Executive Travel : Zagat Survey: Denver Restaurants

The following reviews are excerpted from Zagat Surveys, a series of regional dining and lodging guides based on extensive ratings and reviews contributed by local restaurant-goers and frequent travelers. Ratings for food, decor and service are based on a numerical scale: 0-9, poor to fair; 10-19, good to very good; 20-25, very good to excellent; 26-30, extraordinary to perfect. Estimated cost is for a dinner, drink and tip for one person.

Zagat suggests business travelers consider these establishments when entertaining clients, or conducting business.

Cafes

CITY SPIRIT CAFE

1434 Blake St.; (303) 575-0022 Soho meets Santa Monica at this downtown health-oriented restaurant with Day-Glo decor. Everyone likes the sprouts and avocados. Good coffee and nice at night for drinks and dessert. Food: 17 Decor: 21 Service: 15 Cost: $12

DEVINE CAFE

2033 E. Colfax Ave.; (303) 333-8463 Nouvelle fare with Southwestern accent. Impressive presentations and flavors as well as a good wine list. This sleek eatery near Capitol Hill is also convenient for a downtown lunch.

Food: 21 Decor: 17 Service: 20 Cost: $18

EUROPEAN CAFE

1515 Market St.; (303) 825-6555 Downtown Denver branch of a popular Boulder restaurant is among town’s favorites, with incredible sauces and dressings throughout an extensive, generally French-American menu. Some find it stuffy.

Food: 26 Decor: 25 Service: 24 Cost: $30

LITTLE RUSSIAN CAFE

Larimer Square; (303) 595-8600 So corny it’s good, this restaurant serves authentic, hearty peasant food. You can wash it down with vodka from a large selection.

Food: 20 Decor: 20 Service: 19 Cost: $19

Hotel Dining

AUGUSTA

Westin Hotel, 1672 Lawrence St . ; (303) 572-7222 Posh, romantic and opulent, this continental-style restaurant is popular for Valentine’s Day. Pretty room has floor-to-ceiling views of lower downtown. Pastas and desserts get raves.

Food: 24 Decor: 27 Service: 25 Cost: $32

PALACE ARMS

Brown Palace Hotel, 321 17th St.; (303) 297-3111 The grande dame of hotel dining rooms is consistently good, with elegant service and one of the best wine lists in town.

Food: 26 Decor: 28 Service: 26 Cost: $35

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