Tamayo by Chef Richard Sandoval, a Denver dining scene mainstay known for its modern take on Mexican cuisine, is refreshing its space with a renovation starting this January. The Larimer Square staple, located at 1400 Larimer Street Denver will officially close its doors on New Year’s Day and reopen on March 4, 2025.
Tamayo’s renovation marks a new chapter as it celebrates over two decades as a downtown Denver fixture. The redesign will blend modern sophistication with traditional Mexican elements, echoing the restaurant’s menu. The refreshed space is set to captivate loyal guests while offering a warm and contemporary atmosphere that honors Tamayo’s legacy.
“When I first opened Tamayo on Larimer Square in 2001, I wanted to introduce modern Mexican cuisine to Denver,” Chef Richard Sandoval, owner and restauranteur, said in a statement “Downtown Denver’s energy and growing culinary scene inspired me, and I knew this was the right block to share the flavors and traditions I grew up with. Tamayo has since become part of the fabric of Larimer Square and the community, and this renovation is an opportunity to honor our roots while embracing the city’s evolution. It’s not just a refresh; it’s a celebration of where we’ve been and where we’re going.”
Local contractor and designer DeLorenzo Productions is crafting the renovation for Tamayo that artfully honors authentic Mexican heritage. The new space will draw inspiration from Mexican imagery, immersing guests in the richness of Mayan culture with intricate stucco glyph tiles, woven grass fabrics and striking hemp tassel chandeliers. The design will feature a harmonious blend of smooth, warm woods and rugged lava stone, enhanced by natural materials like rope, hemp and grass cloth, creating a textured and earthy palette that celebrates the natural beauty of Mexico. A long-time collaborator with Chef Richard Sandoval, DeLorenzo Productions has helped shape the design of the group’s concepts around the world.
“Tamayo’s renovation is about creating a space that feels timeless yet vibrant, where every design element tells a story,” Bart DeLorenzo, Founder and Owner of DeLorenzo Productions, said. “We’ve focused on honoring the restaurant’s deep connection to the Denver community while introducing thoughtful details that elevate the dining experience. This project is a celebration of balance, between heritage and modernity, comfort and elegance, designed to evoke both warmth and inspiration for every guest who walks through the door.”
As Tamayo embarks on its renovation, its legacy continues to shine. For over two decades, Tamayo has served as a gathering place for family dinners, celebrations and as a favorite stop before events at The Denver Center for the Performing Arts and Ball Arena. With the recent addition of new Larimer Square tenants like western wear brand Ariat, Michelin-starred eatery Sushi by Scratch and Japanese-inspired restaurant Kiso, Tamayo’s refresh comes at a pinnacle time as the square is poised for an exciting new chapter.
“Larimer Square will wrap up its extensive refresh in 2025 and is thrilled to be welcoming several new retailers and restaurants, reinvigorating its status as a must-see destination for locals and visitors alike,” Ashley McDonald, senior director of development at Asana Partners, the owners of Larimer Square said. “As we work to reimagine this historic block with a mix of legacy businesses and fresh additions, Tamayo embodies the vibrancy we are striving to bring back to the area. We are excited for Tamayo to remain a cornerstone of this historic community.”
Guests can join Tamayo on Larimer Square this New Year’s Eve for a special celebration and a toast to new beginnings. Tamayo will serve a three-course prix fixe menu, thoughtfully crafted with a blend of traditional and modern flavors, to commemorate one last evening in the original setting of Tamayo before its renovation. Guests will cap off the night with a midnight champagne toast to welcome the New Year, surrounded by good company and lasting memories. To make a reservation for this special evening, guests can visit www.tamayodenver.com/holidays/nye.
