The exclusive Denver community of Washington Park, affectionately known as Wash Park, is home to an eclectic selection of tasty eateries. According to the foodie website
Eater Denver, this portion of the Mile High City is older than much of the city, but many of the restaurants that put down roots in the neighborhood are modern, creating a dynamic juxtaposition between classic and contemporary.
If you’re thinking about making the Denver area your home, check out homes for sale in Greenwood Village or explore Cherry Hills Village real estate, then peruse Wash Park’s excellent restaurant scene to determine if the region is tasty enough to meet your culinary needs.
Bittersweet
Elements of molecular gastronomy (think malt vinegar pearls and duck broth chips) and classic cooking techniques highlight the modern but approachable menu at Bittersweet, celebrating just over ten years as one of Denver’s high-end restaurants.
Chef Olav Peterson, who opened Bittersweet with his wife, Melissa, crafts intriguing artisanal menu items highlighted by seasonal ingredients from the restaurant’s garden. Peterson told Eater Denver that his mission was not to create a traditional dining experience but rather one that “pushes the boundaries,” challenges diners’ perceptions of food and encourages adventurous eating.
Bittersweet, 500 E. Alameda Ave., is open at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. While walk-ins are accommodated, if possible, reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (303) 942-0320.
Au Feu Brasserie
This elegant restaurant is French by way of the French-Canadians and features Montreal-inspired fare such as poutine and smoked brisket alongside classic French dishes including Vichyssoise, Lobster Thermidor, Croque Monsieur (and Madame), Duck a L’orange, and Ratatouille. The restaurant opened in 2018 and offers seriously plush seating — think tufted banquettes in velvet and supple leather — and graphic design elements to create an inviting, casually refined space. The concept, says creator Jared Leonard, is meant to bring the spirit of a French brasserie, a casual restaurant that traditionally serves small dishes, to diners.
Au Feu, 81 S. Pennsylvania St., is open from 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. For reservations, call (720) 399-2770.
Restaurant Olivia
This Italian restaurant features handcrafted pasta, an extensive wine menu, and house cocktails ranging from Palomas to Negronis. Restaurant Olivia is the second venture from chef Ty Leon, whose background includes the Michelin-starred California-based restaurant The Plumed Horse. Diners can enjoy a four-course tasting menu, but à la carte options are also available.
Restaurant Olivia, 290 S. Downing St., is open from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For reservations, call (303) 999-0395.
Mizuna
One of the region’s most celebrated restaurants,
Mizuna features a revolving, chef-driven menu that takes advantage of seasonal ingredients while introducing diners to the vivid imaginations of chef Frank Bonanno and his culinary team.
The menu changes monthly, and Mizuna’s kitchen is designed to serve what Bonanno calls a food lab and artists’ studio. Dining options include a three-course menu and a chef’s tasting menu, both of which immerse diners into the Mizuna experience.
Mizuna, 225 East 7th St., is open from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For reservations, call (303) 832-4778.
Hillstone
Featuring an extensive collection of sushi offerings (a protein-studded variation on a California roll, a crunchy coconut shrimp roll),
Hillstone also has a luxurious main menu with items ranging from tuna tartare topped with creamy avocado and crunchy ciabatta to grilled trout paired with potato puree. Craft cocktails and an exciting wine list round out the menu.
Hillstone, 303 Josephine St., is open from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, with extended hours until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. For reservations, call (303) 333-4688.
Potager
Since it opened more than two decades ago,
Potager has developed a reputation as one of the Wash Park area’s leaders in farm-to-table dining. As one of the first restaurants to explore farm-to-table in Colorado, Potager offers a seasonal menu inspired by what is available in the kitchen garden (in French, known as “potager”), and chefs work with local farms to ensure the freshest proteins available.
Potager, 1109 Ogden St., is open from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Walk-ins are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis.
Carmine’s On Penn
The Italian eatery
Carmine’s On Penn is all about comfort, and dining here is much like Sunday supper with loved ones. Carmine's features family-style dining – items are made for sharing and are available in two different sizes for date night or family night sharing. The menu offers seasonal ingredients, house-made Bolognese, house-cured meats, and after-dinner cocktails to bring your meal to a perfect end.
Each dish is inspired by Italian immigrant families who brought their heritage to the United States through food and features slow-simmered sauces, fresh-baked bread, and comforting pasta dishes.
Carmine’s on Penn, 92 South Pennsylvania Street, is open from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, with extended hours until 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Call (303) 777-6443 for reservations.
Can’t get enough?
If you can’t stop thinking about the last meal you ate in Denver’s Washington Park, it might be time to put down roots in or around the Mile High City. If you prefer to visit Denver for a night on the town, some exclusive cities surrounding Denver might be an ideal place to call home.
