07-04-2025
Alteño marks another triumph for chef Johnny Curiel
It's been a whirlwind few months for chef Johnny Curiel.
The latest: His first restaurant, Alma Fonda Fina, is a 2025 James Beard Awards finalist for best new restaurant, a distinction earned just months after securing a Michelin star.
And he opened his fourth restaurant, Alteño, in Denver's Cherry Creek neighborhood March 17.
The vibe: Occupying the ground floor of the Clayton Hotel & Members Club, Alteño is a more frenetic space than Curiel's debut eatery, known for its intimate setting.
What to expect: The food at Alteño is just as delicious and creative, featuring traditional Mexican dishes but elevating them.
Take, for example, the chile rellenos, a staple in most Mexican households and kitchens that Curiel turns into a fun and colorful mixture of ingredients.
Best bites: Start with the guacamole before moving to the aguachile de atun, a savory bluefin tuna plate complete with lemon oil and apples (trust me: it just works).
The lubina rayada (Pacific striped bass) is a phenomenal entree option: Crispy and juicy atop a tangy soup of roasted tomatillos.
What to try: The restaurant has 10 signature cocktails, but I was partial to Mex 75, a cool take on a French 75 that swaps gin for mezcal.
