Restaurants in Five Points
El Five
One of 10 restaurants we've tracked near Five Points.
Things to Know
El Five is an upscale Mediterranean restaurant with rooftop views known for shareable tapas and paella, located in Denver.
Most reviewers rave about the paella, croquettas, and eggplant fries, with the chef's counter offering an especially memorable experience — though portions and pricing can disappoint if you're not ordering family-style.
- ✓Harissa eggplant fries and goat cheese croquettas are standout dishes worth ordering
- ✓Seafood paella and Tunisian couscous with lamb kebabs receive consistent praise
- ✓Chef's counter seating offers personalized recommendations and an engaging dining experience
- ✓Sharing multiple tapas across a group is the best way to experience the menu
- ✓Wine program is knowledgeable with well-curated Spanish selections
- ⚠Tapas are expensive ($14-$28) with small portions that feel overpriced relative to flavor
- ⚠Service can be slow and inattentive, including awkward waits and staff walking past without acknowledgment
- ⚠Paella portions are smaller than advertised for the price and have been described as overcooked rice with undercooked seafood
- ⚠Seating coordination issues and difficulty honoring patio reservations, with some guests seated at inappropriately small tables
- ⚠High overall bill ($220 for two people) leaves some diners feeling unimpressed given portion sizes and execution
How this is written: we run the full set of recent Google reviews through AI to pull out what guests consistently say — including the complaints, which is why there's a downsides list rather than only the good bits. It's rewritten as new reviews come in, so it describes the hotel as it is now, not as it was whenever someone last got round to writing a paragraph about it. Read the reviews yourself on Google Maps.
Hours
Monday: 4:00 – 9:30 PM
Tuesday: 4:00 – 9:30 PM
Wednesday: 4:00 – 9:30 PM
Thursday: 4:00 – 9:30 PM
Friday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 4:00 – 9:30 PM
People Order
- —Harissa eggplant fries
- —Goat cheese croquettas
- —Seafood paella
- —Matzo ball soup dumplings
- —Caviar flight
Things To Do Nearby
What Visitors Say
All reviews on Google MapsJacqueline Telljohann
a month ago
I came here with my husband and two of our friends and we all shared everything. This is the way to do it so you can try more. We ordered: - Spreads of the Med - Carbon Culture Mushroom Paella - Matzo Ball Soup Dumplings - Harissa Eggplant Fries - Goat Cheese Croquettas - Bison Meatballs - Mushroom Bourekas - Turkish Kunefe - Crema Catalana - Basque Cheesecake Every single thing was amazing. If I had to pick favorites, it would probably be the eggplant fries, paella, and goat cheese croquettes. I don't usually like eggplant but the crispiness of the fries really improved the texture and the sauce was so good. All three desserts were fantastic. I'm not sure that I can pick a favorite. Linger was previously my favorite restaurant in Denver and now it might be El Five. This restaurant group has some amazing restaurants and I can't wait to try the others. Go with a group and order as much as you can. You won't regret it!
Christie Mazzeo
5 months ago
Wow. Just wow. Started with amazing views and a drink before being seated for dinner. Loved the Mediterranean dips (you can get a half order), goat cheese croquettas, harissa eggplant fries, Tunisian couscous with lamb kebabs and sea bass! We decided on more Tapas options instead of paella. Next time paella!! Rowe was a very knowledgeable Wine Director and we had a lovely bottle of Spanish red. Service was stellar, we shall return.
Caroline Pinheiro
4 months ago
We love going to El five for celebrations. This time we sat at the chef’s counter and it was a wonderful experience! Food was phenomal! Nick, the chef gave us wonderful recommendations and we couldn’t have left happier. The caviar flight and the seafood paella were our favorites!! Amazing experience!
andrea aranguiz
4 months ago
El Five was exceptional ! Best paella I’ve ever had. The Chilean sea bass was delicious. We drove from the springs just for my bday and our party could not stop talking about how good it was. Make sure to get the garlic hummus and the chicken croquets
Frequently Asked Questions
Is El Five worth it in Five Points?
Most reviewers rave about the paella, croquettas, and eggplant fries, with the chef's counter offering an especially memorable experience — though portions and pricing can disappoint if you're not ordering family-style. Known for: rooftop Mediterranean dining with chef counter views.
What should I order at El Five?
Popular choices at El Five include Harissa eggplant fries, Goat cheese croquettas, Seafood paella, Matzo ball soup dumplings, Caviar flight.
What do visitors love about El Five?
Harissa eggplant fries and goat cheese croquettas are standout dishes worth ordering Seafood paella and Tunisian couscous with lamb kebabs receive consistent praise Chef's counter seating offers personalized recommendations and an engaging dining experience Sharing multiple tapas across a group is the best way to experience the menu Wine program is knowledgeable with well-curated Spanish selections
Is there anything to know before visiting El Five?
Tapas are expensive ($14-$28) with small portions that feel overpriced relative to flavor Service can be slow and inattentive, including awkward waits and staff walking past without acknowledgment Paella portions are smaller than advertised for the price and have been described as overcooked rice with undercooked seafood Seating coordination issues and difficulty honoring patio reservations, with some guests seated at inappropriately small tables High overall bill ($220 for two people) leaves some diners feeling unimpressed given portion sizes and execution
How expensive is El Five?
El Five is on the pricier side, with a 4.5-star rating from 3,598 Google reviews.
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