Chef Elise Wiggins always dreamed of creating a restaurant where she would be sole owner. After many years cultivating her culinary skills with study in Italy and management chops, she finally opened Cattivella.
Cattivella — which means mischievous young girl — started out of the gate in 2017 with rave reviews from local food critics and guests alike. Elise continues to win awards every year since opening. The latest? Best Pasta in Denver/Boulder by Dining Out magazine.
Elise proudly sets herself apart from other Italian restaurants by seeking out dishes from various regions in Italy. Her dishes are often ancient dishes from the 15th – 17th centuries. She loves to tell the stories of each dish that she has learned to help take people on a journey through ancient times in Italy.
To prove Cattivella’s ability to please palates and tickle tummies, please find the below accolades:
Best Pasta in Colorado by Dining Out, 2022
38 Essential Denver Restaurants by Eater Denver, 2022
Top 15 Restaurants in Denver by Conde Nast Magazine, 2022
Best Wood Fire Restaurant by Westword, 2021
38 Standout Restaurants in Denver by Eater Denver, 2021
One of America’s most anticipated spring restaurant openings by Zagat’s
Hottest Restaurant in Denver by Eater Denver, 2017
Named one of the 10 Iconic Chefs of Denver by Dining Out
Top 25 Restaurants in Denver (2 years in a row) by 5280 Magazine
Best New Restaurant in Denver by Thrillist, 2017
Chef of the Year Award by Eater Denver, 2017
Best Italian by Westword, 2017 and 2018
Best Dessert by Westword, 2018
Restaurant of the Year by Thrillist, 2018
Top 10 New Restaurants by Westword, 2017
Best 15 Italian Restaurants in Denver and Boulder by 5280 Magazine
Best Restaurant in Denver by Conde Nast Magazine, 2018
Best Pasta by 5280 Magazine, 2019
Top 10 Restaurants by 303 Magazine
Best Chef in Colorado by 5280 Magazine
Top of the Town by 5280 Magazine, 2019
