A century ago, members of the Valente and D’Ascenz families immigrated from Potenza and Rome, Italy.  As the family established itself in America, the six sons and two daughters of Jerry and Anna Valente each built their heritage in North Denver.  Rich in family tradition, each member stamped their footprints in a number of successful businesses in the Denver metro area.

For the past 44 years, Valente’s Italian Restaurant has thrived upon making their family cuisines available to residents and travelers of the Denver area.  Located just minutes from the downtown Denver skyline at the corner of 38th Ave. and Reed St. in Wheat Ridge, Valente’s has been serving classic, homemade Italian fare from authentic family recipes for the past five decades.

With an emphasis placed upon doing things “the old fashioned way,” pastas are made from scratch daily, sauces simmer, meatballs are hand-formed, lasagna is artistically layered, and pizzas are hand-tossed and baked on the hearth “like Momma used to make.” Valente’s also embraces its' Italian brotherhood with other local businesses, as their menu includes the delicious homemade breads from Gargaro’s Bakery and homemade sausage from Carbone’s Meats.

Ray Valente Sr. has been proudly married to this business since 1964, and has etched his image into Wheat Ridge’s history with his dedication benefiting the community in a number of ways.  Ray Sr. was a founder of the original committee to bring to fruition the “The Rocky Mountain Italian Golf Association Tournament.”  He was also the driving force behind the “Valente’s Annual Golf Tournament,” with proceeds directly provided to Lutheran Medical Center’s Cancer Research Department.  His work ethic has earned him such renowned awards as “Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival Grand Parade Marshal” and on two occasions, “Italian of the Year.”

Much like the image of a gondolier steering the canals of Venice, the sight of Ray Sr. sailing the streets of Wheat Ridge in his trademark 1985 Chevrolet El Camino has been observed daily along the canal of West 38th Ave. between Sheridan and Wadsworth.  His presence within the community has been a pillar of strength and stability to the city, as he has served on the Lakeside National Bank and Lutheran Medical Center Board of Directors over the years.  His invitation to the students of Wheat Ridge Middle School to demonstrate their artistic skills is displayed on the west wall of the restaurant in the form of a massive landscape mural depicting the fertile fields of Tuscany.

The restaurant has endured the ages with the ever-present support of family and friends assisting in the operation of its’ day-to-day functions.  Ray’s wife, Elaine, his sons Ray Jr. and Mark have contributed greatly over the years with leadership and customer service.  The restaurant has truly been a family business since the day the doors opened, as brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins and grandchildren have contributed in a variety of roles over the years.

Valente’s has drawn a multitude of local and national entertainers as well as sports celebrities during its’ historic reign in the Lakeside area.  Hollywood stars such as Perry Como, Nick Perito, Robert Goulet, Joey Bishop, Bonnie Rait, Stevie Nicks, Vincent Price as well as many others from the stage of the old Elitch Gardens Theater have dined at the tables of this Wheat Ridge landmark.  Professional coaches and athletes Joe Torre, Tony LaRussa, Doug Moe, Ozzie Smith, Dan Issel, Kiki Vandewegh, Alex English and David Thompson have enjoyed Valente’s wonderful meals.

In addition to the list of renowned guests, numerous articles written by Rocky Mountain News Columnist, Gary Massaro, have been publicized describing the relationships of Ray Sr. and his long-time customers.  These stories can be viewed just inside the front door, framed and mounted on the walls below an oil portrait of the family matriarch, Anna Valente.

Valente’s recently earned the distinction of being voted “Best Italian Restaurant” on “Denver TV Channel 7’s A+List.”  Valente’s offers daily lunch specials and an elaborate dinner menu which includes steaks and seafood in addition to the traditional pasta specialties. Valente’s also provides live entertainment with supper-club style meals Wednesday – Saturday in the upstairs “Hideaway Lounge” and offers half-priced Martinis and Manhattans every Thursday evening.  Westword’s top-rated drive-up window serves delicious and affordable takeout orders.  Valente’s also provides private banquet rooms offering the full services of “Chef’s Touch Catering.”

Come and enjoy a meal “the old fashioned way.”Join our table and savor some of the meals “like Momma used to make.” Be part of our “family” and celebrate with us, four generations of Italian heritage and tradition.