LoDo is the most popular area downtown. It's near Coors Field, a great place to enjoy galleries, food, shops and more.

Vesta Dipping Grill

1822 Blake St.
303-296-1970

Price Range: $$-$$$
Reservations: Yes
Cuisine: Contemporary

Celebrating its 10th year, Vesta continues to be one of the most innovative and popular restaurants in Denver. The amazing architecture includes curves of copper, exposed brick and cloth-shrouded light fixtures, but, the food and amazing impeccable service are what keep people coming back again and again to this popular Lodo dining spot. Owners Josh and Jen Wolkon and Matty Selby (who does the cooking) are incredible folks and have the restaurant to prove it! Arrive early and enjoy people-watching at the bar that stretches most of the length of the restaurant, or grab a seat on the patio to watch the crowds outside.

Vesta is possibly the most upbeat scene in town with great energy in every aspect. Over 40 sauces are available to accompany your entrée, ranging from sweet to savory and hot to Vesta-hot. Ask your server for suggestions. Appetizers, perfect to share, range from the Vesta roll, sesame-crusted tuna roll served rare with wasabi cream sauce and cucumber-and-pickled-ginger salad to the avo¬cado-lime ceviche, served with chips and mango-cumin crema. The main course, accompanied by your choice of three dipping sauces ranges from chicken and fish to lamb and pork, all accompanied by great sides to complement the taste and sauces.

Be sure to ask about their special menus for those with food allergies. The Vesta staff is among the best in town and provides the ultimate environment for a romantic dinner for two or a night on the town with a group of friends at one of the round, private tables. Visit their diner, Steuben's on 17th and Pearl for a totally different, but fun, experience.

Don't miss: hangar steak kebobs; salmon.

Sushi Sasa

2401 15th St.
303-433-7272
15th & Platte

Price Range: $$$
Reservations: Yes
Cuisine: Japanese Sushi

At Sushi Sasa, prepare to indulge in an amazing experience. The contemporary décor offers a simple, but upscale feel with white walls, hanging lights, beautiful wood tables and a sushi bar as the main focal point. Chef/Owner Wayne Conwell serves the most delicious Japanese dishes ranging from sushi to cooked dishes that show his finesse and creativity.

Start with amazing sushi rolls, sashimi, tempura or a Japanese Caesar salad tossed with tangy tofu-yuzu anchovy dressing with a parmesan roll and marinated bluefish. For a special treat let the chef prepare a dinner you will long remember. Each presentation is picture-perfect in design, ethereal in taste.

The wine and sake list is well thought out to add to the pleasure of the meal, and service is excellent. The amazing Sushi Sasa is one of the most exciting restaurants in the Denver dining scene.

Don't miss: any sushi; hamachi sashimi with white soy vinaigrette and gold leaf.

Snooze An A.M. Eatery

2262 Larimer St.
303-297-0700
Corner of 22nd & Larimer

Price Range:$
Reservations: No
Cuisine: Breakfast

If you're searching for a bit of breakfast bliss, Snooze is the place. Snooze proves that innovative décor and funky, delicious foods can go hand in hand. Exposed brick walls meet glossy wood floors and modern, almost whimsical 70's Jetsons-style booths and a stainless steel bar. Above the chatter and clanging silverware, Snooze is refreshing and comfortable.

You can get your normal breakfast fare of omelets and scramblers but there are dishes beyond the old standards. If you've got a sweet tooth, try the Molten Chocolate French Toast, a thick, buttery brioche filled with chocolate and topped with vanilla crème, chocolate sauce and banana-walnut compote. Don't miss steak and eggs Benedict, two delectable stacks of grilled beef tenderloins, caramelized onions, roasted poblanos, poached eggs, salsa fresca and a smoked cheddar hollandaise.

If you decide to sleep in, Snooze provides an excellent array of soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch. Proprietor Jon Schlegal has succeeded in providing folks with expertly prepared breakfast and lunch. And with a full liquor license, you can't go wrong.

Don't miss: pancakes of every kind.

Marco's Coal-Fired Pizzeria

2129 Larimer Street
303-296-7000

Price Range: $$
Reservations: Yes
Cuisine: Pizza

Enter this terrific space and feel like you are in an Italian trattoria---or pizzeria! Bright and casual, with a huge bar for gathering or dining, fun tables and booths throughout the one room, and a wonderful exposed brick wall with murals. The show stopper is the focal pizza kitchen for all to see.

Start with coal-fired chicken wings as you decide on your meal; then enjoy fabulous salads. The pizza is the star. Neapolitan or New York style; both are cooked in the Italian designed wood burning oven straight from Italy. The flour, tomatoes, and several much-used ingredients are all imported. Nothing but the best is their theory, and it works. The pizzas are thin crust, crispy but still tender and chewy, topped with fabulous choices.

Enjoy terrific wines at reasonable prices, super friendly service, and divine pizza at Marco's. Don't miss: Calabria (all white pizza);

Sicilia (stuffed pie with ham, ricotta, mozzarella, mushrooms, and tomatoes).

Wynkoop Brewing Company

1634 18th St.
303-297-2700
18th & Wynkoop

Price Range: $-$$
Reservations: Yes
Cuisine: Brewpub, American
Brunch: Yes
Late Night: Yes

The former J. S. Brown Mercantile Building now houses Denver's oldest brewpub. Hardwood floors, thick timber pillars and the pressed-tin ceiling remain from the original structure--a place where ranchers, miners and city folks shopped for dry goods. Upstairs, 22 pool tables, two private poolrooms, several dart lanes and a bar serving microbrews make this one of the city's finest billiard halls.

The Wynkoop is well known for Railyard Ale, a terrific India pale ale, Sagebrush Stout--and Denver's favorite, Mayor John Hickenlooper (the original owner). The Lodo mainstay also boasts seasonal specials like the raspberry ale and chili beer. Hard cider makes a great autumn treat but you can avoid the alcohol altogether with an ice-cold root beer.

Grab an appetizer of steamed mussels, sausage sliders, and Poughman's platter with bangers, elk sausage and Railyard brat. Favorite entrées include tasty fish and chips, shepherd's pie made with braised Colorado lamb, wild salmon on a plank, and Buffalo NY strip. Don't forget fried chicken, gumbo, burritos and pasta. There are burgers, sandwiches, salads and rich gooey desserts too.

Mixed drinks and wines are available as well as beer. Service is great, the prices are affordable and the place rocks day and night with happy diners. Wynkoop is definitely a keeper.

Don't miss: artichoke and parmesan dip with housemade beer bread; tuna melt sandwich.