Ash'Kara in Denver opens with the low roar of a 900-degree brick oven and the scent of heritage wheat baking into whole-grain pita. The first sentence you hear at the table is likely a recommendation to start with hummus and pita, and the first taste is smooth, lemon-bright hummus alongside wood-charred pita that carries a faint smokiness. As a Denver Mediterranean restaurant with contemporary Israeli roots, Ash'Kara balances street-food approachability with precise, ingredient-driven technique. The kitchen layers North African spices, Levantine herbs, and Mediterranean olive oil to create dishes that are immediate and deeply satisfying. The dining room splits its energy between lively evenings and intimate corners, making it a destination for both celebrations and date nights. Chef Reginald Dotson brings a steady hand to an ambitious menu, and the restaurant’s Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition in 2023 and 2024 confirms the consistent quality and value of the cooking. Dotson trained the kitchen to respect classic flavors while adapting to Colorado’s seasons, so menus change with local produce and market picks. His vision is clear: offer shareable plates that encourage conversation, using a wood-fired oven to add texture and depth. That oven not only bakes the signature pita but also seasons vegetables and proteins with gentle smoke. The result is simple, thoughtful food—no gimmicks—that treats legumes, grains, and produce with equal care. Ash'Kara emphasizes accessibility; abundant vegetarian and vegan options and a gluten-free pita make the menu inclusive without compromising flavor. The Michelin recognition is only part of the story. Local reviewers praise the attentive service and the way large and small plates flow across the table. Reservations can be competitive on weekend evenings, reflecting Denver diners’ appetite for authentic, modern flavors. Start your meal with the house-baked pita and hand-whipped hummus, then layer mezze like silky babaganoush, tzatziki-style labneh, and crisp falafel finished with urfa pepper and ketchup tahina. For heartier courses, try the lamb kofte with saffron yogurt and spiced rice or the 14-hour short rib, slow-braised and served with toum-tahini and sweet potato. Seafood appears seasonally, with Spanish octopus paired with white beans and bright zhug. The eggplant tagine for two presents smoked eggplant, chickpeas, tomato, sweet potatoes, and coconut-tomato broth, a dish meant for sharing and lingering. Techniques center on wood-roasting, slow braising, and careful emulsions; flavors combine smoky, citrusy, tangy, and herbaceous notes. Seasonal vegetables are the throughline: locally sourced carrots come roasted with herbed labneh and pistachio dukka, while greens are dressed simply to highlight freshness. The beverage program complements these plates with wines and cocktails chosen to balance acidity and spice, though specifics vary by season. The dining room’s design is bright and playful, with the oven serving as a visual focal point. Seating alternates between lively communal tables and quieter banquettes, creating a dual atmosphere that suits groups and intimate dinners. Lighting is warm and seating comfortable, encouraging long meals and shared plates. Staff deliver informed recommendations and adapt dishes for allergies or preferences, reinforcing a feeling of personalized hospitality. Practical details matter: many larger entrées are dinner-only and appear after 5 p.m., and the restaurant tends to fill on Friday and Saturday nights. Dress is smart-casual; guests often opt for neat, relaxed attire. Reservations are recommended for weekend evenings and special occasions, and walk-ins can sometimes find counter seating earlier in the evening. For travelers and locals seeking bold yet balanced flavors, Ash'Kara offers an accessible form of fine dining that rewards sharing and curiosity. Book a table at Ash'Kara to taste the wood-fired pita, vegetable-forward mezze, and the dishes that earned two successive Michelin Bib Gourmand recognitions. Make plans soon—seating fills quickly for prime dining times at this notable Denver address.