The Top Five Food Tours in Denver

In a city known for its environmentally conscious citizens, the locavore movement seems to be a natural fit. As such, chefs from across the U.S. are making the trek to Denver to open restaurants that serve up some of the country's freshest fare. Larimer Square, the city's oldest block, has become a food haven, where restaurants such as Rioja offer spice-rubbed Colorado lamb or artichoke tortellini. Most have patio restaurant fronts — especially enjoyable in the summer months — that offer Denver residents and visitors a very European feel. While it's hard to taste all the cuisines in the area, here are five Denver food tours that give guests a sense of what this mile-high city has to offer.

A Gourmet Taste of Denver stops at delicious, unique local eateries

Photo via Little Man Ice Cream

A Gourmet Taste of Denver food tour takes tour guests to some of Denver's best culinary spots so they can experience the city's artisanal fare. They will experience the city's craft beer scene, for instance, which draws beer experts from all over the world for the Great American Beer Festival each year. Tour guests will also visit Little Man Ice Cream shop, where the delicious treat is created within a 14,000-pound cream can. Paninis, warm baked goods and cuisine from the city's food trucks are other highlights on this 3-hour tour.

Take a walk on the foodie side with the Denver Savor the Flavors Walking Tour

Photo via their FB page

The Denver Savor the Flavors Walking Tour always ends with a stop at a local bar for happy hour. Prior to that, guests will participate in a 2-hour culinary excursion, which includes informal interactions with chefs and delicious tastings of foods ranging from cupcakes to salami to olive oil. The four stops on the tour are all within walking distance of each other in food-centric neighborhoods such as South Pearl Street, East Colfax and Tejon.

Tasting Denver's finest with the Denver Top Restaurant Tours

Photo via their official website

Guests looking to check out the city's best independent restaurants, can take the Denver Top Restaurant Tours from Culinary Connectors. The 3-hour tour explores three restaurants, where guests will meet the restaurant chefs who will introduce their cooking style and maybe even show off their kitchen. Then, tour guest will get to try delicious tastings, as well as wine and beer pairings. Some of the spots on the tour could include Indulge French Bistro or Highlands Cork & Café — both of which are known for their wine selections.

Old World cuisine in Denver's Highlands neighborhood with Taste of the Highlands

Photo via their official website

Denver's popular Highlands neighborhood is known for its food scene, which is why the Taste of the Highlands tour is always a popular choice for visitors. Guests will get to eat their way through the city's mob-rich history in this Old World neighborhood. A visit to the Savory Spice Shop, which was featured on Food Network, is one of the tour highlights, especially for foodies looking for rare exotic spices such as the ghost pepper chile. Other stops in this quaint neighborhood include a panini shop and ice cream shop.

Experience Denver fare like a local with Local Table Tours

Photo via their official website

Visitors that want to eat at in-the-know Denver spots should check out Local Table Tours. The company offers a variety of 1.5- to 2.5-hour tours in the Boulder and Denver areas, providing tour guests with insight into local residents' favorite restaurants and bars. Owner Megan Bucholz takes guests on individualized tours that include the city's best independent restaurants. The tour starts with a wine or cocktail tasting at a popular bar, followed by an appetizer, main dish and dessert at restaurants such as The Kitchen, which has an entire seafood bar made up of king crab legs, clams, mussels and oysters.