The variety in choices spans international, farm-to-fork, comfort, upscale and contemporary-casual fare. Check out these Fort Collins favorites to try that will have you dreaming about seconds.
1. Bistro Nautile
With over 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry, the owners of Bistro Nautile are no amateurs to what it takes to craft the best dining experience. This French restaurant does not overlook the importance of freshness, taking no shortcuts to offer the highest-quality local, seasonal greens and fresh, flown-in seafood. Choose from rich and saucy menu items like the beef bourguignon or try the flavorful lamb merguez en croute, starring North African sausage.
2. Cafe Vino
With tantalizing European-inspired menu items like a salmon roulade and lamb osso bucco and fine wine to pair like the Posh Pours and Tour of Italy flights, Cafe Vino provides an elevated dining experience in an intimate setting. Their dishes incorporate the finest fresh local and organic ingredients while never compromising on flavor. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly and professional. This is one Fort Collins restaurant you absolutely must try.
3. Ginger and Baker
Dining at one of the multiple options to be found inside of Ginger and Baker is an opportunity to not only enjoy a variety of high-quality handcrafted offerings, but to experience dining in one of Fort Collins’ most stunning, historical buildings.
The Cafe: For comfort food options like biscuits, fried chicken and pot pie crafted with primarily locally sourced ingredients, The Cafe is the place to be. The setting is casual, warm and inviting — perfect for an afternoon meal.
The Cache: For an elevated dining experience with menu options like bison carpaccio, hand-cut Colorado steaks, pan-seared scallops and melt-in-your-mouth braised short rib (to name a few), The Cache can't be missed.
4. JAWS Sushi
When we’re talking about JAWS Sushi, we’re not talking about dainty rolls that leave you craving more for dinner, but rather grand, flavor-packed, creative rolls that hit the spot just right. Rolls like the OG Kim K Roll with tempura shrimp, cream cheese, cucumber, spicy tuna, and a customizable spice level will leave you satisfied and planning your next Fort Collins trip for JAWS soon. If you lean toward nori, sashim, and simpler rolls, JAWS offers plenty of options to match your cravings too!
5. little on Mountain
This “little” restaurant has made quite a big impact on the Fort Collins dining and overall food scene. little on Mountain prides itself in local and seasonal ingredient sourcing, attributing much of their menu’s credit to the hard work of the farmers, ranchers, fishmongers, roasters and growers that they partner with. The philosophy here is quite simple: quality ingredients make for superior dishes. The list of local farm partnerships supplying the freshest possible ingredients is impressive and includes the likes of Native Hill, Folks, Jodar, Garden Sweet Forevergreen, Sunspot Urban, Crego, Hazel Dell and Morning Fresh.
6. The Still Whiskey Steaks
Finding the perfect Fort Collins steak is worthy of its own article, as there are many options across the city; nonetheless, The Still Whiskey Steaks stands out uniquely in its offering of proprietary locally distilled-whiskey-marinated black-Angus-beef steaks. The whiskey tie-in doesn't end there — this establishment offers 80-plus different local, national and international whiskeys, craft cocktails and beers, and a wine list. Beyond the menu offerings, the setting itself is a joy to experience. The unassuming log cabin-inspired decor fosters a very classic, down-to-earth northern Colorado atmosphere.
7. The Emporium
The Emporium is what you get when you combine a New American bistro and gourmet market inside of a modern and vibrant interior, all with a kind and professional staff that keeps a pulse on food and drink trends. This spot is terrific for both an intimate meal or social gatherings, as the menu offers up a wide variety of quality options and the beautiful space is roomy enough to accommodate groups. Bonus: A meal at The Emporium can be followed up with live music at The Magic Rat or even a digestif to be enjoyed at The Sunset Lounge, all within the same building of the music-themed Elizabeth Hotel.
8. The Farmhouse at Jessup
Consistently delicious and nestled inside of a cozy agricultural setting is The Farmhouse at Jessup. The menu is simple in its offerings, yet designed to include such a variety that it's easy to find something for everyone. The Farmhouse stays true to its building's farmhouse roots and uses high-quality, farm-fresh ingredients to craft its menu items — and you'll taste that when you dine here. The open window to the kitchen dishes up behind-the-scenes visibility symbolic of the transparent culture here, truly embodying farm-to-fork values with all of the local-ingredient sourcing.
9. The Regional
If you’re seeking an adventure to treat all your senses in your dining experience, look no further than The Regional. You would be hard-pressed to find a menu item that doesn’t pop with flavor. The use of unapologetically bold ingredients like dill, generous lemon zest and fresh garlic, aromatic herbs, smoky spices, and robust sweet and savory infusions make The Regional stand out as a restaurant that promises to take you on an unforgettably unique culinary adventure.
Want More?
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A version of this article originally appeared on visitftcollins.com.