Ostia

"Baked chicken in itself doesn’t always sound quite iconic but the reputation of the half-lemon roasted chicken at this Montrose restaurant certainly proceeds itself, thanks to its silky herb-loaded juices, the flavorful accompanying salsa verde, tenderness no matter the piece, and a baked lemon waiting to be squeezed all over. Pair it with the crispy potatoes, served with a side of velvety homemade aioli, for a meal that you’ll want to order over and over." - Brittany Britto Garley

"Chef Travis McShane’s Mediterranean restaurant is the quintessential Montrose neighborhood gem. Along with the main dining room, the restaurant offers seating on an open-air patio and an enclosed greenhouse-inspired space. Brunch is offered from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features a rotating menu of seasonal pastas and pizzas, as well as mussels, chicken liver pate with banana pepper and toast, and pancakes with salted butter, maple syrup, and lemon zest." - Brittany Britto Garley

"Ostia is not a bad choice any time of day, but during lunch is when the restaurant slings its famed pizzas prepared in the restaurant’s live-fire, four-deck Italian stone pizza oven. Take to the picturesque greenhouse room, and start with a classic Caesar salad or chicken liver pate before ordering an entire pie to yourself." - Brittany Britto Garley, Megha McSwain

"A traditional margarita is given the Ostia treatment at this trendy Montrose restaurant. The Ostiarita is an off-the-menu secret, but IYKYK. Thoughtfully built with Cimarron blanco tequila, lime juice, and blood orange liqueur as a nod to the menu’s Mediterranean influences, it’s best paired with chef Travis McShane’s famed roast chicken with salsa verde." - Courtney E. Smith, Megha McSwain

"Early-in-the-game date jitters get the best of everyone, but if you want a spot that feels easy, try Ostia, the Italian and Mediterranean restaurant in Montrose. Book a table on the airy patio, or even better, in the dreamy greenhouse room, with rustic brick walls, enormous skylights, and enough plants to make you forget that you’re indoors. Share the mortadella paté, split some homemade pastas, and grab a bottle of Lambrusco. If the conversation stalls, you can use the romantic view as built-in small talk." - chelsea thomas, gianni greene