Questions? Let's Talk: 877.762.4375
X
Questions? Let's Talk: 877.762.4375
As we move into harvest season, the farm-to-table food scene in the Mile High is at its peak. It’s great to know where your food is coming from, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to support local farms and businesses. Though Denver was once thought of as a “steak-and-potatoes” town, it’s evolved into a vibrant, locally-sourced foodie city with countless options to choose from. Here are 5 of the top farm-to-table restaurants I recommend checking out in Denver:
This restaurant has been open for over 20 years, yet it’s remained somewhat of a hidden gem. They hold the Title of first farm-to-table restaurant in Denver, before it became the trend it is today. Their cozy space in Capitol Hill is owned by a father-daughter duo who are dedicated to serving locally-sourced and seasonally-driven dishes. You’ll even find the farms and ranches from which they source listed right on their menu. Their menu changes often, so you’ll always find something new to try. Expect comforting dishes, like their Corn and Sunflower Risotto.
Not only is this spot known for their carefully-crafted dishes, but they also have a magical atmosphere. Visitors describe the space as woodsy and charming, with Aspen tree logs used in clever ways and dim twinkling lights creating a relaxing vibe. They’re committed to sourcing their ingredients locally and sustainably and have created a diverse menu of rustic-American dishes. If you decide to come for brunch (offered weekends 9:00AM-2:00PM), try their Crawfish Beignets.
At Fruition, you’ll find a comfortable atmosphere with high-quality cuisine. This restaurant was opened in 2007 by Chef Alex Seidel, who, two years later, purchased a 10-Acre farm south of Denver. Fruition Farms is now known for being a major source for Denver’s restaurants as well as for producing Coloradoʼs first artisanal Sheepʼs Milk Cheeses. Their restaurant serves farm-to-table comfort food with local ingredients layered in an intentional way. Try their Carbonara, made with milk-braised pork belly, Fruition Farm’s ricotta cavatelli, and a farm-fresh poached egg.
When you think of farm-to-table in Denver, Root Down likely comes to mind. This famous spot is best known for their brunch. Nearly everything you can eat at Root Down is certified organic, and they even have an onsite garden where they source many of their vegetables and herbs. They operate on the philosophy that farming, fishing, and ranching can and should be done in a humane and environmentally-conscience way. If you decide to avoid the brunch rush, try their dinner specials like the Dungeness Crab & Avocado Tacos.
This farm-to-table spot is unique in that it’s part casual-dining restaurant, part local market, part coffee shop. Located within Union Station’s courtyard, the restaurant end of this bright space includes an open kitchen where you can watch chefs craft your meal. Their owner, Chef Alex Seidel, opened this restaurant after bringing Fruition restaurant and Fruition Farms to life. Their seasonally-inspired dishes include many ingredients from Fruition Farms and cocktails that reflect the season’s harvest. Try their Fruition Farms Ricotta Agnolotti, served with charred stone fruit, pistachio, poppy seed, and white balsamic. On the market side, you can order an espresso drink or pick up some local goods, like pickled produce, dairy products, and pastries.
Sampling your way through Denver’s restaurants, it’s easy to see that it’s no longer just a meat-and-potatoes city, but one with an organic, vibrant food scene. Many business owners and farmers are committed to the farm-to-table movement, which is much appreciated by Denver’s eco-conscious residents. If you enjoy delicious food that’s sourced from local Denver producers, give one of these spots a try. Do you have a favorite farm-to-table restaurant you’d recommend? Share it in the comments below.
Will be happy to respond
