Avelina

This brand new Lower Downtown restaurant from power house duo John Broening and pastry chef Yasmin Lozada-Hissom serves elevated, French-inspired cuisine in a sleek cream and navy dining room. A well-curated wine list is the star of the large bar area, complete with huge windows—and a patio—overlooking Denver's busy downtown. The seasonal menu is heavy on wood-fired proteins (think yuzu-glazed short ribs and a roast fish of the day), but veggie lovers will enjoy the mushroom ravioli and the roasted vegetable tagine. Whatever you do, save room for dessert; Yasmin makes a citrus olive oil cake to remember.