My Go-To Date Night Near The Spire: An Evening at Jovanina’s Broken Italian
Living at The Spire has spoiled me in the best possible way. I can step outside and be surrounded by some of the best food, culture, and energy Denver has to offer. Honestly, the hardest part of planning a date night isn’t finding a great spot — it’s choosing which of the great spots to go to. But even with so many options in every direction, I keep finding myself coming back to one place over and over: Jovanina’s Broken Italian.
It’s become my unofficial “this is where I take someone when I want the night to be special” restaurant, and since it’s just a short walk from The Spire, it checks that rare box of being both convenient and exceptional.
The Walk That Sets the Tone
One of the small joys of living downtown is being able to actually walk to dinner. Not drive, not Uber — just walk. The few blocks from The Spire to Jovanina’s have this way of easing me out of the day and into the evening. The city lights come on, people spill out of bars and restaurants, and everything feels alive in that buzzy, downtown-Denver way.
By the time I cut over to Blake Street, I’m already in date-night mode. Jovanina’s sits inside a beautiful brick building with that perfect mix of historic charm and modern edge. The first time I ever walked in, I remember thinking, “This feels like a place that knows how to set the mood.”
I was right.
The Atmosphere: Romantic Without Trying Too Hard
Some restaurants go overboard trying to be romantic — dim every light, put a votive candle on every surface, cue the overly soft background music. Jovanina’s does something better. It feels effortlessly intimate.
Warm lighting. Exposed brick. Raw wood beams. Vintage décor mixed with modern flourishes. Just stepping inside feels like you’ve escaped the downtown rush and found a space carved out just for you.
There’s a hum to the room — lively but not loud. You can actually have a conversation without yelling across the table, which is surprisingly rare these days.
And Then There’s Sotto Voce
If the dining room is romance turned up to a comfortable 7, the downstairs lounge, Sotto Voce, is a full-on 10.
The first time I discovered it felt like stumbling into a secret. One minute you’re in the main restaurant; the next, you’re heading down a staircase into a dim, atmospheric lounge that honestly feels like a wine cellar in Florence crossed with a Prohibition-era speakeasy.
Low ceilings. Brick walls. Candlelight flickering off rows of bottles. Plush seating in cozy nooks. It’s moody, intimate, and a little bit mysterious — the kind of place where you want to sink into a loveseat, order a drink you can’t pronounce, and talk for hours.
I’ve ended more nights here than I can count, and each time it feels like the perfect final chapter to the evening.
The Menu: A Modern, Playful Take on Italian
The food is where Jovanina’s really shines for me. It's Italian at heart but with a playful, Colorado-forward twist. Ingredients are fresh, seasonal, wood-fired, handmade — everything you want when you’re splurging a little for a night out.
Here are a few of my staples:
Start With Something to Share
I always like to ease into the night with something sharable — it sets the tone in a simple, subtle way.
Bone Marrow: Rich, buttery, just indulgent enough to feel like a treat without being too heavy.
Crispy Octopus: One of those dishes that sparks conversation. Tender, flavorful, and perfectly charred.
Oysters: A classic date-night start — bright, briny, and refreshing.
The Wood-Fired Pizzas
These pizzas are one of the reasons I keep coming back. The crust has that perfect wood-fired smokiness, and the toppings are thoughtful without being fussy.
My personal favorite?
The Bee Sting — spicy, sweet, salty, and honestly perfect to split. It’s the kind of pizza where you keep saying, “One more slice,” long after you’re full.
The Handmade Pastas
Pastas rotate with the seasons, but two have become permanent favorites of mine:
The Lobster Diavolo: Hand-cut linguine in a silky, spicy tomato-vodka sauce with chunks of lobster. It’s rich without being overwhelming — a great “special occasion” dish.
Elk Bolognese: This one feels very Colorado. The savory elk, the herbs, the mascarpone ricotta… it’s the kind of bowl that makes you stop mid-conversation just to appreciate what you’re eating.
These dishes feel both comforting and elevated — perfect for date night.
Desserts Worth the Extra Time
I’m not a big dessert person normally, but date night is the exception — and Jovanina’s makes that easy.
Tiramisu: Light, fluffy, classic.
Olive Oil Cake: This one surprised me in the best way. Moist, slightly citrusy, and served with yuzu sorbet that cuts through everything brilliantly.
Daily Cannoli: Always worth checking out. Always.
Drinks That Make the Night Even Better
Their wine list is curated but not overwhelming — a mix of Italian bottles, interesting blends, and some familiar favorites. The staff always asks what style I’m in the mood for, and I’ve never been steered wrong.
The cocktail menu leans creative and seasonal. There’s usually a barrel-aged option, something herbaceous, something spirit-forward, and a few drinks that are just plain fun.
And if I’m settling into Sotto Voce after dinner, I’ll often go for one of their digestifs or an absinthe cocktail. It fits the mood of the space perfectly.
A Few Insider Tips From My Own Visits
After going a handful of times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that always make the experience smoother:
1. Book a Table Early — Especially Fridays and Saturdays
It fills up fast, and if you’re aiming for a prime dinner hour, reservations are basically a must.
2. Request Sotto Voce When You Can
It’s not always open, but if it is, ask for it — whether for dinner or just drinks afterward. It’s hands-down one of the most romantic spaces downtown.
3. Try the Chef’s Counter at Least Once
It’s a two-seat spot that puts you right in front of the kitchen. Watching the chefs create each dish is not only fascinating — it feels incredibly personal.
4. Walk, Don’t Drive
Living at The Spire means you’re spoiled here. Skip the parking, sip what you want, and enjoy the stroll home.
Why This Place Keeps Pulling Me Back
At the end of the day, what makes Jovanina’s my favorite nearby date-night spot isn’t just the food or the cocktails or even the magical little lounge downstairs.
It’s how the whole evening feels.
From the moment I leave The Spire to the final step back home, the night feels intentional, connected, and elevated. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down, savor the moment, and enjoy the person sitting across from you.
Living downtown gives you countless choices — but very few deliver an experience that feels both special and familiar. Jovanina’s Broken Italian manages to do both, and that’s why it has become my go-to recommendation anytime someone asks me where to go for a romantic night just steps away from The Spire.
