Maybe your anniversary deserves more than a crowded table, or your team needs a proper celebration after that big win. Perhaps you’re craving authentic carbonara but your kitchen skills end at boiling water. Whatever brings you to Lakewood, these 11 Italian spots offer the perfect setting—from intimate trattorias to lively rooms where the Chianti flows as freely as the conversation.
Cafe Jordano
$$ | (303) 988-6863 | WEBSITE
We’d find any reason to visit Cafe Jordano—family dinner, birthday celebration, or just a craving for incredible Italian food, but if you can gather the whole family, you don’t even need an occasion. Reserve one of their remodeled, cozy tables in the welcoming dining area and plan on ordering Ben’s Favorite seafood dish, the Lobster Ravioli, and several servings of Bob’s favorite.
Pizzeria Leopold
$ | (303) 248-7208 | WEBSITE
When you’re craving pizza that’s both special and consistently great, head to Pizzeria Leopold. The cute interior feels like your favorite neighborhood spot that somehow makes everything taste better, and the service is fantastic. Chef Chris Lyons’ creations with organic imported flour, local meats, and homemade mozzarella are truly excellent. The Marky-Marg pizza bursts with flavor on that perfect crust, the burrata is wonderfully fresh, and the Italian Hero sandwich makes for amazing leftovers.
With handmade desserts, wines, and cocktails available too, this place has rightfully become a Colorado staple worth every bit of recognition.
Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta
$ | (303) 988-3121 | WEBSITE
Anthony’s is a notoriously tough delivery order but a worthy wait because the Lakewood spot is still one of the best Italian joints in town. For a memorable meal full of authentic east coast-style pizza, Anthony’s has its welcoming atmosphere available for casual dining.
Pizzeria Forte
$ | (303) 974-1034 | WEBSITE
When you’re grabbing a slice at Pizzeria Forte, you might not be able to snag a table inside, but you will get to eat their must-try Sicilian pizza and mouthwatering meatball sandwiches, and there’s a good chance you’ll run into Ben, the standout employee who treats everyone like VIPs. This Lakewood spot is one of the most popular places in town for true New York pizza lovers, so make sure you’re ready to take your meal home or enjoy it in a nearby park.
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
$$ | (303) 277-0535 | WEBSITE
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant is a welcoming Italian spot in Lakewood where you half-expect a smiling server with a basket of breadsticks to greet you when you walk in. There’s also a lot of family-friendly space for your next celebration. The main dining room seats groups comfortably, and acts as the perfect venue if you share a plate of fettuccini Marsala and suddenly want to toast with endless soup and salad.
The warm and inviting atmosphere makes it ideal for couples or families, with tables that feel cozy yet spacious enough for everyone to enjoy their spaghetti with meat sauce or calamari without feeling crowded.
Ignazio’s Kitchen Restaurant and Pizza
$ | (720) 912-2337 | WEBSITE
Unlike the bustling trattorias of downtown Denver, where scoring a table feels like winning the lottery, there’s an intimate charm at Ignazio’s Kitchen in its strip mall setting, perfect for a quiet dinner over authentic Italian dishes like diavola jalapeño pizza and rosemary chicken. The cozy space also features just a few tables, with reservations strongly recommended.
The Garlic Knot – Bear Creek
$ | (303) 980-5668 | WEBSITE
All of The Garlic Knot’s locations offer inviting atmospheres for gatherings, but the one in Bear Creek has that authentic NY decor we love for parties. The Italian-American restaurant features standout menu items and speedy delivery service, so your guests can enjoy calzones bigger than a football and wander through the space admiring subway signs and NY art.
Jaimes Mexican Restaurant
$ | (303) 484-1794 | WEBSITE
Jaimes Mexican Restaurant is great for family dining for a few reasons. It’s family-owned, so it’s warm and welcoming. Everything on the menu is meant to be enjoyed. And, whether you have a small family gathering, or a really, really big family gathering, they have all different-sized spaces (going up to a private banquet room) with both indoor and outdoor seating.
Nicolo’s Chicago Style Pizza
$ | (303) 969-9000 | WEBSITE
Nicolo’s Chicago Style Pizza is a nesting doll of dining options. Besides the full indoor dining room, you can order takeout for a cozy night in or book their space for a party that feels like you’re at a bustling Chicago pizzeria. There’s also the option for gluten-free dining prepared separately in the shared kitchen, making it a safe choice for those with dietary restrictions.
The owner takes pride in the operation, ensuring consistently great service whether you’re picking up an order of eight 20-inch pizzas or enjoying a quiet meal of ravioli filled with shredded prime rib and carrots. The beautiful vegetable lasagna and Alfredo sauce full of flavor round out the experience, making Nicolo’s a neighborhood favorite for both casual meals and special occasions.
Garramone’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant
$ | (303) 985-8711 | WEBSITE
Garramone’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant is one of the multiple dining destinations in Lakewood, but this cherished spot offers various perks: a menu featuring popular items like chicken Parmesan and calzones, a cozy family-friendly atmosphere, and authentic Italian cuisine that creates lasting memories. The warm service and welcoming experience make it feel like a special tradition, with customers returning time and time again for the comforting flavors and friendly vibe.
Abrusci’s Fire & Vine
$$ | (303) 232-2424 | WEBSITE
For the first time since we’ve been dining here at least, the classic Lakewood Italian spot now offers a charming outside patio you can enjoy year-round. There’s a cozy section with heat lamps and string lights that can seat up to six, as well as a larger patio area complete with rustic wooden tables and potted herbs that accommodates up to twenty-four.