Tavernetta

The story

Tavernetta Denver: Contemporary Italian Dining With a 2026 Michelin Bib Gourmand

Tavernetta, at 1889 16th St. in Denver, is a contemporary Italian restaurant that earned a 2026 Michelin Bib Gourmand for good-quality, good-value cooking. It sits in the Union Station neighborhood.

Handmade pasta from a Frasca kitchen

Executive Chef Cody Cheetham leads the kitchen for Frasca Hospitality Group, founded by Chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson and Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey. The menu is built around fresh handmade pastas. Rigatoni comes with lamb ragu and Pecorino Romano, while tagliatelle pairs Maine lobster with Calabrian chili and preserved tomato.

Wine, cocktails and dessert

The wine and spirits list is directed toward Italy, and it earned a Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence in 2020. The bar serves cocktails such as the Penicillin, made with Scotch, Laphroaig, lemon, ginger and honey, along with a Venetian Spritz. For dessert, tiramisu is made with espresso, rum, mascarpone and cocoa.