There is a universal appreciation for high quality food paired with engaging energy that creates the perfect tone for connecting with business associates. These are key components that can elevate a business lunch in Denver. Despite this city’s dynamic dining scene being fairly fresh, it draws upon an abundance of rich, established culinary history which serves as the perfect environment for new talents to pay their respects to tradition through contemporary dishes.
Mercantile Dining & Provision
Run by James Beard Award-winning Chef Alex Seidel, and the culmination of his two previous ventures, Mercantile represents the revolution of approachability and transparency in dining. With a firm focus on farm to table dining, Mercantile is the definition of destination dining in Denver. Situated in a downtown travel hub, Mercantile is perfectly placed to accommodate the eclectic combination of business travellers and railway passengers that pass by.
At 11am sharp, crowds spill into the airy, high-ceilinged space and out onto the patio to lunch on entrées and delectable salads while engaging in lively conversation. Maintaining one of the best wine lists in town, it is not difficult to find something that takes your fancy as dishes are easily complimented by the vast array of choices on offer; there is something to suit every taste.
Earls
From the food on the table to the art on the walls, Earls is a reflection of the wholesome community in which it stands. Founded in 1982 by father and son duo, Bus and Stan Fuller, Earls has kept that close-knit family foundation at its core since the start, despite their expansion to 67 locations in almost forty years. This sleek chain lists contemporary options for a business lunch in Denver, whether that entails a three course meal or a light bite to share - Earl’s has it all.
The service at Earls contributes towards the venue’s reputation for excellence, with experienced and knowledgeable staff always on hand to accommodate any queries and offer considered menu suggestions and recommendations. Reviewed as “nothing short of excellent”, this popular restaurant is definitely worth visiting if staying in a serviced apartment in Denver.
Rioja
Founded by the female powerhouse that is Jennifer Jasinksi, Rioja is a suave spot that should not be skipped. Run by the first Denverite to win a James Beard Award for Best Chef Southwest 2013, Jennifer has encapsulated modern Mediterranean cuisine with sleek, plush décor to attract the likes of jet-setters and cosmopolites to generate a catalogue of Rioja regulars.
From the initial greeting to the elaborate bread platters, guests are in great hands well before the first plate arrives. With seamlessly choreographed service, Rioja has long claimed one of the top slots on newcomers’ to-do lists when staying in Denver. While the exhibition kitchen allows diners to enjoy a show from their seats, the food speaks for itself, with Rioja’s seafood supply ranked as a SmartCatch Leader by the James Beard Foundation – an achievement of only 100 restaurants in the country.
Uchi
Since opening its doors in the autumn of 2018, Uchi has single-handedly raised the stakes for Japanese dining in Denver. The space alone is dazzling, featuring an amalgamation of chic yet rustic components that enrich an already extravagant dining experience. James Beard Award winning chef Tyson Cole contributes immensely to the Japanese eating scene, complimented by Ariana Quant, head pastry chef of all Uchi locations; their efforts are essential for a business lunch in Denver.
Special dishes can range from as many as twenty different types of sushi depending on the catch of the day, from star butterfish to Santa Barbara sea urchin. As a staple, a piece of foie gras nigiri is likely to be the best $10 diners will spend on a single bite, accompanied by step-by-step instructions from Uchi’s highly trained staff. With meticulously sourced ingredients and exquisite flavour combinations, this intimate restaurant is the place to go to impress a guest.
ChoLon
Inspired by the market goods and street foods of SouthEast Asia, ChoLon has an aura of sophistication that invites cosmopolitan conversation. With high ceilings, marble floors and concrete pillars, ChoLon is the ideal destination to impress a guest on a business lunch in Denver. Owner and chef, Lon Symensma, is known to attract champions of the industry through his doors in search of the famous French onion soup dumplings that have long been one of his greatest hits.
Diners should also keep their eyes peeled for the work of dim sum doyenne Michelle Xiao whose handiwork is something to be admired. Having previously worked in New York’s Buddakan, her togarashi-spiced crystal dumplings are not to be missed when staying in a serviced apartment in the city.
Safta
With decorative influences that stem from the Middle East, Europe and North Africa, plus a menu that offers a taste of these ever-evolving cuisines, Safta provides a perfect combination of food and culture. The appeal couldn’t be simpler, with a jovial atmosphere and food nothing short of sublime, a business lunch in Denver may struggle to surpass Safta. This restaurant hosts a culinary journey, whereby James Beard Award-winner Alon Shaya draws on the recipes of his ancestors to provide a fresh take on a spread of specialities.
An irrepressibly cheery space flooded with a seamless melding of familiar and faraway flavours, Safta is suited to everyone and poses the perfect opportunity for engaging with new and frequent faces. Described as “turning modern Israeli cuisine into a phenomenon”, this restaurant is one not to be missed when planning a business lunch in Denver.
Now that you’re prepared to dine in Denver, why not explore more of what this ‘Mile High City’ has to offer in our recent blog, The Top 9 Things to See and Do when on a Business Trip to Denver.
Give us a call or make an enquiry and SilverDoor will find you the ideal accommodation for your business travels to this captivating city.
