As the year comes to an end, I suppose it’s time for some reflection as well as reminiscence. I tried a lot of new places this year, many good and some bad, but here is a list of my top 5 favorites from 2025.

Bella Vino Wine Bar & Tapas

It had been in my sights for a while since I worked on Main Street St. Charles, but when I finally tried it, it was a very pleasant surprise. We ate on the back patio in October, and enjoying a nice glass of wine while sitting next to the fire was a great way to spend an evening. The highlight was the Bella Bonfire, with some sort of delicious cheese that they light on fire when served.

Bowood by Niche

Bowood is an adorable brunch spot in the Central West End, with an outdoor patio and plenty of greenery. The restaurant doubles as a greenhouse and plant nursery, so it makes for a vibrant spot to grab a bite to eat, especially in the summer months when everything is in full bloom.

City Coffee & Creperie

In case you didn’t know, right in the middle of downtown Clayton is the best creperie outside of France. It has a beautiful covered patio with a nice view of the downtown area that also receives ample sunlight, and the crepes are to die for. It’s furnished in French style, and if you didn’t have to drive 25 minutes to get there, park the car a couple blocks away, and if you ignore the skyscrapers above you, you could almost imagine that you’re in France.

Planters House

Planters House is a really nice cocktail/wine bar with a warm and modern atmosphere in an old historic building on Mississippi Ave. It has a large patio and tasty cocktails, and I highly recommend checking this place out on a nice summer night. I just wish I had a picture of it!

Vicini Pastaria

I went here for the first time a couple of weeks ago, and it blew my mind. We had their Pici Cacio e Pepe and some sort of exclusive lunch sandwich, and it’s the best meal I’ve had in a very long time. The Cacio e Pepe is cooked perfectly with just the right amount of seasoning, and the focaccia bread on the sandwich melted in our mouths. It looks like their menu changes every week, but I can assure you that whatever it is they cook up, you’re going to love.

The restaurant is family-run, and the family actually lives on the second floor of the building. You would never guess that though, with how beautifully the place is decorated, but you can definitely taste the family’s love when you take a bite of their food.

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Thank you for reading! It’s been a year full of culinary exploration and great food, and I’m excited to traverse Denver’s restaurant and bar scene in the new year. If you have any recommendations for me, drop them in the comments below and I’ll definitely check them out. While you’re at it, hit the follow button for a new post every Wednesday.

Have a safe and happy holiday season!