Best Restaurants in Colorado Springs

by The OpenTable Team

Updated January 19, 2022

Colorado Springs offers a fascinating culinary scene that blends techniques and inventive cuisines from all over the world. The city's dining scene is inspired by contemporary American, Mexican, Italian, Japanese, and Mediterranean flavors, making it a unique culinary melting pot that fits every palate. There is something for every diner in Colorado Springs, from sophisticated, high-end concepts to casual sidewalk cafes, farm-to-table vegan establishments, rustic outdoor dining, and heated patios. Also, the city boasts stunning natural landscapes, such as Pikes Peak-Mountain America's and Garden of the Gods Park, which help create a mood for an exciting culinary escape. A notable culinary hot spot in the city is the downtown Colorado Springs neighborhood, hosting some of the best dining concepts in the city.

Ambli Kitchen & Bar

4.8

4.8 (1054)

$31 to $50

International

Colorado Springs

About the restaurant

Executive chef Ricardo Morffin teamed up with Pariza Mehta and Kelly Morrison to debut Ambli Global Cuisine in 2013. The restaurant, nestled in the heart of Colorado Springs, presents a vast, diverse menu with globally influenced meals, including Mexican, East African, Indian, Mediterranean, and Asian flavors. The inventive meals at the restaurant are inspired by Mehta's upbringing, her much-traveled family history, and her partner chef Morffin's native roots in Mexico City. Also, the restaurant boasts a warm, welcoming atmosphere, featuring artwork décor and horseshoe seating style, combined with quality service to provide a remarkable dining experience. Moreover, the restaurant offers a range of curated cocktails to complement its creative specialties.

Top review

David

Dined 3 days ago

The food is awesome and the service is even better! Fine dinning only. Great for date nights and special occasions. Kids might be welcome but I would advise against it unless you have very quiet kiddos. As another patron I'm saying let's keep this place special.

Carlos' Bistro

4.9

4.9 (2045)

$50 and over

Continental

Colorado Springs

About the restaurant

Executive chef Carlos Echeandia, alongside his wife Marcia, opened Carlos' Bistro in Colorado Springs in late 2004. This award-winning restaurant boasts an ambient, lively atmosphere adorned with a laidback cream-and-black theme. The menu at the restaurant is steered by chef Carlos, a Peruvian native, who incorporates his unique flair into each classic restaurant dish, much to diners' delight. At Carlo's Bistro, diners can enjoy internationally inspired meals infused with local favorites. The creative meals are complimented by a comprehensive selection of drink lists, including wines, beers, and signature cocktails. This award-winning restaurant has received recognition from various reputable publications, such as Open Table, The Gazette, and Zagat.

Top review

Matt

Dined 7 days ago

This was our first time ever there and it was an experience of a life time for sure. I will go back again. The food was absolutely amazing. The Staff was knowledgeable on all items on the menu and the specials. highly recommend it.

The Fifty-Niner

4.5

4.5 (77)

$30 and under

Speakeasy

Colorado Springs

About the restaurant

The Fifty-Niner is a historic dining spot tucked in the downtown Colorado Springs neighborhood. The restaurant pays homage to Colorado Springs' rich heritage dating back to 1859. The restaurant offers a vast, diverse menu that incorporates globally-inspired cuisines, including speakeasy, pizzeria, tapas, and gluten-free options. Also, The Fifty-Niner has an extensive drinks menu serving hand-crafted cocktails, beers, and wines to complement its inventive dishes. The Fifty-Niner boasts a rustic, welcoming atmosphere with simple, creative décor to retain the restaurant's natural ambiance.

Top review

NATTY

Dined on Jun 27, 2024

Way cool bar located in the back of an establishment I NEVER had plans to step into- what a waste of time/how silly I've been! I was delighted to find this multi faceted business' offerings- delicious cocktails and mocktails, ice cream, and a welcoming atmosphere for all. Our server was a statuesque, lovely brunette- I didn't catch her name, but she was also attired in what had to be the coolest outfit I'd seen in a while. Especially for COS. She was attentive (but not overbearing) and made our mocktails with perfectly delicious precision. On my way out, I noted that there are themed nights and performances galore, outside of games. I'll be back.

El Padrino Mexicano

4.5

4.5 (146)

$30 and under

Mexican

Colorado Springs

About the restaurant

Established in 2018, El Padrino Mexicano specializes in Mexican cuisines and Margaritas. This family-owned restaurant is located at Voyager Parkway in downtown Colorado Springs and offers an inventive menu helmed by Justin Caligars and inspired by his Mexican roots. The vast menu at the restaurant offers something for every type of diner, including kids, gluten-free, and vegan options. Also, the restaurant boasts a chic yet inviting atmosphere, with floor-to-ceiling windows for ample natural lighting, rustic wooden furnishing, stone finishes, dim hanging light fixtures, and wall art. The restaurant's inventive dishes are complemented with an extensive drinks menu, offering signature Margarita cocktails, bottled beers, draft beers, and a wines collection.

Top review

Perry

Dined on Sep 24, 2024

Excellent food at a great price. The service was the best!

Pepper Tree Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (2839)

$50 and over

Steak

Colorado Springs

About the restaurant

Pepper Tree Restaurant is restaurateur Neil Levy's dining concept which has graced the Colorado Springs dining scene since 1983. The restaurant was later taken over by Levy's son Max in 2021, who successfully maintained its tradition and principles. Pepper Tree serves inventive flavors, with sizzling steaks being the primary item. The restaurant's menu, helmed by chef James Case, also offers fresh seafood and vegan options. Most delicacies at the restaurant are prepared tableside to excellence by a cadre of tuxedo-clad servers renowned for their immaculate service, offering a remarkable dining experience. Also, Pepper Tree boasts a simple but classy atmosphere, with a futuristic fountain in the foyer, a polished wood podium, sleek dining areas with snug booths, and a horseshoe bar lighted by hip halogen lighting. Moreover, this award-winning restaurant doubles as an ideal spot for diners to explore a comprehensive drinks selection, including signature cocktails, beers, and wine lists.

Top review

Cory

Dined 2 days ago

Everytime feels like my first time. Peppertree has an exceptional staff, that does an amazing job waiting and serving. From the time you come in until the time you sit down, they will make sure your needs are met. Our out of town guest, loved his meal and can’t wait to come back again. Thank you Peppertree for such a great night!

Fratelli Ristorante Italiano

4.6

4.6 (236)

$31 to $50

Italian

Colorado Springs

About the restaurant

Since its debut in 1983, Fratelli Ristorante has been serving inventive Italian flavors in downtown Colorado Springs. This award-winning restaurant was established on the principles of an Italian family, with brothers Joseph and Tom Alagna at the helm. Fratelli Ristorante serves a creative blend of Northern and Southern Italian dishes prepared using the traditional Italian countryside technique. The more significant part of the restaurant's menu is prepared in-house using family recipes, providing unique, rich flavors. Also, the restaurant has a Roman bar, which offers an extensive selection of drinks, including Roman cocktails, fine wines, and beers, for a smooth finish to complement the savory dishes. Moreover, Fratelli boasts a number of awards under its belt, including bagging Open Table's "Diners Choice Award" in 2020.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Mar 26, 2022

Loved the ambiance and the fact that the owners made time to interact and greet customers. The restaurant is awesome.

Paninos Eastside

4.4

4.4 (70)

$30 and under

Italian

Colorado Springs

About the restaurant

Panino's Eastside debuted in 1974 at Tejon Street in downtown Colorado Springs. Tony Frasca and Everetta Lou were the pioneers of this re-invented restaurant, initially known as Pizza Plus. This Italian spot serves an inventive menu based on Italian cuisines featuring popular dishes like Panino Poppers, Spaghetti Pie, and Shrimp Scampi. Upon entry, diners are greeted by a warm, welcoming ambiance, including signature décor similar to other locations, bespoke wine-bottle light fittings, and wooden flooring, evoking the charm of a traditional Italian restaurant. Also, the restaurant features a vast beverage menu, including wines, beers, and cocktails to accompany the meals.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on May 8, 2022

Mother’s Day. Had the calzone. It was amazing.

Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar - Colorado Springs

4.6

4.6 (954)

$30 and under

Seafood

Colorado Springs

About the restaurant

Jax Fish and Oyster Bar is Dave Query's dining concept nestled in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs. Since its debut in 1995, the restaurant has been serving inventive, fresh seafood inspired by seasonal locally sourced ingredients. Jax Fish House is committed to providing the ocean's sustainable seafood to prevent seawater species extinction. The chef-inspired menu at the restaurant is steered by executive chef Lucero, who serves signature dishes, such as char-broiled oysters, caviar service, and clam chowder. Also, Jax Fish House boasts a chic yet inviting atmosphere, featuring wooden and brick finishes, skylight windows, fish mounts, and quaint blue hues, ideal for a remarkable dining experience.

Top review

Isaiah

Dined 1 day ago

We dined for our anniversary. Even though this was noted in the reservation, it was not brought up. Overall, our server was great, our meals were good, and the setting was festive.

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