El Five - A High-Up Taste Of The Mediterranean
High above the LoHi area in Denver, there is a place where food and a view come together in a really special way. This spot, El Five, sits a full five floors up, offering something quite different for anyone looking to enjoy a meal out. It brings together tastes from Spain and the wider Mediterranean area, with a little touch of North Africa and the Middle East, so it's almost like a little trip for your taste buds. People who have been there seem to really enjoy it, giving it good marks for the overall experience.
You see, this restaurant isn't just about what's on your plate; it’s about the whole feeling of being there. Perched on the fifth level of a building at 2930 Umatilla, it gives you wide-open, clear sights of the Denver city lights stretching out below and the distant highlands. It’s a place where the scenery becomes a big part of your meal, making each bite feel a bit more memorable.
The menu at El Five, as a matter of fact, pays respect to a whole host of food traditions. It pulls ideas from five distinct food areas across the Mediterranean: Spain, the Middle East, North Africa, the Levant, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Western Mediterranean. This means there's a good variety of items to pick from, with some dishes getting a lot of praise from those who have tried them.
Table of Contents
- Where Can You Find El Five?
- What Sort of Food Does El Five Offer?
- The Flavors of El Five - What Makes Them Special?
- What Are the Standout Dishes at El Five?
- How Do People Feel About El Five?
- When Can You Visit El Five?
- The Look and Feel of El Five
- Who Is Behind El Five?
Where Can You Find El Five?
This spot, El Five, makes its home quite high up, five floors above the LoHi part of Denver. It's a place that sits on the fifth level of the building at 2930 Umatilla, giving it a perch that feels a little bit special. From this elevated position, you get to see a really impressive sight: the whole downtown Denver skyline, clear as day, without anything getting in the way. You can also spot the highlands from up there, which, you know, adds another layer to the scenery while you're enjoying your meal.
It’s a location that, in a way, sets the mood even before you taste the food. Being so high up, it feels like you're stepping away from the usual ground-level dining experience. The air might feel a little different, the sounds of the city seem to quiet down a bit, and the lights below just twinkle in a way that feels a little more magical. This high-up spot means that every table, pretty much, gets a chance to take in the vastness of the city spread out beneath them.
The specific address, 2930 Umatilla, means it’s right in an area that’s known for good food and interesting places to spend time. But El Five, by being so far up, sort of pulls itself out of the typical street-level activity. It’s a destination in itself, a place you go to for the specific purpose of enjoying both good food and a remarkable view. So, if you're ever looking for a place that offers a different perspective on Denver, this might be it.
What Sort of Food Does El Five Offer?
The food at El Five is, well, a collection of tastes from a wide stretch of the world. It brings together traditional Spanish and Mediterranean small plates, often called tapas, with clear influences from North Africa and the Middle East. This mix means you get a broad range of tastes and cooking styles all in one place, which is that little something extra. It’s not just one type of cuisine; it’s a blending of several, offering a sort of culinary trip without leaving your seat.
The menu, in fact, is designed to be a sort of respectful nod to the Mediterranean’s five main food areas. These regions include Spain, of course, but also the Middle East and North Africa, the Levant, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Western Mediterranean. Each of these areas has its own distinct flavors and ingredients, so you can imagine the variety that comes from pulling inspiration from all of them. It means there’s a lot to discover on the menu, and you might find something new with each visit, which is that interesting part of it.
This approach to food means that while you might find something familiar, you’re also likely to come across dishes that are a bit unexpected. The focus on small plates also means you can try a good number of different items during one meal. It’s a way of eating that encourages sharing and trying new things, which many people really enjoy. So, if you like trying a little bit of this and a little bit of that, El Five offers a menu that seems to fit that idea pretty well.
The Flavors of El Five - What Makes Them Special?
When you think about the tastes at El Five, it’s really about a coming together of different culinary ideas. The menu, as we know, draws from places like Spain, with its rich history of small, shareable dishes, and the sun-drenched lands of the Mediterranean. But then, it adds layers from North Africa and the Middle East, bringing in spices and cooking methods that add a different kind of warmth and depth. It’s a collection of flavors that, you know, speaks to a wide array of palates.
Consider the influence of Spain, for instance. You might expect savory, rich flavors, perhaps with olive oil and garlic playing a big part. Then, when you think about the Middle East and North Africa, you might picture aromatic spices, perhaps a hint of citrus or herbs that give a dish a bright, lively character. The Levant, too, brings its own set of fresh ingredients and traditional preparations that are very much about simple, good food.
The Eastern and Western Mediterranean regions also contribute their unique elements. This wide reach means that a single meal at El Five could have you tasting something earthy and comforting from one area, and then something light and bright from another. It's a sort of culinary conversation happening on your plate, which is that really neat thing about it. This approach allows the kitchen to play with many different ingredients and techniques, creating a dining experience that feels varied and full of surprises.
What Are the Standout Dishes at El Five?
From what people have said, there are a few dishes at El Five that really seem to catch the eye and the taste buds. The seafood paella, for example, is often mentioned. Paella, as you might know, is a classic Spanish rice dish, and a good seafood version can be a real treat, with tender pieces of fish and shellfish mixed into flavorful rice. It’s a dish that, you know, can be quite comforting and satisfying.
Then there are the chicken confit croquetas. Croquetas are little fried bites, usually creamy inside, and chicken confit means the chicken has been cooked slowly until it's very tender. So, imagine a crispy outside giving way to a smooth, savory chicken filling. These are the kind of small plates that are perfect for sharing, or, you know, keeping all to yourself because they are just that good.
The bison albondigas are another item that gets good remarks. Albondigas are Spanish meatballs, and using bison gives them a slightly different, perhaps richer, taste than traditional beef. These are often served in a sauce, making them a hearty and flavorful choice. And finally, the ibérico secreto is also a highlight. This is a special cut of pork from Spain, known for its incredible flavor and tenderness. It’s a dish that, in some respects, truly shows off the quality of ingredients El Five aims to use.
How Do People Feel About El Five?
When it comes to what people think of El Five, the general feeling seems to be quite positive. On places like TripAdvisor, for instance, it has received a very good average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. This sort of score suggests that a lot of people who visit have a really good time and enjoy what the restaurant offers. It’s a pretty strong indication that they are doing something right, you know?
Looking a bit closer at those ratings, El Five has gathered 211 unbiased reviews on TripAdvisor. Out of those, it’s also ranked quite highly among restaurants in Denver, sitting at number 59 out of 2,031 places. That’s a pretty impressive spot, especially considering how many dining options there are in the city. It means that, basically, it stands out to a good number of people who eat out.
These kinds of reviews and rankings are helpful because they give you a sense of what to expect from other people’s experiences. They suggest that the food, the views, and the overall atmosphere combine to create a dining experience that many find to be really worthwhile. So, if you're wondering if it's a place worth checking out, the feedback from others seems to point to a definite yes.
When Can You Visit El Five?
If you're planning a visit to El Five, it's good to know their operating hours. This week, for example, the restaurant will be open for guests from 5:00 in the evening until 10:00 at night. This timeframe means it’s a place for dinner, or perhaps a later evening meal. It’s not open for lunch, so, you know, keep that in mind when you’re making your plans.
These hours are pretty typical for a dinner spot that aims to offer a more relaxed and extended dining experience. Starting at 5:00 pm allows for early evening reservations, perhaps for those who like to eat a bit earlier, or want to catch the sunset from their high-up perch. Closing at 10:00 pm gives people enough time to enjoy a full meal without feeling rushed, which is that nice part of it.
It’s always a good idea to check their current operating schedule before you head over, just in case anything has changed. But generally, you can count on El Five being a place for evening dining, offering that special combination of food and view as the day turns into night. So, if you're looking for a place to enjoy an evening out, this seems to fit the bill.
The Look and Feel of El Five
The atmosphere at El Five is, well, something that people really talk about. The food itself, which is a version of Mediterranean small plates, is described as dramatic enough on its own. This suggests that the dishes are not just tasty, but also presented in a way that catches your eye, making the meal feel like a bit of an event. It’s that sort of thing where the visual appeal of the food adds to the whole experience, you know?
Beyond the plates, the restaurant itself has a notable appearance. In 2017, quite a few visually pleasing restaurants opened in Denver. But El Five, interestingly enough, was recognized with an Eater award for its design of the year. This means that the way the place looks, the way it’s put together, is considered to be really outstanding. It’s not just a pretty space; it’s a thoughtfully created one.
This focus on design means that when you walk into El Five, you’re stepping into a place where a lot of thought went into making it look and feel special. The layout, the furniture, the lighting—all of these elements work together to create a certain mood. It’s the kind of place where the surroundings are as much a part of the experience as the food itself, making it a truly elevated restaurant experience in Colorado.
Who Is Behind El Five?
The dining experience at El Five comes from a group known as Edible Beats. This group is responsible for bringing this particular restaurant to life. Knowing who is behind a place can give you a little bit of insight into their overall approach to food and hospitality. It suggests that El Five is part of a larger vision for creating interesting and enjoyable dining spots, which is that really cool part of it.
Edible Beats, as a company, seems to be involved in creating places that offer more than just a meal; they aim for a full experience. This aligns with what we know about El Five, with its stunning views, carefully crafted menu, and award-winning design. It’s not just about serving food; it’s about creating a memorable outing for anyone who visits.
Their involvement means that El Five is likely part of a collection of restaurants that share a certain standard of quality and a creative approach to dining. It’s a sort of signature that, you know, lets you know what to expect in terms of the overall style and dedication to the guest experience. So, when you visit El Five, you’re experiencing a piece of what Edible Beats aims to offer.
