Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant

2010 16th St., Boulder; 303-442-1485; leafvegetarianrestaurant.com

Grade: B

What to expect: The comfortable, pretty and quiet bistro offers attentive servers who aren't pushing a green/meatless agenda. They'll tell you about the delights on the cross-cultural menu.

Be sure to try: the white polenta fondutto, savory cheese bread pudding, mushroom fettuccine, and beet gnocchi.

How much to bring: Starters cost $4 to $6, entrees $12 to $16.

Tamales by La Casita

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

Grade: B

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

Be sure to try: the green and red tamales, preferably smothered. How much to bring: $1.50 to $5.85; $8.75 to $9.85 for a dozen tamales.

Piatti Locali

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

Grade: C

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

Be sure to try: 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; 303-798-2600, cherrycrestseafood.com

Grade: B-

What to expect: This casual fish house serves simple, well-made preparations.

Be sure to try: 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.; 303-322-0363, bastiensrestaurant.com

Grade: B+

What to expect: 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.; 303-975-2497

Grade: A-

What to expect: The ambience is plain, but the Taiwanese fare - in huge, cheap portions - is truly remarkable.

Be sure to try: Don't miss the best pot stickers in town.

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

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