant Week participants;
  • Selection Process: At the end of the registration period, Visit Denver and a panel of industry experts review applications and evaluate each restaurant’s suitability to participate. Factors such as a restaurant’s popularity, uniqueness, positive reviews, and overall contribution to Denver’s culinary scene may be considered in the evaluation process;
  • Notification and Confirmation: After the selection process, Visit Denver notifies selected restaurants and sends them invitations to participate in Denver Restaurant Week. Participating restaurants receive recommendations, pricing structure, and instructions on how to create a special menu for the event;
  • Promotion and Marketing: Once the final list of participating restaurants is approved, Visit Denver promotes Denver Restaurant Week through various channels, including the official website, social media platforms, local media and collaborations with other culinary industry participants. The promotion is designed to raise awareness, attract visitors and create excitement around the event.
A man and a woman holding wine glasses, with a collage of various Denver Restaurant Week dishes in the background

It’s important to note that specific details of the selection process may vary slightly from year to year. Organizers strive to ensure that Denver’s restaurant scene is diverse and of high quality, providing attendees with a wide variety of restaurants during Denver Restaurant Week.

By following a comprehensive selection process, Visit Denver strives to create a dynamic and engaging event that highlights Denver’s best culinary offerings and provides an unforgettable dining experience for guests and locals alike.

How much is Denver Restaurant Week?

Number of CoursesPrice per Person
2-course$25
3-course$35

Choosing Your Restaurants

With more than 200 restaurants participating in Denver Restaurant Week, choosing the perfect place to dine can be a challenge. Consider the following factors to make an informed decision:

  • Cuisine: Denver’s restaurant scene offers an incredible variety of cuisines, from traditional American to international. Think about what type of cuisine appeals to you most;
  • Ambience: Whether you’re looking for a cozy bistro, a trendy gastropub or an elegant fine-dining restaurant, Denver has it all. Examine each restaurant’s ambiance to make sure it fits your preferences.

Carefully study the special menus offered by each restaurant. Look for dishes that pique your interest and consider possible dietary restrictions.

How to Make Reservations during Denver Restaurant Week

During Denver Restaurant Week, popular restaurants fill up fast. It is a good idea to make reservations in advance to get a table at your desired restaurant. Visit the official website or call the restaurant directly to make reservations.

To do so: 

  • Reservations are highly recommended during Denver Restaurant Week, as popular restaurants fill up quickly during this popular culinary event. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to make a reservation:
  • Research Participating Restaurants: Start by researching the list of Denver Restaurant Week participating restaurants. Visit the official Denver Restaurant Week website or look at local event listings to find a complete list of participating restaurants;
  • Choose the right restaurant(s): Research the menus, locations, and offerings of the restaurants that interest you. Consider factors such as cuisine, ambiance, and dietary preferences to narrow down your choices;
  • Contact a Restaurant: Once you have identified the restaurant(s) you would like to dine at, contact them directly to make a reservation. Most restaurants provide contact information on their websites, including phone numbers and e-mail addresses;
  • Call ahead: Once you have decided on a restaurant, call ahead to make a reservation. Demand is high during Denver Restaurant Week, so reservations are recommended as early as possible. Expect that the date and time you choose may be fully booked, especially at popular establishments;
  • Be flexible: If the place you choose is unavailable, be flexible with your meal plan. Ask about alternative dates or times that may be more convenient. Also, ask the restaurant if they have a waiting list or recommendations for similar establishments in case they can’t meet your initial request;
  • Confirm your reservation: Once you have successfully made your reservation, it is recommended that you ask for confirmation. This can be done verbally over the phone or through a confirmation email. Be sure to write down any specific details provided by the restaurant, such as arrival times or special instructions;
  • Be punctual: On the day of your reservation, arrive at the restaurant on time. Because restaurant seating may be limited during Denver Restaurant Week, it’s important to stick to your allotted time. Punctuality ensures that you will have enough time to fully enjoy your dinner.

Keep in mind that each restaurant may have different reservation policies and procedures, so you should follow their specific instructions. Making reservations ahead of time will allow you to secure your seat and guarantee a more relaxed time during Denver Restaurant Week.

Conclusion

Following this guide will help you make the most of your dining experience, discover new venues and create unforgettable memories in the High Mile City. So, mark your calendar and get ready to embark on a gastronomic adventure during Denver Restaurant Week!