14 Colorado Italian Restaurants Everyone Wants To Dine At Right Now
Colorado’s dining scene is buzzing, and Italian food is at the center of the excitement.
From cozy neighborhood trattorias to polished dining rooms with mountain views, these restaurants have become the places everyone is talking about.
Tables fill quickly as locals chase handmade pasta, slow simmered sauces, and old world recipes prepared with modern confidence.
The energy is lively, the plates are generous, and the flavors keep people planning return visits before dessert arrives.
In Colorado, Italian restaurants are having a moment, blending comfort and craft in ways that feel both timeless and right on trend.
1. Barolo Grill — Denver, CO
Sophistication meets warmth at this Cherry Creek North gem that has been wooing Denver diners since 1992.
Located at 3030 East 6th Avenue, the restaurant occupies an elegant converted house with exposed brick walls and soft lighting that creates an intimate vibe perfect for date nights or celebrations.
Chef Darrel Truett crafts northern Italian dishes using seasonal ingredients, and the osso buco practically melts off the bone.
The wine list features over 1,400 bottles, with a special focus on Piedmont labels that pair beautifully with every course.
Fun fact: the restaurant was named after the legendary Barolo wine, often called the King of Wines.
Reservations fill up weeks in advance, so plan ahead if you want a taste of this timeless Denver treasure.
2. Luca — Denver, CO
Bold flavors and modern twists define the menu at this RiNo hotspot that opened in 2021 at 711 Grant Street.
The industrial chic space features high ceilings, large windows, and an open kitchen where you can watch chefs work their magic over wood-fired grills and handmade pasta stations.
Luca’s rigatoni alla vodka has achieved cult status among locals, with its creamy tomato sauce clinging to every ridged tube.
The restaurant also serves wood-fired pizzas with blistered crusts and creative topping combinations that go beyond traditional margherita.
Interesting tidbit: the name Luca means light in Italian, and the restaurant truly shines brightest during weekend brunch when prosecco flows freely.
The vibe is energetic yet polished, making it a favorite for groups and solo diners alike.
3. Jovanina’s Broken Italian — Denver, CO
Playful irreverence and serious cooking skills collide at this LoHi favorite located at 3233 West Highland Drive.
The restaurant rocks a casual neighborhood trattoria feel with colorful murals, mismatched chairs, and a welcoming patio that fills up fast on sunny Colorado days.
Chef Jennifer Jasinski puts her own spin on Italian classics, earning the place its cheeky Broken Italian moniker.
The bucatini cacio e pepe is silky perfection, while the meatballs swim in rich tomato sauce that begs to be sopped up with crusty bread.
Here is a fun detail: Jasinski is a James Beard Award winner who also owns several other beloved Denver restaurants.
The wine selection leans heavily toward Italian varietals, and the staff knows their stuff when it comes to pairing recommendations.
4. Gaetano’s — Denver, CO
Family recipes passed down through generations come alive at this Greenwood Village institution situated at 3760 South Highland Drive.
The cozy space features warm wood paneling, vintage Italian posters, and red checkered tablecloths that instantly transport you to a Roman osteria.
Gaetano’s serves up hearty portions of lasagna, chicken parmigiana, and fettuccine alfredo that taste like Sunday dinner at your Italian grandmother’s house.
The cannoli are made fresh daily and stuffed to order, ensuring a crispy shell and creamy ricotta filling every single time.
A quirky fact: the restaurant has been family owned and operated since 1947, making it one of the oldest Italian spots in the entire Denver metro area.
Regulars swear by the marinara sauce, which simmers for hours to develop deep flavor.
5. Odyssey Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar — Denver, CO
Mediterranean charm radiates from every corner of this Highlands spot at 2701 West 32nd Avenue.
The space showcases exposed stone walls, arched doorways, and wrought iron accents that evoke a Tuscan villa, while string lights add a magical glow to the outdoor courtyard.
Odyssey specializes in coastal Italian cuisine with plenty of fresh seafood options like linguine alle vongole and branzino roasted with lemon and herbs.
The wine bar component shines with an impressive selection of Italian and international bottles available by the glass or bottle.
Did you know the restaurant name references the epic journey of Ulysses, hinting at the culinary adventure awaiting diners?
Live music performances on select evenings add to the festive atmosphere, making this a destination for celebration and romance alike.
6. Shells & Sauce — Denver, CO
Comfort food reigns supreme at this Sunnyside neighborhood joint located at 4530 West 38th Avenue.
The unpretentious dining room features simple wooden tables, chalkboard menus, and an open kitchen where the aroma of garlic and basil fills the air.
True to its name, Shells & Sauce focuses on pasta perfection, with handmade shells cradling rich meat sauce or creamy pesto.
The meatball sub is a lunchtime legend, piled high with tender beef and swimming in marinara on a toasted hoagie roll.
Here is something cool: the restaurant started as a tiny takeout counter before expanding into a full service spot due to overwhelming demand.
Prices remain reasonable despite the quality, and portions are generous enough to fuel a full day of Colorado adventures or provide leftovers for tomorrow.
7. Carmine’s on Penn — Denver, CO
New York style Italian feasting happens every night at this family style powerhouse at 92 South Pennsylvania Street in the Denver Tech Center.
The sprawling dining room features dark wood furnishings, vintage photographs of Italian American life, and booths big enough to accommodate large groups celebrating special occasions.
Portions here are absolutely massive and designed for sharing, with platters of chicken parmigiana, rigatoni bolognese, and sausage and peppers arriving at the table family style.
The garlic bread alone could feed a small village, and the tiramisu is rich enough to send you into a happy food coma.
Fun trivia: Carmine’s originated in New York City and this Denver location brings that same boisterous energy westward.
Expect lively conversation, clinking wine glasses, and servers who treat you like extended family from the moment you walk in.
8. Lo Stella Ristorante — Denver, CO
Rustic elegance defines this South Pearl Street beauty at 1535 South Pearl Street.
The restaurant inhabits a charming brick building with a sleek modern interior featuring leather banquettes, marble tabletops, and floor to ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light during daytime service.
Chef Frank Bonanno showcases regional Italian cooking with dishes like braised rabbit, house made tagliatelle, and wood oven roasted vegetables drizzled with aged balsamic.
The crudo selections change daily based on the freshest catches, and the cheese and salumi board is a perfect way to start any meal.
Interesting note: Lo Stella means the star in Italian, and this place truly shines in the Denver dining scene.
The cocktail program is equally impressive, with Italian inspired libations featuring amaro, vermouth, and fresh herbs from local farms.
9. Venice Ristorante — Greenwood Village, CO
Romance blooms at this longtime favorite situated at 5301 East County Line Road in Greenwood Village.
The interior evokes a Venetian palazzo with ornate chandeliers, rich velvet curtains, and murals depicting canal scenes that make you forget you are in suburban Colorado.
Venice Ristorante has been serving classic Italian American dishes since 1988, and the veal piccata remains a signature that keeps regulars returning decade after decade.
The lobster ravioli in cream sauce is decadent, and the Caesar salad gets prepared tableside with theatrical flair.
A delightful detail: the restaurant features a piano bar on weekends where talented musicians serenade diners with Italian classics and American standards.
The service is old school attentive, with servers who remember your preferences and make every visit feel like a homecoming celebration.
10. Angelo’s Taverna — Littleton, CO
Neighborhood warmth and authentic flavors merge seamlessly at this Littleton gem located at 620 West Littleton Boulevard.
The taverna style space features stone accents, rustic wooden beams, and a welcoming bar area where locals gather for aperitivos and conversation before settling into their tables.
Angelo’s menu roams beyond typical red sauce fare with dishes inspired by various Italian regions, including Sicilian caponata, Roman style carciofi, and Neapolitan seafood stew.
The pizza dough ferments for 48 hours before getting stretched and topped with premium ingredients and baked in a scorching hot oven.
Cool backstory: the restaurant is named after the owner’s grandfather who emigrated from southern Italy and passed down his passion for cooking.
Weekly specials highlight seasonal ingredients, and the staff genuinely loves explaining the stories behind each dish.
11. BACCO Trattoria & Mozzarella Bar — Boulder, CO
Fresh mozzarella magic happens daily at this Pearl Street favorite located at 1305 Pearl Street in Boulder. The bright, contemporary space features white subway tiles, blonde wood tables, and an open mozzarella bar where you can watch cheese makers stretch warm curds into pillowy balls of creamy perfection.
BACCO specializes in simple, ingredient focused Italian cooking where quality shines through in every bite.
The burrata appetizer arrives at your table still warm, paired with heirloom tomatoes and basil when in season, or roasted peppers during cooler months.
Fun fact: BACCO is the Roman god of wine and revelry, and this spot certainly encourages both with an excellent Italian wine list and a lively atmosphere.
Boulder locals pack the place for weekend brunch, when frittatas and Italian pastries join the regular menu offerings.
12. Pasta Jay’s — Boulder, CO
College town energy and satisfying pasta bowls define this Boulder institution at 1001 Pearl Street.
The casual dining room showcases exposed brick, vintage ski posters, and a laid back vibe that appeals to university students, families, and outdoor enthusiasts refueling after mountain adventures.
Pasta Jay’s serves generous portions at wallet friendly prices, with build your own pasta options that let you choose your noodle shape, sauce, and add ins.
The pesto is vibrant green and packed with fresh basil, while the Alfredo sauce is rich without being heavy or cloying.
Quirky detail: the restaurant has been a Boulder staple since 1986, making it older than many of the college students who now flock there for study sessions and casual dinners.
The garlic bread is legendary, and the Italian sodas come in a rainbow of flavors perfect for hot Colorado afternoons.
13. Aosta Ristorante — Aspen, CO
Mountain elegance reaches new heights at this Aspen treasure located at 620 East Hyman Avenue.
The refined dining room features alpine inspired design elements including reclaimed wood beams, stone fireplace, and floor to ceiling windows showcasing spectacular views of the surrounding peaks.
Aosta takes its name from a northern Italian region near the Alps, and the menu reflects that mountain heritage with dishes like polenta with wild mushrooms, braised short ribs, and fonduta.
The wine cellar houses an impressive collection of Italian and French bottles perfect for special occasion splurging.
Fascinating fact: the restaurant sits in the heart of downtown Aspen, making it a favorite après ski destination for visitors and locals alike.
The service is impeccable without being stuffy, and the sommelier can guide you to the perfect pairing whether you prefer bold reds or crisp whites.
14. La Nonna Ristorante — Vail, CO
Grandmotherly love infuses every dish at this Vail Village charmer situated at 141 East Meadow Drive.
The cozy space resembles a European mountain lodge with stone walls, wooden ceiling beams, and a crackling fireplace that creates the perfect ambiance for snowy evenings after skiing.
La Nonna means the grandmother in Italian, and the menu honors traditional recipes passed through generations with minimal modern fussing.
The gnocchi melts on your tongue, the osso buco falls off the bone, and the tiramisu tastes exactly like something nonna would make for Sunday dessert.
Sweet detail: the restaurant displays vintage family photographs and Italian kitchen tools as decor, adding authentic touches throughout the dining room.
Reservations are essential during ski season when Vail swells with visitors seeking comfort food and warm hospitality after long days on the slopes.