What makes OAK at Fourteenth stand apart from other restaurants? It's the fact that restaurant uses an oak-fired oven and grill, giving the food that distinct, smoky taste. Ingredients used here are fresh and locally grown, and also organic. The pasta's are prepared in-house and the Kale salad is magnificent. Try the Fried Green Tomatoes with Tuna tartar and the Yuzu Guacamole is out of this world.
Boulder's sister city Dushanbe, Tajikistan, donated this ornate building to the City of Boulder in the mid-1980's. Builders imported and erected more than 30 tons of material to build the structure, which was finished in 1988. It quickly assumed a prominent role in Boulder history and today it's a popular gathering place among locals. In addition to tea, this quirky little spot serves an array of exotic dishes, try the Burmese Coconut Curry and Tajik Plov or the Koresht Bodemjoon which is an Iranian eggplant and beef stew. Open for lunch and dinner, check website for full menus and other event information.
Frasca Food and Wine is one of the few fine dining establishments in the student-friendly Pearl Street Mall, and it makes up for this dearth by really soaring above everything else here. Frasca can be found on the far east end of the mall within close distance to parking garages and Boulder Creek, but far enough away from the main stretch to be free of the student and family crowds. The restaurant itself is large and modern, but it maintains an air of intimacy, mostly due to the lack of crowds and high waiter-to-table ratio. The options on the menu are delicious, with fresh, organic ingredients bought from local farmers and each menu item that includes a note about which of Frasca's many wines will go best with your meal, eating here is a real experience. -Sabrina Zirakzadeh
If romance is on the agenda, head up into the hills to the Flagstaff House for a dining experience like no other. Built in 1929 as a retreat cabin, the spot resides on the side of the eponymous mountain and it overlooks Boulder and the surrounding foothills. The dining area is the epitome of sophistication and mountain elegance, highlighted by a greenhouse-like glass dining pavilion that provides stunning views. The main courses include offerings such as grilled Alaskan King Salmon and Buffalo Filet Mignon. One other side note, its wine cellar stores more than 20,000 bottles, so you are assured the perfect bottle!
This quaint restaurant near the Pearl Street Mall is nestled in a Victorian house complete with a large porch and deck. The staff is friendly, and the food is wonderful. Make sure to get here early on weekends, as the place is always packed. The chef creates delicious Louisiana-style fusion, with breakfast selections that include fresh baked biscuits, waffles and 'Eggs Sardou', a Creole specialty. Fresh fruit and cereal are also available and the lunch menu offers salads and/or Po'Boy sandwiches.
This family-run restaurant presents the warmth of Italy on every plate. Marta and Giuseppe make all of their pastas in-house, and the variety is amazing. From Capellini and Spaghetti to Rigatoni and Fusilli, each one is delectable when combined with their signature sauces like Bolognese, Matriciana, Pomodoro and Arrabiatta. The entree selection is also varied and all dishes are priced under 20USD. Of course guests will find homemade desserts such as Tiramisù and Cannoli as well as Spumoni on the menu. Overall, an authentic Italian-American bistro that deserves all the attention it receives in Boulder.
Concertos in Chocolate may not be the most conveniently located chocolate and sweets shop in Boulder County, but it is indefinitely worth the effort of seeking out. Located just behind and next to the Gunbarrel Shopping Center, Concertos in Chocolate is a great place to get away from the city for a bit while indulging your sweet tooth. With a huge selection of freshly made truffles, caramels, toffees, confectionaries, and even marzipans and chocolate fruit, there's something for everyone at Concerts in Chocolate. The prices are affordable and packages of single, half-dozen, and dozens of chocolates are available, as well as special catering packages for events. Concertos in Chocolate truly is worth the extra drive for the best chocolate in Boulder. - Sabrina Zirakzadeh
The dark blue storefront façade doesn't give any inclination of what's inside Jovanina's Broken Italian. Set inside a former cigar factory from the 19th Century, the décor is a lovely medley of the vintage and new. The gear chandeliers, moped stand, industrial lights, coarse brick walls and other antique decorative elements are an ode to the building's past. The retro-industrial vibe of the place is in tune with modernity. Candles can be found throughout the space even leading one to the basement speakeasy bar. Their creative spin on Italian cuisine is seasonal with a focus on wood-fired oven dishes and handmade pastas. Their bar features an impressive wine list, craft beers and cocktails. Reservations are recommended.
Café Brazil, located in the Highland neighborhood in a bright pink brick building, specializes in flavors of old Brazil. So if you are headed here, prepare your mouth for some of the best black bean soup in the West. The décor is nothing special and the place is tiny, but this makes for a cozy setting perfect for a romantic escapade. The Peixe de Angola, a mixture of shrimp and bacalau in a coconut cream sauce, sprinkled with cashews and herbs, is definitely a flavorful menu highlight. A nice, sometimes exotic variety of South American wines are available.
Looking for a place to go on a romantic date for a sophisticated meal with friends or colleagues then head to Avelina. A few of the American Cuisine meals served here are Marinated Olives, Flat Iron Steak or try the cured meat and cheese plates with a glass of wine from their collection. Tease your taste buds with desserts like Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cake Bar or Citrus Olive Oil Cake. For the health conscious guests, they also have a gluten-free listing.
If romance is on the agenda, head up into the hills to the Flagstaff House for a dining experience like no other. Built in 1929 as a retreat cabin, the spot resides on the side of the eponymous mountain and it overlooks Boulder and the surrounding foothills. The dining area is the epitome of sophistication and mountain elegance, highlighted by a greenhouse-like glass dining pavilion that provides stunning views. The main courses include offerings such as grilled Alaskan King Salmon and Buffalo Filet Mignon. One other side note, its wine cellar stores more than 20,000 bottles, so you are assured the perfect bottle!
Rioja, this eatery on Larimer Street has an intimate feel to it. Glass fixtures, a unique bar with a copper-topped surface, and the serene ambiance lend it a relaxing air. Appetizers include Steamed Manila Clams and Mint-Grilled Shrimp. Among the main courses you can opt for a Chilled Gazpacho Soup or a Roasted Beet Salad. The Muscovy Duck Two Ways and the Grilled Hanger Steak come highly recommended. You can also seat yourself outdoors on the charming little patio – a perfect way to dine on a balmy Denver night.