Best of Denver
🍣 Best Sushi and Omakase in Denver
LoHi remains one of Denver’s hottest dining destinations for good reason. The best restaurants in LoHi blend creative cuisine, stunning rooftops, and an energetic atmosphere—from tapas bars with skyline views to playful pizzerias and sustainable sushi. Many spots impress with lively brunch, buzzy happy hours, and thoughtful gluten-free or vegan menus. Others win loyalty with chic patios and impeccable wine lists.
Whether you’re planning a date night, a group celebration, or a casual meal, these curated picks guarantee flavor and character. Browse our quick picks below for top standouts, and see the FAQs for practical tips on reservations, pricing, and the best hidden gems.
🌆 Best Skyline Views: El Five — Spanish-Mediterranean tapas with sweeping rooftop vistas.
🍕 Best Group Hangout: Avanti Food & Beverage — Laid-back food hall, diverse vendors, and a lively rooftop bar.
🍣 Best for Gluten-Free: Bamboo Sushi — Refined, sustainable sushi with a celiac-friendly menu.
🍹 Rooftop Rules: For happy hour on the rooftop, guests must sit in the designated blue table section and order directly at the bus bar.
🌱 Gluten-Free Friendly: The staff is highly knowledgeable about gluten-free and celiac-safe options, with many menu items clearly labeled.
🎉 Exceptional Service Staff: Servers like Najja and Mickey receive frequent praise for attentiveness and helpful menu advice, enhancing the dining experience.
🚗 Parking Challenges: Parking in the Highland area can be difficult; consider arriving early or using paid lots nearby.
Happy Camper lures brunch lovers with $35 bottomless mimosas or Bloody Marys Fri–Sun. Tucked in LoHi, it’s casual, pizza-centric, and buzzy with energy. The pizzas are beloved, the drinks keep coming, and the vibe is laid-back enough to let time stretch a little longer. For those who want brunch that’s unpretentious, affordable, and bottomless often—they’ve set the bar low.
🔥 Fire Pit Vibes: The outdoor fire pit is a favorite gathering spot, especially on cooler evenings, enhancing the laid-back atmosphere.
🍕 Try the Pickle Pizza: A unique and popular menu item that many locals recommend as a must-try.
🥂 Brunch Reservations: Booking ahead for brunch is advised since this spot gets busy, especially on weekends.
🐾 Dogs Allowed Outside: While dogs can join guests in the outdoor patio area, the dog-friendliness is limited to outside seating only.
🍹 Happy Hour Perks: Frequent visitors love the Monday to Friday happy hour from 4 to 6 PM for great drinks and appetizers.
🌱 Vegetarian Friendly: Half the menu caters to vegetarians and vegans with standout dishes like corn gnocchi and arepas.
⏰ Plan for Dinner Timing: Food service starts at 5 PM; arriving earlier may require patience as doors open at 4 PM but food isn't served yet.
🎨 Funky Ambiance: The colorful art decor enhances the dining experience, making it a favorite for those who appreciate creative surroundings.
Perched above LoHi, El Five offers one of the most stunning date night settings in the city. With panoramic views of downtown, eclectic Mediterranean plates, and vibrant cocktails, it feels like a cinematic backdrop for romance. The interior buzzes with energy — bright artwork, lively music, and a crowd that loves to linger. For couples who thrive on atmosphere and a touch of drama, El Five delivers skyline magic every time.
🌇 Rooftop Views Are a Highlight: Opt for a window or balcony seat for unbeatable panoramic views of the Highland neighborhood skyline.
🍽️ Pace Your Tapas Experience: Order small plates gradually since some guests felt dishes arrived all at once; pacing enhances the shared experience.
🍸 Happy Hour Perks: Visit Thursday through Saturday from 4 to 5 PM for great happy hour food and drink specials on the rooftop.
⚠️ Allergy Caution: Despite gluten-free options on the menu, cross-contamination risks exist; guests with severe allergies should inquire carefully.
🌞 Weekday Happy Hours: Enjoy weekday happy hours from 2–6 PM Monday through Friday for great drink deals and a lively crowd.
🍳 Weekend Brunch Vibes: Brunch is available Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 2 PM, featuring dishes from all seven vendors with a fun emo playlist.
🌆 Rooftop Seating: The rooftop bar offers scenic views and a more relaxed vibe, perfect for evenings or sunny days.
🎲 Weekly Trivia Nights: Join the free Smarty Party Trivia every Wednesday at 7 PM with prizes and drink specials, a favorite local event.
🍷 Weekday Wine & Board Specials: Visit Monday or Tuesday after 8 PM for a discounted bottle of wine with a board for just $26, a popular insider deal.
🌞 Patio Perfect: The sunlit outdoor deck surrounded by trees offers a refreshing vibe, especially in spring and early summer.
🍽️ Brunch Reservations Recommended: For weekend brunch, booking ahead ensures a smooth and timely experience in this busy spot.
👨🍳 Staff Stars: Servers like Tim, Nico, and Lauren are highly praised for their knowledge, kindness, and making guests feel special.
🍸 Signature Cocktails: The Avocado Margarita is a must-try, often highlighted as refreshingly unique and a perfect companion to the meal.
🍽️ Sharing Style Menu: The menu is designed for sharing; guests recommend ordering one dish per person from each section to fully experience the flavors.
🎟️ Reservation Strategy: Reservations open 90 days in advance; setting reminders and booking early ensures access to prime dinner times.
👀 Chef Counter Seating: Sit at the counter for an immersive experience watching chefs craft each dish, enhancing the meal's enjoyment.
🍣 Gluten-Free Excellence: Nearly the entire menu caters to gluten-free diners, making it a rare and reliable sushi spot for celiac and gluten-intolerant guests.
🌞 Patio Bliss: The serene patio is a favorite during warmer months, perfect for enjoying sushi in a relaxed outdoor setting.
🍸 Happy Hour Deals: Happy hour offers notable deals on select sushi rolls and drinks, ideal for budget-conscious diners seeking quality.
🐕 Dog Friendly: Bamboo Sushi welcomes dogs, allowing guests to dine with their furry friends on the patio.
🍕 Try the Sourdough Crust: The signature sourdough pizza dough offers a chewy, flavorful base that sets Cart Driver apart from typical pizza places.
🦪 Fresh Oysters Are a Must: Many locals recommend starting with oysters, known for their freshness and perfect pairing with natural wines.
🍷 Natural Wine Selection: The extensive natural wine list is curated to complement the wood-fired dishes and offers unique varietals hard to find elsewhere.
🌿 Shared Plate Concept: Ideal for groups or families, the menu is designed for sharing, making it perfect for tasting a range of flavors in one visit.
🍸 Extensive Mezcal Menu: The drink list is four times larger than the food menu, perfect for cocktail enthusiasts eager to explore unique mezcals.
🌮 Must-Try Tostadas: The tuna tostada and uni tostada are crowd favorites recommended by locals for bold and balanced flavors.
🎉 Cozy Bar Seating: Guests love sitting at the bar for a personal experience with friendly bartenders who offer expert drink pairings.
🕓 Evening Visits: The restaurant opens at 4 PM daily, making it ideal for dinner or night out rather than lunch.
El Five impresses with Mediterranean tapas, panoramic rooftop views, and a lively environment suited for birthdays or celebrations. Avanti Food & Beverage is perfect for groups thanks to its flexible food hall setup, multiple cuisine options, and roomy rooftop patio. Both spots suggest making reservations for prime dinner hours, especially on weekends.
Yes, most LoHi restaurants make a point of catering to dietary preferences. Bamboo Sushi stands out with a nearly all gluten-free menu, while Root Down and Linger offer creative plant-based and vegan small plates. Menus at Cart Driver and Happy Camper Pizza also highlight gluten-free and vegetarian dishes. Always notify your server of any severe allergies.
El Five and Linger both feature rooftop patios with some of the best skyline views in Denver. Avanti Food & Beverage has a spacious rooftop as well, perfect for drinks and casual dining. Postino LoHi offers a sun-dappled patio ideal for brunch or wine with friends.
LoHi offers options for a variety of budgets. Avanti Food & Beverage and Happy Camper Pizza offer moderate price points (about $15–$30 per person). For a special night out, expect $40–$90 per person at spots like El Five or Alma Fonda Fina. Bamboo Sushi and Cart Driver Lo-Hi range from $30–$60 depending on menu choices and drinks.
Reservations are strongly recommended for dinner, weekend brunch, and popular rooftops in LoHi—especially at El Five, Alma Fonda Fina, Root Down, and Linger. Some spots, like Happy Camper and Postino LoHi, do accept walk-ins but fill quickly during peak hours. Booking ahead ensures a smoother dining experience.
Yes! Don’t miss the Avocado Margarita at Alma Fonda Fina, Goat Cheese Croquettes at El Five, or Bao Buns at Linger. Cart Driver’s sourdough pizza is a house specialty, and the Pickle Pizza at Happy Camper is popular with locals. For something distinctive, try the creative mezcal cocktails at Mezcaleria Alma.
