17th Avenue is the hot spot for dining and these are just two of the great choices in the area.

Il Posto

2011 E. 17th Ave.
303-394-0100
17th and Race

Price Range: $$
Reservations: Yes
Cuisine: Italian

Il Posto has become a favorite trattoria when it comes to Italian fare. Chef/Owner Andrea Frizzi has created a great restaurant and the popularity of this small spot defines his creativity and charm. The open space is delightful, with exposed ceilings, white walls, hickory wood floors with a paprika finish, accented by Russian maple topped tables, dark red and black trim, and glistening white china. The focal kitchen, where chefs interact with the guests, is trimmed in stainless steel.

The food is the star with its ever-changing menu. Appetizers include divine grilled calamari with capers, parsley, lemon and oil, braised octopus, polenta with sausage, and thin sliced branzino. Pasta choices include tagliatelle with calamari, asparagus and cheese, pappardelle with sausage, and gnocchi with vegetables. The Milanese risotto with gold or the risotto of the day are divine with wonderful flavors.

Entrees like beef short ribs with cocoa powder, Barolo wine and cauliflower polenta, hanger steak, rabbit, and branzini demonstrate the creativity of the chef. Fish selections vary and all are a treat. The all-Italian wine list is very exciting and complements the food. Service is great with a staff that makes each guest feel like part of the family. Il Posto is pure family and fun with wonderful food, and makes the perfect neighborhood restaurant.

Don't miss: chicken stuffed with barrata surrounded by wild mushrooms; salumi plate.

Strings

1700 Humboldt St.
303-831-7310

17th & Humboldt
Price Range: $$$
Reservations: Yes
Cuisine: Contemporary

Strings, after 21 years, retains its popularity as it is constantly updating its menu. Guests return often for a great meal and terrific dining experience. The restaurant sports a chic look that matches the terrific food with a more sophisticated feel. Soft-beige faux-brushed walls and dark-brown accents set the scene, and lovely china complements the food. Noel Cunningham and his staff bring warm welcomes and accommodating service. The bar area is a perfect spot to stop just for drinks or to enjoy a fantastic meal. In fact, service at the bar is so good customers regularly choose to dine there.

The kitchen shines as Executive Chef Aaron Whitcomb presents exciting, creative cuisine. Start with tuna tartar, the signature beef carpaccio or mussels. Divine crab cakes with chutney, crispy veal sweetbreads, and a mozzarella tomato martini are other truly wonderful appetizers. Cashew-crusted sea bass is the most popular dish on the menu but other fish selections are also remarkable such as grilled salmon, halibut or curry-lacquered prawns. Grilled half chicken, calves liver, beef tenderloin, an amazing veal chop, pork and lamb are a few more choices from the entrée list.

Each presentation is complemented by accompaniments that add flavor and taste to the dish. The wine list is excellent, with many offered by glass or half bottle, and the bar menu is available in any part of the dining room. Don't miss the patio, weather permitting. Strings makes a great choice for terrific food and fun.

Don't miss: La Rosa salad; chicken with an egg.