Cherry Creek is always a favorite destination for shopping. Don't miss these dining favorites.

Elway's Cherry Creek

2500 E. 1st Ave.
303-399-5353
1st & University

Price Range: $$$-$$$$
Reservations: Yes
Cuisine: steakhouse, seafood

Elway's has definitely made its mark in Cherry Creek. Located on the west side of the shopping center, the exterior is stunning. As you enter, a huge, granite water-wall captures the eye. To the right is a beautiful bar for gathering or dining, with warm woods and burgundy upholstered bar stools to set the scene. The dining area is warm and inviting, with brown and burgundy tones throughout, stunning chairs and booths, and soft lighting.

Executive Chef Tyler Wiard completes the package with his amazing talent in the kitchen. Appetizers of tuna tartar, lamb fondue or lobster tail cocktail rock. The steak entrées are all the highest quality, prime grade beef. Steaks are offered in two sizes for different appetites. Sirloin, porterhouse, filet, rib eye and prime rib arrive cooked as ordered, full of flavor and tender to the bite. Several fish options such as lobster, salmon, hamachi and more please. Don't miss the fabulous half chicken and rack of lamb.

For sides, choose from marvelous au gratin potatoes, caramelized onions, creamed corn, creamed spinach, crab fried rice or veggies. Desserts are totally decadent and divine. The extensive wine by the glass list makes for delicious pairings with every course. Service is top notch, with a well-trained, attentive staff to care for guests. The bar and patio rock at all times and with live music, it is even more special. Lunch and weekend brunches continue in the same great style as dinner. The Elway's Cherry Creek experience adds up to a Super Bowl winner.

Don't miss: bone-in filet; the smashburger.

Piatti Locali

190 St. Paul St.
303-321-1919
2nd & St. Paul

Price Range: $$
Reservations: Yes
Cuisine: Italian

If you want terrific Italian food in a wonderful atmosphere, Cherry Creek's Piatti Locali fills the bill. The warm and bright room features an open kitchen, huge fireplaces, a great bar and covered patios. The focus of the food is on fresh, local ingredients. Start with fried calamari, bruschetta or cozze-steamed mussels in white wine, garlic and citrus. Soups that change daily, mozzarella and tomato salad or a perfect Caesar could be your next course. Pizzas straight from the wood-burning oven make a great entrée or appetizer. Dinner entrées feature a marvelous half chicken, chicken breast with risotto, veal dishes, fish and beef.

Pastas include ravioli in lemon cream, rigatoni, risotto and capellini. The children's menu is terrific, drawing top ratings with good reason. The staff caters to even the youngest diners. A terrific lunch menu and complimentary valet parking keep guests coming back to Piatti Locali.

Don't miss: seafood stew; buffalo osso buco