Ash'Kara

The story

Ash'Kara Denver: Mediterranean & Middle Eastern Bib Gourmand in LoHi

An Exploration of Mediterranean Cuisine with North African and Middle Eastern Influences

In Denver’s LoHi neighborhood, Ash’Kara brings the vibrant flavors of North Africa, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean to life. Led by Executive Chef Reginald Dotson, the restaurant has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand award three times, a recognition that speaks to both the quality of its cooking and its welcoming spirit.

Chef Dotson, a Denver native, learned to cook from necessity—preparing meals for his younger brother while his mother worked nights—and from his grandmother’s South Carolina roots. After earning degrees in Culinary Arts and Food Management from Johnson & Wales, he built his career in kitchens across Colorado before joining Ash’Kara, where he immersed himself in its global traditions and rose to Executive Chef.

The Wood Fire Oven

At the heart of Ash’Kara’s kitchen is a wood-fired oven that bakes authentic pita to order and infuses vegetables, proteins, and breads with a gentle smokiness. The menu—featuring slow-cooked tagines, vibrant dips, and shareable plates—is designed to spark connection at the table while showcasing Colorado’s freshest seasonal produce. Chef Dotson and his team approach each dish with care and creativity, balancing authenticity with modern flair.

A Gathering Place

Ash’Kara’s atmosphere shifts throughout the space. As one Michelin guide reviewer noted, “One side of the restaurant feels very lively, and the other side feels very romantic.” The restaurant offers abundant vegetarian options, plentiful gluten-free offerings, and thoughtful accommodations for allergies, ensuring every guest feels at home. The philosophy is rooted in connection—between people, cultures, and the land itself—with seasonality guiding the menu and sustainability shaping practices throughout the kitchen.