As 2025 approaches, Denver’s culinary scene is set to expand with a plethora of highly anticipated restaurant openings.
The Denver Post recently highlighted eight of these upcoming establishments, showcasing the diversity and creativity that Denver’s chefs bring to the table.
While only Bar Amorina and Cerebral Brewing/Outside Pizza have hit the scene so far, food enthusiasts can look forward to more delicious options in the near future.
Here’s a glimpse at the exciting new places to explore in Denver, listed in alphabetical order:
**Bear Leek**
This new addition to the RiNo restaurant landscape is the brainchild of chefs Harrison Porter and Rema Maaliki, who previously worked at the renowned Brasserie Brixton.
Set to take over the former basement space of Osaka Ramen, Bear Leek will offer a unique dining experience, beginning each meal with house-made bread and charred leek-butter served in the shape of a teddy bear.
The restaurant will also end each meal with an Italian ice cream molded in the form of a bear, adding a whimsical touch.
The expected opening is slated for summer.
Location: 2611 Walnut St., Denver.
**Blossom by SYC**
From the same team that brought One Concept Restaurant Group to life comes Blossom, an upscale Chinese restaurant set to occupy the former location of El Chingon in Lower Highland.
This 80-seat eatery aims to blend traditional Chinese recipes with a selection of Americanized dishes, catering to a variety of palates.
The timeline for the opening remains uncertain.
Location: 1691 Central St., Denver.
**Ceci! Italian Lounge**
Esteemed chef Alon Shaya, known for the acclaimed Israeli restaurant Safta, will be expanding his culinary repertoire with Ceci! Italian Lounge.
Positioned on the second floor of The Source Hotel, Ceci! will focus on wine, cocktails, and small bites, showcasing Shaya’s experiences in Italian cuisine.
An opening date has yet to be announced.
Location: 3330 Brighton Blvd., Denver.
**Chubby Unicorn**
Located within the Mission Ballroom complex, Chubby Unicorn will serve up a delightful variety of Mexican fare.
Operated by Terry Walsh, the mind behind Rolling Smoke BBQ, this 90-seat restaurant will feature a patio and will offer nachos, tacos, and more.
The anticipated opening is set for April or May.
Location: 4180 Wynkoop St., Denver.
**Insee Thai**
A new counter-service eatery, Insee Thai, will be launched by business partners Ounjit Hardacre and Dueanphen Rungrueang.
Positioned next to their already established restaurant, Daughter Thai, this 70-seat venue will specialize in noodle soup bowls and street rice plates, including favorites like tom yum noodles and duck noodles.
The opening is expected in late spring or early summer.
Location: 1700 Platte St., Denver.
**HashTAG**
Troy Guard, the owner of TAG Restaurant Group, is in the process of unveiling the largest outpost of his popular brunch concept, HashTAG.
This new location will be situated in a downtown office tower and will encompass an impressive 4,000 square feet.
It will feature an enclosed rooftop patio and extended hours, setting the stage for a lively brunch scene.
An opening is planned for April or May.
Location: 1125 17th St., Denver.
**Malinche Audiobar**
Chef Jose Avila has an exciting venture in the works with Malinche Audiobar, an innovative concept that combines Japanese-style yakitori with Mexican mezcal and live music.
Expect skewered yakitori crafted from high-quality meat sourced from Avila’s ranch, paired with mezcal produced from his property in Oaxaca.
This cocktail-forward establishment is set to open in late spring.
Location: 1541 Platte St., Denver.
**Pig & Tiger**
The duo of Darren Chang and Travis Masar will be moving their restaurant from the Avanti Boulder food hall to a stand-alone restaurant in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood.
With over 25 years of combined culinary experience, Pig & Tiger highlights Taiwanese cuisine through traditional dishes, modern favorites, and innovative interpretations, all utilizing local Colorado products.
The restaurant is expected to open this summer.
Location: 2200 California St., Denver.
For those eager to sample the latest offerings in Denver’s food scene, subscribing to the food newsletter, Stuffed, will provide updates straight to your inbox.
With these new restaurants on the horizon, the future of dining in Denver looks incredibly promising.
image source from：https://www.denverpost.com/2025/04/16/denver-new-restaurants/
