The Top 13 Restaurants in Aurora, Colorado

Aurora, Colorado, is becoming more of a culinary hot spot, showcasing foods from cultures around the world. With options such as Mexican, German, Ethiopian, and more, you’re sure to find something to make everyone at the table happy. Visit one of these top restaurants during your visit to Aurora, Colorado.

01 of 10

Helga’s German Restaurant and Deli

A plate of brautwurst, fries and sauerkraut — Courtesy of Helga's German Restaurant & Deli

Address

14197 E Exposition Ave, Aurora, CO 80012, USA

Get directions

Phone +1 303-344-5488

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From bratwurst to sauerkraut and traditional home-cooked plates, this restaurant will bring you one step closer to German cuisine at its finest. They also hold the best Oktoberfest in town each October. If you’ve never had schnitzel, this is the place to try it (with a side of German potato salad). After your lunch or dinner, visit the deli to bring home breads, meats, and cheeses.

02 of 10

Rosie's Diner

Rosie's Hawaiian Burger — Courtesy of Rosie'd Diner Aurora

Address

14061 E Iliff Ave, Aurora, CO 80014-1404, USA

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Phone +1 303-752-3663

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Rosie’s Diner not only brings back the retro diner ambiance from the 1950s but the traditional food as well, such as meatloaf and mashed potatoes and classic malt-style milkshakes. Big breakfast plates are the norm here, and the fried chicken and gravy plate is a customer favorite. Once you're seated, turn on some tunes from the mini-jukeboxes on the tables.

03 of 10

The Nile Ethiopian Restaurant

Address

1951 S Havana St, Aurora, CO 80014-1011, USA

Get directions

Phone +1 720-748-0239

Food is served here mosseb-style in some cases, where a tray of food is placed before you and your friends to enjoy. It's filled with lot of spices, meats, veggies, and more to try, and Injera—a traditional flatbread—is used to scoop and eat the food (you don't use utensils here).

04 of 10

Cora Faye's Cafe

A plate with fried chicken and sides with a red soda — Courtesy of Cora Faye's Cafe

This family-run hole-in-the-wall southern comfort joint will leave you pining for all the barbecue and fixings your heart desires. From cornbread to gravy-laced mac and cheese, you’ll put on a few pounds each visit. Among the many 100-year-old family recipes to choose from, make sure to try the catfish and fried chicken for some of the best you’ll ever eat in your lifetime. It takes some time to get your meal here because everything is cooked fresh, so allot extra time when visiting.

Continue to 5 of 10 below.

05 of 10

The French Press

Veggie pita and fruit side — Courtesy of The French Press Aurora

Address

15290 E Iliff Ave, Aurora, CO 80014, USA

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Phone +1 303-369-3111

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The French Press is a hidden little breakfast joint off the beaten path on the east side of Aurora that serves traditional morning fare, including fried eggs, mixed fruit, waffles, and the best omelets in town. The crepes are top-notch, especially when filled with peanut butter. Get here early—it’s a small place and packed, especially on weekends during brunch hours. Don’t linger here; let everyone have a chance to enjoy the homey space.

06 of 10

Piper Inn

Three baskets of chicken wings — Courtesy of The Piper Inn

Address

2251 S Parker Rd, Denver, CO 80231, USA

Get directions

Phone +1 303-755-0771

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Don’t let the mishmash of American and Asian-inspired dishes scare you off. You go to Piper Inn for one thing and one thing only: Wings. This biker bar is known to have some of the best wings in Aurora and all of Colorado. This dive offers unique Chinese-inspired chicken wings, but if it’s your first time, get the buffalo wings.

07 of 10

Bettola Bistro

several plates of food with different dishes — Courtesy of Bettola Bistro

Address

10253 E Iliff Ave, Denver, CO 80247, USA

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Phone +1 303-750-1580

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This tiny, hidden gem of an Italian place is offers fresh, locally sourced meals. With rotating specials every night, personal service, and an intimate atmosphere, this is one of the best date night spots in all of Aurora. Make sure to book ahead; the location is tiny, and you might have a bit of a cramped wait if you show up looking to get a table.

08 of 10

Angry Chicken

A hand using chopsticks to pick up chicken wings — Courtesy of Angry Chicken

Address

1930 S Havana St #13, Aurora, CO 80014, USA

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Phone +1 303-353-2680

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Open since 2017, it’s become a hometown hit for its rice-flour chicken wings that are crispy, light, and tender minus the grease. Bring the whole family as portions are huge! The sides are nothing special, we recommend saving your appetite for wings and wings alone when stopping by.

Continue to 9 of 10 below.

09 of 10

El Tequileno Family Mexican Restaurant

Address

2790 S Havana St X1, Aurora, CO 80014, USA

Get directions

Phone +1 720-748-1260

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Plan for a multi-course meal when you come here since there are so many items you'll want to try. First, the chorizo con queso is the best appetizer, so order it for the table. If you're in the mood for fajitas, there are several options to choose from, but we recommend the fajitas Acapulco. Order a margarita with your meal, and enjoy the Mariachi band that plays several times a week during dinner.

10 of 10

Cafe Paprika

Address

13160 E Mississippi Ave, Aurora, CO 80012, USA

Get directions

Phone +1 303-755-4150

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If you’re craving authentic Mediterranean food, Café Paprika will provide. Start with traditional small plates of hummus and baba ganoush and chicken bastille, but save room for your entrée. Tajines are amazing here, particularly the lamb or kadra variety. Once you've polished off your entrée, order flan or baklava at the end of your meal for a sweet finish.