Johnny Bechamel's was somewhere I had been wanting to try for some time now and their happy hour (4-6 PM) is an incredible deal! We ordered the gem salad, sourdough focaccia with the cacio e pepe spread, the pepperoni pizza, and Hugo spritzes, and everything was excellent. The sourdough focaccia was one of my favorite bites of the meal. It was perfectly airy and the cacio e pepe spread was rich and packed with so much flavor. The gem salad was fresh and a good size making a great starter, and the pepperoni pizza had a crisp crust with just the right balance of cheese and sauce. The happy hour pricing makes it even better, cocktails and spritzes are $10, and wine by the glass is $8, which is hard to beat! The staff were incredibly kind and friendly. The restaurant definitely filled up while we were there, which speaks for itself, but the service was consistent. We'll definitely be back to try more menu items! read more

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There is a particular frustration in watching a kitchen do good work while the dining room falls apart around it. That was the story of a recent Friday night at Johnny Bechamel, which, despite not being especially crowded, somehow managed to make its guests feel like an afterthought. The evening began well enough. Our waiter was pleasant as he delivered the first round of drinks. But as the tables around us filled in, his attention drifted elsewhere and never quite returned. When I asked about a striking-looking cocktail at a neighboring table, he promised to find out and then vanished for the rest of the night. He did not resurface to check on our food or ask if we wanted anything else. His next appearance was with the check and to pack our leftovers. It's a shame because the kitchen deserves better advocates. The meal opened on its highest note: house-made sourdough focaccia, chewy and full of tang, paired with a cacio e pepe spread loosened with good olive oil. It set expectations the rest of the meal would chase but never quite catch. The fried squash blossoms were a clear success. They were crisp-shelled and stuffed with zucchini, ricotta, and herbs, then set in a bright tomato passata brightened further by sweet-and-sour onions. Not every seasonal dish landed as well on this visit. The tomato and peach salad, arriving at the very peak of Palisade peach season, felt like a missed opportunity. A single slice of peach, thinly spread over the plate, was no match for the cherry tomatoes' sweet-tart punch or the tang of buttermilk and herbs beneath them. The sunflower seeds offered welcome crunch, but the dish needed more of its namesake fruit to earn its name. The pappardelle with smoked pork shoulder was a study in contrasts. The pork itself, deeply smoked and full of flavor, was good enough to eat on its own. The pasta let it down, however, arriving undercooked and tough enough to work against the fork. The lasagnetta (little lasagna), cut into a neat square that looked more like a square pizza than a classic lasagna, redeemed itself in flavor if not in form. The tomato sauce was rich and well-balanced against a beef-and-pork bolognese, béchamel, ricotta, olive-oil-cured tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of 12-year balsamic. The chef built this dish with real care. The masa tagliatelle, made with sweet corn, Hatch green chile, cream, sesame seeds, and pecorino, was the dish I was most eager to try--and it delivered some very good bites. The pasta was cooked well, and I loved the combination of corn and Hatch green chile. Taken as a whole, it's a meal of real highs undercut by inconsistency, both on the plate and at the table. Johnny Bechamel's sister restaurant, Dio Mio, remains the sharper expression of this kitchen's ambitions. Whether Johnny Bechamel gets there will depend in part on whether the front of house learns to match the care already evident in the back of the house. I do want to compliment the hostess and the runners, who were attentive and helpful throughout the meal. Their service made the contrast with our waiter's absence all the more noticeable. read more

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Finally got a chance to check out this new restaurant and it didn't disappoint. The reservations fill up quick so we got an early dinner and it was empty. The interior is cute and I'm always a fan of circular tables so it's easier to chat with a group. The Focaccia, salad, Ravioli, and Tomato Pizza were all good and all decent portion sizes. Would definitely love to come back and try more items. Our server was friendly and they made our friends birthday special which is always a plus. Also, they have a pizza warmer which is a nice touch for takeout items or leftovers. I will definitely be back! read more

Great service and atmosphere but the food isn't great. I wanted to love it there but not impressed at all with the food. Fun to go with for drinks and atmosphere. The hostesses were so nice. read more

I'm a huge fan of Papas & Mamas Hospitality and their other concepts like Dio Mio, Redeemer Pizza, and Little Johnny B's. They know Italian food. They know pizza. And they absolutely know what they're doing here. The space feels classic but playful. There's a Pizza Hut lamp casually hanging like a nostalgic wink, and the cocktail menu is creative and well balanced. Service was exceptional. Attentive without hovering. Friendly without forcing it. Now let's talk food. The Doughnuts were the star. Pâte à choux stuffed with parmesan cream, topped with prosciutto and aged balsamic. That was the bite. The Housemade Sourdough Focaccia with cacio e pepe spread was borderline ridiculous. Olive oil, pink peppercorns, and that spread? Insanity. Stuffed Piquillo Peppers with spinach and artichoke filling were tender and flavorful. I've had stuffed piquillos a few times recently and these were right at the top. Chicken Meatballs in lemony broth with pickled celery and dill oil were bright and comforting at the same time. The Pappardelle with chicken cacciatore ragu, bacon, garlic almond crumble, and smoked ricotta salata was layered and rich without being heavy. Spicy Alla Vodka Pizza was a classic flavor profile done perfectly. But the Mushroom Pizza? That one took my breath away. Roasted garlic béchamel, oyster mushrooms, pickled beech mushrooms, chives. Unreal. Desserts sealed it. Clementine Cake with orange fennel pollen semifreddo and candied orange was fresh and balanced. The Nutella Icebox Cake with hazelnut crunch and salted caramel was straight up dangerous. read more

Johnny Bechamel's - Italian Near Me - Denver, Colorado

My friend lives around the corner from here and told me that this place just opened and that we should try it out, and I'm so glad we did. I live in south Florida but am visiting Denver for the first time so this was my first Denver restaurant experience and I was blown away. Upon entering, the hostess greeted us and helped us to a table. We didn't have a reservation and they still allowed us to dine in which was very accommodating. We got seated at a table right next to the kitchen which was nice since it's open concept so you can watch everything going on. The kitchen looks so clean and nice. I loved the decor of the place, and felt it had a nice intimate vibe. The chairs and table were really comfortable and a good size also. They have booths and regular tables for 2/4. There is also a bar that you can sit at also. As for the food, I loved everything we had. We had the focaccia, the calamari, the ricotta ravioli, and the pappardelle. Everything was 10/10 and we ate every last bite. The drinks were also super amazing, with my favorite being the sweet talker. I also had the she loves me, one with vodka and one with tequila and that was also delicious but just a little on the sweet side. As for service, it was exceptional. Everyone was nice, the kitchen was super quick and efficient, and the server and other staff members were very attentive and informative. If I lived in Denver I would definitely frequent this place. Super cute date night spot or perfect for a girls night out. Prices are super reasonable also. read more

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Stopped in for dinner tonight and we were blown away! Everything we ordered was delicious and so unique, we got the focaccia, stuffed peppers, pappardelle, and the tomato pizza. Highly recommend all but if I had to narrow it down the stuffed peppers + pappardelle would be my top picks. The tiramisu for dessert blew our minds, they set it down and we were a bit skeptical as it's not a traditional looking tiramisu, but our skepticism was proven wrong - it was insanely good! Loved the atmosphere - moody booths in the back, open and airy up front, tons of unique little ceramics for serving sauces, a nostalgic pizza hut restaurant lamp...this place is cozy and has character, overall a great date night spot. Service from TJ at the bar was excellent, and everyone working there was so friendly and all seemed so happy. We'll definitely be returning soon! read more

Came here for restaurant week 2026- decided to just order off the regular menu and I was happy with my decision. The doughnuts were delicious and so savory. We got the pasta with chicken ragu and mushroom pizza. So delicious. The staff were friendly and attentive. Inside the place is very casual so it was nice not to feel super fancy. I will be back for more, I'm really impressed with the bill! 102$ for the total with 2 glasses of wine ! Very appropriately priced. read more

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I want to talk about all the things Johnny's does right - their food is outstanding, their happy hour is near perfect (though 4$ for some pepperoni..), their formal eating experience (order it all, we will bring round by round and clean your table betwix) is rarely seen in Denver and a notable positive. The $5 happy hour facacia with amazing oils, salts, and dips is one of the best things I keep eating, especially when across the street you might get some tots for the same price. The focacio IS amazing, order it for 5 or 7 bucks, and trust me, you'll want more. Johnny's does so many things so well, but...their customer service is abysmal. I've spent $20 dollars here and $200 here, and - literally - everytime it feels like the staff believes I do not belong there. They are short in answer, do not explain the menu, and make us feel uncomfortable. Long delays between drinks, not checking up while staff is in zone, or criticizing us for not having a ressie/ coming back a second time (after pedis). If this were a single visit I would not write this, but across 4+ visits, it's very consistent. They hate our business (we order 4 cocktail happy hour drinks at 4pm with a focacia that I can't speak more highly of)... Even being a block away. When we came in, after 4; open for happy hour, we were the only customers and everyone was still performing opening duties. We felt bad for the waitress who had a single table for 2 hours, and had to deal with a half redacted cocktail list. None of this will stop us from going, but everyone should know, the service is lackluster. Fortunately for me, the service can't be much worse, so I'm okay posting this. We plan to go back as everything else is absolutely exceptional but I love them as a neighborhood staple. read more

Such a cute spot! It was busy, I recommend making a reservation as we got to skip everyone that walked in. We went for a girls night and shared some pasta and pizza. The meatballs were very tastey and light. The pasta was good but lacked a wow factor that would make me want to order it again. The pizza was great. We had the double pepperoni and it was delicious. Perfectly cheesy, not too much sauce, and a good amount of meat. Will likely be back! read more

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here's a fine new little restaurant that just opened in December. We found it yesterday because it is the sister restaurant of Dio Mio in Rhino. The menu is small, but delicious. I can't seem to find them on Facebook yet but it is called Johnny Bechamels. We had the piquillo pepper stuffed with artichoke appetizer and the Parmesan donuts which were to die for, orgasmic quite frankly. We had two homemade pasta dishes: the farfalle and the paparedelle and one of the best desserts I've had in a long time Nutella icebox cake topped with candied pecans, I believe, and a homemade caramel sauce. And sorry Michael but the best limoncello I have ever had. Even better than what I have had in Italy. Hard to imagine. Our server, TJ, is a true mixologist and it is his recipe. read more

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What a great new addition to the neighborhood. Located down the block from our son we went for dinner on Sunday. Reservations needed. 4:30 place was packed. The service was excellent! The food was incredible. Great appetizers. Pizza was incredible and so was the pasta!! Going o be a regular stop when we visit our son!! read more

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We had a great date night at Johnny bechanel's! The service was fantastic and the food and drinks were delicious. We over ordered for the two of us but wanted to try some dishes. I had an aperol spritz and my husband tried the Manhattan and spicy margarita. All were well done! The details of this place add something special. They changed out our plates every course and they all appeared to be heirloom China. So pretty! We ordered the crab panzanala salad and the hoagie salad! Both were phenomenal! Next we had the papardelle which was good and then the tomato pie with the works. The papardelle was a bit rich for my liking but my husband liked it. The tomato pie had great flavor but would have liked a bit more basil and prosciutto. They boxed everything up for us and had it at the front so we didnt have to keep it at the table. The ambiance of the place is super cute and cozy! It was really warm outside and even warmer in the restaurant. If there is ac or the windows will open it would be more comfortable but all in all great experience and would recommend! I would say if we went back, we would be find with a salad and a pizza for the two of us. read more

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Best cheese pizza in town and great customer service. Our go to for Friday night take out pizza. Great addition to the neighborhood!

This is my 2nd visit. Back in February they added Monday's & Tuesdays to their schedule. So I made a reservation for Mon at 5pm thru Google. They open at 4pm. I sat at the marble topped bar and was served by Alex J. This time I ordered different items. Started with an NA Spritz with Pathfinder Amaro. A refreshing beverage. Next was Donuts. Puff pastry filled with parmesan cream and topped with slices of prosciutto. Creamy and decadent. Then the Hoagie Salad with Napa cabbage, provolone, pepperoncini and topped with salt & vinegar potato chips for crunch. A big salad for $13. I ate half and took the rest home. I got the Ricotta Ravioli served with a tasty red sauce. I counted 15 Ravioli. I added a glass of Chianti Classico which paired well with the pasta. I skipped dessert. Alex said customers are still learning about the additional days, so coming again at 4pm Mon or Tues means I could get in without a reservation. No automatic service charges. read more

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Nice lively atmosphere. Fine service. The spicy vodka pizza was a standout . The pizza crusts are quite good, none of us liked the tomato pie. The toppings were all cold, we mentioned this to the server and she said it was meant to be that way. Pasta with chicken was good but not memorable, I like the family style idea because I love a taste of everything, all in all a good meal but not sure the food will bring me back . read more

Really enjoyed my visit to Johnny Bechamel's. The space has such cozy, welcoming vibes, and the menu offers a great variety of options. The sourdough focaccia and chicken pappardelle were both amazing and definitely worth ordering. Reservations were hard to get, which makes sense after seeing how busy it was on a Friday night. Service was a bit slow, but understandable given the crowd. Overall, a great spot for comforting Italian food and I'd happily go back. read more

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Food was amazing and had a great cozy atmosphere! Loved the display of the dishes as well. Service was great too! read more

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TJ and Saint made our night- can't wait to be a regular here. We ordered incredible Manhattans and the entree with sausage and polenta- DO NOT miss this. The staff have the utmost genuine charm and kindness, and the food and drinks are tops! Thanks TJ and Saint! read more

Had a lovely dinner at Johnny Bechamel's! We got the little gem salad, doughnuts, spicy alla vodka pizza and chicken pappardelle and drinks! Everything was so delicious, the doughnuts especially were such a unique dish, it was a fun surprise, I have never had a savory doughnut like that and it was something special! Our server was friendly, knowledgeable about the menu and attentive without being overbearing. The seating hostesses were also very helpful and attentive! Decor in the restaurant was so fun and gave a cozy and homey feel. read more

My wife and I had a wonderful experience recently at a Italian restaurant in Denver - Johnny Bechamels. We overall vibe was cozy, relaxed and very comfortable. Our server took good care of us and while she was attentive did not rush us. We had several of the apps "tapas style" all which were as appetizing as they were unique. We especially enjoyed the Hamachi Crudos and Calamari. I had the Pappardelle for the entree which was a nice blend of homemade pasta and ragu. I'll note my wife has a dairy allergy but they were able to accommodate her easily. We plan to go back to "Johnny B's" in the near future, and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique italian meal experience. read more

Oh Damosielle, this review is for diner's who only dapple with delectable desires! Three hip hips for Johnny Bechamel's, and a hooray too! This Italian culinary commencement offered a refined bite and a, shall I say, Proletariatian debut. The secret sauce is sophisticated service, Mi Mamma always whispered through tight lips. Here at Johnny's esteemed establishment, the glowing vaudeville vibes and the ever presesnt air of doting by the staff felt like a warm blanket on an Autumn night. Even the embellishments on the China seemed to beckon us in. The lights turned to an effervescent glow as we began our evening with a shorter than stated wait at the bar. One might ask, how does a hoagie salad, pizza and wine dance on the tongue? Craftmanship, lad, craftsmanship, and perhaps, a dash of ingenius pairings. A hoagie salad does not roll off the tongue well but certainly excites the taste buds. Paired with Chips au vinegar, and the palate is whisked away into a cornucopia of satisfaction. For our circular dish of the evening, a mushroom pizza, the flavor was in perfect unison with the crispy crust. Our wine was as well curated as the beverage list. The manager clearly runs a tight ship- you can feel that standards matter. The only slight hiccup was the music selection, which felt a bit odd for the atmosphere-but not enough to take away from an otherwise FANTASTIC experience. I highly recommend for great Italian food with thoughtful touches throughout. read more

Fabulous food, cocktails and great friendly service. Don't miss the best Focaccia, Pizza and Pasta in Denver!

Great service, cozy space. Music can be a little distracting at times (some funky house). Thing to get here is the pizza - the crust is thin and crispy! Other things were good but there are better pasta places than this. read more

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This is a good option for the neighborhood, but not one that I will frequent regularly or recommend as a must try. The food was so-so: focaccia was excellent, and I liked the spicy alla vodka pizza. Frustrating that we couldn't make any modifications to the pizza (eg half sausage or sausage on the side), but our server gave us a discount, which I appreciated. We also got the lasagnetta which I wouldn't recommend. read more

It was great pizza and great service I definitely recommend. I would definitely go there for dinner again.

They had a perfectly curated menu with plenty of variety but it all makes sense with the style of food they serve. The people were friendly and helpful, plus the other diners were so sweet! My girlfriends and I had an excellent experience and you can tell they've really worked to perfect the atmosphere. Definitely give it a try :) read more

Johnny's was great. I went there for a birthday dinner and could not have been more pleased. Our table wasn't quite ready when we arrived for our reservation - honestly not a big deal. They said birthdays are in fact a big deal to them though, so they comped our entire group a glass of prosecco while we waited. We had some vegans and gluten-free folks with us, which can be tough in an Italian restaurant, but they took us through all the modifications they could do on each dish to accommodate. Sam was particularly helpful. We sat shortly after and had some truly phenomenal apps, pizzas, and pasta dishes. Everything was tasty, including the drinks (and mocktails). They really went out of their way to make the experience a great one, and ended up comping even more of our check. I will definitely be back and I could not recommend it enough. Do yourself a favor and go. read more

Fabulous service made for a fun dining experience. Actually unique dishes and unexpected takes! Doughnut and chicken meatballs will knock your socks off. Much more worth the buzz & $ than the other blah new Italian places popping up in Wash Park W. read more

Had a wonderful meal tonight. The food was delicious, unpretentious and still beautifully presented. Excellent service and modern comfortable space. Highly recommend Johnny B. read more