James Beard winner Alon Shaya brought Israeli cuisine to Denver, and Safta quickly became one of the city's most celebrated restaurants. The hummus alone is worth the trip, but the lamb shoulder for the table turns dinner into an event. Located in The Source Hotel in RiNo.
Safta
Israeli Soul Food in RiNo
What to Order
The Hummus ($16): Order it first. Safta's hummus is silky, warm, and served with fresh pita from the wood-fired oven. People come just for this. Get extra pita.
Lamb Shoulder ($145, feeds 4-6): The showpiece. Slow-roasted, served with accompaniments. Order 24 hours ahead. This is what makes dinner at Safta an event.
Salatim: The rotating small plates that start the meal. Let the server guide you through the daily selection.
The Experience
Safta is designed for sharing. Order multiple dishes for the table, pass plates around, and don't rush. The space inside The Source Hotel is bright and open, with views of the kitchen.
Sunday brunch offers a condensed Safta experience with shakshuka, Turkish coffee, and a solid selection of the dinner menu favorites.
Pro Tip: If you can't get a dinner reservation, try the bar. Same menu, no reservation required, and the bartenders know their way around the cocktail list.