Opening cool Italian restaurants is the new black in Denver in 2017. Sushi — we have added some amazing places like Sushi Ronin and Matsuhisa to our sushi scene — is very 2016. Lasagna, fettuccine, chicken Parmigiana are what is in for the foreseeable months.

The trend built up slowly toward in the second half of last year. Chef Paul Reilly unveiled Coperta at the end of July. Barolo Grill launched Chow Morso inside Avanti in October. RiNo's Dio Mio Handmade Pasta, from chefs Alex Figura and Spencer White, and Belmar's Brodo Italian Scratch Kitchen (from the owners of the Wooden Table in Greenwood Village) followed later in November.