Avelina

In the heart of Denver, Avelina emerges as a culinary oasis, seamlessly blending contemporary sophistication with a dedication to showcasing the finest seasonal ingredients. This distinguished establishment transcends the conventional notion of a restaurant; it is a destination where culinary artistry takes center stage, inviting patrons on an exquisite journey through the flavors of the Mile High City. Avelina’s menu unfolds as a culinary love letter to the region, each dish crafted with precision to highlight the vibrant produce and ingredients sourced locally. From inventive small plates to meticulously prepared entrees, every item on the menu reflects a commitment to culinary excellence that resonates with patrons seeking a refined and progressive gastronomic adventure. The ambiance at Avelina is an intimate fusion of modern elegance and warmth, creating an inviting atmosphere that complements the culinary brilliance on the plate. It’s a space where patrons can immerse themselves in the artistry of the dining experience, surrounded by a contemporary aesthetic that enhances the overall allure. The diversity of Avelina’s menu mirrors a fusion of culinary influences, offering a delightful symphony of flavors. Each plate is a carefully composed composition of textures and tastes, showcasing the chef’s mastery in transforming ingredients into culinary works of art. Beyond the exceptional cuisine, Avelina fosters a sense of conviviality. The attentive service and inviting ambiance ensure that patrons not only relish exceptional food but also engage in a holistic dining experience that lingers in the memory. In the realm of Denver’s culinary scene, Avelina stands as a beacon of gastronomic creativity. Its local acclaim and universal recognition make it a culinary destination, where patrons are invited to indulge in a refined symphony of flavors, creating an unforgettable dining legacy in the Mile High City.

It was more of a mixed experience than I was expecting, given it's high ratings! Of the four dishes we had, two were.... not very good, at least to my and my mother's tastes. The butternut squash risotto was so sweet I could not taste any squash, much less the rice itself, and the lavender cheesecake had no lavender flavor and tasted as if they had forgotten to put any sugar in! For what it's worth, the small cheese charcuterie was lovely (although $8 for one piece of brie and five crackers seems a bit steep even for an upscale restaurant), and the braised pork belly was truly delicious. As far as service goes, there was no hostess and we stood at the front of the restaurant for about five minutes (it was NOT busy, only two tables had diners), before the manager behind the bar noticed us and came to seat us. He took the role of our waiter for the night, and while he was very kind and attentive, he DID NOT CHECK MY ID WHEN I ORDERED A GLASS OF WINE. I am 23 years old, I could've EASILY been underage, and as someone who works in the liquor industry I am well aware of the Colorado liquor laws, which state that anyone who looks under the age of 50 must get IDed. If I had been from the BARS program, for example, and had been doing a routine undercover check for legal compliance, he would have been fired on the spot. Very disappointing to see from a general manager

I need to start by saying, it appeared they were drastically understaffed. The guy who checked us in was also bussing tables, and running food. The bartender was doing dishes and making drinks and supporting the entire bar solo. It was not a good night for service, and I don't blame most of the staff. Our waiter, however, did not engage with us at all. We had a reservation and sat down and our waiter told us he would be with us in a minute. We waited 25 minutes with absolutely zero service. The table next to us was waiting for their credit card to get ran and the waiter took it, ran it, and then started pouring wine and helping people at the bar instead. He focused most of his time on a single table while completely ignoring the others. We were patient, we waited, we saw how busy they were and we were really not in a rush outside of being hungry. But around 25 minutes of waiting, we saw the other tables also going up to the bar to try and get service for their table for this particular waiter. The guy waiting for his credit card went up to the bar. And our waiter was no where to be seen nearby. So we never got to eat any food, try any drinks, or get any water. We decided it wasn't going to get any better and decided to go somewhere else. Again, I want to commend most of the staff for handling so much with such little staff. They were definitely working really hard. The reason for the 1 star review was that our waiter was easily distracted, focused his time on a single table, and left the row of us alone without much interaction at all. The second reason for the review is management. If the restaurant is this understaffed for a night, why let all tables fill up? Why not adjust to give the staff the room they need to be successful? The majority of the staff was bending over backwards to make it work and you could see they were struggling. The food looked great from the photos, the atmosphere looked great, but almost a half hour of waiting with no one even getting us water was just too long.

UPDATE: I've been back twice since posting this review, the food has been fantastic each time. Had the Chef's Choice last night w/two others and it was an incredible experience. Definitely one of my favorite places in Denver! Great place and a lovely evening! The service was impeccable, the food fantastic. Lots of great flavors, served beautifully. Only "complaint" is that the seating if you are just two is VERY close to the table next you ... we wound up chating w/the folks at the next table because it kind of felt like they were at our table lol. If you are looking for privacy you should probably ask for it when you make your reservation. I will be going back!

We had a really pleasant experience here and would definitely come back again very sophisticated great service, tasty food, a perfect combo that would make anyone want to return again and again