Tamales by La Casita

3561 Tejon St.; 4390 W. 44th Ave., Denver; 303-477-2899

Grade: B

What to expect: The Tejon location is a bright, new sit-down space to enjoy the Sandoval clan's famous, affordable New Mexican and Mexican fare.

Be sure to try: You must sample the green and red tamales, preferably smothered in La Casita's excellent green and red chiles.

How much to bring: $1.50 to $5.85; $8.75-$9.85 dozen tamales

Piatti Locali

190 St. Paul St., Denver; 303-321-1919, piatti.com/denver

Grade: C

What to expect: We love the ambience, the attentive service, the by-the-glass wine list and free valet parking, but the California-style fare is merely likable.

Be sure to try: Don't miss the chicken breast stuffed with prosciutto, asparagus and fontina with polenta.

How much to bring: starters $5 to $9; entrees $11 to $20.

Cherry Crest Seafood Market

5909 S. University Blvd., Littleton; cherrycrestseafood.com 303-798-2600,

Grade: B-

What to expect: This casual fish house serves simple, well-made preparations such as baked breaded sea scallops and whole lobster.

Be sure to try: Entree faves include baked halibut, and sea scallops in Pernod-infused cream sauce.

How much to bring: starters $3.25 to $11; entrees $14 to $20.

Bastien's Restaurant

3501 E. Colfax Ave., Denver; bastiensrestaurant.com 303-322-0363

Grade: B+

What to expect: Open since 1958, this family-run classic dishes great steaks in a comfortable atmosphere.

Be sure to try: The sugar steak is a juicy joy. Don't miss the prime rib, fried chicken and Wiener schnitzel.

How much to bring: starters $6 to $9; entrees $12 to $24.

Lao Wang Noodle House

945 S. Federal Blvd., Denver; 303-975-2497

Grade: A-

What to expect: The ambience in this 25-seat place is plain, there's no beer or wine and the service is casual but the Taiwanese fare - in huge, cheap portions - is truly remarkable.

Be sure to try: Don't miss the best pot stickers in town; wontons in spicy peanut sauce; dumplings; and beef noodle soup.

How much to bring: starters $3 to $8; entrees $5 to $11.

Limon

1618 E. 17th Ave., Denver; www.limondenver.com 303-322-0898

Grade: A-

What to expect: The food is novoandino, modern fare using traditional ingredients and worldly influences.

Be sure to try: Main-dish wonders include lomo en salsa, a New York strip in chile-warm hominy salsa.

How much to bring: Starters are $4 to $9; entrees $12 to $22.

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