The Mile High food scene is exploding, and with it, our taste buds. Local and nationally renowned chefs are using the freshest possible (and often locally sourced) ingredients to create innovative and inspired dishes that always leave us wanting more. And with ever-changing menus offering creative, seasonal specialties that rotate and evolve throughout the year, there is always more to be had. Something new and unfathomably delicious awaits you at the best restaurants in Denver!

1. The Plimoth

The Plimoth is a refined yet rustic neighborhood gem bringing an "elevated, unpretentious dining experience" to North City Park. Chefs collaborate with local farmers, artisans, and purveyors to create French and Italian-inspired dishes using modern twists and local and seasonal ingredients. Start your supper with a cauliflower turnip gratinée, move on to house-made gnocchi with pork belly and brussels, and finish off with a salted caramel pot de crème. Divinely delicious!

2. Beatrice and Woodsley

This cozy, sophisticated restaurant serves up soul satisfying dishes alongside top-notch cocktails in an "urban aspen grove" on South Broadway. Chef Eric Hiob uses "seasonal, local, and conscientious ingredients" to create hearty dishes, such as warm crawfish beignets filled with spicy red pepper aioli and a roast leg of lamb sandwich on a scratch-made baguette. Sweet, savory satisfaction!

3. Acorn

Nestled in RiNo's fabulous urban market, The Source, is a one-of-a-kind spot, specializing in family-style small and large plates, using the freshest possible ingredients often cooked on their oak-fired oven and grill. They've got an ever-changing menu and mouthwatering dishes like braised meatballs, oak grilled pork belly, wagyu short ribs, and bbq grilled farm carrots. Acorn sure has me fired up!

4. Mercantile Dining and Provision

This farm to table restaurant and market located in the unique and bustling Union Station invites foodies to have an interactive dining experience with their open kitchen and assortment of available sundries, such as jams, spices, cheeses, and charcuterie. From breakfast through dinner, Chef Alex Seidel's "signature take on elevated comfort food" is sure to please your palette. And, don't forget to indulge at his original (and equally delectable) establishment, Fruition, on 6th Avenue.

5. Guard and Grace

If a true modern steakhouse is what you're after, Guard and Grace will do the trick. In a lively 9,000 square-foot space downtown, they're doling out hearty, wood-fired dishes using locally procured meats, cheeses, and produce. With your choice of pretty much any cut of meat, as well as an array of scrumptious sides and sauces, this spot is a steak lover's dream.

6. Stoic and Genuine

If pescatarian is more your speed, head on over to the Stoic and Genuine, where they will happily fulfill your every seafood need. From their raw bar and cajun spiced crayfish to clam chowda' and caviar, if it's got gills, they've got it. Ahoy, mates!

7. ChoLon Modern Asian Bistro

For elegant, modern Southeast Asian cuisine using authentic and innovative ingredients, check out this spot in LoDo. It's the creation of Chef Lon Symensma who studied in NYC under Jean-Georges and at two of the city's most infamous Asian eateries, Spice Market and Buddakan. My mouth is watering just thinking of all of the flavor explosions in the soup dumplings, potstickers, wok dishes, and glazed pork belly buns.

8. Rioja

This quaint but bustling restaurant on Larimer Square is dishing out Mediterranean-inspired eats including melt-in-your-mouth homemade pastas and creative salad combinations that'll make you forget you're eating your veggies. Sit outside on their charming patio and enjoy a chilled glass of wine and a rioja "picnic" with artisan meats, cheeses, olives, and other accoutrements. Al fresco dining at its best!

9. Telegraph

Tucked away in Wash Park is this neighborhood bistro and bar that serves up delightfully satisfying dishes with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients that will thrill your taste buds. Stop by for lunch, brunch, dinner, or happy hour and get your fill of their terrifically tasty creations.

10. Beast and Bottle

This cozy, quaint brother-and-sister-owned joint Uptown has an incredible patio, a world-class bar, and innovative plates that will surprise your palette. With everything made in house, including cured meats and pastas, and a menu that changes with the seasons, Beast and Bottle is a solid win every time!

11. Humboldt

Humboldt: Farm Fish Wine is another Uptown institution focusing on both classic and creatively inspired flavors and ingredients. They specialize in market fresh fish dishes and lots of creative small plates and sides using farm fresh produce. Energetic and exciting modern American cuisine at its finest!

What do you think are the best restaurants in Denver? Share the dishes and eateries you love with us in the comments.