Alma Fonda Fina opened in December 2023 with 28 seats in Denver’s LoHi neighborhood, and by 2024 they’d earned a Michelin star.
Chef Johnny Curiel – who grew up in his father’s Guadalajara restaurants before cooking at spots across the US and Mexico – finally opened his own place after years of consulting.
“Alma” means soul in Spanish; “Fonda Fina” describes a humble neighborhood gathering spot, and that philosophy shows in every dish that leaves the kitchen at 2556 15th Street.
What Makes Alma Fonda Fina Special
The Michelin Guide calls Chef Curiel the best young chef in Colorado, recognizing his ability to revisit dishes from his upbringing with creativity and finely honed technique.
His camote asado – agave-roasted sweet potato with nutty salsa matcha and luxuriously creamy whipped requesón – has become such a signature that people unfamiliar with sweet potatoes leave converts. The Maine diver scallops with tomatillo and apple aguachile get described as “downright electric,” while the pork belly carnitas on sourdough flour tortillas showcase perfectly crisped execution.
The 28-seat space creates an intimate environment where the chef’s counter offers front-row views of the kitchen working through modern Mexican fare that respects tradition while pushing boundaries.
The Story Behind the Restaurant
Curiel started at 14 as a dishwasher in his father’s Guadalajara restaurant before embarking on a culinary immersion throughout Mexico at 18.
He cooked at Guard + Grace, Los Chingones, and Mr. Tuna in Denver after working with Chef Richard Sandoval’s team in DC, New York, LA, Guadalajara, Oaxaca, and Aspen. The decades of experience and his father’s eventual approval gave him the courage to open Alma Fonda Fina in the former Truffle Table space.
The recognition came fast – Michelin star in 2024, consistent praise from diners who struggle to get reservations, and a reputation that’s made this one of Denver’s hardest tables to book.
Food Highlights
- Camote Asado: The agave-roasted sweet potato with nutty salsa matcha and whipped requesón creates what reviewers call “one of the best dishes ever eaten” – it’s that level of revelation. 🍠
- Maine Diver Scallops: Thinly sliced scallop with tomatillo and apple aguachile delivers vibrant, electric flavors that showcase why this kitchen earned a Michelin star. 🐚
- Pork Belly Carnitas Taco: Perfectly crisped carnitas on sourdough flour tortilla proves Curiel can nail traditional preparations while adding his own touches. 🌮
- NY Strip All Arriero: Cooked perfectly medium rare with Arriero sauce and buttered cippolini onions that diners literally fight over. 🥩
- Guacamole Alma: The signature guacamole preparation gets 13 photos and 12 reviews on Yelp for good reason – it sets the tone for everything that follows. 🥑
- Seafood Crudos: The rotating selection includes hamachi, tuna, and scallop preparations that change with availability but maintain consistent excellence. 🐟
Atmosphere
The 28-seat dining room at 2556 15th Street creates an intimate setting where reclaimed wood from Denver’s oldest building adds character without feeling precious.
Clay-inspired wall treatments, abundant plants evoking Mexico City, and artisan finds from Guadalajara create warmth rather than trying too hard for authenticity. The chef’s counter offers the best seats for watching Curiel and his team work through service.
Patio seating opens May through October on a first-come basis while the indoor dining room requires reservations booked far in advance through OpenTable. The notification feature helps when cancellations open up last-minute tables.
Bottom Line
Visit Alma Fonda Fina because a Michelin star in the first year of operation tells you something real happened at this 28-seat LoHi restaurant.
The camote asado, Maine diver scallops, and pork belly carnitas showcase why the Michelin Guide named Curiel Colorado’s best young chef. The NY strip and guacamole Alma prove this kitchen handles everything from luxurious to fundamental with equal mastery.
Since December 2023, Chef Johnny Curiel has created one of Denver’s most sought-after reservations with soulful modern Mexican food that honors his Guadalajara upbringing while earning national recognition. Book through OpenTable. 🌟
Address: Alma Fonda Fina
2556 15th St, Denver, CO 80211
Phone: (303) 455-9463
Hours: Mon-Thu: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Fri: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Sat: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Sun: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Features: Michelin one star | 28 seats | Chef’s counter | Seasonal patio | LoHi neighborhood | Reservations essential