What are 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 annual list of the best restaurants in Colorado Springs, this year sponsored by Red Gravy, we turn to a panel of our contributors, food writers, influencers and aficionados well versed in the Colorado Springs dining scene that keeps on growing. Our team nominated, voted, discussed, debated 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. We say you can’t go wrong with these exceptional eateries, even if your favorite isn’t on the list.
If you can’t believe your top restaurant is not on the list, vote for it in our People’s Choice awards this year. And if you want to add more feedback, comment or message us on Facebook or Instagram about 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.
None of these listings were bought; restaurants cannot pay to be included. Even our title sponsorship with Red Gravy was not set up until after our list was chosen and confirmed. That said, here is our list of the 30 Best Restaurants in Colorado Springs, sponsored by Red Gravy, categorized by price and presented in alphabetical order. Bon appétit!
$$$$ Most dinner entrees $40 and up
$$$ Most dinner entrees $25 – $40
$$ Most dinner entrees $15 – $25
$ Most dinner entrees $15 or under
Of course, menu prices may change at any time, and some menus vary greatly while others offer more similar prices. These groupings do not take into consideration special offerings, happy hours, multiple courses, lunch menus, other discounted options or alcohol preferences. Please consider the price ranges as a general guideline and verify details with the individual best restaurants.
Best Restaurants in Colorado Springs $$$$
Cowboy Star
Go on a date. Maybe an important date. And make it special. Go to Cowboy Star and order the Porterhouse, 40 ounces of juicy perfection, nicely carved and split for two. Yes, it’s a whopping $138, but you’ll savor every moment and talk about it months later. But you don’t need to blow the budget to enjoy the charms at Cowboy Star. The happy hour may be the best, most affordable in town. We went with four people and went nuts on the Steak Frites ($26), Butcher’s Choice Sausage ($14), Deviled Eggs (stuffed with pastrami, $13), Gochujang Marinated Beef Skewers ($16), Crispy Brussel Sprouts ($14) and beer and craft cocktails for $10 or less — total cost: just over $100, plus tip. —Warren Epstein
Dinner Entrees: $42-$138
5198 N. Nevada Ave. #150
cowboystarcs.com
Ephemera
The roots of Ephemera are in themed pop-up dinners that evolved, evolved again and emerged as a very, very cool place that retains the surprise vibe of an amazing meal you can’t believe you were invited to in the first place. We get there right at 5 p.m. for the opening-hour oysters and take some time to decide what’s next. Since the menu is a focused, changeable thing, the key is arriving with an open mind and if you really want the full experience, to order the Chef’s Tasting Menu — and, if you’re that person (we are that person!), the wine pairing. We all know those people with the Instagram feeds filled with pics of unreasonably amazing-looking food. Be that person. —Steven Hayward
Dinner Entrees: $26-$46, Chef’s Five-Course Tasting Menu $79 per person
514 S. Tejon St. (upstairs at COATI)
ephemeradinners.com
Grand View
If you’re looking for great food with some of the most breathtaking scenery in the city, Grand View at Garden of the Gods Resort and Club is the spot. With picturesque views of Pikes Peak and stunning Garden rock formations right from your table, plus an upscale, romantic vibe, Grand View offers the ideal restaurant for a romantic date night or to impress out-of-town visitors.
Standout dinner dishes include the Seared Duck Breast and Braised Short Rib. Their Friday to Sunday brunch (7 a.m. to 2 p.m.) is one of the best in the city. Don’t miss the warm Cast Iron Cinnamon Roll for the table. —Daniela Yockel
Dinner entrees: $26-$65
3320 Mesa Rd.
gardenofthegodsresort.com
Latin Social
From the culinary team behind Ambli Global Denver, Latin Social’s menu boasts a distinctly Mediterranean flair, with recipes drawn from France, Portugal, Greece and Turkey. The ambiance is modern and moody, and co-owner and chef Ricardo Morffin has curated a variety of dishes so your taste buds can travel from the Eastern Mediterranean, with their grilled Seekh Kebabs, all the way to Spain for a heavenly Seafood Paella designed for sharing.
On Tapas Tuesday, you can enjoy a special small-plates menu from 3:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. that includes the decadent French Onion Oysters and the fan-favorite Lobster Shooters, carried over from Ambli. —D.Y.
Dinner entrees: $20-$110
316 N. Tejon St., Suite 100
amblidenver.com/amblilatinsocial
The Margarita at Pine Creek
Maybe you’ve seen those giant orange carrots standing sentinel on the frontage road along I-25. Maybe you’ve wondered what they signal or where they lead. It’s time you follow them off the beaten path to discover culinary delight at The Margarita at Pine Creek. You might feel like you’ve been transported to Taos in the 1970s. The Margarita has those vibes: eclectic, artsy, Pueblo Revival adobe with an earthship spirit, surrounded by terracing patios on the wooded property.
It should come as no surprise that of the restaurant’s founders, Ken and Pati Davidson, he was a wood and metal sculptor. Now, 52 years later, Pati still co-owns the place with Chef Eric Viedt, and it’s Viedt whose artistry shines in weekly changing menus. The standard here is prix fixe three- or four-course dinners. You have options to choose from; all are equally delicious. Whether it’s Pan-Seared Black Cod, Grilled Honey-Ginger Pork Tenderloin or a Grilled New York Strip, the seasonal flavors sing.
If you’re reluctant to take the full plunge immediately, come for a Saturday lunch on the patio for live music and the Colorado Farm and Art Market. It’s an excellent pairing. —Jeremy Jones
Dinner Entrees: $55 and $59 for three- or four-course chef’s dinner
7350 Pine Creek Rd.
margaritaatpinecreek.com
The Penrose Room
My memories of the Penrose Room, The Broadmoor’s premium restaurant and the only AAA Five-Diamond in the region, recalled a mixed experience. Yes, the food was quite good. But it was served with hefty dollops of pretension, in an atmosphere stuffed with stuffiness. The newly reopened Penrose ain’t your father’s steak house, although the views of the lake framed by Cheyenne Mountain are still as spectacular as always. But instead of nervous waiters lifting cloches from fine china in unison, you get young servers bursting with humor and personality, serving contemporary gourmet morsels in surprisingly bright and contemporary environs. Hell, the menu even has sushi, and it’s as perfectly fresh as you’d expect from these top-shelf chefs.
But the stars here are the new additions that combine dining and theater. One is the tableside-carved Beef Wellington, a juicy, tender old-fashioned standby that shows you how good our grandparents dined. The other is the Cocktail Trolley, where spirits of your choosing are combined into transformative concoctions tableside. Pricey, yes. And men still need a jacket. But, man, it’s worth it. —W.E.
Read our Inside The Broadmoor’s New Penrose Room for more.
Dinner Entrees: $30-$143
1 Lake Ave.
broadmoor.com
The Peppertree
A Springs institution, The Peppertree takes you back to an era when menu items like Filet Oscar (steak with a massive lump of crab and béarnaise sauce, grilled asparagus on the side) and Veal Sweetbreads (IYKYK) still roamed the planet, unfettered and unperturbed by the idea that not wearing a jacket to dinner is a moral lapse. It’s your 25th anniversary. It’s that date. It’s the kind of place where they say, “Where are we going?” and then ask how you even knew such a place existed.
Start with the Last Word cocktail (Green Chartreuse is the main ingredient — if you’ve not had it, trust me) or the Forbidden Sour (there’s bourbon in it). Then the Caesar (made tableside, the way Sinatra would have wanted it). Then — what else? — their specialty, the Pepper Steak. End with coffee and the bread pudding. Unmissable. —S.H.
Dinner Entrees: $24–$118
888 W. Moreno Ave.
peppertreecs.com
Prime25
Since its debut in 2017, Prime25 South has become an Ivywild neighborhood dining staple, known for craft cocktails, an elegant yet comfortable ambiance and USDA Prime aged beef. Whether your style is a classic New York strip or a 30-ounce Australian Wagyu tomahawk, you can customize your steak with add-ons like Oscar-style jumbo lump crab, Maine lobster tail or even Nueske’s bacon and eggs if you’re feeling a little adventurous. To complement its perfectly cooked steaks, the restaurant offers elevated takes on classic steakhouse sides, including a wedge salad with minced olives and cucumber for extra crunch, and creamed spinach topped with flash-fried crispy shallots.
Stop by for happy hour Tuesday through Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m. for upscale appetizers at dive-bar prices: $6 cocktails and $4 beers. —D.Y.
Dinner entrees: $30-$225
1605 S. Tejon St.
1895 Democracy Point
prime25.com
Update: North-siders can celebrate Prime25 North, the co-owned sister restaurant that opened last year at Interquest.
Roth’s Sea & Steak
Roth’s Sea & Steak, the signature on-site restaurant at Ford Amphitheater, debuted last year with ambitions to transform the culinary landscape of Colorado Springs. Led by Executive Chef Ricky Biswas, Roth’s offers an upscale dining experience that is unlike any other in the city.
In the main dining room, you’ll find a traditional upscale steakhouse with prime cuts like the 45-Day Wagyu Ribeye, a fresh raw bar, and even a curated Omakase sushi experience.
Upstairs, you’ll find Brohan’s, an elevated cocktail lounge with sweeping views and an elegant yet more relaxed bar menu. The Roth’s Reserve Burger, with its aged beef and bacon jam, is a crowd favorite.
Chef Ricky has recently launched his immersive Chef’s Table experience, with only six exclusive seats per dinner and a multicourse tasting menu. Biswas’s fascinating and personal stories relating to each course complement the meal, making the vibe unforgettable. —D.Y.
Dinner entrees: $39-$149
13010 Spectrum Sun View
rothsseaandsteak.com
Summit
While The Penrose Room was closed for several years for renovation, Summit shone as the crown jewel of The Broadmoor’s dining collection. Not that the chic, modern restaurant hasn’t always been star in its own right — a prestigious Forbes Four-Star to be exact. And Summit continues to shine with luminous cuisine by Chef de Cuisine Rocio Neyra Palmer and team. Palmer is originally from Peru, and she deftly seasons her menus with that heritage. Case in point: her specialty Summit Ceviche Trio (do not pass it up!) and the exquisite Moulard Duck Chile Relleno from the recent spring seasonal menu. Long-time Head Bartender Dennis Schuler will craft you a just-right cocktail, and the team of sommeliers will deliver the perfect pairings from the impressive wine list. Summit delivers a peak fine-dining experience. —J.J.
Dinner Entrees: $36-$89
1 Lake Ave.
broadmoor.com
The Warehouse
Chef-owner James Africano is crazy about well-prepared game and organ meats, and, if you’re an adventurous diner, he’ll make you crazy about them as well. Whether it’s his Veal Sweet Breads ($19 or $14 during happy hour), the Elk Strip Loin ($55), or the occasional yak special (price varies), you can expect the unexpected. You also can expect consistency, which is how The Warehouse has deftly straddled the line between romantic special-occasion place and just a fun night out with friends happy-hour spot. —W.E.
Dinner Entrees: $26-$78
25 W. Cimarron St.
thewarehouserestaurant.com
Update: The Warehouse will be opening its new Warehouse Urban Grocer concept in spring 2026. Read about it in our preview article here and watch for chef-prepared grab-and-go meals, meats from The Warehouse’s suppliers, seafood, breads and pastries and more.
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, Chopped and 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, Confit Duck Leg and expert wine pairings. Pro tip: They’re best enjoyed as part of a full — what else? — four-course meal. —Samantha Wood
Update: Brother Luck expanded the Happy Hour menu and hours at Four in spring 2026. Available Tuesday through Sunday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., the new menu includes discounted cocktails, wine, beer and chef-driven bites designed to elevate your afternoon.
Dinner Entrees: $15-$39
321 N. Tejon St.
fourbybrotherluck.com
Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar
So there’s no coastline in Colorado? No problem. Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar brings the sea to the Springs through its exceptional and sustainable seafood and oyster bar. Under the leadership of Culinary Director Sheila Lucero, Jax was the first restaurant in Colorado to be certified by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch. Its daily catch is impressive, and its selection of shellfish from both coasts is enough to excite the most knowledgeable of bivalve aficionados. Jax’s prepared dishes are impeccably executed and creatively flavorful. The recent addition of nightly themed specials makes it even easier on the budget to enjoy a coastal fix at Jax. —J.J.
Dinner Entrees: $18-$49
11 S. Tejon St.
jaxfishhouse.com/colorado-springs
Marigold Cafe & Bakery
Marigold Cafe and Bakery is an example of food and service done well for decades, which is truly a feat these days. Equal parts restaurant and bakery, Marigold has figured out the recipe for keeping a steady flow of patrons from lunch to afternoon bakery runs to dinner. Their Cafe Burger is served on freshly baked rustica bread, while their Beef Bourguignon would have Julia Child taking notes. And can we please just take a moment to admire their pastry counter? Chef Jose Aguilar is a master of French patisserie, creating edible jewels out of fruit, custard, mousse and cake. Marigold is high quality without being pretentious. Put it on your list the next time you’re looking to enjoy a top-level meal in a comfortable and welcoming environment. —S.W.
Dinner Entrees: $16-$50
4605 Centennial Blvd.
marigoldcoloradosprings.com
Oro
At Oro, the signature restaurant located in the historic Mining Exchange Hotel, local chef Noah Siebenaller has designed an updated menu of Old World Italian dishes, but with a Rocky Mountain twist. Menu highlights include Bison Carpaccio and Rigatoni Bolognese made with Colorado-sourced meat. Also noteworthy is the extensive wine list and the fresh gelato imported from Italy. Must-try dishes include the ’Nduja Alla Vodka and the Whole Roasted Branzino. —D.Y.
Read more in our feature on Oro.
Dinner entrees: $22-$79
123 E. Pikes Peak Ave.
orocoloradosprings.com
Pamela’s
The main restaurant in the sparkling new Polaris Hotel, just outside the North Gate of the Air Force Academy, may be grounded in traditional upscale fare, but each dish soars. In a casual midcentury modern atmosphere with dazzling Space Race-era light fixtures and a killer mountain view, Pamela’s, named after a USAFA philanthropist, serves all-day brunch and other uplifting comfort food, such as the juicy Lamb Lollipops crusted with a zesty pesto glaze and the Honey Miso Glazed Salmon, broiled to a perfect medium that flakes on your fork like buttah. It’s backed up by impeccable service and one of the area’s best (and longest) wine lists. —W.E.
Read more from our preview with Executive Chef Ken Butler here.
Dinner Entrees: $29-$58
8989 NorthGate Blvd.
thehotelpolaris.com
Red Gravy
St. Louis transplant Eric Brenner, a chef and community leader, has created an Italian joint with a sprawling, solid menu that fits special occasions as well as a random Tuesday after-work nosh. My go-to, the Butternut Tortellini has changed shape and is now Butternut Ravioli, but it still rocks my tastebuds with the creamy brown butter sauce with a hint of sage and a pistachio gremolata. And, of course, you can’t leave without breaking your diet with the appropriately named Gooey Buttercake. Along with the silky namesake of outstanding red gravy, there’s a lot of butter in the kitchen, being put to fine use. —W.E.
Read about Chef Eric Brenner’s story and leadership in the culinary scene in our profile article here.
Dinner Entrees: $15-$30
23 S. Tejon St.
redgravyco.com
The Rabbit Hole
The first in restaurateur Joe Campana’s culinary empire (he now owns eight other local bars and eateries), this chic subterranean dining lair boasts a consistent, smartly scaled-down menu of shareables, snackables and drinkables, perfect for an after-work break or a romantic tete-a-tete. The Whiskey Sticky Ribs shines as one of the best apps in town — with a crunchy soy flavored skin and oh-so-tender pork. Other standouts: the Herb Crusted Baked Salmon cooked to a perfect medium rare, the Chicken Cordon Bleu, oozing with an addictive cream sauce, and the signature martini: the White Rabbit, a potent delight of vanilla vodka, coconut rum and a dash of cream, topped with a flaming marshmallow. It’s a spectacle for the table that tastes like a pina colada got it on with a s’more. —W.E.
Dinner Entrees: $22-$46
101 N. Tejon St.
rabbitholedinner.com
Ristorante Del Lago
The early morning Garibaldi (Campari and orange juice) sets the tone for what The Broadmoor does best — impeccable everything. If you’re at Del Lago for breakfast it’s the buffet, and if it’s dinner, it’s the Casarecce Con Swordfish and Roman Meatballs. And if you can swing a reservation for the Feast of the Seven Fishes at Christmas, it’s an unforgettable, bucket list experience, particularly if you’re a fan of The Bear. Everything here is a standout. Reservations are recommended but sometimes hard to get. Pro tip: The adjacent lounge serves the same menu; you can drop in there and usually find a table. —S.H.
Dinner Entrees: $20-$48
The Broadmoor, 1 Lake Ave.
broadmoor.com
Sushi Row
“Colorado is a landlocked state” is no excuse for those looking for quality, fresh sushi. Though newer to downtown (but not to the art of Japanese cuisine), Sushi Row is one of the hippest dinner reservations for seafood lovers. Their sleek and modern space offers a variety of dining experiences, from alfresco fire pit tables on the patio to front-row seats at the sushi bar. Kick things off with the Salmon Crispy Rice and Spicy Pickled Cucumber. The Jalapeño Sashimi is a symphony of colors and flavors, while the Rocco Roll and Sweet Kaden Roll will scratch the itch. Business lunch? Sushi Row isn’t just for dinner dates and nights out with friends. Plus, there are lots of vegetarian and non-seafood options. So pull up to the sushi bar, treat yourself to a craft cocktail and indulge in a little culinary magic. —S.W.
Dinner Entrees: $11-$49 ($150 for caviar service)
316 N. Tejon St., Suite 120
sushi-row.com
Best Restaurants in Colorado Springs $$
Adam’s Mountain Cafe
There’s a simplicity to Adam’s Mountain Cafe, rooted in its clean, slow food ethos. It’s the kind of place that feels authentically farm-to-table long before that was trending, sort of French farmhouse meets Manitou eclectic. The fantastical paintings by the late Manitou icon Rockey are the perfect décor.
Adam’s menu draws from wide-ranging global influences and is a favorite of vegetarians and vegans. Some of its classics have remained on the menu since the restaurant opened 40 years ago, including the Tibetan Vegetables, the Smoked Salmon Enchiladas and the Huevos Rancheros. (Pro tip: Do not miss their breakfast/brunch!) The Brazilian Style Barramundi braised in coconut milk is a standout, and the Rural Italian Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food. Then again, everything about Adam’s has a way of feeling like a calming exhale. —J.J.
Dinner Entrees: $15-$36
26 Manitou Ave.
adamsmountaincafe.com
Chiba Bar
Not to be confused with the Cheeba Hut sandwich chain, Chiba is the best cyberpunk Izakaya (Japanese pub) in Colorado Springs. OK, it’s the only cyberpunk Izakaya in town. But it rocks in every way a quirky Asian cafe and bar should: great sushi and other Japanese specialties (prepared by legendary local chef James Davis), creative affordable cocktails, and an atmosphere that’s anime’d to the max. We especially crave their Spicy Combo Donburi Bowl ($17), with its hefty serving of tataki ahi, Scottish salmon, avocado, shaved shallot, sesame, shiso, seaweed salad, pickled ginger and tobiko with not-overly-spicy sauce. So much love in one bowl. —W.E.
Dinner Entrees: $9-$18
19 E. Kiowa St.
chibabar.co
Dozo Sushi and Bar
Imagine quitting your job and starting your dream restaurant just before a global pandemic. That’s Dozo. Not great timing, but they made it and are still rolling (pun intended). Start with their Monkey Brainz (tempura-style avocado paired with crab and spicy tuna). Share the shrimp Shumai and the Seaweed Salad. There are rolls of every shape and size, including custom offerings like the Pikes Peak (crab and avocado) and Citrus Got Real (mango, cucumber, avocado, lime). For your entree, it’s either the Tonkotsu Ramen or the amazing Dinner Combination for your choice of a bit of everything. The chocolate lava cake alone is worth the visit. With cozy booths and a warm vibe, Dozo isn’t just surviving — it’s thriving. —S.H.
Dinner Entrees: $15-45, up to $150 for Omakase
1606 S. 8th Street
dozosushico.com
Mausam Indian Flavors
As chronicled previously in Springsmag, Mausam has a cool Covid origin story. Co-owners Raymond Sandhu and Kanwal Jhand were looking to open a sister concept to their Urban Tandoor when they got word that the legendary chef Dharam Singh was looking for work after the pandemic shut him down along with everything else. Singh’s previous restaurant in Guangzhou, China, had earned the Michelin Bib Gourmand three years running. One thing led to another. The result is a menu where there are no wrong turns. Alongside some of the greatest versions of the greatest hits you’ll find anywhere — Chicken Tikka Masala, Saag Paneer, Aloo Gobhi Matar, King Prawn Masala — there’s a range of northern Indian dishes that might become new favorites, like Kashmiri Pulao (rice with dried fruits and nuts). And the takeout is some of the best in the city. Sooner or later, someone in your life is going to demand Indian food. This is the place.
Read our feature on Mausam for more.
Dinner Entrees: $16–$33
3167 W. Colorado Ave.
mausamrestaurant.com
Night Ramen
Neon signage, waving cats and Japanese street culture combine to form Night Ramen, a hip restaurant on the fringe of the walkable East Downtown area. Slow-simmered broth enveloping perfectly cooked noodles provides the base for each bowl. Order a couple of small plates to start — I’m partial to the Chilled Tofu and the Short Rib Slider served on a Hawaiian roll. Move to picking your ramen bowl and a buzzing cocktail or go zero proof with the yuzu lemonade. Then get dessert: a triple chocolate torte with miso caramel and black sesame crumble. Think slurping is rude? Not here. It’s compliments to the chef. —S.W.
Dinner Entrees: $17-$25
324 E. Pikes Peak Ave.
nightramen.com
Paravicini’s Italian Bistro
Classic Italian doesn’t get much better than Paravicini’s Italian Bistro, so it comes as no surprise that Chef Franco Pisani has received many accolades during his 26 years in business. The restaurant’s Old-World charm is amplified by the corner brick building it occupies in Old Colorado City. Start your journey with a glass of red, some house rosemary bread and their amazing Arancini, which has been featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. For your entree, you cannot go wrong with a classic like Spaghetti & Meatballs or Chicken Parmigiana. And if your waistband allows, indulge in the Bada Bing Cheesecake drizzled with black cherry and dark chocolate sauce. Is your group 12 people or more? Paravicini’s offers Family Style Dinners starting at $35 per person with advance reservations. —S.W.
Dinner Entrees: $20-$40
2802 W. Colorado Ave.
paravicinis.com
Stellina Pizza Cafe
Stellina sits a little west of downtown, in the part of the city known as Middle Shooks Run, and it’s a real neighborhood hangout. Hipster couples on their first date, families looking for a fun night out, retirees remaining unafraid of carbs — everyone shows up, many on foot or bikes. The pizzas are the standouts. One is enough for two, but the argument about which two to order might take some time. It’s a perpetually busy, buzzing place, and you order at the front before sitting down — so here’s your game plan. Grab a table. Get your beverage order in and open a tab. Then go back up and put in the rest. Our recs: the Rocket and the Dar Poeta, preceded by the meatball and cauliflower appetizers. An excellent happy hour runs from 4 to 6 p.m. And when you see the monthly Stellina Supper Club prix fixe dinners, make your reservation.
Read more about why we say Stellina Is a Neighborhood Gem.
Dinner Entrees: $16–$25
749 E. Willamette Ave.
stellinapizza.co
Sushi Mori
When it comes to sushi restaurants, Sushi Mori may be the new kid on the block in Colorado Springs — it opened in November 2025 — but it has already built a loyal following and has garnered many stellar reviews. Located in a new building in front of the Asian Pacific Market, you’ll immediately be impressed by the clean, modern, minimalist dining room.
With veteran sushi chef Young Kim at the helm, the sushi is bright and fresh, and the cuts are generous with a proper fish-to-rice ratio. If you’re not into raw fish, you can indulge in other Japanese favorites like katsu, udon and even bento boxes where you can try a little bit of everything. If you’re a sushi lover, you will not regret paying Sushi Mori a visit. —D.Y.
Read more about it in our New Sushi Mori Shines.
Dinner entrees: $12-$30 (up to $120 for combination platters)
4980 Edison Ave., Suite 100
sushimorico.com
Best Restaurants in Colorado Springs $
Por Favor Tacos and Tragos
This hip, Westside taqueria rewrote the false narrative that Colorado Springs doesn’t have good Mexican food. With a fresh California-esque feel, the family-owned restaurant serves a menu that highlights a variety of authentic tacos and salsa combos, with an al pastor that tops our list of favorites. In all honesty though, we come here for a lot more than just handhelds. We have high praise for their delicious and potent margs, fresh chips and guac, big and bright salads, hearty Quesa Birria and perfectly portioned Choco Flan. Por Favor is serving south of the border at its best. It’s no surprise the Galvan family opened a second location in Northgate last year. —Dionne Passacantando
Read more in our feature about this Taco Cantina with a Twist.
Dinner Entrees: $6-$18
4657 Centennial Blvd., Suite 100
13395 Voyager Parkway, Suite 140
porfavorco.com
Shuga’s
This is where the cool kids go, particularly if it’s warm outside and they have a dog. Start off with a custom cocktail (the Naked Beekeeper is excellent), or if it’s happy hour opt for their “crappy beer” of the moment and a shot. For appetizers, the bruschetta is the highlight and very substantial (get one of each for the table). The Cuban Mojo sandwich paired with their Spicy Shrimp Soup — arguably the menu’s crown jewel — is mandatory. This is the place to hit before a Switchbacks game. Park nearby, have dinner, and it’s a short walk to the stands. —S.H.
Dinner Entrees: $13-20
702 S. Cascade Ave.
shugas.com
Special thanks to our 2026 Best Restaurants title sponsor Red Gravy!
