12 Of The Very Best Restaurants In Highlands Ranch, CO (2024)

Beautiful Highlands Ranch, Colorado is just south of Denver and has so many wonderful attractions that bring people in, from near and far. Whether you’re just in the area for a bit before you head back home to Denver, or you traveled here from across the country, there’s tons to do. The area is known for its parks, biking trails, and really just the gorgeous scenery. So when you’re done enjoying nature, stop in to one of these restaurants for a refreshing drink and something really tasty to eat. We’ve got you covered from Chinese food to breweries! Cheers.

1. Cuba Cuba Sandwicheria

9567 South University Boulevard Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
(303) 791-2511

If you didn’t know that you were in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, you’d swear you were sitting at a table in a restaurant in Havana. That’s the vibe you’ll get when you visit the Cuba Cuba Sandwicheria. Owner Kristy Socarrás Bigelow started this Caribbean style restaurant in 2001, and her place has become a go-to place for both locals and visitors alike. Menu options include homemade Empanadas and Cuban Bread, the Veggie Wrap served with Cuban Fries, and of course, the Cuban Sandwich. Wash it all down with a Mint Mojito and finish it off with a piece of Tres Leches Cake.

2. Code: Poke+BOBA

1601 Mayberry Drive Suite 103 Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
(303) 632-7038

Give your tastebuds a treat by taking them to Code: Poke + BOBA, located in the Highlands Ranch Town Center. Poke’s menu features a variety of healthy poke bowls along with some other tasty selections. If you’re new to poke bowls, here’s the break down: the layers of a poke bowl start with the base, usually a layer of brown rice, glass noodles, or greens. Then you have a layer of veggies, a sauce layer, a topping like crab salad or green onion, a protein source like scallops, or ahi tuna, and then a garnish of dry seaweed or sesame seeds. Take it all in with a refreshing boba drink!

3. Old Blinking Light

9344 Dorchester Street Suite C-104 Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
(303) 346-9797

If you’re craving some modern American fare, then you’ll want to step into the Old Blinking Light (OBL) restaurant. For starters, enjoy the fried brussel sprouts—combined with peppadew peppers and a lovely vinaigrette glaze. These definitely don’t taste like the sprouts you probably grew up hating as a kid. Follow that up with a delicious house salad and an OBL shrimp po ‘boy or some bacon wrapped buffalo meatloaf. If you still saved some room for dessert, then go ahead and satisfy your sweet tooth with a dose of crème brule or the classic OBL mud pie. It doesn’t get any better than this!

4. Pho-Vy Highlands Ranch

4004 Red Cedar Drive Suite C4 Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
(303) 791-5572

A protein source (beef, shrimp, or chicken), noodles, spices, and broth. Those simple ingredients are what make up the wildly popular Vietnamese dish called pho. If you’re in Highlands Ranch and craving Vietnamese food, you’d be stilly to go anywhere but Pho-Vy. Order yourself a refreshing pina colada or coconut boba while you look over the menu and try to decide between some of their classic dishes like tai bo vien (rare steak and meatballs), tai chin (rare steak and brisket), or some pho ga (shredded chicken). There are also plenty of gluten free options available. When in need of some comfort food, check out this spot next time.

5. The Egg

8800 South Colorado Boulevard Unit B Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
(303) 862-7595

If you’re in Highlands Ranch, there’s a good chance you’re going to be doing some of of physical activity like hiking or biking. You know that means? You’re going to work up a big appetite and this is just the place you’re gonna want to check out. The Egg is known of its breakfast, but they also serve lunch and dinner so stop in at any time during the day. Some of their breakfast items include eggs benny, skillets, breakfast burritos, French toast and so many other tasty options. For lunch and dinner they have pasta options, burgers, sandwiches, and then some. The restaurant is small and cozy so stop in for some good home cooking.

6. The Lost Cajun – Highland Ranch

2201 Wildcat Reserve Parkway Building C-10 Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
(303) 600-8769

Get that New Orleans Cajun vibe in Highlands Ranch at The Lost Cajun. Named by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the top food franchises in 2020, this popular Highlands Ranch restaurant specializes in Creole or Cajun fare with some seafood inspiration. No wonder it has so many fans, just take a look at the amazing menu featuring mouth-watering dishes like a zydeco shrimp po ‘boy sandwich, cat-touffée, shrimp gumbo, and voodoo pasta. If you want to take a little walk on the wild side, why not try the gator bites? For dessert, you’ll want to have the mouth watering beignet bites. You definitely won’t leave hungry from the Lost Cajun.

7. Modern Market Eatery

537 W Highlands Ranch Pkwy, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
(720) 650-0638

Eating healthy can feel like a drag sometimes, but Modern Market has perfected the craft of healthy eating and makes it super enjoyable. The menu has so many options to choose from starting off with their seasonal items. They have their chef’s bowls and protein bowls, salads, breakfast options, soups, and some gluten free sweet treats! Their bowls are loaded with delicious proteins, veggies, grains and more to give you a filling, flavorful, and balanced meal. The options are nearly endless, so it won’t be difficult to find something you enjoy. Turns out you might like eating healthy after all!

8. Indulge Bistro & Wine Bar

1601 Mayberry Dr, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
(303) 991-1994

If you’re looking for a more elevated night out, Indulge Bistro & Wine Bar is a great spot to check out. If you just want a small bite to eat with a glass of wine, try one of the shareable plates like the meatball trio, mussels in a white wine sauce and fries, or the two indulgent lump crab cakes. They also have handheld options like burgers, sandwiches, and flatbreads. Entrees on their menu include streak, salmon, pasta dishes and more! There is something for everyone to enjoy here. Be sure to check out their happy hour and brunch menus as well. On a nice night, order a glass of wine while you sit on the rooftop patio and take in the view.

9. Mici Handcrafted Italian

9245 S Broadway, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
(303) 683-6424

Craving some good Italian food but don’t feel like getting dressed up and going to a super fancy restaurant? Mici will fulfill both of those requests! It has a chill cafe vibe but still offers all of those Italian classics you’re looking for. Mici is run by the Miceli family and they pride themselves on using the freshest ingredients for all of their meals. Try one of their many pizzas or pasta dishes, and they can make just about anything vegetarian or gluten free upon request. They use zucchini noodles as a pasta substitute and they have some of the best gluten free pizza crust around. Make sure to save room for a cannoli or some gelato!

10. Grist Brewing Company

9150 Commerce Center Cir #300, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
(720) 360-4782

Grist is such a great spot to grab a drink after work at or to spend your Saturday afternoon. Craft beer is their muse and they create some of the best beer in Highlands Ranch. However if you’re not in the mood for a brew, they also create their own premium co*cktails, frozen drinks, and liquor infusions. If all that drinking is getting you hungry, they have a full menu of comfort food items that will do the trick. Start off with some apps for the table like their chips and guac, fried pickles, or pimento cheese tots. For the main course, they have tons of burger and sandwich options to pick from. The deep south burger and the crispy chicken sandwich will never disappoint. Check out Grist for some locally brewed beers you won’t be able to get enough of!

11. Old Blinking Light

9344 Dorchester St, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
(303) 346-9797

If you are in the mood for some American food with a southwestern soul, try Old Blinking Light. Before starting your meal, a perfect appetizer is the fried avocado served on a tostada and pico de gallo on top. A popular dish is a sweet and spicy shrimp and truffle fries. If you are craving something light try any of their delicious salads with your choice of protein. Enjoy their food on the enclosed patio with the fireplace if it gets chilly. Try the OBL House Mojito in their full-access bar for a perfect night with some friends. Old Blinking Light provided a great atmosphere for group lunches and dinners.

12. Smoking Fins Highland Ranch

1104 Cpl Max Donahue Ln Ste 102 Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
(720) 594-3467

Sushi, tacos, and platters all sound good, and Smoking Fins provides all of those! Try their mouth-watering lobster mac and cheese topped with bacon and green onions; their hand-made lobster tater tots. The diablo sushi is a must-have if you are craving something spicy; you can never go wrong with the Honey Chipotle Salmon. Seafood tastes delicious but so does the Shanghai Pork and Grilled Chicken Thai Noodle Salad. There are also a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free labeled on their menu. Do not hesitate to take your group of friends to this unique restaurant.

Editors Note: This article was originally published on July 4, 2021 and last updated onFebruary 16, 2022. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.