Get ready to fall in love with Italian cuisine all over again—Denver’s newest restaurant, Dear Emilia, is here to whisk you away to the heart of Emilia-Romagna, a region renowned for some of Italy’s most iconic culinary treasures. But here’s where it gets exciting: this isn’t just another Italian eatery; it’s a bold celebration of tradition, sustainability, and innovation, all under one roof. Opening its doors on Thursday, January 29, at 3615 Delgany St., Dear Emilia promises to be a game-changer in the River North Art District, blending the rich flavors of Emilia-Romagna with the freshest Colorado ingredients.
Why Emilia-Romagna? This northern Italian region is the birthplace of Prosciutto di Parma, balsamic vinegar, and Parmesan cheese—ingredients so iconic that Chef and co-owner Ty Leon compares their authenticity to Champagne’s regional exclusivity. At Dear Emilia, these staples aren’t just used; they’re elevated. Think concise, exquisite dishes that marry Italian heritage with Colorado’s farm-fresh produce and sustainably sourced meats and seafood. And this is the part most people miss: the restaurant’s secret weapon is Paula Thomas, a sustainability director who transforms food scraps into culinary gold—miso pastes, fruit vinegars, and vegetable powders that add depth to every plate.
Take the gnocco fritto ($18), for instance. These fried puff pastries, topped with domestic prosciutto and a dollop of Thomas’s pear-infused mostarda, are a starter that’s both comforting and unexpected. Or the patate ($13) under the ‘d’accompagnare’ section—fried fingerling potatoes dusted with kimchi salt and drizzled with preserved pepper aioli. Even the off-menu dessert section gets the Paula treatment, with rhubarb preserves gracing an olive oil cake topped with candied almonds.
The menu is divided into two enticing sections: ‘E poi’ for pastas and ‘E Ancora’ for protein-focused dishes. Highlights include anolini ($26), coin-shaped pasta stuffed with braised beef cheek, and lasagna verde ($28), a spinach-infused pinwheel layered with béchamel and Bolognese. Non-pasta options range from a hearty pork shoulder with polenta and peach preserves ($36) to a luxurious strip loin steak with focaccia miso jam ($65). For seafood lovers, there’s a refined stew featuring Colorado rainbow trout, mussels, and clams, finished with a tomato consommé ($44).
But here’s where it gets controversial: Should Lambrusco, Emilia-Romagna’s signature red sparkling wine, be paired only with fatty dishes like pork shoulder? Wine director Scott Thomas (yes, Paula’s husband) says yes, and their Lambrusco flight ($25) lets you explore three varieties, from light sorbara to rich grasparossa. But we’ll let you be the judge—does this pairing rule hold up, or is it time to break tradition?
Dear Emilia’s passion for Emilia-Romagna was born from the owners’ and the Thomases’ travels to Italy, where they immersed themselves in the region’s culture and cuisine. To ensure every guest feels at home, Chef Leon, Scott Thomas, and hospitality director Heather Morrison (a Michelin-awarded service pro) are ready to guide diners through the menu. And with Olivia, their other restaurant, earning James Beard semifinalist status for hospitality, you’re in for a world-class experience.
Open Tuesday through Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m., Dear Emilia is a must-visit. Reservations via Tock are highly recommended—trust us, you won’t want to miss this. And while you’re at it, subscribe to our Stuffed newsletter for more Denver food and drink updates. Now, here’s the question: What’s your take on blending traditional Italian cuisine with modern sustainability practices? Does it enhance the experience, or is it a step too far? Let us know in the comments!
