A change is on the menu as Ambli Kitchen + Bar reopens Jan. 29 as Amore Italian Grille. While the name and concept have evolved, the elevated experience remains, along with the same culinary team led by chef and co-owner Ricardo Morffin. The update reflects a move toward a more defined regional identity the ownership team believes will resonate more clearly in its University Village location.
Amore Italian Grille is owned by Morffin, Pariza Mehta and Kelly Morrison. The group also operates Ambli Global at Belleview Station in Denver’s Tech Center, and the group made a splash recently when it opened Latin Social in downtown Colorado Springs in fall 2025. Ambli Kitchen + Bar was a long-time local favorite and a regular on our Best Restaurants List. But following the success of Latin Social, the team felt a narrower focus would be a better fit for University Village.
“With Amore Italian Grille, people will know what they’re getting,” says Morrison. “The name Amore reflects the love we have for hospitality, for the food and for our guests, from the back of the house to the front.”
The menu draws from Southern Italy, favoring lighter, ingredient-driven preparations, with a few thoughtful nods north. Amuse-bouche offerings set the tone, including Saffron Arancini that are golden and crisp on the outside and rich at the center, finished with a creamy saffron sauce, green olive aioli and a touch of shallot marmalade. Entrées move between land and garden, from a New York Strip accented with garlic Dijon to vegetable-forward plates like Ratatouille Lasagna layered with zucchini, squash, eggplant, mozzarella and marinara.
Naturalmente, handmade pasta anchors the menu, with dishes such as Beef Bolognese folded through wide ribbons of pappardelle and finished with basil and Parmigiano Reggiano. Gluten-free options are available, with pricing designed to feel approachable for longtime Ambli diners.
The bar program is also getting a refresh. Amore will not offer a traditional happy hour, but guests can expect creative cocktails and a curated wine list built to complement the food. Cocktail highlights include a Citrus Gin Gimlet with Italicus liqueur, Ford’s Gin and grapefruit juice, as well as the Mediterranean Grape Smash.
When doors reopen Jan. 29, Amore Italian Grille will be open seven days a week from 4 to 9 p.m.
Learn more at Amblidenver.com/ambli-colo-springs and @amoreitaliangrille.
