Outstanding restaurant. Â Creative and unique menus, from cocktails to dessert. Â The specialty cocktail was outstanding and they had a great selections of unique beers and wine to choose from. Â The server was extremely knowledgeable and helpful which made choosing the right dish fun and easy. Â The food was presented elegantly and the flavors were amazing. Â
My duck was cooked to perfection and the accompaniments were perfectly paired. Â Gnocchi, parsnip puree, and butternut squash.
The dessert was mint chocolate ice cream, it was excellent. Â The fresh mint definitely made this unique and now a flavor I will always remember.
My only wish is that they had acknowledged my birthday (as I saw they did with other tables that night), as I put on the open table notes.
Saturday was my second experience at Bittersweet. The first was New Years Eve, which is my fiancé' and my anniversary date. The waitress was kind and very educated on the menu and was just pleasant.  The drinks are unique, the food is also amazing. It's a relaxing, but sophisticated atmosphere. My sister and I went here for cocktails over the weekend, and had a very pleasant experience with the education of the staff and the delicious drinks. We will be taking our Husbands to enjoy the patio once it opens this summer. If you want an overall pleasant experience, this is your place.
Review Source:If you're not the type who worries about value, bang for the buck, etc., then this restaurant is 5 stars all the way. Â My company paid for our dinner, so we ordered willy nilly off the menu and enjoyed every bite 10000%. Â Yum. Â This is one of the finest culinary experiences I've ever been treated to. Â However, I would think twice about coming here out of my own pocket, as I live my life on a budget, and that $264 should probably go to things like, oh say, my electric bill. Â But if you're rich or like to live like a rich person, this should seriously be your new favorite restaurant!
To be fair, our bill was so high because we tried more than half the menu (yum!). Â Between the two of us, we had 3 appetizers, 3 entrees, and every single dessert plus one that wasn't on the menu. Â We tried a few specialty cocktails, enjoyed the wine, some beer, and finished the evening with cappuccinos. Â Absolutely nothing disappointed (except maybe the portion sizes, but we were able to order more and more food since it was on my company's dime;))
We left happy and are still texting each other 2 days later about what a great experience it was. Â The restaurant is beautiful and our server and hostess were both really great to us. Â This is a very well run restaurant.
I'm sure my friends and I will be back for appetizers and cocktails! Thanks for a marvelous experience, Bittersweet!
I'll cut to the chase. The food was good, and the atmosphere was cozy, but in the end, I can't say that I was sufficiently impressed to guarantee I would return at the current price point. I believe this sentiment is reflected in several other reviews.
The menu is small. I get that when you're going for fresh, artisan cuisine, you are going to have a small menu, but it wasn't a very rounded one. Meats featured were pork, pigeon or seafood. Not a cow or a chicken nor a rabbit nor a duck in sight, at least when I went. Appetizers were similarly limited, and they were out of the lobster bisque,to the chagrin of half of our party.
I had the Basil Handkerchief. It was essentially some pasta with spinach, tomatoes, garlic and brocollini. It was very good, and likely one of the larger dishes served. It had rich tomato flavor, and the brocollini and spinach were cooked just right. Nevertheless, it was not in the top 5 or even 10 dishes I have had recently. The bacon dessert was a redeemer. It was incredible. Funnel cake with bacon and maple ice cream. Yes, please. I could eat 3 and still want more!
The atmosphere was cozy. Muted tones, a fireplace, gorgeous light fixtures and low lights. You feel more like you're at a dinner party at a friend's home than a restaurant. The only evidence to the contrary is the fact that the tables are so close you have to be mindful of your neighbors.
A friend jokingly suggested that they scrape the garden in favor of more parking. The gardens are delightful, but the truth is that the lot is small and you have to be willing to walk a few blocks as the street parking closest by is zoned for residents only.
Glad I had the experience (particularly the dessert!) but will not be hurrying back.
what a lovely place. cozy, chic, boutique.
delicious dishes. must i actually dig my fork into this artistically-styled cuisine?- it looks too pretty!
my only 'gentle' suggestions to the restaurant: provide at least one vegetarian option in every category of your menu, including 'starters.' also, include a few 'recognizable' favorites in the (obsure) wine list.
perfect place for date night if you're looking for something intimate, upscale, and enjoy an intentional european twist.
4.5
I only popped in for a late drink, but couldn't leave with just one. This place has an amazing cocktail menu with drink combinations that you've never seen before.
The bartender is incredibly knowledgeable about their wide array of beers and wines from all over, and he makes for great company. Just be careful if you bring your girlfriend and sit at the bar. This guy is so charming he just might steal her.
Over all, great experience, and I can't wait to go back for a full dinner.
For the same price you could have an exceptional meal at Mizuna. Â
I was looking forward to Bittersweet, but it turned out to be a real mixed bag for me. Â
The Good:
* Really groovy cocktail list. Â In fact the bar seemed packed with all types of beverages worth a try. Â Try the Norwegian Wood. Â It was exceptional.
* Fantastic beef tenderloin & beet appetizer.
* Food is good and portions are perfectly sized.
* Wait staff was great.
The Bad:
* The threatening phone call a week before our reservation. Â Seriously....I'm an adult. Â I know how to make, keep & cancel reservations. Â Do not call and threaten me a week before saying you'll charge me if we miss the reservation which would be the greatest trick ever because you never took my credit card number in the first place. Â Do not treat people like this. Â It's just not a professional thing to do.
* The bartender did not even acknowledge us when we sat down. Â I understand when things are busy and do not mind waiting, but at least smile, say you'll be with me soon, or give me a nod so I know you got my back. Â We just went to our table.
* Other than the appetizer the food did not impress me. Â Flavors were fine but nothing that really knocked my socks off. Â
So, Bittersweet, I'm not sure I will return. Â I tried. Â I really did.
Bittersweet is a farm to table restaurant that prides itself on fresh, seasonal ingredients; much of which are grown on the property.
The star of the night was the first item I read on the menu and instantly had to order, the bacon, eggs and toast. Â Out comes lightly toasted, fresh rosemary brioche, stacked high with the richest and most tender pork belly that is then topped with a poached quail egg. Â When you cut your fork through the savory dish, the golden yolk descends upon the pork, draping it with flavor. Â One quick slide through the decadent sauce on the bottom of the plate and you are eating the most balanced and flavorful combination of flavors.
My husband ordered the black cod. Â The fish was fresh and light, paired with spring peas, roasted brussel sprouts, a citrus sauce and sweetbreads which created a perfect syphony of flavor. Â The fish was the highlight but the fresh-shucked peas were tender and almost sweet which I could not quit stealing off Ryan's plate all night.
I think what I loved most about Bittersweet was the warm feeling the restaurant had and how no detail was overlooked for the diner's experience. Â The fireplaces adoring the 2 dining rooms put off a glow and warmth that made you feel like you were dining in someones home. Â The decor is chic meets comfy with contemporary wood chairs, lighting with clean lines, a pewter grey paint on the walls and an ambiance that urges you to linger all night. Â The waitstaff was well informed, the pink salt on the tables was a nice touch and the glassware was beautiful.
What can I say about Bittersweet? I literally fell in love there that's how good the food is! No, seriously, my fiance and I had our first "fake" date here while she was in town for a work conference, and it was an amazing experience. We were able to sit outside in the garden during August - what a beautiful setting for a romantic evening...even though that wasn't the initial intention, I'd say it worked out quite well.
The restaurant is small, with a relaxed atmosphere, and the food is prepared masterfully. The menu doesn't have the greatest selection, but it doesn't need it when everything on it delivers. I've now eaten there on two separate occasions, and between the parties we have had a total of 6 entrees, 2 appetizers, and 2 desserts to nothing but rave reviews. The presentation is well done, too. Sometimes it's too well done which makes it difficult to destroy the creation, but in destruction comes the creation of flavor, and that makes it all worthwhile.
I'll definitely be coming back to Bittersweet. Especially when dining outside in the garden becomes a viable option again.
Bittersweet earns 4.5 stars, and we had a wonderful dinner here over the weekend. Â The food is creative and flavorful. Â The burrata was fantastic. Â The short ribs were very good. The dessert- pumpkin cake for Thanksgiving- had an amazing frosting. The service was great. Â I would have liked a couple more wine choices by the glass.
Review Source:My initial feel for the restaurant is nice digs with a pretentious menu.
Just so you know they serve pork and fish continental style that reminds me of Norse food. Â So if you have blue eyes and blond hair you might like it. Â I am but I hate Norse/German food, so tell Goring I don't like it.
Oh yea, this is a micro restaurant with only 8 tables. Â Crazy, maybe they should annex the sudaeten land and get some more tables. And the table I had was rickety as a third world government.
It's sad when you try two dishes and hate them both, then have to hit fast food on the way home, just to cleans your palette. I also hade the pumpkin cake for dessert and honestly it is inedable. Â I don't know how you screw up cake, but THEY HAVE FOUND A WAY!
Oh yea and the service is extreeeeemly slooooooow.
When you are treated to flavors like this, it makes for a very special evening. Starting with the Burrata, a must order for me at any restaurant, Bittersweet's addition of a potted tomato took it over the top. The delicate flavor of the tomatoes and warm focaccia was outstanding. Combined with a great selection of meats and cheeses on the Charcuterie plate, everyone agreed that we were off to a great start.
For dinner I ordered the cassoulet and was delighted when it was served as a deconstruction with four small towers of bean puree, pork cheek, smoked sausage and duck prosciutto. Rather than a heavy casserole, it provided just the right amount of food while really allowing you to taste every flavor of the ingredients.
I finished with the incredibly decedent Chocolate torte with coffee marshmallow, hazelnuts and candied blood orange. The chocolate torte was made of a sweet, hazelnut chocolate that left me wanting more. Fantastic!
I will definitely be back soon to see what new creations are added to the menu!
Bittersweet has been on my "to-try" list for a while now. I made the reservation for our large group over a month ago and was so excited when last night finally arrived!
The place definitely did not disappoint. You walk in and there's the hostess station and a lovely little bar. The bartender was super friendly and informative.
There were six of us and we kind of took over the front dining area, a few tables of two came in and out, but for the most part it was just us. The back dining room had patrons as well, but I didn't see that area. Overall the vibe and décor of the place was great - light, simple, very comfortable.
We started with two orders of the Burrata (potted tomatoes, focaccia, fleur de sel) and it was wonderful. Like melt-in-your-mouth-I-could-make-a-meal-of-just-Âthis wonderful. I'd never had it before, but now I'm a fan. We also had the Charcuterie Plate (three meats, two cheeses, +traditional condiments) and it was great as well. I was particularly fond of the water buffalo cheese.
For an entrée I selected the Maple Leaf Duck (smoked duck breast confit, Tuscan kale, figs, shallots, golden raisin reduction) - it was fantastic. The duck was cooked really nicely and had a great smoky flavor.  A little fatty in areas, but that can expected with duck. The kale was cooked perfectly - still a little tiny crunch left in it and the reduction was a perfect accompaniment. Others in our group had the cassoulet and short ribs -everyone raved.
I love lavender so I for sure went with that for dessert. It consisted of lavender ricotta cheesecake, honey stewed figs, lemon curd, almond lace. Honestly, the cheesecake was SO good that I wanted to taste just that with the lemon curd - the honey stewed figs were great, but not necessary in my opinion. It was quite possibly one of the best recipes I've ever tasted that included lavender.
Service was great once it got going - I felt like it was a little slow at the beginning, but we were a large and very chatty group, so I think they were just trying to give us all time to get reacquainted and settle down.
Not an everyday kind of place, but I would love to go back to Bittersweet for a more special occasion and try out more on the menu.
Bittersweet has a green thumb - Chris Utterback
--
"I just want to eat all of it forever," she exclaimed. The "it" was the short rib at Bittersweet, and though forever may be a mighty long time, it's easy to contemplate an eternity wandering in Bittersweet's secret garden.
In early 2011, Chef Olav Peterson and wife Melissa Severson made the site of a defunct gas station into their own image, a palace of seasonal cuisine with a robust French bend and a 600-square-foot garden. One can only imagine the effort that the couple underwent to turn this former auto garage on Alameda and Downing into a 60-seat paragon of fine dining--but Bittersweet's origins do show in its odd shape and tiny size. Even though Bittersweet's most enthusiastic customers hail from the dinner jacket and BMW set, the space has a raucousness that belies warmth from good food and good company.
Sodden weather prevented dining on the garden-side patio, one of Bittersweet's most attractive features, but didn't dampen Peterson's still summery board. Hoping to get the heavy stuff out of the way to allow for a clean, fresh finish to the meal, orders of house-cured maple duck ($12) and a slab of pork belly perched on a crispy risotto cake ($10) were landed. Soaking in a smoked English pea consommé, the umami-packed Carbonara risotto cake and a crispy rectangle of pork didn't attempt to punch above their weight, content to let animal fat, fryer oil, and bacon do their work. The consommé tasted just as it sounds, an experiment that flirted excitingly with pretension.
Short strips of duck, salty like bacon and laced with white ribbons of fat, studded with maple sugar and glanced with smoked raisin vinaigrette challenged us to fit the accompanying fruits and veggies on a single forkful. The reward was a satisfying mélange of flavor that it may take a master taster to unravel.
Massive credit is due to Peterson for doing something rare in this town: giving things that we've never heard of before. You might have no damn idea what salsify is, but after a meal at Bittersweet you'll know it's a white root that's like a savory carrot, and that it is awesome.
Bigger dishes innovate as well; a selection of garden vegetables in an herbed pistou ($23) is the embodiment of Bittersweet's mission, complex, earthy and fresh. But look at that price again; Bittersweet has no business charging that much for a glorified pasta dish. If you're a student living on your own, be warned there is no happy hour or cheap meal here to dull the pain of the check.
Other than a steep price tag, the only honest-to-God disappointments at Bittersweet are the humdrum homemade ice creams and poorly calibrated sorbets, ($2 a scoop).
But back to those shortribs ($28): pairing a practical rutabaga puree with bordelaise-slathered beef that would shame any Ruth's Chris line cook, a Brussels sprout rests at the end of each piece, completing the dish like a well-earned period at the end of a sentence. Whatever might happen after you leave Bittersweet, it's that final note of the plate that might resonate with you--if not forever, then at least a good while.
The only thing bittersweet about this restaurant is that I can only eat here when visiting Denver.
Beautiful space. Attentive service. Innovative cuisine, presented in a very approachable manner -- both in terms of the menu and the staff training.
I know a fair bit about food, but there were several words on the menu that were new to me. When I asked about them, the server was immediately able to answer those questions and not make me feel like an imbecile. (Isn't it sad that NOT being condescended to is so remarkable that it bears noting in a review?) Servers were all well trained.
I found the dill rolls presented before dinner to be slightly overbaked. And the focaccia appetizer tasted great, but I would quibble with their calling the bread in that dish a true "focaccia."
But that really is quibbling, just for the point of trying to find something useful to say. Really, it was a lovely, lovely evening that I will not soon forget.
BIttersweet - can you open a branch location in Austin?
We have been to Bittersweet five times now. Some things are consistent: it is a pretty place, with competent and accommodating staff. The decibel level is annoyingly high when the house is full, and the wine list is obscure and the staff has little knowledge of the selections.
On our last visit I ordered "cassoulet." The name comes from the French word cassole which is a clay cooking pot used to prepare a mix of lamb, white beans, duck, and sausage. It is usually served in the clay pot.
Bittersweet stretches the definition to absurd levels. The menu describes the dish as duck prosciutto, sausage, pork cheeks, and white beans.
What was served was three small delicate piles on the plate composed of a tablespoon smear of white bean purée, three leafy greens, a piece of pork cheek the size of a quarter, a piece of sausage that was less than one small bite, and on two of the three piles a piece of duck prosciutto the size of a finger nail.
For this Bittersweet charges $29. Raw ingredient cost? Maybe two bucks.
I am one who criticizes plates one often finds with large amounts of food.
But this was not a cassoulet. It was not an entree size portion. It was a disappointment.
I've only been here once, but I very much look forward to my next visit. Â I've been in Denver for almost one year now, so I am still trying to explore the restaurant scene before making too many repeat visits, but this is one of the few places (which also includes Rioja, Fruition and Barolo) that I actually am excited to return to. Â
The white asparagus appetizer is phenomenal. Yes I know it is simple and sounds boring with its poach egg, fried capers and pancetta, but the ingredients themselves are all of top quality and are beautifully presented. Â I could have eaten 5 of these and been pleased. Â Thankfully I didn't though because I still had room for the succulent rabbit; I can't remember what kind of sauce it was served with, but whatever it was, I would like just a bowl of that next time served with the delicious bread rolls they give you once you sit down. Â I'm a sucker for a great bread starter. Â I don't know why since it's the cheapest thing for a restaurant to make, but it's always such an added bonus and a great preview of what's to come. Â
Why it's so easy to get a reservation here it still a mystery to me, but perhaps it's all for the better!
This place is decent. The food is good, especially considering it's mostly seafood in a landlocked state. But nothing really stands out as exceptional, unfortunatley. Also, their sommelier is horrible, at least when I went. They've got what I like to call a "nerdy" wine list- nothing standard on the list, all mostly random, unusual varietals. I suggested something to my date and the sommelier instantly rebuked my idea, saying it was... I kid you not... "passe to choose a European wine to pair with salmon." What? Someone's watched Sideways too many times.
That being said, the cocktails are good, the food is solid, and the location deserves a good restaurant like this.
From the starter menu I tasted the Duck Tasso, the Braht, & the Charcuterie Plate. They were all fabulous. The chef served up a healthy amount of meat with these dishes, which can often be sparse with fancy appetizers. The duck dish had a surprising bit of kick, which went excellent with the sweetness of watermelon and cherry. The Charcuterie plate included a Swiss Gruyere subtler than I usually find Swiss cheese to be and an utterly delicious Prosciutto.
For a main course I had the Hanger Steak, which did not have a single ingredient out of place. The rosemary goat cheese polenta was amazing. Often rosemary is overdone, and there was just enough to wake up my palate. The half peach served with this dish was popping with flavor. The steak itself was succulent and tender.
Our desserts were the creatively done "S'more" and the "Black Forest" cherries and mousse, which was a bit heavy on cherries and light on the mousse.
Overall we enjoyed Bittersweet's simple, naturalistic ambiance. Our meal displayed the wisdom of a chef who knows how to bring forth the natural flavors in his dishes so they resonate.
Our server was friendly and knowledgeable, though definitely on the slow side. If you don't want to linger over a  long meal, this is not the place for you.
I'd been wanting to try this place for awhile, and the meal there turned out to be my favorite in Denver so far. Â Everything was so delicious. Â My friend laughed because I did a happy food dance in my chair. Â I had the steak with grilled peaches and arugula; I'm not normally a steak person, but I was intrigued by the grilled peaches. Â The flavor combination was so good, and the dish was also very pretty. Â My friend had the grouper, which was also delicious. Â We also tried the white asparagus and a chocolate dessert bomb. Â The dessert was one of the best I've had. Â We sat outside, which was so nice. Â The service was really great, and we got lucky and even got a parking space in the very small lot; it helped that it was 6:00 p.m. on a Tuesday.
Review Source:I kept hearing that this place was pricey but I am a gal that doesn't mind throwing down for some quality food. Â I actually think the pricing is on par with what I have paid/seen at other similar establishments. Â I watched this space through it's development and was excited to finally try it and it did not disappoint. Â The cocktails were wonderful, the decor is great and the patio area is lovely. Â I also really enjoy how they showcase local ingredients and flavors without being obnoxious about it.
I did not like the chairs and find the tables slightly too small for 2 people but that's just personal preferences I suppose.
I'll leave you with these last two words: halibut cheeks.
Beautiful space....you can't tell it was an auto shop. Â I would defintiely ring a date here, esp. if you want to seal the deal. Â Our server was friendly and informative and just so nice!
I had the fried oysters, pork cheeks and vanilla ice cream and sea salt caramel ice cream. Â All to die for. Â And those bread rolls! Â Watch out, Red Lobster! These are so much better than those cheddar bay biscuits and I love those suckers.
Go if you can. It's worth the splurge. Â I can't wait to try out their patio when it's warmer in the evenings.
Wow. We have watched it grow into the neighborhood. The owner and his wife were pregnant when it opened and now we see them walking through the lot with a big kid on the mom's hip...nice. Â The entire neighborhood watched with anticipation and we are better for it.
Awesome! Our meals were fantastic - that is all - Â you will not be sad. Holy-sweet-thank-you-for-relocating-that-ugly-car-Âshop and bringing some props to WWP. Service, great. The fireplace...a little too intense and the acoustics were rough and loud.
It is however, pricey, we haven't returned and it most def a very special occasion place, not just a drop by and grab a bite place. Oh, and parking is a bitch if you don't live the hood and can just walk over.
After hearing some good things about Bittersweet, we chose it to celebrate Hot Mike's birthday. There were three of us on a Friday night around 8. My only complaint about the physical space was the noise level - because it was a concrete (or something similar) floor, everything was very loud (especially the schwasty couple behind us).
I ordered the Conley cocktail which was grapefruit/vodka with a Himalayan Pink salt rim and it was outstanding. We ordered the Snails, the Alscasiene Tart and the Andouille appetizers. The snails were really well cooked but they were a little shy on seasoning for me personally, my two boys loved them though. The Tart was absolutely incredible, hot, flaky, bacon, yum. The Andouille really stood out - the sausage had that awesome SNAP to it and the fried okra was killer.
Entrees: Halibut Cheeks, Degustation of Berkshire Pork and Kobe Beef. All three were outstanding - my Kobe Beef was perfectly cooked and the cheddar potato torchon was fabulous. The plating was deceptive - I was all cranky because I didn't think I'd have enough food but it was actually a generous portion (most was hiding under the potato torchon!).
We ordered the "Lemon" dessert which was a tart with some homemade marshmallow and a thyme sorbet which was outstanding.
Service was prompt and attentive, always full glasses, really knowledgable and clearly enthusiastic about the food.
Great experience, will need to return for consistencies sake!
I took my fiance to this restaurant as that is what she wanted and had heard good things about. So I got reservations for 7:00 on a Wednesday night. We were sat immediately they do have what looks like nice outdoor seating but as it was cold my girl decided she wanted to stay inside.
Upon looking at their menu online we had a good idea of what looked good already. However when we showed up to dinner and recieved a totally different updated menu it kind of put a damper on our expectations...as there were somethings on the previous menu we came here for.
So with the new menu we started out with an appetizer of Andouille sausage and it was just ok but good flavor. For the main dish my girl picked out the Halibut Cheeks and I selected the kobe beef. The actual tastes of my kobe beef with the lime chive sauce and cheddar potatoes was amazing. The girlfriends meal was good but didn't pack the punch of flavor mine had (so was understandable she wanted to steal mine). However in general this might be just me but...I understand that presentation is a lot of the dining experience in a fancy restaurant but this does not mean that the portions of the meal has to exponentially decrease with the fancier presentation. Needless to say that after the appetizer and main dishes I was still hungry. Â
So onto dessert, which was the best part in my mind. I ordered the chocolate mousse with stout ice cream and the littel lady the got bread pudding. These did not let me/us down in anyway they where abosultely delicious and they almost seemed to be larger servings.
To Sum Up:
As this is a higher end restaurant you can expect to pay $125-150 for appetizer, two main dishes, wine and dessert. Make sure that you are not bassing your food selection on the menu online as they change menu frequently but do not change it online so might not be up to date. If you are a big guy like me do not expect a large meal with the large pricetag. However the tastes of the meals/cuisine are delicious but look like they can vary from menu to menu as they again change often. The dessert here I have had were not just good but great! However, in my mind this is only a special occasion type of place and not a regular place to visit (maybe once a year...if that).
Went to Bittersweet for a special celebratory occasion and it was very nice. For apps we had the charcuterie plate and a goat cheese and onion tart, I had the Kobe Beef and for dessert banana bread pudding. Everything we ordered was truly delicious, service and atmosphere were great. Â As other reviewers noted the menu is limited but the freshness and quality of the food more than justify the limited selection.
Given the price I probably won't be heading back frequently but would definitely consider returning for a special occasion. I'd like to go back in summer when they use fresh produce from their garden on the plot next door.
This place is great. Seriously, I was really impressed with my meal here.  Had the charcuterie plate and "Gravlax" which is basically kind of a play on a bagel with cream cheese and lox. The charcuterie plate had gabbagool, mortadella and some kind of spicy sausage along with brie.  The gravlax had cured  artic char, an egg yolk, an apple slaw, a cream cheese sauce, and bagel chips. The charcuterie was all quite good. Didn't love the mortadella, but everything else I did love. The gravlax was really wonderful. It was just a very nicely conceived, well balanced dish. I would definitely recommend giving it a try.
For my entree I had the smoked white fish with potato and hollandaise. All I can say is wow. This was an absolutely phenomenal dish. Perfectly cooked fish. Â The hollandaise was quite probably the best I've had. Â It worked so nicely with the fish and gave the dish a savory, lobster-like flavor. Big thumbs up here. I also tried the pork cheeks and the rabbit dish. Both were quite good as well, but nowhere close to the white fish.
The stunning part of this meal was the price. $120 for 2 apps, 3 entrees, and a dessert is shockingly low for the quality of food here. I was expecting it to be much more expensive. This is the best place I have found in Denver so far. Will definitely return..
Just enjoyed my first meal at Bittersweet and I'm trying to figure out if I was dining at the same restaurant as the people who rated this place poorly...
Started with the roasted beet salad and it absolutely delivered -- beautifully plated and the combination of venison, blue cheese, beets and black pepper vinaigrette was wicked good. Moved on to the duck -- prepared perfectly; tender and flavorful. I'm not a big fan of spätzle, but perhaps that's because I've never had sweet potato spätzle! Tasty, tasty, tasty! Â
Chef Olav Peterson's "strong dedication to food" is pretty darned evident -- as is the commitment to flawless service.
And yes, the parking is limited. Deal with it. You'll be glad you did.
Presentation? Â Breathtakingly beautiful. Â As pretty as anything I've seen anywhere. Â Creativity? Â I had a duck consomme with a roasted fig, and duck prosciutto, with goat cheese. Â Check. Â Flavor? Â A pork cheek dinner that the pig was happy to die for. Â And a pumpkin dessert that I'd order again, and I don't like pumpkin. Â Ambience? Â Beautiful, simple, elegant restaurant, where you're not sitting 4 inches away from your neighbor, and won't get someone's butt in your face when he goes to the bathroom. Â Service? Â Patrick knew his stuff, and was attentive without being overbearing. Â .
Simply put, this is one flawless restaurant. Â You won't care about the parking problems after you see the food. Â It's that good.
One great date and special occasion place. Â If they have liver ice cream on the menu, i'm ordering it, and somehow, it'll be memorably good.
Go for it.
I've been 'stalking' Bittersweet's menu and Yelp reviews for the past couple months and was excited to have a reservation this past Friday.
Overall, it was a very OK experience.
Restaurant parking is awful. Â There are only 5-6 spots in the lot, and most of the surrounding streets are restricted to 'resident parking only'. Â
When we made it to the restaurant, the hostess tried to seat us at a two top table against a wall - with only 6 inches of room between the backs of each chair and the edge of the table. Â As fun as dragging my boobs in my dinner sounds...I think I'll pass.
Grabbed another table near the back sliding door, and started to browse the menu. Â Server was nice, and polite - told us there was only one raviol left...which triggers my 'WE MUST ORDER IT THEN' reaction. Â Raviol was...boring. Â It was filled with parsnip puree, and accompanied by mushrooms, mushroom broth, and a sweet potato chip (I think). Â It was texture-less, bland, and had the consistency of baby food. Â The mushroom broth and chip on top saved the dish for us - even asked for more bread to sop it up.
Plates were delivered to the table...the server forgot our bottle of wine. I ordered the pork cheeks, boyfriend ordered the lobster bake. Â The lobster bake was good, came with sausage, mussels, crisp potatoes and of course, a lobster tail. Â About 1/3 of the way through the lobster tail though, he stopped eating and sent the lobster back to the kitchen to be cooked longer. Â It was mushy and didn't have the crisp texture we expected. Â Pork cheeks were amazing. Â Tender, moist, and accompanied by an apple bacon vinaigrette. Â Only downside to the dish, it was paired with radicchio...which was bitter, and unappetizing.
Dessert was sub par as well. Â Came with a ganache ice cream that was bitter, a chocolate shake which was amazing (but there was only 1.5 ounces of it), and some sort of flourless chocolate cake, and it was so rich, a bite or two went a long way. Â Towards the end of the meal, our server came by the table fewer and fewer times - had to make an effort to ask for the check and hand her our card.
In the end, we had a fairly decent experience. Â I guess I expected more from such a beautifully designed restaurant. Â Don't think we will be returning any time soon.
Also - their website still has the 'Summer Menu' up. Â Time to update guys!
Shared apps: Reuben, Raviol, Pork Belly
Shared Drinks: Saison Dupont, Good Clean Fun, Green Buffalo, White Wine
Shared Main Courses: Duck, boar, halibut, culotte
Shared post-meal booze drinks: Grappa, chamomile grappa, laphroaig
Shared desserts: Chocolate, vanilla, peach ice creams
Party of four; foodies and imbibers . . . Â We had no criticisms about appetizers, drinks, main courses, after dinner drinks or desserts. Not a single criticism.
Make it a priority to get inside this establishment. Finally, a place worth every cent it charges.
Perhaps my expectations were too high? Perhaps they were having an off night? Maybe my taste buds are wacky? I don't know what happened, but I was very excited to try Bittersweet and I left with a meal so unremarkable I can't say it was bad or good, more so that it just was. Because I'm willing, or maybe hoping is a better word, that I just had an off experience let's start with the good...
Our server Dustin was hands down the best server I've had in recent memory, quite possible ever. He had a wonderful personality and a professionalism that topped other experiences in pricier establishments or bigger cities. If I managed this spot I would do whatever I could to keep him around.
The setting is beautiful. We sat outside on the patio surrounded by warm summer night air, fragrant and beautiful flowers, and lovely furniture.
The wild boar plate that my husband ordered made me green with envy in just one bite. Luckily for him I took it toward the end of my meal or I would have tried cajoling him into trading with me.
But, at the end of the day I had my own dinner, the halibut to be exact and I shared the chorizo and charcuterie appetizers with my fellow dinners. While nothing I ate was bad by any stretch of the imagination it was fairly bland. And when I factor in the fact of what it cost here to eat (over $200 for 3 people) I really, really wanted to be wowed with one of my dishes. I can think of dozens of meals I've eaten in Denver that easily surpassed this one (Fruition, Potager, Table 6, Duo, Olivea, Tag are just a few that pop into mind) and most of them were equal to or less costly than this one.
For the details of the meal:
The chorizo starter was three sort of balls of chorizo in a black bean puree with salsa verde and queso fresco.
The charcuterie is a board with three meats and two cheese - After my husband's wild boar this was actually my second favorite dish and had some interesting combinations such as strawberries diced with one of the meats.
The Halibut - This tasted the most bland out of all the dishes I had. Again not bad, just not like anything other than halibut. It was served with an heirloom tomato salad that just tasted like salted tomatoes.
After reading everyone else's wonderful reviews, knowing the story of how the restaurant came to be and seeing their commitment of growing so much of their own produce I'm sad to have had such a lackluster experience here. Perhaps I will have to try again with a different dish and see if I can't have a better experience more in-line with what others have had.
Bittersweet has been on my short list for awhile now since I can walk there from my house. Â I've just been lying low until I had an "occasion" worthy of a visit because, after reviewing their menu on-line, I knew it would be spendy for a little neighborhood "bistro". Â I was correct about that but it was worth every penny.
Friend, and lover of all things food and wine, in from Napa and I wanted to show off the Denver food scene. Â We went to Bittersweet last night, braving the usual downpour and lousy parking (be careful - you'd think you could park on the street, nope) with his sister and brother-in-law from Littleton. Â They think the Melting Pot is the shizz. Â Suffice it so say that Chef Olav blew their minds. Â Luckily, they are adventurous and an adventure we had.
First, a couple of words about hospitality and service. Â I changed the number in our party and the time at least three times - no problemo. Â Our server Dustin was totally on top our service despite a big crowd. Â Rain forced everyone inside so it was standing room only. Â Yet, we were seated immediately and graciously.
Be warned that the lovely, if some what austere, space is tight and if you don't like to be near other diners, you may find it uncomfortable. Â We're pretty convivial after a couple of cocktails, so, no issue for us.
The menu is short and to the point. Â 7 starters - 7 entrees - so we were able to taste more than half the menu. Â All sampled got raves. Â
Started with fresh chorizo, black bean puree, salsa verde and queso fresco $10. Â It's worth noting that the portion size of all the starters would have been adequate for an entree - certainly two starters would make an ample meal. Â Also sampled - gazpacho with octopus served in half an avocado with a tomato jus and lemon oil $12 - sweetbread reuben mounted on caraway brioche, pickled tomato, and Jarlsberg fondue $9 - pork belly accompanied by summer shrooms, potato gnocchi adrift in natural jus $11. Â A couple of more notes. Â The gazpacho isn't - it's more of an octopus cocktail in an avocado. Â So, if you're thinking soup, wrong. Â I'm pretty much over pork belly but I have to say it was the star of the show - get it if you go. Â The best bite of food I've put in my mouth this year.
Entrees run the gamut - salmon, a veggie ratatouille, wild boar, halibut, scallops, duck and the mandatory beef culotte. Â They run $22 for the veggie option to $29 for the scallops. Â So, not cheap but not Mizuna prices either. Â Everyone loved their selections (salmon for the sister, wild boar for the brother-in-law, ratatouille (I wish I could get the "rat" out of my head but that movie was so damn funny), and I had the truly sublime scallops with caviar lentils, swiss chard, pork sausage in a mustard broth. Â But, of course, I tasted everything - perfection all around.
We skipped dessert because I'm on a quest to master lemon meringue pie and there was one waiting at home.  So, more than ample food, cocktails and a bottle of Pinot  netted out at around $300 plus tip.  You could certainly do it for less but we were throwing caution to the wind.
A couple of notes to a fine chef and restaurant:
1) Â Red wine served too warm. Â Dustin took it back a chilled it a bit.
2) Â Think about valet parking. Â With only six spaces in the lot and no on- street allowed, it's rough. Â The parking ticket we got was $25 - valet would be cheaper and not leave a bad taste in your customer's mouth at the end of an otherwise lovely meal.
3) Â The food, while delicious, is all pretty rich going. Â Might want to offer a simple, refreshing soup or salad on your starter roster if you ever want anyone to make it to dessert.
Congrats Chef Olav - you've really outdone yourself this time - superb.
Beautiful presentation, delicious food and excellent service.
Small portions and a bit pricey.
We started off with the deconstructed clam chowder and a glass of white wine from Gasgogne. The crisp acidity of the wine perfectly matched the creamy chowder. This is a beautiful dish that takes great, but has two flaws:
1. Not enough broth. The broth is poured into the large diameter bowl and immediately cools. Doubling or tripling the amount of broth would fix this problem.
2. The clam is difficult to remove from its shell. Cutting it lose in the kitchen would help.
Next up was the frisée salad with smoked salmon and a poached egg. Fantastic. Of course, I love all the ingredients. Just perfect. Very reasonable at $8.
Our main course was the chicken with pork and walnut purée. Four tiny legs arrayed on the bed of walnut. Just gorgeous. The taste was supreme with the rich wild board complementing the moist chicken. The weaknesses are: not enough food and over-priced at $23. $18 would be more acceptable. The pink wine for Oregon was a good complement to the chicken.
Dessert was some chocolate cake thing. Factory made, but OK. The after-dinner liquors were fruity and worth the $6.
Our waiter provided attentive service. Always there when needed, but unobtrusive. She also told us to order our main course early as it takes 35 minutes to create. Good advice and the pacing of the meal was spot on.
Overall, a very good restaurant.
Excellent from beginning the end. We had a really fantastic server, the wine list is full of eclectic bottles that aren't unreasonably marked up (wish I could remember the name of the rose, but it was fantastic), and the wine director is full of knowledge but not at all pretentious, which I appreciate. Even better, he really knows how to pair wine with food.
The menu is small, and I imagine some people will say that there isn't enough to choose from, but I just gotta say that the food seriously blew me away. The "deconstructed" chowder with the razor clam, the rabbit sausage, the pork confit topping an amped up version of split pea soup and the duck were my favorites, but there wasn't one downer in the bunch.
The decor is pretty awesome too. It's warm and rustic, but there are definitely modern accents, like the chairs, and on cold nights, the two fireplaces (there's one in both dining rooms) are super toasty.
The acoustics are a little loud when it's busy, and the parking lot is small, but those are small quibbles.
Definitely one of my favorite new restaurants.
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