Lucina is a place where you can close your eyes, point to anything on the menu, and be wowed by whatever comes your way. You might land on the tlacoyo cochinita, a boat of red masa packed with slow-roasted pork, habanero onions, and garlic crema, or some mofongo with pork belly chicharron. Truly everything is delicious, and the fun energy in the dining room and menu of small plates make this spot perfect for a date or a catch-up with a friend.

Part Latin American and Caribbean, part Spanish, all corazón y alma (heart and soul). That much is clear from a glance around this instant Park Hill charmer. The phrase "mi casa es su casa" comes to mind.

Two-month-old Lucina Eatery & Bar in Park Hill is an ode to all matriarchs, including two in particular: co-owners Erasmo Casiano and Diego Coconati’s mothers, Lucina and Ester. Casiano, who was raised by a Mexican mother and Bolivian father, and Coconati, a native of Argentina who grew up in Puerto Rico, based the menu on dishes they ate growing up eating and still cook at home today (the pair are also behind Stanley Marketplace’s Create Cooking School). The results are comforting specialties such as crispy potato and Manchego cheese croquetas; white fish and shrimp ceviche tossed in an agua chile sauce; and fragrant paella with mussels and chorizo.

Perhaps more than any dish on the syllabus, the congri y maduros — sea-salted plantains, black beans and rice with sofrito, fresh herbs and a splash of citrus — channels Erasamo “Ras” Casiano’s Latin American and Spanish roots. Casiano, along with business partner Diego Coconati, opened Lucina Eatery & Bar in Park Hill, its warm and fashionable atmosphere marked with potted foliage, boldly whimsical floral wallpaper and mid-mod stools and chairs. Along with the black beans and rice, consider the superb paella, a weekend-only marvel that might showcase mahi-mahi, mussels, blue oyster mushrooms, chorizo or piquillo peppers.

Create Kitchen & Bar co-owners Erasmo “Ras” Casiano and Diego Coconati set out to open a Latin eatery that honored the food they grew up eating, which includes taking inspiration from a variety of places, from Mexico and Argentina to Peru, Venezuela and Puerto Rico. The result is Lucina, named for Casiano’s mother, which debuted in March 2022. The sleek space is filled with pops of color that echo the vibrant fare, like agua chile negro, the mojo pork chop and the ever-changing paella of the moment, which is available only on Fridays and Saturdays.

Create Kitchen & Bar co-owners Erasmo "Ras" Casiano and Diego Coconati set out to open a Latin eatery that honored the food they grew up eating, which includes taking inspiration from a variety of places, from Mexico and Argentina to Peru, Venezuela and Puerto Rico. The result is Lucina, named for Casiano's mother, which debuted in March 2022. The sleek space is filled with pops of color that echo the vibrant fare, like agua chile negro, the mojo pork chop and the ever-changing paella of the moment, which is available only on Fridays and Saturdays.

While the menu stays aligned with more popular Spanish foods, we wanted to ensure we mention Lucina on our list, which offers dishes from the Spanish coast, Latin American, and Latin Caribbean regions. One of our favorites is the Albondigas made from Wagyu Beef simmered in Pimentòn Tomato & Herbs. Please pay them a visit in the expanding 2200 block of Kearny Street in Park Hill.

Our favorite meal in Denver was at Lucina Eatery and Bar, a Latin tapas-style place that feels trendy and upscale yet is totally welcoming to kids. Highlights from our meal included plantains, chicken empanadas, a pupusa and the delicious cinnamon-chocolate cake for dessert. They couldn’t have been more welcoming to my 5 year old, and even have a kid’s menu.

2245 Kearney St #101, Denver, CO 80207720-814-1053 Visit Website. If you find yourself in South Park Hill during your time in Denver, it will be worth your while to stop and have dinner at Lucina Eatery & Bar. Before you go, it’s important to note that Lucina is only open in the evenings and is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Rating: 5/5Location: 2245 Kearney St #101, Denver, CO 80207-3949Timings: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pmPrice: $$ - $$$. Lucina Eatery and Bar has a Super-cool retro decor. It feels like t an upscale Miami beach bar; it is very clean and neat and the waitstaff are all casually dressed, ball caps, etc.

Lucina Eatery & Bar in Denver exceeded all my expectations when it comes to paella. This hidden gem truly knows how to satisfy a paella craving. The paella at Lucina Eatery & Bar is an incredible blend of flavors.

- Rating: 4.7/5 (117 reviews)- Price level: $$$- Address: 2245 Kearney St. Ste 101 Denver, Colorado - Categories: Latin American, Spanish- Read more on Yelp

In 2022, Annette restaurant's chef and co-owner Caroline Glover was awarded the title of Best Chef in the Mountain Region.