It was just last year that the UK-based Escapism magazine dubbed Denver “America’s next great food city,” and now The New York Times is backing that up.
The Times recently released its annual list of America’s best restaurants, and Denver doubled its showing, from one restaurant in 2025 to two this year.
While last year’s list featured chef Johnny Curiel’s Mezcaleria Alma as Denver’s only pick, this year the Times recognized Curiel’s newest establishment, Milpero, alongside chef Theo Adley’s Heretik.
Both restaurants opened in May and sit just over a mile apart. Heretik is in RiNo, and Milpero is just outside the neighborhood.
Launched by Adley, Heretik is a rotisserie chicken spot that also serves up international seafood—French and Spanish styles, namely.
“This cozy, Basque-inspired spot from James Beard nominated Chef [Theo Adley] of [Marigold in Lyons] absolutely nails the balance of being cool, refined, and non-pretentious all at the same time,” Colorado wrote Bites on Instagram.
The wine list is something to behold as well, earning Adley and Jenessa Reiman a Sommelier Award in this year’s Michelin Guide.
Heretik is located at 1441 26th St. Check out the website to view the menu and find the hours they’re open (closed on Tuesday).
Milpero, the sixth restaurant from Curiel, has also been racking up praise and accolades in the short time it’s been open. The Mexican eatery became the 10th Michelin-starred restaurant in Colorado upon the release of this year’s guide.
The restaurant hosts just two seatings of eight per night, providing an intimate experience in which Curiel leads patrons through 18 courses over three hours.
“We’re grateful to everyone who has believed in us and in our vision for Mexican food at this level,” the restaurant posted to Instagram after receiving word that it had been featured in this year’s NYT list. “It’s a win for not only our team, but for our entire culture. None of this is possible without our team at Milpero, and everyone who has helped us bring this restaurant to life.”
Find Milpero at 3455 Ringsby Court. Reservations are hard to get, so book early on the website.
READ MORE: One Colorado restaurant gains Michelin star in new guide
