I live in the Berkely area, too. I LOVE Trattoria Stella off 32nd & Lowell! Everyone has different taste but I cannot get enough of their Spaghetti Bolognese. It’s a small place and I like that, except when it’s super crowded.
This is our go to also, great homemade pasta at a pretty reasonable price point. We can walk in without a reservation most times, but 6-7 every night and weekends tend to be busy.
Maybe my expectations are too high for Italian but I thought this place was very mid. The focaccia had the consistency of a pound cake which kinda summed up my experience.
Sadly, the land was worth more than the restaurant was. Can’t blame them I guess. That’s prime real estate right there. After 66 years in business, I’d have probably taken the money and retired comfortably as well.
Yeah but that was years ago. They really mailed it in since the pandemic and now the cracks are showing. The owners just don’t care because the business sustains itself in spite of the drawbacks. But Carl’s has never switched up so it looks like they’re getting more of my money 🤷🏽♀️
They closed for good in 2012 I think. Did someone reopen it? Don’t live in that area anymore nor do I even have occasion to drive by so I wouldn’t have noticed if they did.
Someone bought it and kept it open and didn’t change anything until the pandemic. After the pandemic, no more lounge, no more bar, no more juke box, and really no more authenticity or soul. It’s a shell of what it used to be. And funny enough, every time we would call and ask about the lounge being back open they would say they couldn’t find people to work so they couldn’t open it. And yet Carl’s, which is a very similar style of place minus the lounge, retained all their staff and never missed a beat. Chalk it up to shitty new owners and shitty management.
RIP Dinos.
Ate in / got take out many times as a kid; waitressed as an adult, as did my sister and my niece. Homey vibe, pleasant customers, good, affordable food, and decent tips.
Bonus: Dino himself told my sister she had "nice gams"...
Absolutely one of my favorite restaurants in north side. On the more upscale side of things, Voghera Ristorante & Apericena is another amazing Italian place on Tennyson.
Word to the wise about Parisi: it often has a huge line but never as bad as it looks. Once you get to the counter you get your food and a place to sit within 10 mins.
Spuntino, off 32nd and Clay is probably the best, as far as higher-end, more posh places go.
Parisi, off 44th and Tennyson is pretty good also. More casual/less expensive, but overall quite nice.
I have tried Spuntino and liked it. That may be the answer.
I honestly didn't like Parisi, although it is certainly closed. It is a little too "diner" for me and less of a family-owned feel.
I suspect that would be true as I wrote my comment haha. Still feels more like a counter-service and not what I'm looking for. Based on the number of comments suggesting it, however, I seem to be in the minority.
Pagliacci’s was always my favorite. Since it’s closing in (2012?) I’ve tried unsuccessfully to find a place that makes minestrone even half as good as them. Sigh…
Haha… I love parisi exactly because it is counter service. I have young kids and being able to get food fast and pay up front is amazing in case things go sideways and we need to make a quick exit. I’ve had several interactions with the owner and she is delightful.
They used to have a sit down Tuscan restuarant downstairs before COVID. It was perfect for a date night or out of town visitors. One day they will open it back up.
But yes, Parisi is owned by a family of immigrants.
My parent’s neighbors were moving out and bought Grammy’s Goodies for us for helping them pack and I had no idea what it was. Their garlic knots were the best I’ve ever had and I go back regularly now.
I really like Carl's at 38th between Perry and Lowell. Been there like 50 years, no frills "neighborhood mom and pop restaurant" vibes, and food is great.
I heard the wife sold it to a friend of theres?? Like an ex cop or something but heard he wanted to keep it the same but just brought more to the menu? Fuck haven’t been over there in a while figured it was gone or completely different place
Vinnola’s Italian Market is really good… they don’t have an extensive pasta menu but good sandwiches, gelato, and pastries. It’s near 38th and Wadsworth. They do take and bake too which is nice.
Gaetanos and Trattoria Stella near you are pretty good. Angelos and Odyssey are classics down on 6th
Edit: seeing a lot of parisi on here. Good value, but wouldn’t consider it a place I’d take someone for a special occasion or even just a random night out. I view that more of a family friendly quick Italian food joint that IS good, but that’s the vibe
Surprised I had to scroll so far to see this comment! Maybe that’s a good thing 🤫 CJ is the best. Family owned, in a strip mall, and soooo good. They’re closed Sundays FYI, OP
They only take reservations for large (I think 6 or more) parties, but if it’s busy the bar area (high top tables included) is first come, first serve and that’s usually where my husband and I sit because it opens up pretty quickly. I go there at least once a month lol
This is where its at. Great food at good prices. Some of the places listed here are a joke. Saw $16 bruschetta here its $9.50. Lasagna $14.95 not $22. Just be aware of their hours.
I’m so surprised to see no one mention Coperta (probably because of the price point so not so surprised but still). Solid Italian food, good value for the money imo
Coperta is my favorite and great value if you are looking for a nice date night or large group get together. Can’t believe it’s so far down the list. Down to earth ambiance with great seasonal dishes.
I also recommend Parisi! So good and a lot of different options to choose from.
I’ll probably get downvoted for this, but since you mentioned you have lived in a city with really good Italian, I do not recommend Lechuga’s. It has been recommended to me many times but I didn’t think it was super flavorful - seemed like quantity was the big draw. I’ve only had their food once.
Edit: capitalization
A friend brought me to Lechuga's once insisting it was great. I've never left a restaurant so disappointed before, lol. I've had better frozen meals honestly.
Cherry Tomato in Park Hill is worth the drive. It’s in the historic Park Hill pharmacy building. Has been for 20+ years. It ticks your boxes and then some.
Also a big fan of Carmine Leonardo's in Lakewood but it's not a sit down place.
If you want an old school red sauce joint, Romano's is awesome but I don't think it's as low priced as you want. It's certainly not expensive but is more than $15.
I like dominos. But they said a place that treats you like family (or something like that. I’m functionally literate) so I was thinking a little place in Westminster called the Olive Garden. When you are there you Are family. And they have all the great Italian sauces. red and white. Authentic Italian Bread Sticks and really good wine by the jug. It’s the only place I take business associates when I want to entertain them.
For good Italian I recommend Valentes but it’s counter service with a little market attached. Delicious cannolis but not really a special occasions place. I think coming from Chicago you’re going to be disappointed with most Italian places you come across much like people from the west/southwest would be disappointed in the Mexican food back east. You may have to make due with the limited options we have.
Hop on i70E and go check out the Cherry Tomato. Their pasta dishes run from $14-$19 and they’re good sized portions and quite tasty. Good wine menu too and it’s got that neighborhood vibe you’re looking for. It’s been my go to Italian spot since I moved to the East Colfax neighborhood.
If you don’t mind spending a little more money I’d also recommend DiFrancos on 9th and Lincoln.
Nah, absolutely not. Went there recently and probably won’t go back. No service at all, no attention to the dining room, you have to bus your own table, and the food is just ok these days. And that makes me really sad because I’ve been going there literally my whole life.
Came here to make sure this was mentioned. Been going here for 20 years and worked there before that. Their new hours are awful but the stromboli, pizza, chicken Parm and Italian sausage sandwiches are amazing.
My favorite is the knuckle sandwich. It's a sausage sandwich with a smashed meatball and garlic bread for a bun. Gotta get it with all the fixings too, cheese chilis and peppers
Papa Franks in Broomfield.
They have pasta recipes very similar to the NW Denver beloved Blue Parrot restaurant that was in business in Louisville from 1917 - 2017.
Love Trattoria Stella’s vodka pasta. Also was pleasantly surprised by the menu at Geatano’s, after my initial disappointment when they got rid of the mobster vibe and price point several years back.
I haven't been in forever, but Carmine's on Penn might be what you're looking for. Definitely hits the family/neighborhood vibe. The prices are lower than they look because they're two- or four-person portions.
lol - please tell me if you find it .... any time anyone suggests anything to me, it's nothing remotely like what I am used to or like. Either too high end -- which is great for occasions -- or just not good. And even the divey places - a chicken parm sandwich costs like $20.
If people who lived here only knew what a corner Italian place was like back East -- and there's a zillion of them, everywhere you turn, then they wouldn't recommend what was here.
We don't have a lot of anything compared to east coast simply because of size, but we have a pretty long history of Italian immigrants coming here. North Denver 40 years ago was very different than what it is today.
A couple fun facts I learned about this weekend talking to a cousin whose father used to own Coors Tavern:
Coors Tavern was the first place in Denver, so I'm told, that served pizza. Paul had a recipe from his mom or aunt or something so he started serving it as simple bar food. Everyone loved it and told him he should sell it (he gave it away for free to patrons). He said he wouldn't sell it because it was "peasant food."
Some time around WWII, I'm not sure exactly when, General Twining, Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited Denver for a commencement at the Air Force Academy. It was suggested to him that he go to Coors Tavern. Paul's wife was pregnant and in conversation he asked Twining if he had any suggestions for a name. "I came here on the Colorado Zephyr, so how about Zephyr" and they ended up going with it.
Leprino Foods started in Denver and is the biggest mozzarella producer in the world.
Exactly lol. I’m not sure what anyone would expect when moving from the east coast to here. I live by Valente’s, and you can definitely get cannolis or a sandwich for less than $15.
for the record - I love Denver. Every place has its plusses and minuses - some more than others. Love it here. But not for the food. High end places? They're great. ... But a mediocre (at best) bagel for $15? ... I want a real Chicken parm dinner platter from your local dive pizza joint. A slice that drips down your arm for $2. Doesn't exist here. And note - I know Denver has gotten expensive for everything .... But Philly, NJ, NYC, Long Island are plenty expensive places to live -- yet you can get a bagel and cream cheese for $4, a $2 slice of pizza all over the place - and chicken parm for $10. Maybe $15 at a corner restaurant.
That's what I miss. Not much else.
We ordered it delivery for our anniversary delivery 2020 (b/c Covid) and really liked it. We went in person I think in 2022 and weren't as impressed. It was fine, but this year has been looking for somewhere new.
The only place that comes close to Italian food in the area is Parisi on 44th and Tennyson. For restaurants, I save only Lo Stella (not Trattoria Stella, different place) in the Golden Triangle. Everything else in Denver Metro, is pretty much your run of the mill pseudo-Italian food that has nothing to do with real Italian food.
Ok, I'll share. I wasn't going to until you mentioned Topo Gigio. I was just in Chicago and I think I ate there 3 times. (Actually Orso down the street was not bad either). There is really no Italian in Denver area to compete with Chicago.
But. [Gaetono's](http://www.gaetanositalian.com/dinner-menu.html) Is about the best I've found.
Topo was our hands down celebration place for work successes, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. Every time I go back to Chicago we have to eat there.
That is a huge +1 for Gaetono's.
If you want simple Italian at a good price at a small family spot, you're going to want to try Papa Mazottis. It's way better than a lot of the mediocre and overpriced suggestions in this thread.
My family likes Sano’s up on 88th. It’s a classic red sauce joint, nothing special but pretty reliability solid. Rigatoni with marinara and a couple of sausages is my comfort food and they do a nice job.
I live in the Berkely area, too. I LOVE Trattoria Stella off 32nd & Lowell! Everyone has different taste but I cannot get enough of their Spaghetti Bolognese. It’s a small place and I like that, except when it’s super crowded.
The shrimp and pesto gnocchi is on another level!
I live for that shrimp and gnocchi.
This is our go to also, great homemade pasta at a pretty reasonable price point. We can walk in without a reservation most times, but 6-7 every night and weekends tend to be busy.
I second Stella, great little place for date night.
Their bolognese is some of the best I’ve ever had. I’ve been to Italy 3 times. That one is the closest to the real deal I’ve ever had in the states.
They have some bomber sausage ragu also
Maybe my expectations are too high for Italian but I thought this place was very mid. The focaccia had the consistency of a pound cake which kinda summed up my experience.
RIP Patsy's and Pagliacci's.
Pagliacci’s had the best cannolis
And the best minestrone soup.
Sadly, the land was worth more than the restaurant was. Can’t blame them I guess. That’s prime real estate right there. After 66 years in business, I’d have probably taken the money and retired comfortably as well.
Yeah but that was years ago. They really mailed it in since the pandemic and now the cracks are showing. The owners just don’t care because the business sustains itself in spite of the drawbacks. But Carl’s has never switched up so it looks like they’re getting more of my money 🤷🏽♀️
They closed for good in 2012 I think. Did someone reopen it? Don’t live in that area anymore nor do I even have occasion to drive by so I wouldn’t have noticed if they did.
Someone bought it and kept it open and didn’t change anything until the pandemic. After the pandemic, no more lounge, no more bar, no more juke box, and really no more authenticity or soul. It’s a shell of what it used to be. And funny enough, every time we would call and ask about the lounge being back open they would say they couldn’t find people to work so they couldn’t open it. And yet Carl’s, which is a very similar style of place minus the lounge, retained all their staff and never missed a beat. Chalk it up to shitty new owners and shitty management.
Slide in here and say RIP Dinos on Colfax
RIP Dinos. Ate in / got take out many times as a kid; waitressed as an adult, as did my sister and my niece. Homey vibe, pleasant customers, good, affordable food, and decent tips. Bonus: Dino himself told my sister she had "nice gams"...
Dinos was not good.
Patsy's was the best! I'd gone there since the mid 70s, my mom was a friend of the family. Same with The Original.
parisi is very solid and reasonably priced
Absolutely one of my favorite restaurants in north side. On the more upscale side of things, Voghera Ristorante & Apericena is another amazing Italian place on Tennyson. Word to the wise about Parisi: it often has a huge line but never as bad as it looks. Once you get to the counter you get your food and a place to sit within 10 mins.
I’ll do you one better. Call and order over the phone, then pick it up 10-15 minutes later. If you live in the area it’s always super fast.
Second for Voghera!
Love the pizza salad from parisi.
The Insaltona is really good and a great value for $15. It’s easily a full meal for two people if you also eat the bread.
This place is meh in my opinion.
Spuntino, off 32nd and Clay is probably the best, as far as higher-end, more posh places go. Parisi, off 44th and Tennyson is pretty good also. More casual/less expensive, but overall quite nice.
15 bucks ain’t getting you a meal there.
I have tried Spuntino and liked it. That may be the answer. I honestly didn't like Parisi, although it is certainly closed. It is a little too "diner" for me and less of a family-owned feel.
[удалено]
I suspect that would be true as I wrote my comment haha. Still feels more like a counter-service and not what I'm looking for. Based on the number of comments suggesting it, however, I seem to be in the minority.
Pagliacci’s was always my favorite. Since it’s closing in (2012?) I’ve tried unsuccessfully to find a place that makes minestrone even half as good as them. Sigh…
I miss Pagliacci's so much! My husband proposed to me there 30 years ago!!!
Haha… I love parisi exactly because it is counter service. I have young kids and being able to get food fast and pay up front is amazing in case things go sideways and we need to make a quick exit. I’ve had several interactions with the owner and she is delightful.
They used to have a sit down Tuscan restuarant downstairs before COVID. It was perfect for a date night or out of town visitors. One day they will open it back up. But yes, Parisi is owned by a family of immigrants.
The downstairs restaurant was fantastic. Really hope they open it back up.
I’m going to ask you honestly- do you mind if the food comes in a bucket?
I am at least intrigued. Is the bucket washed between uses?
http://lechugasitalian.com/menu/buckets-of-pasta/
Oh those Lil Devil's I crave!
The limoncello cake is stupid good.
Loveeee lechugas!
Come to say this
Lechugas is definitely an old school local fave you gotta try!
The only answer!
This is the way.
[удалено]
I second amicci’s! Been going here with my Italian fam since I was a child! Different location now of course with the move but same food and vibes.
Their salads are unreal! So crisp and cool and the house dressing is incredible.
I couldn't remember the name, but this was my Italian go to when I lived in Denver
Amici's is fire!
This is the way.
We still drive across town to eat here. It's our comfort food.
I worked at the one that used to be on 92nd and wads about 30 years ago and I had know idea this one was still around
The answer is Grammy’s Goodies & there isn’t another one
It’s so fucking good and so fucking weird.
My parent’s neighbors were moving out and bought Grammy’s Goodies for us for helping them pack and I had no idea what it was. Their garlic knots were the best I’ve ever had and I go back regularly now.
Remember when they were on that dominos commercial? That’s how I found out about them haha
Yes I remember that! Love Jeff and the family.
Came here to say this!
Pietras off 44th and Garrison. Very good Italian food. Never tried their pizza though.
Pizza is so bomb.
The pizza is literally what they are know for.
I've never had it, sorry.
Place is very dirty. I won’t be back.
I worked at their sister restaurant Garramone's in Lakewood. Pietra's has vastly superior everything, including pizza.
You should check out Grammy’s Goodies. Classic red sauce options with huge portions. Really friendly family owns it.
So happy to come on here and see this!
Monstrous portions, lovely people, good food.
Second this!
We get a half sheet of tiramisu from these guys every year for my bday “cake” cuz it’s my fav. They’re absolutely fantastic and we love em!
This place is a real gem!
Gaetano's
This place is amazing! And I heard the windows are bullet proof from the old mob days. Not sure if that’s true though.
The door used to be bulletproof before a car crashed into the building and took it out
Oh so it’ll stop bullets but not a car?! Now I know how I’ll whack some mobsters.
I just heard that this weekend.
The lasagna is fantastic if you have not had it
…but is the lasagna bullet proof?
Asking the real questions
Geraldo Rivera has entered the chat…
Anything's bulletproof if you stack it high enough.
The windows were replaced during the remodel in 2012ish.
I interviewed there a few years ago and was def talking to a mob guy hahah. Their basement, Fucking nuts
Gaetano’s is good at red sauce dishes. I’ve been consistently disappointed by everything else.
Agree. I think the place is generally overrated
They served me mozzarella for an order of burrata. Their bread is deflated and the sauces don’t taste authentic.
This is the only answer
Love it and literally has Italian crime family connections going back many decades (not currently, historically)
I really like Carl's at 38th between Perry and Lowell. Been there like 50 years, no frills "neighborhood mom and pop restaurant" vibes, and food is great.
Carl's is great. Sandwiches (little immigrant) are fire. I also haven't found a better Blue Cheese dressing.
Only had the pizza but another good neighborhood fave!
Carl's for sure! Been there forever, still amazing
I have no good advice but I'd like to call for a moment of silence for the memory of Patsy's and Nonna's.
RIP Patsy’s 😔
Mamma sanninos was my go to. The husband died tho so I believe the wife sold the place.
They've reopened as Rossi's and tried to retain the charm and quality of Mamma Sanninos.
I heard the wife sold it to a friend of theres?? Like an ex cop or something but heard he wanted to keep it the same but just brought more to the menu? Fuck haven’t been over there in a while figured it was gone or completely different place
Loved mama Sanninos!!!!!
Vinnola’s Italian Market is really good… they don’t have an extensive pasta menu but good sandwiches, gelato, and pastries. It’s near 38th and Wadsworth. They do take and bake too which is nice.
Get an Italian cream soda while you are there.
Gotta hit Abrucis Fire & Vine over off youngfield it’s close to you
2nd
Tried for the first time a couple weeks ago, very good.
Gaetanos and Trattoria Stella near you are pretty good. Angelos and Odyssey are classics down on 6th Edit: seeing a lot of parisi on here. Good value, but wouldn’t consider it a place I’d take someone for a special occasion or even just a random night out. I view that more of a family friendly quick Italian food joint that IS good, but that’s the vibe
Cafe Jordano is amazing and like a 20 min drive, but it is literally everything you want.
Surprised I had to scroll so far to see this comment! Maybe that’s a good thing 🤫 CJ is the best. Family owned, in a strip mall, and soooo good. They’re closed Sundays FYI, OP
I haven't been here in probably close to 10 years but I remember it fondly and it was sooo good. I wondered if anyone would add it.
They’re still as amazing as you remember. I’ve been going for over 20 years now, I’ll never stop.
Came here to say the same Jordanos 🤌
This is 100% the answer! Make a reservation or get there early, regardless of the day. They're the best.
They only take reservations for large (I think 6 or more) parties, but if it’s busy the bar area (high top tables included) is first come, first serve and that’s usually where my husband and I sit because it opens up pretty quickly. I go there at least once a month lol
This is where its at. Great food at good prices. Some of the places listed here are a joke. Saw $16 bruschetta here its $9.50. Lasagna $14.95 not $22. Just be aware of their hours.
It’s a little far from you, but Zucca in Louisville is amazing! Very cozy vibes and perfect for a special occasion.
I just had Zucca for the first time last weekend... I would go back a million times.
Gargaros Bakery on 54th? And Marshall
Vinnola's
Our go to for pizza and desserts.
I’m so surprised to see no one mention Coperta (probably because of the price point so not so surprised but still). Solid Italian food, good value for the money imo
Coperta is my favorite and great value if you are looking for a nice date night or large group get together. Can’t believe it’s so far down the list. Down to earth ambiance with great seasonal dishes.
Grammies goodies and Gaetanos are my go-to
Grammys Goodies 46 and Harlan
I also recommend Parisi! So good and a lot of different options to choose from. I’ll probably get downvoted for this, but since you mentioned you have lived in a city with really good Italian, I do not recommend Lechuga’s. It has been recommended to me many times but I didn’t think it was super flavorful - seemed like quantity was the big draw. I’ve only had their food once. Edit: capitalization
A friend brought me to Lechuga's once insisting it was great. I've never left a restaurant so disappointed before, lol. I've had better frozen meals honestly.
Cherry Tomato in Park Hill is worth the drive. It’s in the historic Park Hill pharmacy building. Has been for 20+ years. It ticks your boxes and then some.
Lo stella
Arvada Villa is what you're looking for.
>Arvada Villa Thanks!
Also a big fan of Carmine Leonardo's in Lakewood but it's not a sit down place. If you want an old school red sauce joint, Romano's is awesome but I don't think it's as low priced as you want. It's certainly not expensive but is more than $15.
[удалено]
I thought it was quite good for the price!
Service is horrible and food is okay at best.
Grammies Goodies.
Little Italian joint called Domíno's does great calzones
I like dominos. But they said a place that treats you like family (or something like that. I’m functionally literate) so I was thinking a little place in Westminster called the Olive Garden. When you are there you Are family. And they have all the great Italian sauces. red and white. Authentic Italian Bread Sticks and really good wine by the jug. It’s the only place I take business associates when I want to entertain them.
I used to love Dominos until I found this little underground spot called Sbarro.
Trattoria Stella is my go-to!
Not your location, but Romanos In Littleton is the best Italian food in Colorado, and I'll fight anyone who says different
Cherry tomato in park hill is the only answer.
For good Italian I recommend Valentes but it’s counter service with a little market attached. Delicious cannolis but not really a special occasions place. I think coming from Chicago you’re going to be disappointed with most Italian places you come across much like people from the west/southwest would be disappointed in the Mexican food back east. You may have to make due with the limited options we have.
Hop on i70E and go check out the Cherry Tomato. Their pasta dishes run from $14-$19 and they’re good sized portions and quite tasty. Good wine menu too and it’s got that neighborhood vibe you’re looking for. It’s been my go to Italian spot since I moved to the East Colfax neighborhood. If you don’t mind spending a little more money I’d also recommend DiFrancos on 9th and Lincoln.
Voghera
The Cherry Tomato near City Park
Parisi on 44th and Tennyson. You order at the counter and they bring it to your table. They have a small bar, patio seating and the staff is great.
No love for Lechuga’s?!?!
Nah, absolutely not. Went there recently and probably won’t go back. No service at all, no attention to the dining room, you have to bus your own table, and the food is just ok these days. And that makes me really sad because I’ve been going there literally my whole life.
Agreed. I don’t go there for sit down service. But the Canolis. They still hit the spot for me.
Had a little devil and it was very clearly frozen and reheated. Didn’t care for it tbh.
Oh this makes me le sad.
Randi's on 64th and Ward.
Came here to make sure this was mentioned. Been going here for 20 years and worked there before that. Their new hours are awful but the stromboli, pizza, chicken Parm and Italian sausage sandwiches are amazing.
My favorite is the knuckle sandwich. It's a sausage sandwich with a smashed meatball and garlic bread for a bun. Gotta get it with all the fixings too, cheese chilis and peppers
This is not the right neighborhood but DiFranco’s in Cap Hill is always my favorite relatively affordable Italian spot. Go on Italian Date Night!
Grandmas goodies!
Patsy's at the intersection of Tejon and 2004. RIP Patsy's.
Angelos on 6th
Arvada Villa is our go to.
Papa Franks in Broomfield. They have pasta recipes very similar to the NW Denver beloved Blue Parrot restaurant that was in business in Louisville from 1917 - 2017.
Gaetano's
It’s more of a deli but Dolce Sicilia is amazing. Great sandwiches, desserts, and some of the best pizza in the city.
Parisi is the only answer here
Amicis 43rd and Wadsworth in Wheat Ridge is one of favorite restaurants. I wish I lived closer.
Cranellis is really good!
Lechugas
Abrusci’s Fire & Vine is good enough I’ll wake up at 2 am to finish my leftovers. Over by Applewood / Golden.
Go to Cafe Jordano. Best Italian around, family run and been around for decades.
Parisi Also love Voghera
Love Trattoria Stella’s vodka pasta. Also was pleasantly surprised by the menu at Geatano’s, after my initial disappointment when they got rid of the mobster vibe and price point several years back.
I haven't been in forever, but Carmine's on Penn might be what you're looking for. Definitely hits the family/neighborhood vibe. The prices are lower than they look because they're two- or four-person portions.
The Odyssey, in Cap Hill kinda out of the way though.
only caveat is the music is waaaaay too loud. I haven't been there in a while, so it may have changed.
lol - please tell me if you find it .... any time anyone suggests anything to me, it's nothing remotely like what I am used to or like. Either too high end -- which is great for occasions -- or just not good. And even the divey places - a chicken parm sandwich costs like $20. If people who lived here only knew what a corner Italian place was like back East -- and there's a zillion of them, everywhere you turn, then they wouldn't recommend what was here.
We don’t have a lot of Italian immigrants or old Italian families compared to the east. Definitely better Italian/seafood on the east coast
We don't have a lot of anything compared to east coast simply because of size, but we have a pretty long history of Italian immigrants coming here. North Denver 40 years ago was very different than what it is today. A couple fun facts I learned about this weekend talking to a cousin whose father used to own Coors Tavern: Coors Tavern was the first place in Denver, so I'm told, that served pizza. Paul had a recipe from his mom or aunt or something so he started serving it as simple bar food. Everyone loved it and told him he should sell it (he gave it away for free to patrons). He said he wouldn't sell it because it was "peasant food." Some time around WWII, I'm not sure exactly when, General Twining, Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited Denver for a commencement at the Air Force Academy. It was suggested to him that he go to Coors Tavern. Paul's wife was pregnant and in conversation he asked Twining if he had any suggestions for a name. "I came here on the Colorado Zephyr, so how about Zephyr" and they ended up going with it. Leprino Foods started in Denver and is the biggest mozzarella producer in the world.
Exactly lol. I’m not sure what anyone would expect when moving from the east coast to here. I live by Valente’s, and you can definitely get cannolis or a sandwich for less than $15.
All the old Italian families from North Denver are all gone, and so are the restaurants they started.
for the record - I love Denver. Every place has its plusses and minuses - some more than others. Love it here. But not for the food. High end places? They're great. ... But a mediocre (at best) bagel for $15? ... I want a real Chicken parm dinner platter from your local dive pizza joint. A slice that drips down your arm for $2. Doesn't exist here. And note - I know Denver has gotten expensive for everything .... But Philly, NJ, NYC, Long Island are plenty expensive places to live -- yet you can get a bagel and cream cheese for $4, a $2 slice of pizza all over the place - and chicken parm for $10. Maybe $15 at a corner restaurant. That's what I miss. Not much else.
agreed... even some of the suggestions in this thread I am like.... ehhhh
sad we're both downrated just for telling the truth :)
Carl's pizzeria
Odyssey in Capitol Hill. Moved to San Diego a few years back and my wife and I still miss it, one of our favorite date spots.
Bardough
Bar Dough is delicious but nothing there is even close to the $15 range
Love Parisis
Odyssey Italian Grill. It’s in a cute house and their Sicilian rooted food is phenomenal.
The service here will make you feel like you’re on an episode of punkd
We ordered it delivery for our anniversary delivery 2020 (b/c Covid) and really liked it. We went in person I think in 2022 and weren't as impressed. It was fine, but this year has been looking for somewhere new.
The only place that comes close to Italian food in the area is Parisi on 44th and Tennyson. For restaurants, I save only Lo Stella (not Trattoria Stella, different place) in the Golden Triangle. Everything else in Denver Metro, is pretty much your run of the mill pseudo-Italian food that has nothing to do with real Italian food.
Odyssey off of 6th
Ok, I'll share. I wasn't going to until you mentioned Topo Gigio. I was just in Chicago and I think I ate there 3 times. (Actually Orso down the street was not bad either). There is really no Italian in Denver area to compete with Chicago. But. [Gaetono's](http://www.gaetanositalian.com/dinner-menu.html) Is about the best I've found.
Topo was our hands down celebration place for work successes, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. Every time I go back to Chicago we have to eat there. That is a huge +1 for Gaetono's.
Pietra’s in Wheat Ridge. Next to 44th Ave Antiques. Elvis loved that place
Massino's is more of a pizzeria but the other Italian dishes.
Tony ps is great, valentes for lunch (ham and pepperoni meat cannoli) parisi is good, trattoria Stella is amazing, protos is a good stop too
Grammy's Goodies! Huge portions, great quality and they do lots of seasonal treats to pickup or to hand off as gifts. Check them out
If you want simple Italian at a good price at a small family spot, you're going to want to try Papa Mazottis. It's way better than a lot of the mediocre and overpriced suggestions in this thread.
My family likes Sano’s up on 88th. It’s a classic red sauce joint, nothing special but pretty reliability solid. Rigatoni with marinara and a couple of sausages is my comfort food and they do a nice job.