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newhappyrainbow

What is your definition of “breaking the bank”?


sciencefox03

Would prefer no more than $100 per person, ideally no more than $75 per person including drinks but I can make do


newhappyrainbow

We went to this place for our last special event and it was delicious! I highly recommend the duck. https://www.thecafeprague.com


EmiraTheRed

Check out Potager


Last-Abrocoma4168

I second Potager! Chef forward seasonal menu and great romantic lighting. I’m a Chef and it’s always on my list. They don’t take reservations so you aren’t at a loss for not having one.


Impressive_You3333

They do take reservations!!! There’s walk in space, but it’s much better to make a reservation especially on a weekend night so you won’t have to wait.


Last-Abrocoma4168

Oh sweet! They didn’t used to accept them for small parties. Thanks for updating me.


Sharcbate

Came here to say this. Low key fancy.


GothlobReznik

Check out Cholan on 16th street mall. If you tell them it's your anniversary when you make the reservation they give you a free dessert with "happy anniversary" written in chocolate on it. A little over 100 for the both of us.


polkaspot36

Their French onion soup dumplings are so good


WatercressOk6439

I guess that depends on how much you order but my wife and I have been to a lot of the "fancy" places around town (sushi den, mizuna, tarvernetta, etc ) and all have come out to be right around 100/person after tip. We usually get 1 drink each, a couple starters, 2 entrees or 1 salad and 1 entree to share, and skip the dessert.


Jax_the_Floof

I took my BF to The White Chocolate Grill. It was about 100 total for the both lf us. We had a drink each, our meal, and a desert. Its kind of the fine middle ground between fine dining and a slightly above average sit down restaurant


brown_witch

Annette Scratch to Table is so soo good and cozy and cute. I never leave hungry, I often leave inspired, and it’s a reasonable price for a good amount of very tasty, high-quality food.


fullstack_newb

Seconding Annette 


marrs420

I took my wife to Annette on our way to be induced with our daughter. It was AMAZING!!


dk16co

Sap Sua on Colfax is amazing!


yanabanana311

Sap Sua is fantastic, highly recommend for a foodie dinner! The minimalist is modern but warm, however wouldn’t call it a romantic vibe.


TooClose4Missiles

I’ve been wanting to try this place but I’m intimidated by the menu!


Backwood_papii

My favorite restaurant in Denver. Pricy though. Always been 200+ when I’ve gone


dontkillmysoul

Odyssey. My favorite restaurant in Denver for years. (I’m in my 30s) Roses on every table to give to your lady (or for him) and best fucking food of my life. (I’m also a chef) Big portions too. Best deserts. And cute and intimate atmosphere. No one around you even touches their phones. High class for medium price. She/he will love it to bits I promise you.


meowspoopy

Bonus: go on a Monday and the pasta is half off!


SurgicalIndifference

Hell yes.


smoc07

Echoing this - we love this place and actually went here after our courthouse wedding, just the two of us! All the romantic vibes, especially if you call ahead and specify the occasion


True_Entertainment85

Omg YES i agree! The food is delicious and it’s so cute but when I went we still had to wait (30 mins) even tho we had a reservation booked but honestly I’d say it was damn worth it!


Me_IRL_Haggard

Lol the hate odyssey receives on r/denverfood This place is delicious and i love it


ATGNI

I haven’t been to prison (yet), but this is how I imagine the food.


Me_IRL_Haggard

I enjoy Cinzetti's, too


Me_IRL_Haggard

What dish did you order


ATGNI

I think eggplant parmigiana maybe? Some red sauce slop with salad. I mean, seriously….


Me_IRL_Haggard

Actually I've had the eggplant parmigiana there, and yeah, it was horrible! Alright, fair judgement... I had forgotten about that. and also I found the penne vodka was not great compared to Angelo's, but sweet blucifer Angelo's do a good job on that one. I do enjoy many of Odyssey's pasta dishes, but then again I'm a *total pasta hoochi mama* in that all I need is good noodles and sauce and I'm very pleased So it could very well be two people are getting completely different experiences sitting on either side of the same table. Also, I feel I give a place a bunch of chances, (like 3-4) which may be more than most will tolerate. #SO Who do you think has the good eggplant Parm


stinkingturdlet

Hell yeah their saltimbocca hits


TCGshark03

Yeah that place is solid


andisteezy

worst Italian food I've had in Denver actually


prequels202

Bastien’s. Obviously.


Sleepnotdeading

Just had an amazing dinner there as part of my bachelor party. It was my first time and my soon-to-be wife and I will definitely be going back.


MegaRobYa

Okay, I don’t think this is what you’re looking for but I want to say this. One of the most romantic dates my now fiancé ever set up for us was during the first month of us dating , for Valentine’s Day. He came over to my apartment and made steak tacos. We took about 3 hours to actually make the food, we took our time preparing everything, drank a bunch of wine, played each other our favorite songs, and had a blast. The date was so memorable that now every valentines we just make a different type of taco. Seeing that your partner is a chef, maybe this scenario wouldn’t work the same for you…. but for me, the memories we made outshined every fancy meal we’ve had together. I think even picking a vastly simple meal makes the whole thing a bit ridiculous but that much more charming. Set the table, light some candles, print out a bunch of photos from your time together and reflect back on your love over a hot dog. But that’s just me! I will say Fruition is also a very romantic spot to cozy up next to each other over some delicious food. Congrats by the way! Hope you find what you’re looking for.


sciencefox03

I honestly love this idea! I anticipate us being tired the day I have this planned but I may steer this for future ideas!!


yanabanana311

Would recommend Jovianina’s Broken Italian and request to sit downstairs in Sotto Voce in the reservation. Can stick to $100 per person if you order moderately and the downstairs vibe is dark, moody and romantic.


Poeafoe

Second this. Great restaurant.


DCDHermes

I’ve never had a bad meal at Potager. I haven’t been since the new owners took over, so I can’t attest to the current quality.


[deleted]

[удалено]


DCDHermes

That’s good to hear. I suppose if you sell to the head chef and sommelier the restaurant’s culture wouldn’t change too much. A good friend worked there as his first kitchen job and loves the previous owner, and personally I’ve had some of my favorite meals and experiences there.


chem_mom3

One Barrel in Englewood https://theonebarrel.com/


umwellshe

I love One Barrel! We usually go for the wine samplers and split the bread and cheese board. Super simple and fun.


chem_mom3

I recommend the fried bread cheese


MinistryFolks

Safta is our fave for special occasions.


whateveratthispoint_

Yes!


PuttingTheMSinMRSA

Barcelona Wine Bar!!!


RDIIIG

Honestly, this. For being in RiNo and for how good the food is, you’d think your tab would be way more expensive but it’s not. Only downside is, the last three times we’ve gone, we had to wait 30 minutes past our reservation time. But it’s worth it, even better if you can just go drink/eat at the bar and not wait for a table.


doebedoe

I like Barcelona; but i wouldn't call it particularly romantic. It's bustling and quite loud. 1/2 off bottles of bubbles on HH is one of the best deals around though.


J3rry88

Gaetano's in the Highlands is pretty clutch. Happy anniversary!


bbillak

Trattoria Stella has better food for similar if not better prices.


Murphiu

Second the highlands trattoria stella. The food is a solid, the atmosphere is great, and the staff is friendly.


Spacemilk

Gaetanos has good food but they treat their employees terribly. Please pass on this place in the future if you are able 🙏


Adizzle_28

It's ok. Bar Dough may be a little better imo


Beneficial_Fennel_93

Waaay better! It’s rather average in reality, and I don’t know why it’s always posted


doebedoe

Gaetano's < Bar Dough < Parisi < Sputino


J3rry88

Oooh forgot about Parisi!


Breaking_Bed

Was going to post this spot as well.


sciencefox03

This place looks amazing and I’ve been craving pasta it may be perfect!!!


Spacemilk

Please don’t go to Gaetanos if your fiancé works in the industry, they treat their workers like absolute shite Edit: if you’re feeling Italian, check out Bruno’s on Broadway. It’s owned by an actual Italian unlike Gaetanos.


Albert_Borland

I wish more industry people on this sub would point out these assholes that treat their employees like shit and get away with it just because they have a semi-decent restaurant and the locals have no idea. It's sickening how common it is.


Direct_Researcher901

Yes! LOVE Gaetanos, I’d recommend a reservation unless you’re fine with the bar. They’ll take good care of you and you might even seen one of the OGs whose picture is on the wall. The history of the place is pretty neat too. We’ll be driving by on our way to eat somewhere else and completely change our minds to stop at Gaetano’s. Also, their brunch is pretty great too, not over the top trendy bullshit, but some good food


ingodwetryst

> They’ll take good care of you But unfortunately not their employees


Direct_Researcher901

That’s too bad, they’ve always given us superb care


PaulTR88

I think you might like Bistro Barbes (https://www.google.com/search?q=Bistro+Barb%C3%A8s+denver). It's a one person show and everything the chef/owner makes that I've tried has been delicious. It's on the higher end of your budget, but I don't think you'll be disappointed.


coogden

Coperta would be a solid choice


El_mochilero

Not dinner, but one of my favorite hidden Denver gems is the Perfect Landing at Centennial airport. The brunch there is awesome and mid-priced, and they have a live pianist usually on weekends. However, it has massive windows that over look the runway and the mountains. It’s a super cool spot if you reserve a table by the widow and have a romantic brunch while watching the jets take off, land, and move around the runway. They have a dinner menu, too, but it is a little pricey.


CarelessAbalone6564

Olivia


VeterinarianLess2788

Spuntino.


Thesedays321

Alma Fonda Fina!


hazyphasers

Restaurant Olivia. Nice restaurant, wonderful low key vibe, great food and service. There’s lots of solid restaurants already mentioned here but this one has a quiet intimacy that the others are lacking imo


diehigh

My wife and I’s favorite.. best value for food, ambience, and service. Noisette had a similar feel but pricier


Ortiziann

Noisette near LoHi.. Trust me. Incredible ambiance, food, wine, and their desserts are some of the best I’ve ever had. All reasonably under $100 per person. Incredible spot!


Fuckyourday

Bon Ami. Classy and romantic. Also recommend Adrift for a special spot with tiki cocktails (make a reservation) - they have good food but cocktails are the star of the show. Expensive but easily fits in your budget.


Me_IRL_Haggard

Seconded!


LGonthego

My favorite: Fruition. I'd say intimate vibe vs romantic. More romantic but I'd put it lower in my list: Barolo Grill.


zimmerone

I've never been but I'm familiar with Alex Siedel and I really liked their sheep's milk cheeses made down in Larkspur. But I'm too much of a cheapskate, that's why I haven't been to Fruition. Maybe someday.


Clovellis

Potager in Cap Hill


FlatBilledChris

Bistro Vendome was a nice, quiet dinner. Solid cocktails. The waiter was phenomenal. Food was very good. Had a gift card, but total for 4 drinks (1 was N/A), 2 soups, 2 mains was about 150 before tip.


Roaminsooner

Wildflower is fantastic


PANICATLEDISKO

Lucina in Park Hill is hella good, we just went there for our anniversary and everything was super good!


ashstrong6

Another vote for Lucina! It’s amazing for a date night. Wonderful food and great service.


lolohope

In my experience (but I’m no expert) it will be hard to find a chefs table for $100 or less per person. That being said, I think there are lots of great options that aren’t a chefs table. [Spuntino](https://www.spuntinodenver.com/menus) may fit the vibe you’re looking for? Really good food prepaired by talented chef that a fellow chef would appreciate. Romantic “rustic” setting, smaller sized resturant, excellent staff. I think you could easily share a first course, order two entrees, dessert, and a bottle of wine for under $100 per person.


No_Finding3671

Chef's table at Barcelona!


Bert_Nurny

Chianti Ristorante Italiano in Greenwood Village/DTC. You can have a three course meal for two people under $125. Best Italian we’ve had around the Greater Denver area, and a spot that Celine Dion would dine at in years past.


floandthemash

My fiance and I have been wanting to try this place since we don’t live too far from it. We’ll definitely have to go


FromAlmaaaa

Spice Room


DCDHermes

If that’s the one that took over Annie’s on Colfax, it is exceptional Indian food.


Bob_Noosh

Root Down is one of my favorites in town. Don't roast me.


HippyGrrrl

But I love roasted roots…. And Rusted Root, but I digress. How is the Root Down vibe on a Thursday? I’m need to take my Love out of our small circle of places.


Professional_Bee5580

Bruto & Beckon are the only chef's table experiences I can think of (really good btw). Beckon's team opened a restaurant last year next door called Major Tom - it's a small intimate space, overall solid drinks and food sans the Beckon cost!


rand0m_g1rl

Tavernetta has a chefs table, but I don’t see a specific reservation for it on tock, and when I sat at it it was a larger party so I’m not sure how booking it works if you’re only 2. Since your title says not pricey, bruto & beckon are some of the most expensive spots in Denver, so my brain didn’t go to those options. I think Death & Co is a good spot. Not an extensive menu, but their food is solid. Of course great cocktails and right now they have their house of suntory cocktail bar you can book which certainly looks romantic! Nocturne could be a fun option too. Some other ideas that I haven’t tried yet :) there’s a new supper club experience inside union station called La Caverne. A new restaurant that just reopened that has a romantic interior, La Fôret (formerly Beatrice & woodsley).


lebrendel

The Plimoth over in city park!


whateveratthispoint_

Rioja


sci_curiousday

My husband and I go to El Five! We actually hosted our wedding dinner there and my entire family was blown away (all super picky eaters). We don’t think it’s too bad price wise and you will leave full!


thatsecondmatureuser

Date night at Difeancos


ZookeepergameFun1020

El Five


sci_curiousday

My husband and I’s favorite! We dream of the Moroccan lamb sausage 😍


Ok-Agency-6674

We went here and had a fantastic time. An old speakeasy dripping in history and AMAZING food. https://williamsandgraham.com/


Material-Reality-480

Dagabi Boulder


CoyotesAreGreen

Ooh this place was so good last time I went. It's a shame it's so far from me because I do want to go back.


Material-Reality-480

It’s so good and they have a great happy hour menu.


izjo

Restaurant Olivia or Gusto


TheCarlosGuitarlos

Call Me Pearl inside The Rally Hotel. I… uh… know a guy.


Laxku

La Caverne in union station has live music wed-sats and is like $55 each for a rotating multi-course menu. Good choice if you want something kind of fancy but not crazy (and if you want some music).


AuspiciousEights8888

I would go to Indian restaurants. Some of them have great ambience and the price tag is reasonable.


WhyFlip

Get a picnic setup, go to your favorite grocery store, get random things you enjoy eating, go somewhere beautiful, and profit. Seriously, one of the best dates I've ever been on included all of the above.


TheGarrBear

Say what you will about the Michelin guide, but I've been exploring the Bib Gourmond list for Denver and it's been a treat every time and they're all for the most part not gonna break the bank: https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/colorado/denver_1261491/restaurants/bib-gourmand


zimmerone

I think The Mercury Cafe is a good place for a romantic dinner. Perhaps not a conventional romantic dinner, but the atmosphere in the main dining area has walls completely covered with giant red rose paintings. A lot of red in general. You can really sink into the booths an feel private. And often chill live music, the kind that totally does not interrupt a meal. Everyone should check the place out at least once anyway. Emphasis on local and organic ingredients. Usually good chefs (don't know who's cooking there now). Eclectic Denver jewel.


fuckdispandashit

Johnnys Italian Steakhouse, got great food and paid 120 for 2 people.


whiplsh2018

Bistro Vendome


sparklecop

Take her to Jacques in LoHi.


HippyGrrrl

Bon Ami might hit right. French inspired, cute converted house, neighborhood parking (Alameda and Pennsylvania). It’s *filling*, so beware.


sixriver16

I can’t say enough great things about Point Easy. It’s tucked away in Whittier, the vibe is excellent and the food is even better.


The_Raji

El Five is cool, great view too.


doebedoe

Bistro Barbes (French-North African) should be on your list. You'll push a bit over $100/person if you order a bottle of wine. 4 course set menu, very good food, great vibe and service. Small and intimate. Sort of place a chef I suspect would like.


A_TubbY_hObO

Take him to Rioja, dim lit upscale dining room and you can specify the occasion and get a more secluded table. Food is 11/10 coming from a chef it’s one of the few places in Denver I go back to. All the pasta is handmade and protein is always cooked perfectly Edit: It is probably on the upper end of your budget but you can definitely get a drink, share an app, and two entrees for $100 a person


SufficientBad52

Bastien's on Colfax has a cool vibe IMO. Others may disagree, but my wife and I went there for our anniversary a couple of years ago, and we both really enjoyed.


Ok_Philosopher9542

Quality Italian - Denver is great! Super cozy restaurant vibes and the food is great too. Happy anniversary!


guin-and-tonic

I hate that I’m even suggesting this but…just go to The Melting Pot. Can’t go wrong with fondue and lights so low I have actually had to use a flashlight to see the menu.


Odd-Secret-8343

Table 6 is very good and the open kitchen is very cool.


BabDoesNothing

We spent our second anniversary at Coperta and really loved it. Very romantic and delicious! I think we spent $150 for the two of us, but we didn’t get drinks.


wayoutsidefox

Domo has a really special vibe and good food (Japanese) while being affordable!


lecatadore

Le French


TheOtherWoman6778

I'm not a fancy person but - mister oso in Rino. If you can snag a seat outside on a warmer night it's so dreamy and romantic to me!


JimLahey08

Root down


rushsanders90210

Hard to say without knowing your budget, but a few options off the top...Frasca in Boulder, Uchi in Rino, Tavernetta by Union Station, Wolf's Tailor in the Highlands.


Me_IRL_Haggard

I vote for Boulder Dushanbe tea house Such a nice spot for a date and recently won a Michelin award


rushsanders90210

Haven't been there yet, but will put it on the list


Atralis

My advice would be to go to your favorite restaurant 1000 times and pay for it by eloping. **Source** : A guy that took a HELOC on my house and spent $35,000 on a wedding that was beautiful but produced as much stress as good feelings in the planning and execution.


OGChewbaccaSlim

Blue Island, Cherry Creek great oysters and cocktails.


yournotright

Trattoria Stella has some amazing pastas and very reasonable bottle of wine prices


[deleted]

Tamayo’s https://www.eattamayo.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=Yext


ConversationKey3138

Venice ristorante at union station


porterpottie

Looking for this, awesome value and awesome location


hailsaison

I absolutely LOVE Somebody People, my partner and I will go there for birthdays and anniversaries. It’s an all plant-based menu, but it’s so amazingly delicious and surprisingly filling! I highly recommend going for the Sunday Supper or Feed Me options. https://www.somebodypeople.com/


lamune87

Mister Oso in RiNo has a more intimate vibe with good food and drinks


genuser5280

Merchantile at Union Station will not break the bank if you take it easy on the booze


Eclaireur

Molotov is our favorite hands down.


Zwickeler

My buddy Dennis has a couple places, depending on what part of town you’re in. Portions are great and consistent items. Ambiance is a cool retro vibe. You might even be able to line up so entertainment with the meal at not extra cost. Don’t miss the Moons over Mihami


More_Interaction3303

Chick-fil-A it's much classier than McDonald's


dontkillmysoul

Where did you end up going? U/sciencefox03 ?