Restaurant Olivia in Wash Park is Inspired by Italian Trattorias

Inspired by traditional Italian trattorias, Restaurant Olivia in the Wash Park neighborhood has seriously elevated homemade pasta offerings in Denver. Formerly Cafe Marmotte, partners Ty Leon (chef), Heather Morrison (hospitality maven) and Austin Carson (beverage director) renovated the intimate space into an elegant yet unfussy dining room with a calming color scheme, white oak tables and sparkly floral pendant lights.

The sophisticated menu features mostly pasta dishes with limited entree options, all perfect for chilly fall and winter evenings. We thoroughly enjoyed the Grilled Asparagus, Arancini, and Eggplant Parmesan, but the real stars were the homemade pastas, especially the French Onion Ravioli and Lobster Spaghetti. The Seasonal Granita was a perfect palate cleanser, but the staff later gifted us raw cookie dough rounds to make at home for a richer treat. Impressive service. Dinner only; reservations strongly recommended. Restaurant Olivia, 290 South Downing Street, Denver, oliviadenver.com.