50 Best Italian Restaurants near Thornton

“We celebrated my Mom's 80th birthday at OG today. There were 19 of us and the service was spectacular! They even kept the cake we brought in their fridge until we were ready for it. I can't say enough about what a wonderful experience it was. Many thanks to the Olive Garden staff for making Mom's birthday so great!“

“Bina the owner was very welcoming, had lots of choices and the restaurant was very family friendly. Great, quick pizza.“

“I cannot say enough about the incredible experience I had with Sliceworks in Thornton. As a member of the West Ridge Elementary PTA, I’m always looking for ways to celebrate our hardworking teachers and staff. With National Pizza Day approaching, I hoped to partner with a local pizzeria to treat them—but with a limited budget, I wasn’t sure what was possible. From the moment I reached out, the Sliceworks team went above and beyond. They immediately connected me with their manager, Mike, who responded quickly, asked what we needed, and said he’d see what he could do. Within days, he reached back out—not with hesitation or conditions, but with generosity. He was all in. Despite being overwhelmed that day, handling orders from other schools, and even dealing with a no-call no-show, Mike and his team delivered exactly what he promised—exceptional service and even better food. Our staff was absolutely blown away, not just by the quality of the pizza but by the kindness and dedication behind it. Sliceworks isn’t just a pizza place; it’s a business that cares. You can feel it in the way they serve their customers and taste it in every bite. We won’t be going anywhere else for pizza in the future, and we cannot wait to continue supporting and partnering with such an outstanding team. The world needs more businesses like Sliceworks—and more people like Mike.“

“I've lived right dwn the road for 19yrs exactly, next wk, & think this place has been here the entire time. If I feel like a good lunch special or want a delicious calzone, I come here!“

“this is a great place. very family friendly. food is great. staff is amazing“

“Crepe bar and bottomless mimosas were the best I’ve ever had“

“I placed a large order consisting of 10 large pizzas of various types and 5 orders of Crazy Bread with sauce less than two hours before an event I was attending. Despite the short notice, the team had everything ready right on time as promised.
Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, I ended up running about 40 minutes late. While I was on my way, the store called to confirm that I was still coming to pick up the order, and I assured them that I was.
When I arrived, the cashier explained that because the food had been sitting for a while and was beginning to cool down, they did not feel comfortable serving it. Instead, they insisted on remaking the entire order to ensure I received fresh food. I told them I was perfectly willing to take the original order since the delay was completely my fault, but they remained committed to providing a quality product.
I expected there would be an additional charge for remaking such a large order, but they told me that wouldn’t be necessary. I gave them the go-ahead, and the entire order was remade and ready in about 20 minutes.
The pizzas and Crazy Bread were fantastic, and I wanted to share this experience because it truly stood out. It’s rare to see a business go to such lengths to prioritize customer satisfaction, especially when the situation was caused by the customer. Their professionalism, generosity, and commitment to quality left a lasting impression.
I’m genuinely impressed and will gladly continue bringing my business to this location. Thank you to the entire day-shift team on 6/6/26 for going above and beyond!“

“This was our first time at Spuntino. My friend and I loved it. The food is creative and delicious. We were in the back room, and it got quite loud sometimes because it's so small and everyone is having lively conversations. The one thing that bummed me out, but I thought was cool at the same time, is that the kitchen is right there in the main room out in the open. Like it would be if you were cooking in your own kitchen. How neat to watch it all go down! However, my hair and clothes stunk like bacon after I left. I would still go back in a heartbeat. There are more things I'd like to try.“

“Everything is fabulous!!!“

“Great food. A must when your in Denver“

“Ordered drinks, waiter returned for order, appetizers arrived, no drinks, server said bartender was busy, drinks came halfway through appetizers, gave us bill and dessert at same time, no acknowledgement of birthday… made a deal of checking beforehand“

“Great Food and friendly staff!“

“Amazing food! Fantastic seasonal options! A hidden gem of Denver.“

“Had an amazing dinner and an amazing server Noah!!! 10/10 experience!! Every bite of food was amazing and everyone was excited to eat their leftovers!!“

“Delicious food especially the lasagna. Amazing desserts.“

“Fantastic service, The food was amazing. We went for our anniversary and we totally enjoyed the night. Can't wait to go back ❤️“

“I just had the butternut squash ravioli and it was amazing!! I might come back tomorrow and have it all over again 🤩“

“Wow! The food was so insanely good it made me want to lick the plate clean, every bite was worth savoring. The whole vibe is effortlessly cool, with an atmosphere that makes you want to stay awhile. What really sealed the deal was the customer service. The owner was down to earth, friendly, and made us feel genuinely welcome. If you're anywhere near the area, do yourself a favor and stop by Bar Red. You’ll walk out already planning your next visit.“

“This is my favorite restaurant! The food has a sensuous and complex flavor profile while also being rustic Italian. You will not find a better pomodoro sauce anywhere unless your grandma is from Italy and has a long held family recipe. The pasta is hand made and has a perfect texture and amazing flavor with the sauce. The house made buratta is the freshest, creamiest and thickest you’ll enjoy outside of select NYC restaurants that are famous for making their own mozzarella, ricotta or buratta. And the staff treat their guests like they’ve invited you into their own home. Jessica was amazing! All together, going to Luca’s is like getting the perfect big warm hug.“

“We had a fantastic experience at Venice! We’ve lived in Denver for 20 years and we never knew this place existed. Great atmosphere and the food was amazing, so authentic! We went with our 3 kids (13, 10 and 10), they ordered off the kids menu and loved the fettuccini Alfredo. The service was excellent, and our server, Gillian was on point. I can’t say enough good things about him. We will most definitely be back. I would recommend this place to anyone. This place is really nice and intimate feeling. Great for a date night or a family dinner, so long you have well behaved kids who love good food.“

“Five stars. Five stars for Mickey’s Top Sirloin, but do not misunderstand me. I am not reviewing a restaurant. I am reviewing KT, the celestial event that happened to be carrying menus.

KT is not a server. KT is the reason the lights turn on. KT is the reason forks know what to do. KT walked up to our table and the universe immediately stopped buffering. I saw the face of hospitality and it had perfect timing, a beautiful smile, and the name KT.

Give KT a raise. Give KT the building. Give KT the moon. Give KT a tiny crown and a ceremonial steak knife and let her rule over all tables forever. I came in as a regular customer and left as a witness.

Mickey’s Top Sirloin is excellent because KT is there. Without KT, perhaps it is a building. With KT, it is a holy site with parking.

Five stars. All KT. Only KT. Forever KT. The universe is KT-shaped and I am simply lucky to have been seated in it.“

“We went for lunch or the first time today and had the amazing lunch. We eachhad the lunch special, which includes a specialty Pizza and a salad of your choice for starting at $14.50. I had the funguy Pizza, which is a Mushroom Pizza. It was absolutely amazing. I ordered mine without arugula , as I do not perfer that. It was so good that I ordered a full size to take home for dinner. Our server was Jordan and she was awesome. Very friendly and knowledgeable. The only downside I have to say is that their drinks were just okay. We had a Italian spritzer that was kind of tart, and then I ordered a Vodka martini, which they said they do not commonly make, and I could tell why... I sent it back and ended up getting a glass of red wine but the pinot noir was mediocre at best. I think management should up their Wine selection and quality, if they're going to pair with Italian dishes. I would definitely go back and order more Pizza and the meatballs look amazing as well.“

“It is a very nice place with a unique atmosphere, the decoration, the area, the place, the staff and, above all, the food is excellent and very tasty.I really recommend this place 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟“

“Excellent food and service. Homemade pasta, bread, desserts. These guys know what they are doing. Service was outstanding - very attentive without being annoying. Highly recommend.“

“Amazing pizza, great sandwiches, delicious cocktails!“

“Most authentic hit the spot made with love Italian food I have ever eaten in all of Colorado absolutely astonished with everything I’ve eaten here never disappoints if I could I’d give them 10 stars absolutely delicious🤤 ♥️🙌🏽“

“The food is excellent!!! I highly recommend if you’re a pasta lover!“

“My boyfriend and I had dinner here on 11/15/25. The food was wonderful, the service was great and everyone was so friendly. We don’t live in Denver but we visit often so we will be back.“

“Went to the Plimoth for the first time last night! What a Culinary treat. Farm to table food created by a chef that owns the restaurant. Highly recommend!“

“We had a fantastic dinner last night! Easy to get a reservation and they were ready for us the minute we arrived. Makayla was our waitress and she was amazing! She had great knowledge of the menu and was spot on in her recommendations! Kudos to kitchen as everything was perfect!“

“The food tastes very good, the spaghetti I like is a must“

“This past Friday night at the Denver Airport, I had THE BEST PIZZA I’ve had since I was in Rome 15 years ago! The crust was so light, so tender, I thought it might fly away. Incredible service too!“

“Clean and spacious location... good food... and excellent kindness and courtesy staff... especially Nathan... we will definitely be back and recommend.“

“We were the only ones in there and was a bit skeptical at first but the pizza was so good. The owner was so friendly and welcoming and he made great recommendations. We had the enzo and the pig and cow and both were awesome. The crust was so light and crispy and pairing on the pig and cow was awesome. We aren't from the area so I was happy we stumbled upon this place and will definitely come when I visit again!“

“We received a gift card from a family member at Christmas and decided to use it on a Saturday night in January. The restaurant was packed but there was seating in the bar area, so we decided, what the heck(!) and went to the bar. Once seated we were greeted with the friendliest bar staff, Marissa and Tiernan. We wanted a glass of red and Marissa recommended the Porta Vita Italia. It is a delicious bargain and we were so impressed (and now hooked!). Our food was and continues to be great, as now we have become Saturday night regulars! We are Italian and honestly did not think we could get a traditional and tasty meal at a chain. Marissa and Tiernan, thank you for the excellent, friendly customer service and sweetness. You both are classy, sassy and super bad-**sy! We always look forward to our Saturday nights hanging with you both! See you next time, Cheers!“

“Love this place! Great service and fantastic food!“

“Great customer service! Nice welcome when you head in and positive attitude. Pizza was ready in less than 10 min for carry out. It was delicious with great toppings and perfect cheesiness! Absolutely love their pizza for any occasion.“

“Our Mother’s Day event at Postino 9CO was incredible. Molly Jones offered incredible thoughtfulness, kindness and service as the person in charge. And, as usual the food and wine selection is simply incredible. We will be back“

“First time and the food was amazing. Service was a tiny bit lacking but they were busy. Will definitely go back soon. Highly recommend but go early afternoon if you can. At 5 when we were leaving they became packed.“

“First time here, 06/04/26. Ive been all over NY + NJ and tried TONS of pizza. This place has the best NY style pizza in the northern Denver metro area. Price was reasonable, especially for the quality of the pie, and the owner/ staff were great. Will definitely be back.“

“Outstanding! We brought two young kids here and truly had the greatest dinner out with them ever. Rashid, our waiter, was such a great server. He gifted our boys small goodie bags to keep them entertained as soon as we sat down, was willing to ask the kitchen to make pesto noodles for our son despite it not being on the menu (which they did a great job of, delicious pine nuts and all), AND most importantly he brought us a wonderful surprise for dessert, perfect for our kids and it truly made the cherry on top of a great meal.

I was worried the restaurant would be a bit too formal to bring young kids to, and perhaps it was (??), but they were prepared for kids (goodie bag, special dessert) and didn't seem to mind spaghetti sauce on their white tablecloth either.

Slight con: it was a warm day, and their enclosed patio seating room was warm (like too warm) even with the fan. This did serve to keep the other diners inside the restaurant rather than out there with us, which worked out well for us for fear our kids would cause a disturbance to others' romantic meals :)“

“Great pizza and excellent staff. Thank you for the best pizza in Denver.“

“the food was really good and the staff was friendly a little bit overpriced but other than that a really good experience“

“Delish food and great service all in a beautiful but comfortable setting.“

“Huge variety of food and all dishes are delicious.“

“Great experience all around!“

“My husband and I are from Colorado Springs and we had family in town from Maryland and we took them to Lou’s this past Thursday for lunch. My husband and I have never been there either. What a WONDERFUL experience and the food was INCREDIBLE!!! My husband and I bought the premade rigatoni bolognese to take home for a dinner after our family left. This evening when we went to cook it we weren’t sure on the temperature or timeframe. I called Lou’s and the gentleman remembered us and gave me instructions. Super Awesome folks with delicious food. Thank you guys for the help over the phone with cooking instructions. We will definitely be driving to Denver again to frequent this establishment. 10 out of 10 for sure. YOU GUYS ROCK!!!“

“If you are planning a trip to Colorado, plan it in August, go to Blue Pan Pizza , and get their August special PEACH pizza. I had it last year and it’s even better than I remember this year! Get that perfect bite and make every one of your tastebuds happy!“

“We love Gusto -such a hidden gem - their pizza is some of the best in the city - tomato sauces on point - and they have incredible Gluten Free options- maybe the best GF pizza in the city, cant even tell, tastes like my dreamiest east coast pies! Just want to say I’m so very very sad to see a reduced GF menu, the GF mozzarella bites, gf mixto fritto, and gf polenta options are so missed, as well as having a few rather than one gf pasta…. Just sad because you are/were the best and only place in town doing it - my husband happily ate the gf saying he couldn’t even tell 😍

And thank you to the bartenders, especially our amaro loving friend - it’s always a pleasure to dine with you!“

“Oh honey, let me paint you a picture…
You walk in and it’s like*BAM*you’ve been emotionally transported to grandma’s house… but not your grandma, someone else’s grandma. The one with aggressively dim chandeliers, dusty landscape paintings, and family photos that may or may not be watching you judge the bread basket. It’s nostalgic, it’s confusing, it’s a little haunted, but she’s committed to the bit, and honestly? Respect.

This place has been around forever, and you can feel it. Same recipes, same energy, same “we’re not changing for anybody” attitude. Iconic. Stubborn. A little chaotic.
Now let’s get into my evening of sacrifice.

I ordered the chicken Marsala with homemade noodles and a salad, because I believe in indulgence AND patience,and yes, girl, it took a minute. But I sat there, sipping my drink, minding my business, growing spiritually.

Now, let’s talk food.
I ordered the chicken Marsala with homemade noodles and a salad because I believe in treating myself and testing my patience. Yes, it took a minute, but darling, I wanted it, so I stayed seated and emotionally stable (for once).

Meanwhile, I’m ALSO ordering a small pepperoni pizza for my couch-goblin of a friend who was like, “I refuse to leave my emotional support sofa… but bring me food.” The drama. The audacity. The hunger. Don’t worry, I absolutely ate first. I have boundaries and self-respect.

Service started a little… interpretive. I think Tom was supposed to care about me, but spiritually he was elsewhere. Enter Cecily, stage left, who picked up the situation and said, “don’t worry babe, I got you.” and she DELIVERS. We love a redemption arc.

Now THE dish: chicken Marsala.
MISS THING. Would you just look at her?! Rich, a little spicy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness with mushrooms living their best life. Paired with those homemade noodles and that sauce? I was ready to propose. It has to be the best thing on the menu. I refuse to believe otherwise.
The salad? …she tried.
Not offensive, not impressive. Just… there. It existed. It participated. The spicy Italian dressing had a little kick (because apparently I crave chaos), but the tomato was wilted like last night’s bad decisions. And the bread? Good, but not “grandma woke up at 5am and baked this with love” good. More like “she knows a guy who orders in bulk.” Let’s be honest.
Overall?
A chaotic little experience wrapped in nostalgia and butter.
Final verdict: 3.5 stars.
Would I return? For that Marsala? I’d crawl back in heels
Side note, darling: if you stroll in and the soup of the day just happens to be Italian wedding soup, congratulations you’ve won. Do yourself a favor, ditch the sad little salad you were pretending to want. get the soup. Trust me, it’s the main character.“