If you’re looking for a restaurant in Cherry Creek that feels high-end without draining your wallet, Alteño is the spot. Tucked inside the Clayton Hotel, this Michelin-recognized restaurant delivers the kind of meal you’d expect from a big-city fine dining destination, but at prices that make it easy to come back again.
Chef Johnny Curiel brings a creative and confident style to everything he serves, drawing from his roots while adding a modern polish. The place itself has a great energy, is contemporary and stylish, yet still comfortable enough that you can relax and actually enjoy the food rather than feel like you’re on display.
The food, however, is the star. The porterhouse steak, although it is one of their few pricey dishes, makes you stop talking for a minute when you take the first bite. It’s cooked perfectly and paired with a rich black-truffle salsa that takes it to another level. The steak comes pre-cut into a filet and strip, making it very easy to share. The truffle steak is simply impressive, tender, flavorful, and packed with that earthy depth truffle lovers go crazy for.
What’s nice about Alteño is that it gives you that “special occasion” feel without the usual Cherry Creek price shock. You get quality that rivals the city’s most expensive restaurants, but you can actually enjoy it without overthinking the bill. However, the one flaw is how hard it is to find a reservation. If a person calls in advance, they are mostly given dates as far as two months out in advance just to find a table for dinner.
Between the attentive service, the comfortable yet classy atmosphere, and food that’s seriously worth talking about, Alteño stands out. It’s not trying to be overly fancy, it’s just good food done really well. For anyone who loves a great steak, appreciates a Michelin touch, or just wants a place that delivers on every level, Alteño easily earns its spot as one of Cherry Creek’s best dining experiences.
