Trying foods from different cultures is a great way to expand your child’s palate and help them develop an appreciation for those cultures. It can introduce your family to new favorite meals, too. That’s why Crème de la Crème of Lone Tree has put together this list of the five best places in and around our hometown to get delicious ethnic food.

Sahara Restaurant

A plate of falafel from an ethnic cuisine restaurant in Lone Tree, Colorado

Falafel” licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Flickr by kudumomo

Sahara Restaurant serves up Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine with flavors and recipes that originate in Lebanon and Morocco. This establishment is owned and operated by three restaurateurs from that region of the world who wanted to share their culture with Coloradans.

When you eat here, you have to try the homemade hummus, falafel, stuffed grape leaves, and baba ghannouj, all of which are staples in this cuisine. Be sure to order the kebabs, gyros, shawarma, or lamb entrees for some of the best Mediterranean flavors you’ve ever tasted. You can also order combination platters that have a little bit of all of your favorite dishes. And, there are plenty of options for vegetarians and those who need gluten-free options, too.

You’ll find this restaurant at 9636 E. Arapahoe Road in nearby Greenwood Village. It’s open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

India’s Castle

Indian cuisine is incredibly diverse, using a wide variety of spices and recipes from all over the country. And at India’s Castle, you get to try many of those unique dishes and diverse flavors because this restaurant serves authentic recipes from multiple regions. Plus, many menu items are labeled as vegan and vegetarian, making it easy for everyone to find something they’ll enjoy.

Order right off the menu, or come for the buffet that serves a little bit of everything, perfect for those who’ve never had Indian food before. You’ll find mouthwatering meals like curries, kebabs, tikka masala, biryani, korma, and much more. If you like cheese, order any of the paneer dishes, which is an Indian cheese. This restaurant even has a seafood menu full of traditional dishes made with shrimp or swordfish. And if you have room after your meal, be sure to order desserts like mango ice cream, Indian rice pudding, or sweet dumplings.

India’s Castle is located at 9555 E. Arapahoe Road Unit 19 in nearby Greenwood Village. You can visit every day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Okinawa Sushi

You don’t have to leave Lone Tree for delicious, authentic sushi. Just stop by Okinawa Sushi on Lincoln Avenue. This spot has a vast menu full of soups and salads, sushi appetizers, Japanese small plates, sushi rolls and sashimi, and many noodle, rice, and teriyaki and tempura entrees. That means there’s definitely something for everyone in your family here.

Sushi is a great dish to share with multiple people and to try many unique flavor combinations. You can order a sushi platter for just yourself, or order a few different rolls and types of sashimi (sliced raw fish) to share with the table. Kids and parents who aren’t into fish can order one of the restaurant’s delicious teriyaki meat dishes with rice, cooked noodles with meat and sauce, or fried rice with meat and vegetables.

You can find Okinawa Sushi at 9231 E. Lincoln Ave. Suite 1100 in Lone Tree. They’re open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 9:30 p.m.

Los Dos Potrillos

If you’re looking for delicious Mexican food, then Los Dos Potrillos is a local chain you have to try. This restaurant is chock full of nachos, tacos, burritos, fajitas, taquitos, enchiladas, chiles rellenos, and more. Plus, Los Dos Potrillos serves up a fantastic happy hour with terrific adult beverages for parents.

Start with a traditional Mexican-Spanish appetizer like ceviche or a Tex-Mex classic like carnitas-topped french fries. Get a combination platter to taste a little bit of every Mexican staple on the menu, or order a Mexican burger, chimichangas, or any of their seafood specials. You can also get a family platter of taco fixings to make your own tacos. Or, children can order a quesadilla, bean burrito, taquitos, or typical American fare like a burger from the kids’ menu.

There are four locations in the Lone Tree area, so you’re never too far from Los Dos’ unique Mexican cuisine. Three locations Highlands Ranch (Littleton), Littleton, and Parker are open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. However, the Centennial location is open from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m Sunday through Thursday with their Friday and Saturday hours the same as the other locations.

John Holly’s Asian Bistro

John Holly’s Asian Bistro should be your go-to restaurant for fusion dishes featuring Chinese, Thai, Japanese, and other Asian flavors. It’s also a more upscale restaurant, making it the perfect destination for date night or a celebratory family dinner.

Order from the Chinese menu featuring authentic and uniquely twisted Chinese dishes from around the country, or grab sushi from the special sushi roll menu or regular sushi menu. You can also stop by earlier in the day to get one of the lunch specials that include small portions of Chinese, Thai, and sushi meals. Try items like the spring rolls, egg rolls, gyoza fried dumplings, soups like miso and wonton, a variety of tempura dishes, house specials, traditional dishes like mu shu chicken, bamboo steamed dishes of meat and veggies, and delectable sushi rolls.

John Holly’s Asian Bistro is located at 9232 Park Meadows Drive in Lone Tree. You can visit Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

So there you have it, the five best places for ethnic cuisine in and around Lone Tree. Did we miss any of your family’s favorite ethnic restaurants in the Lone Tree area? If so, contact Crème de la Crème of Lone Tree to let us know, and we’ll be sure to add it to our list!