Quick Info
Why Aurora: Most diverse food scene in metro Denver. Havana Street: Ethiopian, Eritrean, international hub. Mississippi Avenue: Korean restaurants. Alameda: Vietnamese. Stanley Marketplace: Food hall with local vendors.
Aurora's extraordinary diversity—over 160 languages spoken—translates directly into one of Colorado's most exciting food scenes. Forget generic chains; Aurora delivers authentic international cuisine at prices that make Denver look expensive.
Ethiopian & East African
Havana Street
Havana Street between Colfax and Mississippi hosts the metro's largest concentration of Ethiopian and Eritrean restaurants. Communal dining, injera bread, and rich stews.
Notable Spots
Abyssinia - Long-standing favorite with traditional menu. Queen of Sheba - Generous portions, friendly service. Ras Kassa's - Ethiopian and Eritrean specialties.
Asian Cuisine
Korean
Mississippi Avenue features Korean BBQ, tofu houses, and noodle shops. Authentic flavors serving the large Korean community.
Vietnamese
Alameda corridor offers pho, banh mi, and Vietnamese specialties. Family-run spots with decades of history.
Chinese
Several authentic Chinese restaurants serve regional specialties beyond typical Americanized dishes.
Latin American
Mexican
Taquerias and sit-down Mexican restaurants throughout Aurora. More regional variety than typical Tex-Mex.
Salvadoran & Central American
Pupuserias and Central American eateries offer dishes hard to find elsewhere in Colorado.
Stanley Marketplace
Upscale food hall in a converted aviation factory. Local vendors, craft coffee, and boutique food concepts. More expensive than ethnic restaurants but showcases local culinary talent.
Tips
Explore Havana Street. The heart of Aurora's international food scene. Walk and discover.
Cash helps at smaller spots. Some family restaurants prefer cash. Small bills appreciated.
Ask for recommendations. Servers at ethnic restaurants can guide you to authentic dishes.
Lunch is often cheaper. Many restaurants offer lunch specials with generous portions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aurora food really better than Denver?
For authentic international cuisine at good prices, yes. Aurora's immigrant communities have created food scenes that downtown Denver can't match.
Where should I start?
Havana Street for Ethiopian is the classic introduction. Korean on Mississippi or Vietnamese on Alameda are other excellent starting points.