RiNo’s immersive island-inspired restaurant transports diners with authentic flavors
Corsica, an island in the Mediterranean south of France and west of Italy, has a long history of being overtaken and occupied by cultures from across the world—including Greeks, Romans, North Africans, Italians, and French—and every one of them has left behind their own unique culinary touch of flavor and culture. Today, the island’s mountainous coastal landscape draws tourists from around the globe, attracted by its relaxed, slow paced lifestyle, its beaches, and its gastronomy.
But you don’t have to travel outside of Colorado to enjoy the flavors of Corsica. In the heart of Denver’s River North neighborhood, Corsica Wine Bar evokes a feeling of enjoying apéro hour on the island, with a menu dominated by small shareable plates and aperitifs that whisks you halfway around the world–no passport required.
This restaurant delivers authentic tastes of the island’s traditional dishes to Denver diners looking to explore new flavor frontiers. The industrial feel of RiNo falls away upon entering the soft, dim lighting of the restaurant. Its brick exterior is covered by a mural that sets the tone for the rest of the place–exposed brick walls give it the feel of an historic Italian coastal village while its banquettes, marble high tops, and elegant bar welcome the bustle of happy hour diners meeting up with friends. The back dining room is the perfect spot for an intimate meal, decorated with photos of Corsica locals, while a side room features a large family-style table and a farmhouse feel that’s reserved for events. The 30-seat patio is lined with European style cafe chairs parked under sunny orange umbrellas.
Four months ago, the restaurant welcomed a new executive chef, Devin Rachles, to the kitchen. Devin added his own touch to an already savored menu by adding large format dishes that give guests more substantial meal options, while still staying true to its roots. He has an impressive background of experience working in the kitchens of local hotspots like Michelin-starred pizzeria Roberta’s and Corsica’s nearby sister eatery, Barcelona Wine Bar.
The almost two dozen small, sharable plates on the menu are set at an affordable price point, encouraging diners to order several and discover the variety of flavors of this Mediterranean island. Guests can graze on warm dates stuffed with’nduja, hazelnut, and tarragon; on tuna carpaccio dressed in citrus, Calabrian chili, and quinoa; and mushroom arancini filled with Swiss cheese if they have a light appetite.
They can also dig into more substantial dishes (without overfilling themselves), like the Bastian meatballs nestled in tomato sauce and topped in Parmesan cheese, mussels l’Aziminu in a saffron-lobster broth peppered with garlic croutons, or gemelli cacio e pepe. There’s also the shareable ratatouille or classic steak frites.
To top off a well-coursed meal, Corsica’s dessert menu reads like a roster of Italian favorites (not overly sweet items) like fritelli, warm fennel donuts with lemon crème fraîche or tiramisu with espresso-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone.
If a visit to the Mediterranean’s islands isn’t in your plans, a night at Corsica will transport you nonetheless, with flavors inspired by the island’s colorful history.
