Chef Johnny Curiel lands four Denver restaurants in OpenTable’s 2026 top‑100

OpenTable’s 2026 list of the nation’s 100 best restaurants includes seven Denver locations, four of which were founded by chef Johnny Curiel. The chef’s debut, Alma Fonda Fina, was booked 108 times on a single Tuesday and is fully reserved for nearly two weeks.

Curiel’s other OpenTable‑ranked venues are Milpero, an 18‑course tasting menu that centers on the Mexican grain masa and partners with Boulder’s Masa Seed Foundation, and Alteño, which unlike his other Michelin‑starred spots welcomes walk‑in diners. A second Michelin‑star restaurant owned by Curiel sits next door to Alma Fonda Fina, showcasing small plates from Mexico City.

Also on the list is Florence Supper Club in Washington Park, described as an Italian‑American “red sauce joint” with “soft lighting, vintage photographs, and a soundtrack that swings from Sinatra to Springsteen.” Guard and Grace, named for chef Troy Guard, appears despite losing its Michelin star earlier this summer.

For Aurora residents, the rankings highlight a cluster of high‑demand dining options within easy reach, but reservations are essential for the most sought‑after tables. OpenTable updates its rankings annually, so diners can expect a fresh list later this year.