In just the past few months Denver, Boulder, and the surrounding suburbs of Colorado’s capital have seen noodle shops, rotisserie chicken specialists and sushi spots pop up, all based on the idea of eating well but quickly.

Of course, not everything is meant for a rapid table turn. Cretans joins a trio of stylish spots all run by New York-based group Quality Branded. And Tom's Starlight, though erected in what used to be a 24-hour diner, is more for leisurely sipping and eating than its predecessor.

The number of restaurants serving more globally inspired cuisines in Denver also continues to rise. And there’s also a trend of concepts opening in the Mile High City by operators who are based elsewhere. For example, the city saw the Seattle-based Vietnamese spot Reckless Noodle House join the scene, as well as an outpost of Daboba, a world-wide Asian cafe specializing in boba milk teas.