You won’t find fancy decor at all of these relatively new eateries—but you will find authentic and delicious ethnic cuisine worth seeking out.
Taste of Brasil
Eating at this Garden of the Gods restaurant is like having a homecooked dinner at your Brazilian friend’s house. It is a family-run, family-reciped establishment, after all. Entree plates change regularly, built around juicy marinated meats. You can make a meal or entree out of flakily-encrusted pot pies and pastels (think Brazilian empenadas). But do not miss the coxinha appetizer; the tear-drop croquettes stuffed with shredded chicken are divine.
773 Garden of the Gods Rd., facebook.com/tastebrasilcoloradosprings
The Chippy – Authentic British Fish ‘n’ Chips
You don’t have to head across the pond for an authentic fish and chips experience. Instead, head to The Chippy for Atlantic cod or haddock, flown in daily from Iceland. Don’t miss a tradtional side of mushy peas. And if seafood’s not your jam, try the housemade sausage rolls, hand pies and pasties.
3430 Austin Bluffs Pkwy., thechippybritishfishnchips.com
Don Guillo Puerto Rican Native Cuisine
You’ll hear plenty of Spanish spoken at Don Guillo, a sure sign of authenticity. Owner Francisco Guillo Beauchamp brings a taste of his native island through signature tripletas, traditional Puerto Rican three-meat sandwichs, plus entree plates of pork, chicken and beef. The papas locas, aka crazy potatoes, are a meal-worthy pile of fries and meats, and you don’ t want to miss the fried plantain sides.
2551 Delta Dr., facebook.com/Don-Guillo-878047759218636
Zapata Mexican Taco Shop
This is no hole-in-the-wall taco shop, though it is tucked away in Rockrimmon. You’ll find a fresh, authentic menu boasting tacos, burritos and tortas, with specialties like lengua (beef tongue) or tripa (beef intestines). Too exotic for you? Their chorizo is some of the best, or grab a California burrito and a salsa or three from the housemade salsa bar.
207 W. Rockrimmon Blvd., zapatamexicantacoshop.com
Mangosteen Thai Street Food
The third restaurant from the owners of NaRai Thai and NaRai Siam Cuisine, Mangosteen is a Northgate fast-casual version of its sister restaurants. Certain menu items are premade and served from a select-as-you-go line, while others are made to order. Our favorites? Any of the Thai street noodles, or a bowl of Tom Kha Gai, a Thai hot-and-sour soup.
383 Spectrum Loop, 719mangosteen.com
Zaika Indian Cuisine
The environs are chic, but the flavors are traditional, authentic and richly well-rounded. Zaika does mean flavor. With four other Front Range sister restaurants from Castle Rock to Broomfield, the family-owned and operated collection offers a full range of Indian favorites, including paneers, curries and tandoori, including many vegan and gluten-free options.
4661 Centennial Blvd., zaikacosprings.com
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