Top Scallops In Denver
(credit: Ocean Prime)It may seem hard to get fresh seafood in a landlocked state like Colorado, but thanks to lightning-fast shipping and plenty of delivery resources, you can get truly fresh seafood without booking a flight. Scallops are one of those tasty treats that are served at many high-end restaurants all over town, thanks to the many different ways the tasty treats can be prepared. Take your own delicious tour of seafood spots in Denver by visiting the following five restaurants, all of which offer their own delectable twist on the up-scale staple.
1313 E. 6th Ave
Denver, CO 80218
(303) 831-1962
www.fruitionrestaurant.com
Since 2007, Fruition has served up a fascinating blend of upscale comfort food and fine dining. It's always on just about every best-of list in Denver, thanks to the brilliant mind of Chef Alex Seidel. The very simple and incredibly flavorful scallops at Fruition are on the appetizer menu, so be sure to check out the Pan Roasted Scallop when you arrive. The sweet little morsels are served with Crispy Veal Sweetbreads, Roasted Red Pepper Coulis and Caponata (a blend of eggplant, olives and onions, like a tapenade.) Get a plate for the table to share, or just get one for yourself, you'll be glad you did.
1701 Wynkoop St
Denver, CO 80202
(720) 460-3733
www.mercantiledenver.com
If there is something Chef Alex Seidel knows how to do well, it's scallops. His sister restaurant to Fruition is Mercantile Dining & Provision, so it should be no surprise that there are incredible scallops on this menu as well. His Pan Roasted Diver Scallops are a main course on the menu here, served with braised pork belly, broccolini and cabbage with crispy jasmine rise and pickled cucumber. The beautiful dish arrives at your table looking almost like art that's too good to eat. However, dive in to these diver scallops right away and you'll be rewarded with that perfectly seared outside and smooth, creamy inside that only a scallop can offer.
Related: Top Mussels In Denver
1465 Larimer St
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 825-3663
www.ocean-prime.com
Restaurateur Cameron Mitchell opened Ocean Prime in Denver with the goal of bringing an upscale dining experience, fresh seafood and incredible prime steaks to the Mile High City. The beautiful establishment on Larimer offers a tasty dish called, simply, "Surf N Turf" and it's comprised of fresh sea scallops and braised short ribs. With all the different types of seafood on this menu, it would be easy to overlook this delicate dish. Since it's an appetizer, however, you can get a plate (or two) for the table and not miss out on anything else on this amazing menu.
1701 Wynkoop
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 640-3474
www.stoicandgenuine.com
For an upscale twist and modern take on fresh seafood, with dishes that are innovative and flavorful, be sure to make Stoic & Genuine a priority stop on your list. It's another restaurant offering a blend of pork and scallops, but this one is exceptional. The Pork & Scallops main dish is served with bubblegum curry, house cured bacon, rhubarb umeboshi (a type of pickled fruit), coconut chips, Thai basil and fresh mint. There are a lot of flavors going on here, but be sure to get a little bit of each item on your fork for a totally unique and amazing burst of sweet and savory.
Related: Top Seafood In Denver
1808 Blake St
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 292-2229
www.the9thdoor.com
The 9th Door is a tapas, wine and cocktail lounge serving incredible combinations of high-end cuisine in a very stylish and comfortable setting. The eclectic tapas menu offers you a chance to sample many different items while sharing plates with your friends for a wonderful evening. Be sure to try the Callo de Hongos, which is pan-seared scallops with truffled mushroom compote. The dish has a rich mushroom flavor but the scallops lighten it up considerably. The menu does change often, but scallops almost always find their way onto the list, as the chef here is clearly an expert at preparing the amazing morsels.
