Best Restaurants in Cherry Creek Denver | 2026 Guide

Best Restaurants in Cherry Creek Denver — Where to Eat in 2026

Cherry Creek is Denver’s premier dining destination, and it’s not particularly close. Within a few walkable blocks of tree-shaded streets, you’ve got James Beard Award–winning chefs, nationally recognized restaurant groups, and beloved local joints that have been feeding Denverites for decades. The neighborhood’s upscale character attracts restaurateurs who are dead serious about their craft, and a discerning local clientele keeps standards remarkably high.

What makes 2026 particularly exciting is the wave of new openings that have reshaped the landscape. The Clayton Hotel brought two destination-worthy restaurants. Uchiko — the sister concept to Austin’s legendary Uchi — just opened its doors on Fillmore Street. And several more concepts are on the way. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, grabbing a quick healthy lunch between shopping, or lingering over brunch on a sun-drenched patio, Cherry Creek delivers. For a deeper look at everything this neighborhood offers beyond dining, explore our Cherry Creek neighborhood guide.

Fine Dining in Cherry Creek — Denver’s Best Upscale Restaurants

Cherry Creek’s fine dining scene rivals any major American city. These are the restaurants you go to when the occasion calls for something truly special — or when you simply want to treat yourself to the best the Mile High City has to offer.

Quality Italian

Quality Italian brought a taste of Manhattan’s dining scene to Cherry Creek, and Denver is better for it. This upscale Italian-American restaurant occupies a stunning space in Cherry Creek North with soaring ceilings, dramatic design elements, and an energy that makes every visit feel like an event. The menu blends Italian classics with bold American influences — chicken parmesan served tableside in a cast-iron skillet, hand-rolled pastas, and dry-aged steaks that rival any dedicated steakhouse in the city.

What makes Quality Italian stand out is its ability to be both a serious restaurant and a genuinely fun night out. The cocktail program is exceptional, with creative drinks that go well beyond the standard Italian-restaurant playbook. The wine list leans heavily into Italian varietals but includes plenty of California and French selections. For groups, the family-style portions make sharing a joy, and the dessert menu — particularly the signature cotton candy — provides a playful ending to an indulgent meal. Expect to spend $60–$100 per person for dinner with drinks.

📍 Quality Italian
241 Columbine St, Denver, CO 80206
📞 (303) 532-8888 | 🌐 qualityitaliandenver.com

801 Chophouse

If you want the definitive Cherry Creek steakhouse experience, 801 Chophouse is where you go. Tucked inside Cherry Creek Shopping Center, this isn’t some mall restaurant — it’s a legit, white-tablecloth, USDA Prime chophouse that would hold its own in any steakhouse city in America. The dry-aged steaks are the main event, cut thick and cooked with a precision that borders on obsessive. The Japanese A5 wagyu is available for those who want to go all out, and it’s every bit as buttery and decadent as you’ve heard.

Beyond the beef, 801 Chophouse delivers on seafood — the lobster tail and Chilean sea bass are both excellent — and the sides are built for the table. The creamed spinach and au gratin potatoes are classics done right. Don’t skip the grand marnier soufflé for dessert; you need to order it at the start of the meal, and it’s worth the planning. The atmosphere is old-school steakhouse in the best possible way: dark wood, leather booths, attentive service from staff who’ve been there for years. Plan on $80–$150 per person.

📍 801 Chophouse
3000 E 1st Ave, Denver, CO 80206 (Cherry Creek Shopping Center)
📞 (303) 214-6474 | 🌐 801chophouse.com

Uchiko

This is the biggest restaurant opening Cherry Creek has seen in years, and it lives up to the hype. Uchiko opened February 17, 2026 at 299 Fillmore Street, bringing James Beard Award–winning chef Tyson Cole’s non-traditional Japanese cuisine to Denver for the first time. If you know Uchi in Austin, Houston, or Miami, you know the pedigree — but Uchiko is the more adventurous sister concept, and the Cherry Creek location is a stunner.

The 7,400-square-foot space is gorgeous — warm woods, clean lines, and an open kitchen where you can watch the team work with the kind of quiet intensity that tells you these people take fish seriously. The menu centers on dry-aged fish (a Tyson Cole signature), robata-grilled meats, and seasonal tasting menus that change with what’s fresh and available. Individual dishes run $15–$40, and the tasting menu is the move if you want the full experience. The sake and Japanese whisky list is deep, and the cocktail program draws on ingredients you won’t find at any other bar in Denver. Get reservations now — this place is going to be booked solid for months.

📍 Uchiko
299 Fillmore St, Denver, CO 80206 (Cherry Creek North)
🌐 uchiko.uchirestaurants.com

North Italia

North Italia has earned a devoted following in Cherry Creek for its handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and warm hospitality. The concept from Fox Restaurant Concepts focuses on Italian cuisine made with seasonal ingredients, and the execution is remarkably consistent. Every pasta on the menu is made fresh daily in-house, and you can taste the difference — from the pillowy ricotta gnocchi to the perfectly al dente bucatini cacio e pepe.

The restaurant’s interior is bright and inviting, with an open kitchen that lets diners watch the pasta-making in action. The wine list is thoughtfully curated with Italian and domestic selections at approachable price points, making this a fine dining experience that doesn’t require a special occasion. North Italia’s brunch service has become a weekend institution in Cherry Creek, with dishes like lemon ricotta pancakes and breakfast pizza drawing crowds. Dinner runs $30–$55 per person. Arrive early or make a reservation.

📍 North Italia
190 Clayton Ln, Denver, CO 80206
📞 (720) 941-7700 | 🌐 northitalia.com

Broadway 10 Bar & Chophouse (B10)

The newest high-end chophouse to hit Cherry Creek, Broadway 10 (locals already call it B10) is carving out its niche with a menu that refuses to pick a lane — and somehow makes it work. You’ve got USDA Prime steaks sharing menu space with a serious sushi program, fresh seafood towers, and cocktails that lean classic with a modern edge. The space has that new-restaurant energy: polished, a little buzzy, with a bar scene that’s become a draw on its own.

The steaks are excellent — the bone-in New York strip is the standout — but the sushi rolls are what set B10 apart from the other chophouses in the neighborhood. It’s the rare place where you can get a perfectly seared filet and a spicy tuna roll at the same table without either feeling like an afterthought. The raw bar and seafood platters are worth exploring too. The vibe is classic steakhouse meets modern lounge, and they’re still working out the kinks (it’s new), but the bones are strong. Expect $70–$120 per person for dinner.

📍 Broadway 10 Bar & Chophouse (B10)
2345 E 3rd Ave, Suite 100, Denver, CO 80206
🌐 broadway10.com

New Openings 2025–2026 — Cherry Creek’s Hottest Additions

Cherry Creek’s dining scene is evolving fast. The Clayton Hotel has become a culinary destination in its own right, and several more concepts are on the way. Here’s what’s new and what’s coming.

Alteño

Opened in 2025 inside the Clayton Hotel on Clayton Street, Alteño has quickly become one of the most talked-about restaurants in Cherry Creek — and for good reason. This isn’t your standard Denver Mexican restaurant. The kitchen draws specifically from Jalisco, the heartland of Mexican culinary tradition, and elevates those flavors with a fine-dining sensibility that never feels pretentious. The raw bar is outstanding, with ceviches and aguachiles that showcase impeccably fresh seafood. The masa program is the real star, though — handmade tortillas, sopes, and tamales made from heirloom corn varieties that taste completely different from anything you’ve had before.

The dining room is sleek and modern, fitting for its boutique hotel setting, but the energy stays warm. The mezcal and tequila list is one of the deepest in Denver, and the cocktail program leans into agave spirits with creativity and restraint. Alteño has earned 4.7 stars on Google, which in Denver’s competitive dining scene is saying something. Dinner runs $50–$80 per person. This is the restaurant you take people to when they say they’ve “had Mexican food” — because they haven’t had it like this.

📍 Alteño
249 Clayton St, Denver, CO 80206 (The Clayton Hotel)
🌐 altenodenver.com

Mar Bella Boqueria

Also inside the Clayton Hotel, Mar Bella Boqueria brings a Spanish neo-bistro concept to Cherry Creek from the team behind Michelin-starred Alma Fonda Fina. The name nods to Barcelona’s legendary La Boqueria market, and the menu captures that same spirit of vibrant, ingredient-driven cooking. Think tapas and pintxos meant for sharing — patatas bravas with aioli, jamón ibérico carved to order, gambas al ajillo sizzling in garlic oil — alongside larger plates of paella and grilled whole fish.

The wine bar component is a big part of the appeal. The list is heavy on Spanish and Portuguese selections that you won’t find at every other restaurant in town, with sherries, cavas, and natural wines poured by staff who actually know what they’re talking about. The space is intimate and lively, designed for lingering over small plates and another glass of Albariño. It’s the kind of restaurant Cherry Creek has been missing — a genuine wine bar with food that can stand on its own. Perfect for date nights or a spontaneous evening when you want something a little different. Tapas plates run $12–$28, making it easy to control your spend.

📍 Mar Bella Boqueria
249 Clayton St, Denver, CO 80206 (The Clayton Hotel)

Ash & Agave (Coming Early 2026)

From the owner of Blue Island Oyster Bar comes Ash & Agave, a coastal Mexican concept slated to open in early 2026 inside the Cherry Creek Shopping Center. The focus will be wood-fired cooking — think whole grilled fish, charred vegetables, and meats cooked over open flame — alongside a mezcal bar that promises to be one of the most serious agave programs in Colorado. Coastal Mexican cuisine is having a moment nationally, and Cherry Creek is getting its own version from a restaurateur who already has a proven track record in the neighborhood.

Details are still emerging, but expect a menu that draws from Mexico’s Pacific coast traditions with an emphasis on fresh seafood, seasonal produce, and the smoky depth that only live-fire cooking can deliver. The mezcal bar alone will be worth the visit. Keep an eye on this one.

Dear Emilia (Coming 2026)

The other 2026 opening generating serious buzz is Dear Emilia, an Italian concept focused specifically on the cuisine of Emilia Romagna — the region that gave the world Parmigiano-Reggiano, prosciutto di Parma, balsamic vinegar, and arguably the best pasta traditions in Italy. Michelin-awarded Chef Ty Leon is behind the project, and the ambition is clear: this won’t be Italian-American comfort food, but rather a love letter to one of the world’s great food regions.

Expect handmade tortellini, ragùs that have been simmering for hours, fresh egg pastas, and a wine list deep in Lambrusco and Sangiovese. No location has been confirmed yet, but Cherry Creek is the target neighborhood. If Chef Leon’s track record is any indication, Dear Emilia will be a serious addition to Denver’s Italian dining scene.

Casual Dining — Everyday Favorites in Cherry Creek

Not every meal needs to be a production. Cherry Creek’s casual dining spots prove that relaxed atmospheres and exceptional food are not mutually exclusive. These are the places locals return to week after week.

Hillstone

Hillstone is the kind of restaurant every neighborhood wishes it had — a polished American grill that executes the basics at an extraordinarily high level. Known in other markets as Houston’s, Hillstone has built a national reputation for consistency, quality, and service that never feels scripted. The Cherry Creek location is a perennial favorite among locals who appreciate that some things don’t need to be trendy to be exceptional.

The menu reads simply — burgers, steaks, salads, fish — but the quality of ingredients and precision of preparation elevate every dish. The spinach and artichoke dip has achieved near-legendary status, the Thai steak and noodle salad is a revelation, and the rotisserie chicken is the kind of perfectly cooked comfort food that makes you wonder why you ever bother cooking at home. Hillstone doesn’t take reservations, which can mean a wait during peak hours, but the bar is a perfectly pleasant place to spend thirty minutes with a well-made cocktail. This is the restaurant you recommend to visitors when they ask where locals actually eat. Dinner runs $25–$50 per person.

📍 Hillstone
303 Josephine St, Denver, CO 80206
📞 (303) 333-4688 | 🌐 hillstone.com

Cherry Cricket

The Cherry Cricket has been slinging burgers in Cherry Creek since 1945, which makes it older than most of the buildings around it. This is Denver’s original burger bar, a no-frills institution where the burgers are massive, the beer list is long, and nobody cares what you’re wearing. In a neighborhood full of upscale dining, the Cricket is a refreshing reminder that sometimes the best meal is the simplest one.

The move here is to build your own burger from a dizzying list of toppings — everything from standard lettuce and tomato to cream cheese, peanut butter, and green chile (this is Colorado, after all). The green chile cheeseburger is the classic order, and it’s been perfected over eight decades. The patio is one of the best casual hangouts in Cherry Creek, and the bar is a genuine neighborhood gathering spot where you’ll find everyone from college kids to Cherry Creek lifers. Burgers run $12–$18, and the vibe is worth every penny.

📍 Cherry Cricket
2641 E 2nd Ave, Denver, CO 80206
📞 (303) 322-7666 | 🌐 cherrycricket.com

Quick Bites & Healthy Eating in Cherry Creek

Cherry Creek’s health-conscious dining options are some of the best in Denver. Whether you’re fitting in a quick lunch between errands or you genuinely care about what goes into your body, these spots deliver.

True Food Kitchen

True Food Kitchen is the go-to for health-conscious diners in Cherry Creek, with a menu built around seasonal, nutrient-dense ingredients that actually taste incredible. Founded on the anti-inflammatory diet principles of Dr. Andrew Weil, the restaurant proves that eating well and eating healthy can be the same thing. The menu rotates seasonally, so ingredients are always at peak freshness.

Standout dishes include the herb-crusted fish tacos, the ancient grains bowl, and the squash pie — a fan favorite that converts even the most skeptical health-food critics. The beverage program is equally strong, with fresh-pressed juices, creative cocktails made with natural ingredients, and an organic wine list. The airy, plant-filled interior and spacious patio make it a perfect lunch spot after a morning of Cherry Creek shopping. Clear dietary labels (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free) make ordering easy for everyone. Lunch runs $15–$25 per person.

📍 True Food Kitchen
2800 E 2nd Ave, Ste 101, Denver, CO 80206
📞 (720) 535-4670 | 🌐 truefoodkitchen.com

Flower Child

Flower Child takes the healthy-casual concept and gives it a fun, colorful personality. This fast-casual spot lets you build your own plate from vibrant, globally inspired sides and proteins, or choose from curated bowls and salads. Everything is made from scratch with clean ingredients, and the flavors are bold enough to satisfy even those who aren’t specifically seeking a healthy meal.

Popular choices include the Mother Earth bowl with ancient grains and roasted veggies, the Korean BBQ steak plate, and the gluten-free chocolate chip cookies that have a cult following. Ordering is quick and efficient — ideal for a fast lunch or easy weeknight dinner. It’s also one of the most affordable dining options in Cherry Creek, with most plates under $15.

📍 Flower Child
3110 E 1st Ave, Unit 101, Denver, CO 80206
📞 (720) 779-1980 | 🌐 iamaflowerchild.com

Brunch & Coffee — Cherry Creek’s Best Morning Spots

Cherry Creek’s morning scene is just as vibrant as its dinner offerings. These are the places where the neighborhood starts its day.

Aviano Coffee

Aviano Coffee is Cherry Creek’s quintessential neighborhood coffee shop — a place where the espresso is pulled with precision, the pastries are freshly baked, and the atmosphere invites you to slow down. Located in the heart of Cherry Creek North, Aviano has earned a reputation as one of Denver’s best coffee shops by focusing relentlessly on quality. Every drink is crafted with care, from the perfectly balanced cortado to the rich cappuccino that could hold its own in any Italian café.

The space is warm and inviting, with a mix of cozy indoor seating and a charming patio that fills quickly on sunny mornings. Aviano sources its beans from top roasters, and the baristas demonstrate genuine expertise and passion for their craft. Whether you’re fueling up before a day of shopping or simply need a quiet moment with an excellent cup of coffee, Aviano is the answer. Check our Cherry Creek shopping and dining guide for more on the neighborhood.

📍 Aviano Coffee
244 Detroit St, Denver, CO 80206
📞 (303) 399-8347 | 🌐 avianocoffee.com

Rosenberg’s Bagels & Delicatessen

Rosenberg’s brought authentic New York–style bagels to Denver, and the nearby location has become a weekend morning institution. These aren’t the soft, bread-like bagels you find at chain shops — they’re boiled and baked traditionally, producing a satisfyingly chewy interior and a golden, slightly crispy exterior. The cream cheese selection is extensive, ranging from classic plain to inventive seasonal flavors.

But Rosenberg’s is more than just bagels. The full deli menu features hand-sliced lox, pastrami piled high on rye, and matzo ball soup that could cure anything. The breakfast sandwiches are hearty enough to fuel an entire day of Cherry Creek exploration. Weekend mornings get busy, so arrive early or be prepared to wait. It’s worth it.

📍 Rosenberg’s Bagels & Delicatessen
725 E 26th Ave, Denver, CO 80205
📞 (720) 440-9880 | 🌐 rosenbergsbagels.com

Best Happy Hour & Patio Dining in Cherry Creek

Cherry Creek’s happy hour scene is one of the best in Denver, and the patios make it even better. With 300 days of sunshine, outdoor dining here feels almost European — wide sidewalks, mature trees, and a pedestrian-friendly layout that rewards lingering.

• Quality Italian: Aperitivo hour features discounted spritzes, wines by the glass, and small plates that showcase the kitchen’s Italian-American flair. The patio is prime Cherry Creek people-watching territory.
• North Italia: Generous happy hour with discounted pizzas, select pastas, and well-priced wines. The bruschetta board with a glass of Montepulciano is the move. Outdoor seating is perfect for long weekend brunches.
• Hillstone: No formal happy hour, but the bar scene during early evening is one of Cherry Creek’s best-kept secrets — expertly made cocktails and the full menu in a lively atmosphere.
• 801 Chophouse: Classic steakhouse bar with strong pours and a refined after-work crowd. The bar menu lets you experience the quality without the full dinner commitment.
• True Food Kitchen: The plant-surrounded patio feels like dining in a garden, and happy hour pricing makes the already-reasonable menu even more accessible.

For the best strategy, arrive right when specials begin — Cherry Creek’s after-work crowd descends quickly, and bar seats at popular spots fill within the first thirty minutes.

Reservation Tips and Dining Strategies for Cherry Creek

Navigating Cherry Creek’s restaurant scene like a local requires a bit of planning. Here are the insider tips.

• Book ahead for fine dining: Quality Italian, North Italia, Uchiko, 801 Chophouse, and Alteño all accept reservations through OpenTable or Resy. For weekend dinners, book 3–5 days out. For holidays, two weeks.
• Embrace off-peak dining: Tuesday through Thursday evenings offer the best availability. Early seatings (5:00–5:30 PM) and later reservations (8:30 PM+) are easier to secure than the 7:00 PM window.
• Bar seating is your secret weapon: Many Cherry Creek restaurants offer full menus at the bar, first-come, first-served. Hillstone’s bar is a local favorite for solo diners and couples.
• Weekday lunch is underrated: Significantly less crowded, and many restaurants offer special midday menus at reduced prices.
• Walk-in strategy: Be flexible on timing. Ask about bar or patio seating, or put your name in and explore the neighborhood. Cherry Creek’s walkability makes waiting genuinely enjoyable.

Why Cherry Creek Is Denver’s Ultimate Dining Destination

From the dry-aged steaks at 801 Chophouse to the non-traditional Japanese brilliance at Uchiko, from the Jalisco-inspired flavors at Alteño to the expertly pulled espresso at Aviano Coffee, Cherry Creek’s dining scene has never been stronger. The neighborhood’s unique combination of culinary talent, beautiful settings, and a sophisticated-yet-welcoming atmosphere creates a restaurant scene that rewards exploration and invites return visits.

Whether you’re a longtime Denver resident or visiting Cherry Creek for the first time, the restaurants in this neighborhood will leave a lasting impression. Come hungry, stay curious, and let Cherry Creek’s extraordinary culinary community show you why this corner of Denver has become one of the most exciting dining destinations in the American West. For the complete guide, don’t miss our comprehensive Cherry Creek neighborhood guide and our Cherry Creek shopping and dining guide.

Frequently Asked Questions