Denver foodies are abuzz about a new addition to the Mile High cuisine scene, brought to the city by the same team that’s behind Michelin-recommended and James Beard-nominated Restaurant Olivia.

Now open for business, the recently opened Dear Emilia restaurant has a menu that’s inspired by northern Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region. Described as the “agricultural heart” of northern Italy and the place that birthed some of Italy’s most beloved dining options, a few dishes this region is known for include Parmigiano Reggiano, traditional balsamico, proscuitto di Parma, and tagliatelle.

The team behind the restaurant has traveled to this part of Italy together for years, with Dear Emilia meant to be a sort of “love letter” to the region, highlighting the spot’s rich tradition and heritage.

The interior of Dear Emilia has been described as blending “modern elegance with a welcoming sense of comfort,” with the restaurant located in The Current multi-use building on Delgany Street and having enough space for more than 80 guests.

“This restaurant has been a long time coming, and it means so much to finally welcome people into a space we’ve poured so much care into,” said Heather Morrison, who leads Dear Emilia’s hospitality program, said. “I can’t wait for guests to experience what we adore about this beautiful region, whether they’re discovering it for the first time or reconnecting with flavors they already love. More than anything, we’re hoping to add something truly special to Denver’s vibrant and ever-evolving dining scene.”

Based on the menu, Dear Emilia does, indeed, feel like it will find a fit on Denver’s roster of vibrant restaurants.

“Dear Emilia’s menu reflects Chef Leon’s reverence for Emilia-Romagna’s most defining culinary traditions while celebrating the agricultural richness of Colorado and beyond,” reads a press release from the restaurant about its menu. “For example, on the “Da Iniziare” or “To Start” menu, there is the gnocco fritto, a fried dough reminiscent of beignets made with local Rouge de Bordeaux flour, topped with smoked country ham and local pear mostarda. Guests will also find soufflé al parmigiano, an airy soufflé of 24-month Parmigiano Reggiano with grape honey from Acetaia San Giacomo. The menu’s pasta dishes are rooted in regional customs, like garganelli rolled by hand on a pettine in the traditional style, made with Colorado rye flour and served with house-made duck sausage, brown butter and black truffle. Tortellini in brodo, a celebratory dish from Bologna, will be filled with mortadella and pork and finished with a pour of clarified Parmesan broth at the table. Lasagna verde is also on the menu, comprised of rolled green pasta layered with bolognese and béchamel. Main secondi dishes, like Grama Farms Beef Striploin from Boulder County topped with pesto modenese, a classic mixture of lardo, rosemary, Parmigiano Reggiano and black pepper, will reflect the rustic farmhouse cooking of Modena. To finish, guests can expect dolci such as tiramisù made with hazelnut sabayon, FEW Bourbon-soaked espresso and house-made ladyfingers, as well as a rotating selection of house-made gelati.”

Start planning a trip to Dear Emilia here.

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