Have you ever traveled to Italy? For many of us, the dream of traveling to such a dreamy and delicious place is not in the cards anytime soon, which is why we are extra thankful that Colorado has its own “Little Italy,” complete with this authentic and historic eatery:

Welcome to the downright delicious Gaetano’s, home to “Denver’s Best Italian Food!”

TripAdvisor/management

Nestled away in Denver’s historic “Little Italy” neighborhood, Gaetano’s is an iconic eatery once owned by the Smaldone crime family, who used the legitimate restaurant side of their business to cover up some of its shadier parts (a la illegal gambling and bootlegging).

TripAdvisor/Aln357

While the less-than-savory parts of the business are no more, their savory food is as popular as ever, beginning with mouthwatering antipasti, soups, and salad.

TripAdvisor/NoraFrydman

Do you wanna pizza me? Good, because Gaetano’s can also make a mean pie!

TripAdvisor/NoraFrydman

In terms of entrees, Gaetano’s recipes have stood the test of time, thanks to such options as eggplant parmigiana, sausage and peppers, and classic spaghetti and meatballs.

TripAdvisor/Jujubee_303

As if you needed another reason to visit (and love) this charming eatery, Gaetano’s also serves a tantalizing dessert and drink menu that will satisfy every member of the family.

TripAdvisor/mushkiki Seriously: Is it an authentic Italian meal without a cannoli or two?

To learn more about Gaetano’s - including its delicious menu and hours of operation - please visit their website.

TripAdvisor/GTravellerG80210

Do you have a favorite restaurant, attraction, or event that you would like to see featured here on Only in Colorado? Tell us about it on our nomination page! For even more about the surprising history of the Denver mafia, click on Back In The Day, This Quiet Colorado Town Was A Mafia Mecca.

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Address: Gaetano’s, 3760 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211, USA

Welcome to the downright delicious Gaetano’s, home to “Denver’s Best Italian Food!”

TripAdvisor/management

Nestled away in Denver’s historic “Little Italy” neighborhood, Gaetano’s is an iconic eatery once owned by the Smaldone crime family, who used the legitimate restaurant side of their business to cover up some of its shadier parts (a la illegal gambling and bootlegging).

TripAdvisor/Aln357

While the less-than-savory parts of the business are no more, their savory food is as popular as ever, beginning with mouthwatering antipasti, soups, and salad.

TripAdvisor/NoraFrydman

Do you wanna pizza me? Good, because Gaetano’s can also make a mean pie!

TripAdvisor/NoraFrydman

In terms of entrees, Gaetano’s recipes have stood the test of time, thanks to such options as eggplant parmigiana, sausage and peppers, and classic spaghetti and meatballs.

TripAdvisor/Jujubee_303

As if you needed another reason to visit (and love) this charming eatery, Gaetano’s also serves a tantalizing dessert and drink menu that will satisfy every member of the family.

TripAdvisor/mushkiki Seriously: Is it an authentic Italian meal without a cannoli or two?

To learn more about Gaetano’s - including its delicious menu and hours of operation - please visit their website.

TripAdvisor/GTravellerG80210

Do you have a favorite restaurant, attraction, or event that you would like to see featured here on Only in Colorado? Tell us about it on our nomination page! For even more about the surprising history of the Denver mafia, click on Back In The Day, This Quiet Colorado Town Was A Mafia Mecca.

TripAdvisor/management

TripAdvisor/Aln357

TripAdvisor/NoraFrydman

TripAdvisor/NoraFrydman

TripAdvisor/Jujubee_303

TripAdvisor/mushkiki

Seriously: Is it an authentic Italian meal without a cannoli or two?

TripAdvisor/GTravellerG80210