The 30 Best Restaurants in Colorado Springs 2024 - Springsmag (2024)

Restaurants

What turns an average eatery into one of the best restaurants in Colorado Springs? What is the special something that elevates the great above the merely good? Ambiance, service, freshness and creativity all play an important part. So do consistency, variety and value.

But personal taste and expectations play big roles too. Each of us has a different palate and unique preferences. And we dine out for different reasons. Are you heading out for a romantic date night, first-time meetup, special occasion, after-work drinks, business dinner, girls’ night, fancy celebration or comfort food convenience? Every occasion shifts the expectation and guides your choice.

So in order to compile our list of the best restaurants in Colorado Springs, we turned to a panel of our contributors, food writers, bloggers and aficionados well versed in the Colorado Springs dining scene that keeps on growing. Our team nominated, voted, debated, voted again and found consensus for those that rose to the top.

Some were clear favorites. Others split a narrow margin. And still more found strong advocates but narrowly missed the cut. That said, here is our list of the 30 Best Restaurants in Colorado Springs, categorized by price and presented in alphabetical order.Click on the mapto get detailed information on where to find each restaurant.

One new feature we have added to this annual list is a People’s Choice Poll (click here to jump to the poll). We say you can’t go wrong with these exceptional eateries, but we know some of you will disagree. If you don’t see your favorite on the list or you can’t believe your top restaurant fell off the list, vote for it in the poll below. And if you want to add more feedback, email usabout what restaurants in Colorado Springs we’ve missed. We’re always open to culinary exploration and celebrating the best of the dining scene in the Springs.

Please note: As a general guide, we have added a price range of dinner entrees at each restaurant and grouped them according to the following ranges:

$$$$ Most dinner entrees $35 and up

$$$ Most dinner entrees $20s – $30s

$$ Most dinner entrees $13 – $25

$ Most dinner entrees $12 or under

Of course, menu prices may change at any time, and some menus vary greatly while others offer more similar prices. These groupings do not take into consideration special offerings, happy hours, multiple courses, lunch menus, other discounted options or alcohol preferences. Please consider the price ranges as a general guideline and verify details with the individual best restaurants.

Best Restaurants in Colorado Springs $$$$

Ambli Global Cuisine

Start with a Turkish Old Fashioned, infused with fig. Subtle. Deep. Delicious. A few sips in, you’ll be ready for adventure, which is what Ambli is all about. The menu shifts each month from region to region, going from Thailand to Mexico to the Middle East, with dynamic, often exotic, flavors and spices. The elegant contemporary setting shouts special occasion and co-owner Pariza Mehta makes each diner feel like they’ve arrived at the center of the world.—Warren Epstein

Dinner Entrees: $24-$59
5278 N. Nevada Ave.
amblidenver.com/ambli-colorado-springs

Carlos’ Bistro

Carlos’ Bistro has long been a Westside icon. With a new menu release andlowerprices — yes, you read that right — there’s never been a better time to go, When Carlos himself greets you in the parking lot, shows you to your table and passionately chats all the way while insisting you try the frog legs, you know something special awaits. Indulge in every course you can justify, including the Foie Gras and those Fried Frog Legs. Old-school fine dining still exists.—Micah Redfield

Dinner entrees: $20-$70
1025 S. 21st St.
carlosbistrocos.com

Cowboy Star

Colorado cuisine can be defined by great cuts of meat and wild game, and Cowboy Star smartly combines Wild West influences with the elevated atmosphere of white linen tablecloths. The inviting steakhouse highlights classic co*cktails, a beautiful wine list and local products and ingredients to create an experience that feels both rustic and elegant. This is Rocky Mountain-esque dining at its very best. Pro Tip: For that five star feeling without the financial hit, check out CS’s daily happy hour from 4-6 p.m. (in the bar only) for specialty bites, beers and co*cktails ranging from just $6-$8.—Dionne Passacantando

Dinner entrees: $46-$124
5198 N. Nevada Ave., Unit 150
cowboystarcs.com

Ephemera

Straddling the open-air second floor of the hot nightclub/food hall COATI Uprise, Ephemera elevates the city’s urban dining experience with the experimental and unexpected. The tasting menus (with or without wine pairings) feature such artfully arranged delectables as squid ink pasta, cucumber asparagus soup, berry-glazed pork belly, forbidden rice and rose ice cream. And the raw oysters — as fine as you’ll find in a landlocked state.—W.E.

Dinner Entrees: $17-$39 ($89 for Chef’s Seven-Course Tasting Menu)
514 S. Tejon St. Suite 250A
ephemeradinners.com

Inefable

Chef Fernando Trancoso is an artist, and he has created a masterpiece with his new restaurant, Inefable. Since opening in December 2023, Inefable is an immediate favorite that adds a new level of Mexican fine dining to the local scene. The innovative fare fuses complex Mexican flavors with French and global techniques, and its presentations are gorgeous.

Start with the exquisite Hamachi Ceviche. Order the Pato al Pipian to experience the masterful harmony of its toasted pumpkin seed green mole. Choose the Pork Belly al Pastor or shortribs Costilla con Gua Jillo for meat yielding to your fork like butter. Pair it all with a smoked co*cktail like the Platano Para Fumar or go to Trancoso’s wine list (he’s also a sommelier) for a unique selection from ancient regions in Armenia, Lebanon or Hungary. As its name implies, Inefable will take you beyond words. —Jeremy Jones

Dinner Entrees: $22-$45
19 N. Tejon St.
inefableat19.com

The Margarita at Pine Creek

The Margarita is a restaurant of so many personalities. On a Saturday morning in the summer, you can sip mimosas and chomp on light, tasty egg puffs (eggs in puff pastry) or breakfast tacos while listening to live bluegrass. On a winter evening, you can huddle with your honey in one of the many romantic dining room alcoves, savoring flawless prix fixe dinners, live classical music playing softly nearby. Or, when it’s open, you can go to the bar downstairs for live music and fabulous burgers.—W.E.

Dinner Entrees: Prix Fixe Three or Four Course $48-$54
7350 Pine Creek Road
margaritaatpinecreek.com

Ristorante di Sopra

Upstairs from his bustling neighborhood Italian joint Paravicini, Chef-Owner Franco Pisani has created an intimate upscale — but not pretentiously pinky-raising — Italian bistro. On the high end, you’ll find such New York-style Italian treasures as Parmigiana, a tender bone-in veal chop that could easily stand on its own, but it doesn’t have to thanks to the creamy burrata joining the garlicky tomato sauce and smooth mozzarella bubbling on top. Among the other Italian delicacies: Osso Bucco (a slow-roasted veal shank) and a lighter but just as flavorful dish, Mushrooms and Gorgonzola, served with pancetta over polenta.—W.E.

Dinner Entrees: $17-$69
2802 W. Colorado Ave.
ristorantedisopra.com

The Steakhouse at Flying Horse

Enter a Tuscan dream of Old World charm, featuring stone-paved walkways, alcove fires and breathtaking views of Pikes Peak. This top shelf experience leverages an in-house butchery and innovative fare, all anchored by a jaw-dropping, three-story glass wine tower. A four-time winner of theWine Spectator Award of Excellence, this Northgate outpost checks the box as a romantic must.—Elayne Prechtel

Dinner Entrees: $38-$75
1880 Weiskopf Point
flyinghorsesteakhouse.com

Summit

Maybe you’re about to pop the question and need a place that’s perfect. Or it’s graduation. Or folks are in from out of town who you need to impress. Or maybe you’re just looking for an extraordinary dining experience — Summit is the place, overseen by Duane Thompson who you might recognize from his years of running The Broadmoor’s Penrose Room. Summit was closed during the pandemic, but it’s back and has garnered theForbes Four Star awardthis year for the first time.

With a thoughtfully assembled and strikingly original menu put together by Chef de Cuisine Rocio Neyra Palmer and a team of deeply knowledgeable and attentive sommeliers, it’s an unforgettable dining experience. (Palmer was raised in Peru and fell in love with cooking while sharing a kitchen with her grandmother.)

Start with the Summit Ceviche Trio (chef’s speciality) or the Philips Salad (named after Philip Anschutz, who owns the Broadmoor, the recipe comes from his personal chef). For mains, the standout is the Wagyu Beef Skewers (locally raised about 5 miles away at Eagle’s Nest Ranch). And know that on Fridays the menu leans toward inventive and complex seafood dishes, including a luminous trout special and unbelievable mussels. End with the Chocolate Royale, and ask about dessert wines — it’s also their thing. But everything is their thing. If you have one meal in the Springs, look no farther.—Steven Hayward

Dinner Entrees: $20-$76
1 Lake Ave.
broadmoor.com

The Warehouse

The Warehouse is one of those restaurants in Colorado Springs you can always count on. Whether it’s for a reasonably priced date night (go for the Monkfish and Yak Ragout or the Bison Ribeye) or an elevated catered work event in the attached art gallery, chef-owner James Africano has the right recipe. You can’t beat the brick and copper urban vibe or Africano’s endless commitment to the local community. —W.E.

Dinner Entrees: $30-$68
25 W. Cimarron St.
thewarehouserestaurant.com

Best Restaurants in Colorado Springs $$$

Four by Brother Luck

What’s luck got to do with it? Apparently, not a lot as the flagship restaurant of celebrity chef Brother Luck continues to flex its culinary muscles in downtown Colorado Springs. Chef Luck, whose climb to fame includes appearances on Beat Bobby Flay, Choppedand Top Chef, swaps out the menu four times a year and features flavors from the four corners region. And oh, did you know that he is Brother Luck the 4th? Don’t miss the Jalapeño Poppers, Dry Aged Duck Breast, and expert wine pairings. Pro tip: They’re best enjoyed as part of a full — what else? — four-course meal.—Samantha Wood

Dinner Entrees: $15-$39
321 N. Tejon St.
fourbybrotherluck.com

Grand View

They’ve always had the view. Now they have everything else — and it’s open to the public. No longer limited to Garden of the Gods Resort and Club members and guests, Grand View has been fully renovated and revamped. The results are excellent in every way, from the more intimate ambiance to the food, drinks and service.

A new bar focuses on the top-shelf co*cktail program (order the Pistachio Lime Gin Sour off-menu). And the brand new 2.0 menu features standouts like the Beef Carpaccio starter, superb Sauteed Ruby Red Trout and delicate Seared Diver Scallops. A first post-renovation menu was scrapped in favor of more accessible options that range from burgers to a Prime Filet. Grand View is a gem that has been fully polished, and it shines in all facets.—J.J.

Dinner Entrees: $23-$53
3320 Mesa Rd.
gardenofthegodsresort.com

Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar

Jax Fish House takes the only possible complaint about Colorado — that landlocked lack of shoreline — and brings the sea to the Springs via a sustainable, expertly executed seafood and oyster bar. Part of the Big Red F family of Front Range restaurants, Jax provides an impressive array of fresh shellfish, flown in daily, with varieties from both coasts to excite the most knowledgeable bivalve aficionados.—D.P.

Dinner Entrees: $18-$48
11 S. Tejon St.
jaxfishhouse.com/colorado-springs

Lumen8 Rooftop Social

Here is the place to take out-of-town guests or a date you want to impress. The holy-cannoli views of Pikes Peak out the wall-to-wall windows are paired with the phenomenal urban vistas of a city on the move, including the nearby glowing Weidner Field stadium surrounded by all those new swanky apartment towers. In warm weather, you can take it all in while lounging beside fire pits on the expansive west-facing patio.

The kitchen had some early inconsistencies, but recent visits assure us the views are matched by a culinary team that is also spectacular. The best dish on the menu is undoubtedly the buffalo short ribs, and their savory, braised, fall-off-the-bone wonder can be enjoyed as a stand-alone entree, a flatbread topping and a brunch-time hash. The salmon and scallops are also crazy good, as are the innovative co*cktails.—W.E.

Dinner Entrees: $12-$41
402 S. Tejon St.
lumen8cos.com

Marigold Cafe & Bakery

A Westside mainstay for good reason, this beloved gem offers something for everyone. From French-inspired classics, such as Beef Bourguignon and Snapper Marseillaise, to delightful midday fare, the hardest decision is choosing among the award-winning desserts. Take it from longtime diners, the Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake will have you coming back again and again. Addictively decadent! And now there’s a second location, Marigold Bistro, in Cheyenne Mountain after the purchase of Walter’s Bistro.—E.P.

Dinner Entrees: $13-$48
4605 Centennial Blvd.
marigoldcoloradosprings.com

Ristorante Del Lago

There is no disputing the sophistication, ambiance and delicious cuisine that Ristorante Del Lago delivers for patrons in search of a romantic, Italian meal. Whether you’re taking advantage of the Colorado Appreciation deals (usually during January and February) at The Broadmoor or planning a special occasion dinner, this is one of the most sought after tables at the resort. That view looking out onto picturesque Cheyenne Lake is a big reason why. Every detail is also considered, from the elevated wine list to the authentic cooking techniques, and with always stellar service, this is a staple dining experience for anyone desiring a destination in Colorado Springs that will wow every time.—D.P.

Dinner entrees: $20-$48
The Broadmoor, 1 Lake Ave.
broadmoor.com

Paravicini’s Italian Bistro

Chef Franco Pisani will have you singing “That’s amore!” after savoring one of his rich classic Italian dishes. Tucked away in historic Old Colorado City, Paravicini’s Italian Bistro is the quintessential date night locale oozing with romance, vintage decor and, of course, tons of garlic. While their signature dishes include Veal Parmesan and Arancini, we are also partial to the fried artichokes, Shrimp Picatta and Chicken Saltimbocca. Gluten free? Don’t be shy; they have a mini menu of the classics just for you!—S.W.

Dinner Entrees: $19-$40
2802 W. Colorado Ave.
paravicinis.com

The Rabbit Hole

Find it at the other end of a stairway leading down from what appears to be the entrance to a subway station on the north side of Kiowa, just east of Tejon. There lies a darkened underworld where reservations are advised. Start with the Queen of Hearts Bloody Mary (comes with a beer). Share a veggie (or not) Nosh board, move on to the bacon-wrapped Rabbit Meatloaf (or the Bison Short Rib if it feels weird to be eating rabbit in a rabbit hole), and end, yes, with the carrot cake. When it’s served, ask, “What’s up, Doc?” They haven’t heard that one before.—S.H.

Dinner Entrees: $18-$42
101 N. Tejon St.
rabbitholedinner.com

Sushi Row

The team behind Dos Santos, Dos Dos and White Pie set out to fashion the Springs’ finest sushi bar, a place that would compete with the best in Denver. They pulled it off. (Their secret weapon was the kidnapping of sushi master Batzaya “Zaya” Altbish from Denver’s Sushi Sasa.) The blending of elegant contemporary Asian design with super fresh, innovative sushi, creative co*cktails and a hip-hop beat has made Sushi Row one of the hottest tickets in town. Just beyond the wall of flame from the Sushi Row patio’s fire pit, diners munch on crispy rice cakes topped with generous dollops of spicy tuna, spicy salmon and creamy scallops or salmon rolls topped with bumps of high-end caviar. This is sushi as a moment-to-remember special-occasion event.—W.E.

Dinner Entrees: $11-$49 ($150 for caviar service)
316 N. Tejon St., Suite 120
sushi-row.com

Till Neighborhood Bistro & Bar

Much like the restaurants at New York’s newly renovated LaGuardia Airport which magically change shape and name around 2 p.m., Till morphs from the excellent breakfast and lunch spot Garden of the Gods Market & Cafe into a vibrant neighborhood bistro by night. The transformation offers an exceptional happy hour with not only reduced prices on drinks and co*cktails, but an extensive menu of apps and salads to go with them.

Welcoming without a hint of pretension, Till’s dining room is open and well lighted but still intimate. Start with the Peaches and Burrata appetizer and the Baby Beet Salad. Amid a bounty of excellent entrees, the standouts are the Maine Lobster Ravioli (made on site), the Cowboy Ribeye (arguably the best in the city) and, most uniquely, the locally raised PBJ Cattle Company Yak Steak, which is a serious luminary. The yak is a working animal, our waiter informed me, so it’s surprisingly tender and not gamey in the least. Order it medium well, or however you’d take your steak. End with the sorbet. Not to be missed.—S.H.

Dinner Entrees: $24-$56 ($69 Chef’s four-course meal)
616 S. Tejon St.
tillsouth.com

Best Restaurants in Colorado Springs $$

503W

503W transitions your dining adventures from downtown Colorado Springs into Old Colorado City with unique Asian fusion gastropub fare and an upscale craft co*cktail program. The contemporary menu features an assortment of solid sharable apps, Korean inspired street food, more fanciful “knife & fork” entrees and stacked, all-natural, grass-fed cheeseburgers. 503W showcases a strong game behind the stick, curating themed happy hours as well as some of the best seasonal libations anywhere in town.—D.P.

Dinner Entrees: $15-$23
503 W. Colorado Ave.
503w.co

Adam’s Mountain Cafe

A Manitou institution for nearly 40 years, Adam’s isn’t strictly a vegetarian place, but it happens to serve the region’s two best veggie entrees. A Buddha Bowl, greenery bursting with sweet turmeric and sesame flavors, topped with crispy tofu will force you to rethink your justifiable attitudes toward tofu. And the Senegalese Vegetables are drenched in a savory homemade peanut sauce you’ll want to dive into.

Another favorite, especially for meat eaters, is the Turkey Burrito, filled with beans, guac, hunks of fresh roasted turkey; it tastes like a Mexican Thanksgiving. Adam’s atmosphere leans toward fanciful old-world casual, with antique wooden tables and impressionistic landscape paintings by legendary Manitou Artist C.H. Rockey.—W.E.

Dinner Entrees: $10-$23
26 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs
adamsmountaincafe.com

Atmosphere Gastropub

Hidden among Interquest’s chainsville lies a hipster haven that is quietly crushing it. Its dominating horseshoe bar suggests an emphasis on the pub portion of its name, and the microbrews and craft co*cktails certainly meet a high bar. But damn, the gastro part shines. How many pubs have Lobster Tots, a “Cup o’ Bacon” (housemade), Bulgogi Steak Fries or a Crab Pretzel? Clearly, the gastro gets plenty of attention, and the flavors of these innovative culinary adventures rock. I particularly love the Bacon Jam Bison Burger, a juicy delight on par with Brother Luck’s famous Bacon Jam Burger.—W.E.

Dinner Entrees: $11-$26
1327 Interquest Parkway
atmospheregastropub.com

Chiba Bar

From the cyberpunk décor to the inventive menu to the classic anime playing on TVs above intimate booth seating, everything about Chiba Bar oozes the essence of Japan. Attention to detail shows up everywhere from the warm unagi bowl to the carefully selected Japanese whisky list. It’s no wonder this low-keyizakaya, or Japanese style pub, is beloved by local food industry insiders.—Jason Fleming

Dinner Entrees: $9-$16
19 E. Kiowa St.
chibabar.co

Dozo Sushi and Bar

This 8th Streetsushi-yaknocks sushi right out of the fish tank for freshness. Sashimi, nigiri and oh-so-many rolls grace the menu, along with a seductive mix of tempura battered vegetables and teriyakis. The stunning presentation alone can make you cry. Both sleek yet welcoming, Dozo even greets the incoming literary crowd with its own book nook.—Julie Martin Sunich

Dinner Entrees: $9-$28
1606 S. 8th Street
dozosushico.com

Monse’s Taste of El Salvador

From Chalchuapa, El Salvador,Monse Hinesbrought a bright, fresh Central American eatery to Old Colorado City. Since 2018, the welcoming pupuseria has gained a devoted following. The restaurant is best known for handmade, made-to-order pupusas, El Salvador’s most popular dish. The round stuffed corn cakes come in a long list of varieties, but try the Revueltas (pork and cheese). Also make sure you order sides of plantains and yucca fries.—Kristian DePue

Dinner Entrees: $9-$20 ($54 for an eight pupusa & three side plate)
115 S. 25th St.
monsestasteofelsalvador.online

Narai Thai Restaurant and Narai Siam Cuisine

With two locations, one in Rockrimmon and the other in the Broadmoor neighborhood, Narai serves traditional Thai, kicked up with super-fresh ingredients and occasional gourmet flourishes (try the lobster pad Thai.) Among our favorites are the Thai Basil Eggplant (ask for extra veggies instead of chicken, shrimp or beef), and the Panang Curry, stewed in coconut milk with red bell pepper and carrot, topped with the signature Thai basil. The atmosphere at both locations is posh enough for special-occasion dining, and a robust wine list follows that line of thinking.—W.E.

Dinner Entrees: $16-$29
Narai Thai Restaurant, 805 Village Center Drive
Narai Siam Cuisine, 120 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd.
narai-thai.com

Shuga’s

The O.G. of COS hip has anchored downtown’s New South End long before the booming ‘hood began gentrifying around it. This cozy cafe offers crafted co*cktails, coffee, soups and sandwiches served in an eclectic 1910 grocery store. Famous for its consistent quality and artsy charm, Shuga’s hosts a fine-tuned menu under a flock of paper cranes, surrounded by thrift store décor and candlelit ambience. No matter what, order the spicy Brazilian coconut shrimp soup. It never fails to delight.—K.D.

Dinner Entrees: $12-$18
702 S. Cascade Ave.
shugas.com

Uchenna Ethiopian Restaurant

Walking into the unassuming strip-mall storefront at Uchenna is stepping into the home ofChef Maya Hetman— and into a slice of another world. Here in this cozy corner of Old Colorado City, you can explore the depth of flavors from the Horn of Africa, particularly the rich culinary traditions of Ethiopian cuisine. Vegetarians and carnivores alike will discover tantalizing dishes eaten with the fingers served alongside rolls of injera flatbread. You can taste the love in every dish.—J.F.

Dinner Entrees: $12-$18
2501 W. Colorado Ave., #105
uchennaalive.com

Best Restaurants in Colorado Springs $

TAPAteria

What’s better than sipping sangria and noshing tapas al fresco? Not a whole lot, which is why TAPAteria tops the list for leisurely afternoons and cozy date nights in Old Colorado City. The TAPAteria culinary team has mastered the OGs of Spanish tapas including Patatas Bravas, Boquerones Huevos and Albondigas. Their tapas are shareable and easily divided between two or four people. Don’t skimp on dessert either, which includes locally-made gelato and Pan Con Chocolate. Enjoy their year-round back patio, extensive wine list and 100% GF menu.—S.W.

Sharable Tapas: $5-$11
2607 W. Colorado Ave.
tapateria.com

People’s Choice Poll

Vote for your Top 10 Best Restaurants in Colorado Springs. Think we left something out? Write it in. Watch for your results in a few weeks when we total the People’s Choice Best Restaurants.

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