There was a trend in restaurant design not too long ago: Sparse décor, metal-frame chairs, industrial lighting that looked borrowed from a loading dock. Sure, the restaurants were “streamlined” and “modern,” but they felt…cold. And come on; plopping down on a metal chair after a long day doesn’t exactly feel like a warm hug. Sometimes what you want from a restaurant is less clean lines and hard edges and more ease.
Luckily, not every restaurant bought into the factory chic design trend, and Denver is full of places that feel like they want you to stay awhile. Less like design statements and more like invitations, these restaurants feel just as cozy and homey as, well, home. Plus, the food coming out of their kitchens is a notch above mom’s and dad’s. (Sorry, mom and dad!)
Here are four Denver restaurants that understand comfort extends beyond the food.
La Foret
Like stepping into an enchanted forest crossed with a ski chalet, La Foret brings all the whimsical, hygge vibes. Aspen trees are everywhere, massive, curved booths can seat a crowd (or two cozied up), and thick slabs of wood anchor each table. Housed in the former Beatrice & Woodsley space, La Foret carried on its storybook feel and paired it with seriously good French food and an excellent cocktail program. Equal parts magical and au naturel, it’s the rare restaurant that feels both transportive and completely at home.
38 S. Broadway
Le Colonial
Le Colonial is one of the most stunning restaurants in Denver, so as far as “home” goes, it’s more model home than lived-in. (One where you’re typing steal-worthy design notes into your phone at every turn.) Every detail works to create a space that feels polished yet welcoming, from the gorgeous wallpapers and leafy palms to the intricate moldings and curated artwork. There’s even an impeccably styled library where you can stop for a drink before heading into the dining room for upscale Vietnamese dishes like sweet chili and ginger soy tuna tartare, and the signature shaking beef—all of it setting the tone for a slow, luxurious meal.
255 Fillmore St.
Tavernetta
The bar at Union Station’s Tavernetta is downright dreamy. A fireplace flickers, dim lighting casts a warm glow, and the whole space hums with the energy of a stylish villa party on Lake Como. (Or at least that’s our best guess based on Instagram fantasies.) The service makes you feel George Clooney-esque, like you’re the most charming person in the room, while top-notch Italian food and a happy hour with $9 glasses of wine and spritzes make it easy to settle in.
1889 16 th St.
Lucile’s Creole Café
With a wrought iron gate and porch for days, Lucile’s Creole Café channels a New Orleans-style home that feels less like a restaurant and more like a particularly charming friend’s house—one who happens to be very good at breakfast. Inside, the rooms are sun-washed and welcoming, with mismatched dishware and the aroma of coffee and biscuits perfuming the air. You can tuck yourself into a cozy corner inside or claim a spot on the wraparound porch, where mornings stretch easily into afternoons. Food is pure comfort, too, Cajun favorites like pain perdu, beignets, and creole sauced Benedicts.
275 S. Logan St.