Union StationWhen the James Beard award winning team behind Boudler’s Frasca announced they’d be bringing a new Italian concept to Denver, the anticipation was high. And Tavernetta lived up to every wine and pasta lovers’ dream when it opened in 2017. There is no wrong move on this menu, but there’s something about settling in to their sleek yet cozy lounge and ordering a perfect Negroni and one of everything on their happy hour cicchetti (“small snacks”) menu that just feels right in every possible way.

Tavernetta nails the Italian trifecta: good wine, handmade pastas, and great hospitality. But what makes this one of the best restaurants in the city is they also have one of the best steaks you can find in Denver—we’re talking about you, New York strip with charred eggplant and ricotta salata. Add on an after-dinner cookie plate, a spacious bar with a great spritz list, and a soul-warming fireplace, and you’ve got a restaurant you probably won’t want to leave (but eventually you’ll have to).

The vintage Slim Aarons photographs of Italy’s mid-century jetsetter class that splash the walls of Tavernetta also set the mood: fabulous. As the James Beard Award–winning founders of Frasca Food and Wine in Boulder, Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson, Bobby Stuckey, and Peter Hoglund had a high bar to hurdle when they opened this Italian ode to la dolce vita, located at the edge of the Union Station railway platform, in 2017.

Executed by the same decorated team behind Boulder’s legendary Frasca, this more approachable spin-off, which has earned Michelin Bib Gourmand status, showcases Italian cuisine with a wider focus in an inviting space overlooking the tracks at Union Station. Why we love it: Casual but exemplary service, an exciting location and a versatile vibe make this eatery appealing to the everyman. Fireplace lounge cocktails?

One of the most popular restaurants to exist in Colorado for foodies, Frasca, in Boulder, has opened up a sister location on Denver’s 16th Street Mall, Tavernetta. Serving lunch, happy hour, and dinner, the Italian authenticity works in a busy city center. It’s classic with delicate cuts of proteins—chicken, fish, cow, lamb—and house-made pasta and sauces.

Address: 1889 16th St., Denver, CO 80202 Phone: (720) 605-1889 Website. From the James Beard Award-winning team behind the Frasca Hospitality Group, Tavernetta aims to bring la dolce vita to Denver with fresh handmade pastas and an epic wine list. The restaurant has private heated outdoor seating where it serves a tasting menu.

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From James Beard Award-winning luminaries Bobby Stuckey and Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson, owners of Frasca Food and Wine—Boulder’s lauded Northern Italian temple of gastronomy—comes Tavernetta, a sensational regional Italian restaurant based at the boot of the Limelight Denver. The menu reaches deep into salumi, cheese, fish-and-meat-forward dishes and unassailable pastas that seesaw between a hearty lamb ragu to a tagliatelle rich with fresh Maine lobster flesh and weaponized with Calabrian chilies. The gorgeous space, complete with a fireplace lounge, a trio of patios, a centerpiece open kitchen and pasta station that buzzes with activity and walls mounted with Slim Aarons portrait photographs showcasing Italians on ritzy holidays, suggests a lost world of wine-soaked lunches and romantic dinners and sojourns to fantastical faraway places.

The appeal of Tavernetta is that it satisfies almost any Italian-leaning craving, whether you’re hankering for hearty rigatoni with lamb ragu or crispy seafood fritto misto. From the team behind Frasca Food and Wine and Sunday Vinyl, this Union Station restaurant is just as enjoyable during happy hour (4 to 6 p.m. daily) as dinner service, when traveling businesspeople and celebrating locals alike indulge in handmade pastas, elegant secondi, and an expertly curated wine list. Throw in Tavernetta’s fluffy, oil-slicked focaccia and the picture-perfect tiramisu, and you’ve got one of the best Italian restaurants Denver has to offer.

Tavernetta is the other restaurant in my top 2 Italian restaurants in Denver, which isn’t surprising considering it comes from Colorado’s culinary royalty: Bobby Stuckey and Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson, who are behind Frasca in Boulder (and up for a James Beard award in 2022). It opened at Union Station at the end of 2017 and quickly became famous for its fresh handmade pastas, beautiful wine selection, and impeccable service. It also has some of the best gluten-free bread (focaccia) and pasta that I’ve ever had.

The owners of this restaurant won a James Beard Award this year for outstanding service — as in, they beat competition around the country with their particular brand of hospitality. While the award was given for their Boulder restaurant, Frasca, this younger sibling in the heart of Denver is a must-stop for the hardest-to-please out-of-towners. They’ll feel like royalty eating Maine lobster tagliatelle and veal shank osso bucco with glasses of spumanti (that’s Italian bubbly) by their side.

Tavernetta, located in the heart of Denver’s Union Station neighborhood, offers a refined Italian dining experience that has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The restaurant is the brainchild of the team behind Boulder’s acclaimed Frasca Food and Wine, including Chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson and Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey. Tavernetta’s menu is inspired by the diverse culinary traditions of Italy, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and authentic flavors.

Light-colored woods and stylish contemporary furnishings give Tavernetta, just outside Union Station, an appealing Northern European vibe. Unlike Frasca, its acclaimed sister restaurant in Boulder, Tavernetta draws inspiration not from one region of Italy but from areas across the country, with added inspiration from neighboring Austria and Slovenia, among others. House-made pastas are standouts, but whatever seasonal dishes are on the menu will likely be memorable.

Featuring a gorgeous fireplace lounge and shaded patio, upscale Italian eatery Tavernetta is one of the most romantic restaurants in Denver. Order handmade pastas like its popular lamb ragu rigatoni and flaky, perfectly roasted branzino, along with complex cocktails with an Italian twist. On our Cocktail Tasting Tour, we sample its brachetto spritz made with Cocchi Rosa and blood orange ginger beer, along with its unbelievably good focaccia with garlic conserva.

When you are craving a hand-crafted Italian meal, look no further than Tavernetta in Union Station. After a day of browsing the area’s signature shops, settle in to sip a glass of wine imported directly from Italy as you sample an appetizer of hand-picked cheeses or cured meats. Expect impeccable service as you decide between one of their handmade pasta dishes, such as Tagliatelle with Maine lobster, or the vegetarian option of Cappellacci di Zucca.

Tavernetta is the ultimate spot on our guide to Denver’s best Italian food for an upscale, romantic evening out. Their modern yet warm interior has plenty of seating options depending on your mood—maybe you’ll go for a seat at the table by the fireplace, or perhaps the table in the “eddy” right by the open kitchen, or if you’re with a larger group, a more private experience is available at a table in the back. The cacio e pepe is incredible here.

Drawing in inspiration from the food, wine, and culture of Italy, Tavernetta brings an authentic and relaxed feel to the fast-paced atmosphere of Union Station. Guests enjoy both indoor dining and outdoor dining on their patio where they can watch the trains and passengers come and go. With authentic Italian dishes, an extensive wine list, a delightful dessert menu, and genuine hospitality, a night out at Tavernetta will not disappoint.

Tavernetta, which serves elevated traditional Italian food, is located within Union Station and is our first choice for great trendy restaurants in Denver. This restaurant is owned and managed by Boulder’s Frasca Food and Wine, which has long been recognized as one of the best eateries in the region. At Tavernetta, you’ll find anything from burrata with Trapanese pesto to unbelievable gnocchi with zucchini pesto.

From the same James Beard Award-winning team that bought us Frasca Food and Wine comes Tavernetta, a gloriously authentic establishment where the intimate, welcoming vibe is matched in excellence only by the frankly heavenly food. Prices may be on the higher end of the spectrum, but give it one bite of the Campo Di Funghi, and you’ll happily take out a 2nd mortgage to afford another.

Tavernetta (1889 16th St Mall), in Denver’s Union Station is by a James Beard Award-winning team of Frasca Hospitality Group inspired by the the flavors of Italy. Tavernetta prides itself with their fresh handmade pastas, Italian influenced wine and spirits selection and their open kitchen. There is also a cozy fireplace lounge to add to the intimacy for your romantic dinner.

The Lowdown: Italian restaurant Tavernetta next to Union Station looks grandiose on the outside — but is homier on the inside. And when it comes to Italian, the notion of grandma’s homemade pasta and marinara sauce is what it’s all about — feeling and eating like you’re at home is in its culture. Although don’t take “at home” as homely — it’s still modern and chic.

Nestled in the bustling Union Station neighborhood, Tavernetta impresses diners with its elegant setting and refined Italian cuisine. The restaurant's menu showcases dishes inspired by the coastal regions of Italy, with a particular focus on seafood. Their Bucatini All'Amatriciana, featuring guanciale, tomatoes, and Pecorino, is a delightful marriage of flavors.

Price: $40–$50 for desserts (serves 4–6) and $50-$168 for cocktails and wine setsOrder by: 11/22 Pick up by: Contact restaurant No Thanksgiving is complete without dessert, wine and cocktails!. Tavernetta has pumpkin tiramisu made with pumpkin sponge cake, pumpkin mascarpone mousse and signature chocolate crumble. They also have cocktails and wine kits.

🍽️ Italian | ($$$) | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (720) 605-1889. If you’re looking for a restaurant on the higher end of things, look no further than Tavernetta, which is located right next to Union Station. Enjoy handmade pastas like rigatoni and balanzoni, as well as an extensive wine list composed entirely of vintages from Italy.

If you liked the thought of Frasca, you’ll love this sister restaurant in the Kimpton Hotel Born on 16th Street. Lunch is served Monday thru Friday from 11am–2pm, and dinner is served nightly (5–10pm; happy hour is available from 4–6pm). The menu offers cheeses and salumi, antipasti, handmade pastas, and robust entrees.

Tavernetta is a Michelin-starred diner known for its Italian elegance. This place is owned by the renowned team behind Boulder's Frasca Food and Win and the menu offers a broader regional Italian menu. Whether you're cosied up by the fireplace lounge or seated near the bustling open kitchen, the atmosphere is inviting.

1889 16th St Mall, Denver, CO 80202720-605-1889 Visit Website. Nestled in the Kimpton Hotel Born on 16th Street Mall, minutes from Union Station, Tavernetta is my first choice for anybody looking for a classy dining experience. I was amazed by its lively yet upscale atmosphere and its cozy lounge and bar.

Tavernetta is a casual Italian restaurant that satisfies your craving for authentic Italian cuisine. The ambiance of Tavernetta is absolutely mesmerizing, and the service is top-notch. They use fresh, farm-to-table ingredients to prepare meals like handmade pasta, pizzas, salads, and roasted meats.

What to Expect: Italian elegance at its finest, with a spacious, garden-inspired patio perfect for warm evenings and people-watching near Union Station. Ideal for both date nights and power lunches. Don’t Miss: Their house-made pasta and exceptional wine list curated by Frasca Hospitality Group.

The MICHELIN Guide Inspectors identified nine restaurants to award the Bib Gourmand designation, which recognizes eateries for great food at a great value: AJ's Pit Bar-B-Q, Ash’Kara, Basta, The Ginger Pig, Glo Noodle House, Hop Alley, La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal, Mister Oso and Tavernetta.

Everything in this fancy restaurant is exceptional, from the decor to the excellent service and fantastic food. The seating area has two dining areas with rich wood accents, making it feel cozy and private. The attentive service personnel are quick to serve without being overwhelming.

Rating: 4.5/5Location: 1889 16th St Mall, Denver, CO 80202Timings: 11:30 am - 10:00 pmPrice: $$$$. Tavernetta is a Michelin-star restaurant that appeals to the average man with its varied ambience, dynamic location, and informal but excellent service. Cocktails in a fireplace lounge?

Tavernetta – Well-executed Italian food from the Front Range-based Frasca Hospitality group. The restaurant received Bib Gourmand recognition from Michelin in 2023 and 2024. I personally find sitting in the bar area a more inviting and fun experience than the regular dining room.

A slice of Italy is brought to Colorado in the famous Tavernetta. This neighbourhood eatery is renowned for its authentic flavours and passion for providing the best hospitality. Here you’ll find traditional Italian pasta and an extensive wine list in an elegant setting.

Tavernetta offers an upscale Italian dining experience with world-class hospitality in the Union Station neighborhood. This spot is nice for a special occasion or a memorable date night, but is known to have a wait, so reserve your table ahead of time online.

This upscale Northern Italian eatery located in the heart of downtown Denver just off the Union Station train platform may appear to be a better option for special occasions or higher-priced dinners, but midday they offer the best Happy Hour in Denver.

Tavernetta may arguably be one of the most exceptional restaurants in the country. And it’s not only because of the incredible quality of their cuisine and their ethereal, seasonal handmade pastas. There are a few secret staples for those in the know.

Tavernetta is a restaurant that is steeped in the tradition of authentic hospitality. They serve their customers elevated cuisine along with thoughtfully curated wine through dedicated service. Tavernetta was founded by the Frasca Hospitality Group.

1889 16th Street MallDenver, CO 80202(720) 605-1889 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Tavernetta is a high-end, open-kitchen restaurant in Kimpton Hotel Born, serving Italian-inspired dishes, wines, and spirits.

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (180 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: Italian- Price: $$$$- Address: 1889 Sixteenth Street, Denver, CO 80202-5901- Read more on Tripadvisor

Visit Spuntino for Colorado lamb shoulder, Tavernetta for gnocchi with lamb ragu or Safta for hummus with lamb ragu. No matter what style of cuisine you choose, you’re sure to get tender and delicious Colorado lamb.

You can't beat this to-go brunch for four including marinated olives & artichokes, grilled asparagus with prosciutto, leg of lamb "porchetta style" (seasoned & trussed to cook at home) and more!