New Restaurants Set to Open in Denver in 2026
After a year marked by multiple restaurant closures across Denver — from longtime neighborhood staples to trendy RiNo favorites — the city’s dining scene is already showing signs of resurgence. Rising operating costs and increases to Denver’s minimum wage pushed many restaurateurs to shut their doors in 2024 and 2025, but according to KDVR, a fresh wave of openings is already lined up for 2026, bringing new concepts, new flavors and even the return of activity to recently vacated spaces.
Restaurants Opening in Denver in 2026
Paperboy
A Texas brunch favorite is making its first move out of state, landing in Denver’s West Highland neighborhood at 3940 W. 32nd Ave. Paperboy is slated to open in early 2026.
Heretík
James Beard semifinalist Chef Theo Adley — known for his work at Marigold in Lyons — is bringing a new concept to Denver next winter. Heretík will spotlight the culinary traditions of Northeast Spain and Southern France, with a menu centered on seafood and rotisserie cooking.
Taco Bell Cantina
A rare Taco Bell Cantina is scheduled to open inside Denver International Airport in mid-April, offering a unique menu, alcoholic beverages and a sleeker design. Another Denver Cantina is in the works elsewhere in the city, though the opening date remains unknown.
Ash + Agave
Taking over the former California Pizza Kitchen location, Ash + Agave will bring coastal Mexican flavors, house-made tortillas, wood-grilled meats and agave-forward cocktails to the Denver dining scene. The concept comes from Shucking Good Hospitality, the team behind Blue Island Oyster Bar and Oliver’s Italian.
Leven Downtown
The popular sandwich shop Leven is expanding with a full restaurant and bar concept downtown. Set to open in the ground-level retail space at Block 162, the new location will offer expanded lunch and dinner menus alongside a dedicated bar program.
La Vie En Rose
Replacing the former Noble Riot space behind Denver Central Market, La Vie En Rose is slated for spring 2026. This Parisian-style Champagne and cocktail bar comes from the team behind Nocturne and brings an elegant new social spot to RiNo.
Olive & Finch – Golden Triangle
Olive & Finch continues its metro-area expansion with a new Golden Triangle location opening in spring 2026 at 1140 Bannock St., serving their full lineup of scratch-made breakfast, lunch, dinner and pastries.
The All Inn Hotel & Fino
A 1950s motor inn on East Colfax is being transformed into a boutique hotel called The All Inn, opening in spring 2026. The property will include Fino, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and wine garden offering shareable plates and a coastal vibe.
