Five new dishes define October's best dining in Denver

Denver diners have new options to consider as restaurants update their menus for the fall season. Five specific dishes and concepts stood out during October, ranging from high-end dessert shops to affordable neighborhood spots. These recommendations reflect a shift in local dining, with owners prioritizing craftsmanship and value across different price points.

Sadboy Creamery opened a new pint shop on East Colfax Avenue. The shop sells pints starting at $16. Michael Kimball, the owner and creator, emphasized the ingredients and craftsmanship behind the product. The shop aims to justify its price tag through the quality of the ice cream itself rather than relying on social media trends.

On the north side of RiNo, Risica opened with a menu where no item exceeds $20. Chef Andrea Frizzi, previously known for Il Posto, designed the menu to pass savings on to customers. The restaurant serves pizzas and sandwiches, including a portfolio sandwich for $15. A standout item is the stuffed calamari, which skips breading and frying. Instead, the calamari tube is filled with capers, anchovies, and bread crumbs, then sliced and covered in a briny marinara sauce.

At Ace Eat Serve, executive chef Kevin Chu introduced a new Taiwanese beef noodle soup. Chu took over as executive chef in August. The dish features tender braised beef cheek in a rich broth seasoned with star anise. The noodles offer a slight bite that transitions to a soft chew. The bowl includes pickled mustard greens and daikon radish for balance and texture.

Leven Deli added an autumn squash and pepitas dish to its small plates menu. The portion is large enough for a full lunch. It features roasted butternut squash served over Aleppo pepper aioli. The dish is topped with toasted pumpkin seeds, providing a crunchy texture and salty flavor.

Bahn Mi House opened at the end of October in the southern suburbs. The shop shares a parking lot with Sabroso! and My Favorite Muffin. It serves banh mi sandwiches with house-made buns. Options include cured meats or roasted proteins like pork belly and grilled pork. All sandwiches come with pate, pickled vegetables, jalapeno, and cilantro. The restaurant has already seen lines and waits due to high demand.