There’s a new restaurant opening soon at the Mining Exchange Hotel, and it’s carrying the historic property’s gilded theme. Oro is set to debut this spring in the space formerly home to Springs Orleans.
The new dining concept will celebrate the artistry of Italian cooking while paying homage to Colorado’s rich heritage. With a welcoming ambiance, rustic-meets-refined cuisine and a thoughtfully curated wine and cocktail program, Oro has the makings of a go-to spot in the downtown culinary scene.
The restaurant is conceptualized by Giant Squid Ink, a Portland, Oregon, based culinary group known for creating award-winning dining experiences. The menu will be developed by Chef Aaron Barnett, a James Beard Award nominee renowned for his mastery of Italian and French cuisine. Under his guidance, Oro will prioritize ingredients that honor tradition and embraces innovation.
“At Oro, we’re bringing traditional Italian techniques to life with high-quality ingredients found right here in Colorado,” Barnett said in a press release. “By bringing a fresh perspective to iconic flavors, we’ve created dishes that are refined and inviting — perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions and everything in between.”
The Menus at Oro
A light and playful approach to Italian cuisine will center Oro’s culinary experience. Local ingredients and regional specialties will include Colorado-raised lamb and bison alongside fresh produce. Entrees will feature artisan pastas and grilled meats, along with other dishes meant to be both approachable and indulgent.
Guests can enjoy starters such as bison carpaccio with parmigiano Reggiano and Calabrian chili oil or a delicate scallop crostini with lemon, chili butter and basil. Pasta lovers will find comfort in dishes like rigatoni Bolognese with mama’s Sunday sauce or the rich simplicity of cacio e pepe, which will feature bucatini pasta and plenty of black pepper. Beyond traditional pasta dishes, signature entrees such as the whole roasted bronzino with salsa verde and the 20-ounce bistecca Colorado will showcase the balance of rustic flavors and refined execution.
As for beverages, the lineup will be curated by Joel Gunderson, a nationally recognized wine expert and James Beard Award semifinalist renowned for his innovative work with Giant Squid Ink. An extensive wine list will offer a journey through Italy’s diverse wine regions, featuring selections such as sangiovese from Tuscany, nebbiolo from Piedmont and falanghina from Campania. There will also be premium Champagnes and New World selections from the Pacific Northwest and California.
A thoughtful cocktail menu will showcase Italian favorites like the negroni and spritz, alongside unique creations that blend classic sophistication with a Colorado flair.
The Vision at the Mining Exchange Hotel
Managed by Practice Hospitality, the Mining Exchange Hotel recently underwent a wide-scale renovation to improve its guest experience. Oro is meant to embody that same spirit of reinvention. Warm and elegant interiors with the glow of golden light will create a cozy atmosphere. And the new restaurant is meant to be a natural extension of the hotel’s vision to create spaces where people gather, connect and experience the best of the region.
“Oro’s arrival marks an important milestone in the continued evolution of the Mining Exchange Hotel,” said Klaudio Simic, president of Practice Hospitality. “The restaurant joins the hotel’s diverse collection of food and beverage venues, complementing the beloved Golden Hour, our high-craft indoor-outdoor bar and courtyard, and BLK MGK, the hotel’s specialty coffee bar.”
The plan beyond Oro’s culinary offerings includes community engagement and collaborative events. Special programming, including chef’s tastings and wine dinners, are meant to provide guests with immersive experiences beyond the plate.
For more information about Oro at the Mining Exchange Hotel, including menu highlights and reservations, you can sign up for updates at orocoloradosprings.com.
Read more about the Mining Exchange’s Golden Hour restaurant and Blk Mgk coffee bar here.
