Set against Denver's illustrious skyline, El Five triumphantly sits above the Lower Highlands (LoHi) neighborhood, offering an elevated dining experience quite literally. With its intoxicating blend of Mediterranean tastes and mesmerizing vistas, El Five isn't just a restaurant — it's a gastronomic adventure that soars as high as its location in the Mile-High City.
Upon entering El Five, visitors are met with a mix of contemporary design blended with vintage nuances. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide an uninterrupted view of Denver's downtown and the surrounding Rocky Mountains, ensuring that every seat is the best seat in the house. The space is cleverly divided with reflective and transparent surfaces, allowing the natural light and city glow to amplify the ambiance.
El Five boasts a menu inspired by the Mediterranean's five culinary regions: Spain, the Middle East/North Africa, the Levant, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Western Mediterranean. This creates a diverse and tantalizing array of tapas, paellas, and desserts. Each dish is a symphony of flavors, with traditional recipes getting a modern twist, ensuring every bite is both familiar and surprisingly new.
A standout is their array of paellas, cooked to perfection and large enough to share. From vegetarian options brimming with fresh produce to the more traditional variants featuring seafood or meat, each paella sings a song of its region, deeply flavored and artfully presented.
Matching its exquisite food menu, El Five’s bar does not disappoint. With a focus on gin, their cocktail menu offers a delightful range of concoctions. The "GinTonics" section is a revelation, offering crafted gin and tonic pairings that elevate the classic drink to new heights. The wine list, with a focus on Mediterranean regions, complements the food flawlessly, creating harmonious pairings that dance on the palate.
Adding to its charm, El Five frequently hosts vinyl nights, where the nostalgic tunes of records create a vibe that’s both retro and chic. The sounds of classic tracks, paired with the city lights and delectable dishes, make for an enchanting evening.
El Five isn't just about food or views; it's about an experience. It masterfully weaves the rich tapestry of Mediterranean flavors with Denver's urban charm. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or seeking a night out with a touch of magic, El Five promises an experience that is as unforgettable as the panoramic views it offers. In the buzzing Denver food scene, El Five undoubtedly stands tall, not just in location but in culinary brilliance.