In the River North Art District (RiNo) of Denver resides Corsica Wine Bar, or “Small-plate Paradise,” (as we like to call it). It’s important to note that Corsica is also known for its prolific European wine selection — which makes sense since the dining destination’s mission statement (of sorts) is “We believe that wine is a condiment for food.” However, we will focus this particular overview exclusively on Corsica’s unique noshes and vibrant atmosphere. 

Corsica musts:

• Order the Stuffed Dates with nduja, hazelnut and tarragon
• Ask one of the servers for wine and small-plate pairings (they are incredibly knowledgeable and will ensure a delicious duo)
• Finish the evening with one (or all) of Corsica’s decadent desserts

Corsica’s menu: Come hungry, leave happy

Corsica’s menu focuses on small plates melding flavors from France, Italy and the Mediterranean. Dinner at this lively revitalized RiNo location feels akin to a European-tasting cruise and we are the lucky passengers to dot the best culinary gems of the coastal countries. 

Our culinary guide, Pipe, kicked off our meal with one of Corsica’s most beloved dishes started our visit with the restaurant’s popular and beloved Pain de Meture Gascon, a cornbread wrapped in collard leaf. We probably could have made an entire meal out of this savory dish, delivered with a bit of spice incorporated into its savory foundation. We also sampled the Warm Stuffed Dates with nduja, hazelnut and tarragon. These are a must-try and are like no other date plate we’ve experienced. 

Next, we were dazzled by another fan favorite: Tuna Carpaccio with citrus, Calabrian chili and crispy quinoa. This thinly sliced marvel melts in your mouth, delivering a memorable citrusy burst. In continuation of seafood selections, Pipe presented us with Prawns Arrabbiata, served with oven-roasted tomato chili and oregano. These are not your average prawns — these are fresh, succulent, big-boy prawns (that could also easily be a meal on their own).

To round out our meal, we devoured a Caesar salad with just the right amount of anchovy saltiness (which I couldn’t find on Corsica’s most recent menu, but is worth ordering if it’s still around) and the Beef Bavette. This tender cut of meat comes dressed with green peppercorn sauce and parsley. 

Stay for comfort and conversation

Corsica’s cozy red-brick interior is complemented by wood flooring, with a spacious dining area, an intimate smaller section, and a private backroom for small gatherings.

One thing we noticed about Corsica — much like its Mediterranean dining roots — is that it’s not an eatery in which meals are encouraged to be rushed. Many of the parties that came in before we did were still dining and sipping wine throughout the evening, clearly enjoying every moment of the experience. 

More plates for future dates

Notice we did not mention desserts? That’s because 1. We ordered almost every savory small plate known to humankind, and 2.  We hope our next visit might exclusively focus on sweet treats like these:

• Fiadone, traditional Corsican cheesecake with candied fennel
• Tiramisu, mascarpone cream and coffee-soaked ladyfingers
• Chocolate Ganache with seeded crackers
• Affogato with vanilla gelato, double espresso and amaretti cookies
• Fritelli, warm doughnuts with fennel sugar and lemon creme fraiche

In addition to its wine and small plate offerings, Corsica serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays and has a late-night menu, 10 p.m. Sunday – Thursday, and 11 pm. Friday – Saturday. 

For more information, visit corsicawinebar.com.