Despite the tuxedo-clad wait staff this place is upscale without seeming overly pretentious. Inviting leather couches surround a cozy fireplace, making its cigar lounge a special place for enjoying a fine single malt scotch. All of their steaks come in generous portions and are large enough to share. Seafood options like salmon, tuna and lobster are worth trying. But most impressive of all is the wine list, which is extensive enough to come with CliffsNotes! Whether you're wanting to have an intimate romantic dinner or a fancy business meal, the restaurant even offers private dining and boardroom meeting facilities.
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.
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.
A nice night out with delicious food is what you'll get at Panzano, an Italian restaurant located in Denver. With a menu that is as elegant as its decor - the vaulted ceilings are impressive and plush, metallic chairs decorate the room - Panzano has gained its good name from such delectable dishes as the Pastiche, a pasta dish layered with spicy meatballs, cheese, ragu and cinnamon custard. Complete your meal with a delicious cocktail or a glass of wine from their extensive alcohol list.
The Capital Grille truly believes that variety is the spice of life. No wonder you'll find a huge array of steak and seafood on offer at his grill. The specialty of the house is the 24 ounce Porterhouse, which is cured and prepared in the restaurant. Other must-haves include the grille steak tartare, roasted wagyu beef, smoked Norwegian salmon, dry aged sirloin steak and sesame seared tuna. Select your favorite wine from an award-winning list with around 350 choices and a special 'Captain's List' which includes rare wines from around the world. And if that's not all, you can round off your feast with mouth-watering desserts such as coconut cream pie, white chocolate mousse and key lime pie. The restaurant has private dining facilities too, with various room that can accommodate from 12 to 42 guests for a private meal, reception or celebration.
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.