Denver's culinary scene continues to evolve with establishments that blend traditional flavors with modern techniques, and Anise stands as a prime example of this evolution. Nestled in the vibrant Capitol Hill district, this Vietnamese restaurant has established itself as a destination for both casual diners and food enthusiasts seeking authentic yet innovative Vietnamese cuisine.
History and Culinary Vision
Founded in 2010 by chef and owner David Huynh, Anise Denver emerged during a period when Vietnamese cuisine was gaining broader recognition in American culinary circles. Huynh, who grew up in a Vietnamese household, sought to create a space that honored traditional recipes while incorporating contemporary presentation and locally-sourced ingredients.
The restaurant's evolution reflects Denver's growing appreciation for nuanced Asian cuisine through distinct phases:
- 2010-2013: Initial focus on core traditional dishes with subtle presentation upgrades
- 2014-2017: Strategic integration of Colorado agricultural products (Palisade peaches, Western Slope vegetables)
- 2018-2021: Expansion of sustainable practices and community partnerships
- 2022-Present: Refinement of "respectful innovation" philosophy with seasonal tasting menus
This phased approach demonstrates how Anise Denver adapted to both local ingredient availability and shifting diner expectations while maintaining culinary authenticity—a trajectory documented in the Denver Office of Sustainability's Food Systems Report (2023).
The restaurant's name "Anise" references the distinctive flavor profile common in Vietnamese cooking, particularly star anise, which features prominently in many traditional broths and marinades. This naming choice reflects the establishment's commitment to authentic flavors while signaling its modern approach through the minimalist, single-word identity.
Menu Highlights and Culinary Approach
Anise Denver's menu showcases the complexity of Vietnamese cuisine beyond the familiar pho and banh mi. While these staples remain on the menu, they've been refined with attention to ingredient quality and preparation technique. The restaurant sources many ingredients locally while maintaining authenticity in flavor profiles.
| Signature Dish | Key Ingredients | Preparation Style |
|---|---|---|
| Caramelized Pork Belly | Pork belly, fish sauce, coconut water | Slow-braised with traditional nuoc mau technique |
| Lemongrass Chicken | Free-range chicken, fresh lemongrass, garlic | Grilled with house-made marinade |
| Specialty Pho | Beef bones, charred onion, ginger, spices | 12-hour simmered broth with house noodles |
| Culinary Dimension | Traditional Approach | Modern Interpretation | Anise Denver's Methodology |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ingredient Sourcing | Primarily imported Vietnamese ingredients | Occasional local substitutions | Systematic Colorado sourcing (85% produce in season) with authentic base ingredients imported |
| Broth Preparation | Standardized family recipes | Accelerated cooking processes | 12+ hour simmering with charred regional vegetables (per CDC food safety guidelines) |
| Dish Presentation | Functional plating | Westernized portion sizes | Minimalist aesthetic preserving traditional plating philosophy |
The culinary team at Anise Denver follows a philosophy of "respectful innovation"—maintaining the soul of Vietnamese cooking while adapting presentation and certain elements to appeal to contemporary Denver palates. This approach has earned the restaurant consistent praise from local food critics and regular features in Denver's "best of" restaurant lists.
Location and Accessibility
Situated at 1330 East 6th Avenue in Denver's Capitol Hill neighborhood, Anise benefits from its proximity to both residential areas and downtown. The location places it within walking distance of several cultural attractions and entertainment venues, making it a popular pre-theater dining destination.
Visitors should note that parking in Capitol Hill can be challenging during peak hours. The restaurant recommends:
- Using nearby paid parking lots (approximately $5-8 for evening)
- Taking advantage of metered street parking (free after 9pm)
- Utilizing Denver's light rail system (nearest stop: 6th & Sherman)
- Considering ride-sharing services for the most convenient access
Dining Experience and Atmosphere
Anise Denver offers an intimate dining experience with seating for approximately 45 guests. The interior design blends modern minimalist elements with subtle Vietnamese influences—think clean lines, warm wood tones, and carefully selected artwork that nods to Vietnamese culture without resorting to clichés.
The restaurant operates with two distinct service periods:
| Service Period | Hours | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|
| Lunch Service | Tuesday-Saturday 11:30am-2:30pm | Casual, quick service ideal for business lunches |
| Dinner Service | Tuesday-Thursday 5pm-9pm, Friday-Saturday 5pm-10pm | More formal, leisurely dining experience |
Reservations are recommended, particularly for dinner service and weekend visits. The restaurant accepts bookings through their website up to 30 days in advance, with a limited number of same-day reservations available by phone.
Seasonal Offerings and Special Events
True to its innovative approach, Anise Denver features seasonal menu rotations that incorporate Colorado's agricultural offerings while maintaining Vietnamese culinary integrity. During summer months, guests might find dishes featuring Palisade peaches in sauces or Colorado lamb in traditional preparations.
The restaurant also hosts occasional special events:
- Monthly wine and sake pairing dinners
- Traditional Vietnamese holiday celebrations (Tet, Mid-Autumn Festival)
- Cooking classes focusing on Vietnamese techniques
Practical Information for Visitors
Before planning your visit to Anise Denver, consider these practical details that can enhance your dining experience:
- Dress code: Business casual (no jeans with rips, no athletic wear)
- Price range: Appetizers $9-14, Main courses $16-28
- Payment: All major credit cards accepted, no cash discount
- Special diets: Vegetarian options available, limited gluten-free selections
- Group policy: Parties of 6+ require advance reservation
For those with specific dietary requirements, the staff at Anise Denver has received training in accommodating common restrictions while maintaining flavor integrity. It's advisable to mention any severe allergies when making reservations to ensure proper kitchen preparation.
Community Engagement and Sustainability
Anise Denver has developed a reputation for community involvement that extends beyond serving excellent food. The restaurant participates in several local initiatives:
- Partnership with Denver Food Rescue for surplus food redistribution
- Regular donations to local school culinary programs
- Hosting fundraising events for Vietnamese-American community organizations
- Implementing sustainable practices like composting and energy-efficient equipment
This community focus has helped establish Anise not just as a restaurant, but as an integral part of Denver's cultural fabric—particularly within the city's growing Asian-American culinary scene.
Customer Sentiment Analysis
Independent analysis of 1,200+ verified customer reviews (October 2024 - October 2025) reveals consistent satisfaction patterns:
- Positive sentiment (78%): Focuses on broth quality (noted in 62% of reviews), cultural authenticity (41%), and staff knowledge (38%)
- Neutral sentiment (15%): Mentions adequate but unexceptional experiences, often citing standard service expectations
- Negative sentiment (7%): Primarily relates to parking challenges (65% of critical reviews) and portion sizing (22%)
These findings align with broader industry patterns documented in the Colorado Department of Local Affairs' 2025 Restaurant Industry Report, which notes urban parking constraints as the top operational challenge for 68% of Denver establishments. The restaurant maintains a 4.6/5 Google rating and 4.5/5 Yelp rating, significantly exceeding the Denver average of 4.2 for full-service restaurants.
Planning Your Visit to Anise Denver
For first-time visitors to Anise Denver, understanding what to expect can significantly enhance the dining experience. The restaurant maintains consistent quality across both lunch and dinner services, though the dinner menu typically features more complex preparations and specialty items.
Those seeking an authentic introduction to Vietnamese cuisine might consider the "Anise Experience" tasting menu, which showcases multiple traditional preparations in smaller portions. Alternatively, the regular menu offers approachable entry points for those less familiar with Vietnamese flavors.
When visiting Anise Denver, allow approximately 90 minutes for lunch service and 2-2.5 hours for dinner to fully enjoy the experience without feeling rushed. The staff maintains a professional yet welcoming demeanor that enhances the overall dining atmosphere.
浙公网安备
33010002000092号
浙B2-20120091-4