Alma Fonda Fina is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Denver’s Highland neighborhood known for its innovative Mexican cuisine crafted with fresh, authentic ingredients. Guests can expect a warm, trendy atmosphere with attentive service and standouts like the Camote Asado sweet potato and lamb birria. Reservations are recommended due to high demand, and many diners enjoy the chef-counter seating to watch the kitchen in action.
What's Included:
🍹 Unique craft cocktails including the famous Avocado Margarita
🍽️ Creative Mexican small plates and entrees featuring mole and fresh seafood
🍷 Curated wine and mezcal selections
🍴 Cozy and upscale ambiance perfect for special meals
Haley's Pick 🍽️
You probably know her as @milehighandhungry. Each week, Haley shares the one place she’s obsessed with right now. From hidden gems to hot new openings, if she picks it, it’s worth the hype.
Haley's Review of Riot BBQ
Riot BBQ on South Delaware feels like a backyard cookout run by a Top Chef, because it is. Chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber have teamed up to blend Monterrey flavors with Texas-style smoke, and the results are seriously craveable.
The brisket steals the show: tender, deeply smoky, and finished with Barella’s bold spice rub. Get it solo or wrapped in buttery Raquelita tortillas. The pulled pork brings heat with ancho, guajillo, and morita chiles, and the al pastor ribs are sticky, sweet, and slightly charred in all the right ways.
Even the sides are insanely good! Think crunchy pepita-macha slaw and banana pudding served in a jar that tastes just like childhood (but better). Every bite feels intentional.
It’s barbecue with heart, history, and just the right amount of heat. Riot BBQ isn’t just a meal, it’s a moment worth lining up for.
– Haley @milehighandhungry
📍 Local Insights
🍸 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.
Public Review Sentiment
.svg)
Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Alma Fonda Fina is widely praised for its outstanding, creative Latin American dishes and exceptional service, especially from attentive staff like Samantha and Bryan Trott. Many guests rave about the avocado margarita and unique flavor profiles. However, some mention challenges with reservations and noise levels, and a few guests express dissatisfaction with gluten-free accommodations and lack of vegetarian entree or dessert options.
Last updated on
July 7, 2025
🍽️ Standout Dishes
Camote Asado (Sweet Potato), Aguachile de Chile Fresno, Gringa de Chorizo Verde (Sourdough Tortilla), Birria de Borrego (Lamb Birria), Enmoladas de Pollo (Chicken Mole Enchiladas), Tostada de Lubina (Sea Bass Tostada), Callo de Hacha al Horno, Lenguado a la Veracruzana, Frijoles Puercos
♿️ Accessibility
Alma Fonda Fina offers wheelchair accessible entrances and seating, ensuring guests with mobility needs can dine comfortably. The staff is accommodating, but the venue is relatively small and cozy.
