Sansones Bistro, Greenwood Village

Growing up in a large Italian family, Chef Robert Sansone was enamored with his grandmother's home-style family cooking. A formal culinary education at Johnson & Wales University expanded his horizons and exposed him to an entire world's worth of flavors and cuisines. Thus, it's no surprise that upon founding Sansone's Bistro, he decided to embrace an eclectic culinary style that draws inspiration from cuisines throughout Europe and beyond, yet still manages to incorporate his grandmother's cooking whenever possible. The results are signature menu items such as chicken parmesan with homemade marinara sauce; wiener schnitzel topped with lemon, capers, and anchovies; or crispy duck with a chipotle-lingonberry jam.

The dining room similarly demonstrates a casual-yet-refined spirit via a warm, earth-toned space complete with dark chairs and booths surrounding the white-linen-draped tables. A wood-paneled accent wall features three pieces of abstract artwork, which add a bit of color and contemporary flair. Metal chandeliers hang from the ceiling, joining gleaming wall sconces and fishbowls full of electric eels.