Panzano in Denver Colorado

Panzano

Address: 909 17th St.

Cross Streets: 17th and Champa

Phone: 303-296-3525

Price: $$$$

Reservations: Yes

Hours: B-L-D:Daily, BR:Sat-Sun

Panzano is a perfect dining experience with every detail just right. The upscale but casual décor accents a wonderful open kitchen, a huge bar and several private rooms. Snag a seat at the bar to chat with the chefs as they go about their work. Service is perfect, the wine list excellent, and the food incredible. Enjoy baskets of homemade breads and dipping sauce. Executive chef Elise Wiggins brings great excitement to the scene, and she charmingly chats with every guest. A visit with Elise is worth the trip, but stay for the food. The array of homemade breads and extraordinary dipping sauce are perfect for nibbling as you decide on your meal. Start with crispy calamari with spicy chile aioli, sautéed shrimp with garlic and basil white wine and brioche, or the incredible flatbread pizza topped with imported cheese and prosciutto. Pastas include an amazing fettuccine with mushrooms, ravioli with smoked salmon and ricotta and pappardelle with boar ragu. Entrées bring a divine Tuscan-style salmon, pan-seared blue nose bass, osso buco and lamb chops. More choices include pan-seared sole with creamy polenta, salmon with Tuscan cannelloni stew and a buridda of mussels, calamari, shrimp and fish in lobster broth. Pork, duck three ways, balsamic-honey-glazed chicken and braised beef short ribs appeal, as do the veal choices. End with warm chocolate cake and ice cream, a trio of crème brûlées, cheesecake and gelato. Alison Fisher heads the front of the house and is as delightful as her kitchen counterpart. The all-female team draws raves. Located in the Hotel Monaco, Panzano is tops in Denver dining.