1. Mix Cocktails With Culinary Excellence At Monsoon Cuisine of India
Monsoon Cuisine of India
24107 E Commons Ave, Ste 105
Aurora, CO 80016
(303) 627-5444
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 88 reviews
Delicious Indian cuisine paired with a high-end cocktail bar? Sign us up.
The creamy tikka masala is a favorite, as are the succulent lamb dishes, garlic naan, samosas, and perfectly spiced saag paneer. The atmosphere is fun and relaxed and the dinners are outstanding.
2. Experience Fragrant Vietnamese Cuisine At Pho 888 Vietnamese Noodle & Grill
Pho 888
539 N Sable Blvd
(303) 367-4180
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 168 reviews
This family owned and operated joint offers the best pho in town: rich broth, fresh herbs, and thinly sliced beef—perfection. The egg rolls are crisp, the lemongrass chicken is fragrant, and the sauce for the vermicelli is that perfect balance of spice and sweetness.
3. Pop By Rosie’s Diner For A Classic ‘50s Dining Experience
Rosie’s Diner
14061 E lliff Ave
Aurora, CO 80014
(303) 752-3663
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 63 reviews
Rosie’s is a pitch-perfect 1950s classic, from the shiny chrome to the vintage jukebox to the classic diner fare and the super friendly service. This place is seriously old school in all the best ways.
Try out the fried pickles and Hawaiian burger, and be sure to order one of their milkshakes in one of over a dozen flavors.
4. Take A Culinary Cruise Down The Nile
Nile Ethiopian
1951 S Havana St
(720) 748-0239
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 41 reviews
Widely considered the best Ethiopian food in the region, the Nile has a friendly, warm atmosphere and authentic cuisine. An excellent spot for vegans and vegetarians as well as meat-eaters, the lamb tibs and shiro wat are stand-out dishes.
5. Experience The Flavors Of Marrakesh At Café Paprika
Café Paprika
13160 E Mississippi Ave
(303) 755-4150
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 97 reviews
Specializing in Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine, Café Paprika offers a beautiful range from delicate couscous to perfectly juicy kebabs. Don’t miss the preserved lemon with olives tagine, and be sure to try the bastilla, which comes out flaky and tender, showcasing the best of Moroccan spicing.
6. Enjoy Modern American Cuisine At The Bent Fork Grill
The Bent Fork Grill
12191 E lliff Ave
(303) 337-6600
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 102 reviews
From the looks and location, you’d be forgiven for assuming The Bent Fork Grill is a chain restaurant. However, this joint is actually a locally-owned spot that offers playful twists on American classics.
Try out the inventive cauliflower wings, wide selection of cocktails, perfectly-prepared salmon BLT, and their unbearably good bread pudding.
7. Explore A Continent Of Cuisine At The African Grill And Bar
African Grill And Bar
1010 S Peoria St
(720) 949-0784
Yelp: 4 stars, 68 reviews
While this restaurant honors the cuisines of various African countries, the family who owns the space are originally from Ghana, and the Ghanaian dishes are definitely stands-outs.
Try the fufu, which is perfectly spicy. Also excellent: the jerk goat, octopus, and anything involving plantains—oh, just taste the whole menu.
8. Perfect Your Sunday With Brunch At The French Press
The French Press
15290 E lliff Ave
(303) 369-3111
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 224 review
With five different eggs benedict options, this place is the king of brunch in Aurora. Be sure to order the zucchini pistachio pancakes, or if you’re feeling extra decadent, go with their chocolate bourbon pecan French toast topped with chocolate mascarpone, because of course it is.
9. Go On A Double Date At Seoul BBQ
Seoul BBQ
2080 S Havana St
(303) 632-7576
Yelp: 4 stars, 241 reviews
You might reasonably think that a joint Korean barbeque-sushi joint wouldn’t be that spectacular, but the award-winning Seoul BBQ is actually rather exceptional.
There’s great, plentiful kimchi, tasty bibimbap, and killer bulgogi. Go out in a group and try the BBQ combinations.
10. Enjoy Budget-Friendly Fare At Tacos And Tortas Selene
Tacos And Tortas Selene
15343 E 6th Ave Ste A
(303) 343-7879
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 57 reviews
Tacos And Tortas Selene might just be the best place in town to eat like a king for under $6. This hole in the wall offers creamy horchatas, sopes, and authentic, delicious tacos: be sure to try the al pastor and barbacoa.
11. Experience Fresh Flavors At The Pearl of Siam
Pearl of Siam
18660 E Hampden Ave
(303) 617-7408
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 114 reviews
This is a perfect place for both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Be sure to start off with the made-from-scratch steamed dumplings or creamy, kefir-lime infused tom kha, and check out the drunken noodles and truly spicy pad see ew. The sweet rice with mango is a healthful and delicious ending.
12. Pizza And Beer Gets a New Twist At Dad & Dudes Breweria
Dad & Dudes Breweria
6730 S Cornerstar Way Ste D
(303) 400-5699
Yelp: 4 stars, 203 reviews
Dad & Dudes Breweria serves great local craft beer, some house-made and others locally made, in a low-key fun environment.
They have new offerings every Friday, but the Dank IPA is a signature. Come by during their excellently-priced happy hour for one of their stellar pizzas and a brew.
13. Order Breakfast For Dinner And Green Chile For Breakfast At Sam’s No 3
Sam’s No 3
2580 S Havana St
(303) 751-0347
Yelp: 4 stars, 224 reviews
This wacky eatery, which has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, lets you snack from a gigantic menu influenced by both Greek and Mexican cuisine.
Be sure to check out the macho nacho, and whatever you do, order something with that famous Colorado green chile.
14. Go For A Seafood Lunch At Golden Saigon
Golden Saigon
2648 S Parker Rd
(303) 671-7100
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 139 reviews
The staff at this excellent Vietnamese grill is friendly and knowledgeable. The seafood is exceptionally good here, and the chefs perfectly prepare everything from lemongrass shrimp to crab meat soup. Drop in for their incredibly well-priced lunch specials.
15. Take A Trip To The Philippines At The Sunburst Grill
Sunburst Grill
2295 S Chambers Rd Ste M
(303) 752-6389
Yelp: 4 stars, 71 reviews
Sunburst Grill offers the only true Filipino cuisine in the region, and it’s incredibly tasty.
Try the adobo if you’ve never tried Filipino food before.The
sisig, a traditional pork dish, stands out as authentically made, and this version is crispy, chewy, and perfectly vinegary.
Feature image source: Dads & Dudes Brewia
What’s your go-to for great grub in Aurora? Tell us in the comments below!