Parisi - Denver

When I first saw the name "Parisi," I unconsciously associated it with “Paris” and half-expected to find French bread, crepes, and berets. Despite being able to read the Italian phrases on the walls, my mind kept picturing the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. But once inside, it was unmistakably Italian. The restaurant has a charming layout with an Italian deli on one side and a sit-down area on the other. Interestingly, customers order at the counter and then are assigned a numbered table. After placing your order, you find your table and wait for your food. This system helps keep the dining area tidy, but it can be confusing when it comes to tipping, as there’s no single server responsible for each table. I would appreciate guidance from the restaurant on how they handle tips, so I reached out to them via email. Don’t worry if the restaurant seems crowded when you arrive; there is usually plenty of parking nearby, and the dining area is larger than it looks. They really make an effort to keep tables clear and the space organized, so finding a seat shouldn’t be too much of a problem, no matter when you visit. Just remember that you need to place your order at the register before being seated. The menu offers traditional Italian dishes at moderate prices. They claim to have their own recipes, and it’s evident they’ve made an effort to cater to various eating preferences. Whether you’re an omnivore, vegetarian, or snacker, you’ll find something to enjoy. The menu is divided into five sections: 1) Primi (appetizers), 2) Secondi (main courses), 3) Insalate (salads), 4) Pizza, and 5) Panini. In the Primi section, there are twelve penne dishes for $7.99 each, lasagna for $7.49, four types of homemade pasta for $10.99 each, four risottos at $10.99 each, and six options for kids at $3.99. You can also add a house salad to your order for an extra $1.99. I tried the Penne Marinara, but I found the penne a bit too firm and the portion rather small. I later realized this was meant to be an appetizer and not the main part of the meal. The Secondi features eleven meat and fish dishes priced between $8.99 and $9.99, with four side dishes available for $1.99 each. The pizza selection boasts 18 varieties, and they encourage you to choose from their options rather than creating your own, though vegetarians and low-carb eaters will still find suitable choices. Pizzas are available in two sizes: a 14-inch traditional medium crust for take-and-bake or an 11-inch thin crust for individuals, all baked in wood ovens. For salads, there are ten types ranging from a $1.99 small house salad to a Smoked Salmon Pizza Salad at $12.49. Most salads fall between $7.49 and $9.49, with only two priced higher. Finally, the Panini come in eight varieties, all priced at $5.99 for six inches or $7.49 for ten inches, offering good value. As I mentioned, this restaurant has a unique style—it's like a blend of an upscale food court restaurant, a traditional sit-down place, and a fast-food model. Although it can be confusing at first, it seems to be a hit as it was bustling on a Thursday night! The staff are friendly, courteous, and efficient, while the restaurant is clean, comfortable, and visually appealing. Prices can add up, but you can also opt for more economical choices, though that means smaller portions. I was a bit disappointed that the $15 carafe of house wine only filled two glasses, which translates to $7.50 a glass—a bit steep for house wine—yet it was a good quality wine. If you understand the restaurant’s concept and are looking for a quick meal, I would rate Parisi an “A”. But if you’re in the mood for a leisurely, served meal, you might want to look elsewhere. The atmosphere and the food are excellent, but the pace can feel a bit rushed. Be sure to check their website for specials and events. The Wednesday Community Table Night that starts at 7:00 p.m. is an intriguing idea, along with their Firenza a Tavola and First Friday Get-Togethers. This restaurant genuinely aims to be a vital part of the community, and it appears to be succeeding.

The pressed paninis were quite satisfying, but the butternut squash soup could use a little more flavor. The service was quick and welcoming, and despite the restaurant being bustling with customers, the atmosphere remained pleasant. Additionally, the adjoining gourmet shop was charming and offered a variety of fantastic items.

I will say the ordering system caught us off guard a bit. It's set up like 'Panera Bread' where you walk in and order at a counter. However, after placing your order, it shifts to a more traditional sit-down restaurant experience. They assign you a table, and your food is brought to you. The menu is extensive and diverse, which put a little pressure on us while we were in line, but they kindly allowed us to sit and review it before ordering. Once we made our choices, the food arrived quickly, but it was far from fast-food quality. It was genuinely 'straight from Italy' fantastic. We had the Gnocchi Gorgonzola Noci (gnocchi with gorgonzola and walnuts) and the Calzone Americano, and both were exceptional! The freshness, flavor, and preparation were top-notch, making us feel like we were back in Italy. The friendly Italian gentleman who served us, who might have been the manager or the owner, made our experience even better, especially since we were newcomers to Parisi. We will definitely be returning to sample more from their menu. The prices were incredibly reasonable considering the quality, and I would wholeheartedly recommend Parisi to anyone!

We were a group of seven who arrived at 5:20 PM, and they promptly found us a table while we placed our orders. Three of us chose the lasagna, two went for pasta, and two shared a Maialona pizza. We also ordered a pear and Gorgonzola salad, a mixed cheese platter, and a mixed meat platter, along with some glasses of wine. All the food was served within ten minutes, with almost all the plates arriving together, so no one had to wait to start enjoying their meals! The waitstaff also brought us baskets of bread, water, and our wine right away, so we could begin snacking immediately. The service was fantastic, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed their dishes. I first met Simone Parisi about 18 years ago when he had his original, smaller location, and I have loved their food ever since. I hope they continue to be around for many more years!

Stepping through the door, I felt as if I had been transported from Denver straight to Italy. The restaurant is clearly run by Italians, and the food is genuinely authentic. However, the atmosphere is what truly sets it apart—from the line to order, reminiscent of the charming cafes lining the streets of Rome, to the delightful aroma of the wood-fired oven. When my food arrived, I was convinced that this is the best Italian restaurant in Colorado, and perhaps even in the entire USA. The olive oil on the table is of excellent quality, enhancing the meal even further. After finishing my perfectly cooked dish, I indulged in the gelato made right on the premises, which took me back to flavors I remember from Pisa. The trattoria, situated in the basement, reminded me of a lovely spot I visited in Florence. I almost didn't want to leave; it was such a remarkable experience.