Cucina Colore in Denver Colorado

Cucina Colore

Address: 3041 E. 3rd Ave.

Cross Streets: 3rd Ave. and St. Paul

Phone: 303-393-6917

Price: $$

Reservations: Yes

Hours: L-D:Daily

Cucina Colore, with its upbeat, modern dining room and bar in the heart of Cherry Creek, offers guests contemporary Italian cuisine. The menu focuses on fresh and seasonal ingredients. The design is modern, warm and friendly, as people enjoy meals in cozy booths or savor a drink at the bar. Behind a wall of glass windows and doors, a small sidewalk patio offers a front-row seat for people watching. A plate of bread with balsamic vinegar and herb dipping sauce arrives as you are seated. Follow with a light Caprese salad of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella and basil drizzled with olive oil, or try the beef carpaccio with arugula and shaved grana cheese. The ahi tuna "crudo" with endive, mache, strawberry and papaya citronetta bursts with flavor and taste. Wood-oven-fired pizzas are perfect with traditional Italian toppings in contemporary combinations. All the pastas make great entrées, especially the ravioli steeped in rich brown sugar and balsamic sauce, with a few leaves of sage to cut the sweetness. The most exciting "pastaless" lasagna combines eggplant, roasted tomato, spinach and smoked mozzarella--satisfying any taste with its combination of veggies topped with a perfect marinara. Meat eaters will enjoy the New York strip or juicy pork chops, while the fish preparations are unique and enticing. Pay attention to the daily specials. For dessert, indulge in vanilla-bean mascarpone custard, the decadent chocolate oblivion, or the ethereal peach bread pudding in rich caramel sauce. With friendly service and an excellent wine list, Cucina Colore well deserves its status as a favorite for dining in the Cherry Creek North area.