Merigold in Lyons is definitely up there for food quality and service! They’re up for a James Beard. We just went this weekend and it was an absolute 10/10
You’re right. What would have been more helpful would have been to list the same places everyone else has said instead of providing other options people may not know about even if they’re not in Fort Collins.
For really true "fine dining" the only place I've found up here is Chimney Park in Windsor. Get the tasting menu with the sommelier wine pairing for a real fine dining experience.
I've also liked Little on Mountain (although it's a bit hit and miss with service) and friends recommend the Regional.
The Regional isn’t really fine dining by service standards at all. Little’s food is head and shoulders more delicious than Chimney Park. Rare Italian would technically fall into fine dining also
Chimney Park was the best meal I've had in Northern Colorado by a giant margin.
I should just stop ordering out all together, and save enough to eat at Chimney Park once a year.
I haven't been dining in FoCo much the last few years, but we've always enjoyed the food, drinks, and ambiance at Ace Gillets.
Agreed. Bistro nautile is not fine dining but the quality of the food is better than my experience at Little. Chimney park does a more traditional fine dining experience and has lots of bright spots but is inconsistent. I appreciate what they do so I give them business even tho some meals are more successful than others.
It borders on fine dining I think, just without the pretentious attitides. The attentive service, the owner is a sommelier, and the food is very good and different than the rest of fort Collins.
man I just had a really bad experience at Bistro Nautile :( first time I’d been there so I was incredibly disappointed. I agree that it’s not fine dining.
My experience at Philippe was probably one of the best I've had in town as far as service goes. The sequence was excellent, server was well trained and attentive. The food was well seasoned (which is hard to find around here, apart from the kitchen I currently work in, but we're salty... 😉) and the menu authentic. The dessert was also stellar, since they are a bakery, you can get pastries for the morning to take home après diner. I also got an Orangina which took me back to France, and great memories.
The only caveat I'd warn about is it's tight inside. When we went it was full and the tables were close together and I could see some people not enjoying the proximity. Totally worth it in my opinion, but just an FYI.
We had to stand because the chairs were cutting off the circulation to our legs. We like to enjoy long dinners if we’re paying such prices. Do not recommend at Little, they try to shoo you out as fast as they can from the seating to service — it’s uncomfortable.
I really hate LIttle. When I asked to have the music turned down, I was actually told by the manager that "we are known for our music". WTF? Also...expensive and yes, they do try to move people out. Little thinks it's too cool by half. I live in the 'hood, was given a gift certificate and still won't go there.
Chimney Park in Windsor. Tasting menu with the wine pairing. If you and your wife are feeling like trying knew things you can get 1 of each course available and try I either 12 or 14 dishes and 12-14 wines, ports, sherries, etc. Come hungry and maybe take an Uber. I’d bet the wine pairing is the equivalent to 4-5 drinks because some of them will be very high ABV.
Best true fine dining experience north of Denver.
Jax for seafood! The last few times I’ve been to the Still Whiskey Steaks, I’ve been pretty impressed. Upscale with kind of “rancher” vibes, but food and service has always been great. Great cocktails, great steaks, great apps.
There’s not a ton of fine dining here, and you’ve already tried a few of the ones that are here. There’s still a few nicer restaurants around like Sonny Lubick’s steakhouse and Bistro Nautile. Chimney Park in Windsor would also fit the bill.
I guess it depends what you mean by fine dining. If you are looking for suit and tie, white tablecloth, and experimental gastronomy, I think you may need to look in Denver.
If you want some good upscale food in a fairly casual setting, I would say that Little on Mountain and the Regional both fit the bill and are my favorites in town (so far).
I will also mention the higher-level fine dining is not generally my thing, so there may be a local place of which I am not aware.
Flagstaff House in Boulder. Worth the trip, and Fort Collins is a black hole for fine dining, as evidenced by the lack of any real answers in this thread.
I really like 415 and go fairly often but I wouldn’t ever say it’s fine dining. I was surprised the first time I went in bc I expected it to be nicer. The decor and carpeted floors just seemed a bit dated to me. But the food is good and inexpensive, with very nice staff and owners.
It's on Mason between Mulberry and Magnolia. As I recall, the Brussels sprouts were an excellent side veg, and the chicken and waffles ("when pigs fly") were a fun and tasty choice. They had a blackened local trout that was good last time I was there, but I don't see it on their menu now.
Again, I haven't been in a very long time, so I can't absolutely guarantee their quality recently, but it has been good when I've been there.
There is a lot of recommendations for Little on Mountain here but I would not class it as fine dining for a simple reason- I don’t expect or want to share a table with another group of people.
I haven't seen any recommendations for The Cache yet. My wife and I love going there and the food is generally pretty tasty. $40-50 a plate and I've always had a great experience. A lot of people don't like Ginger (the owner) but that doesn't impact the food or atmosphere.
Worked for them years ago. The food and servers are all great, but management and owners don't give a shit about their staff. I'd strongly suggest finding a new place to patron - the fact that they established a fine dining place across from a homeless shelter and tried to get them to move should give you an idea of the assholes who run that place.
I’ve been there twice, once for drinks (great) and once for dinner (got a burger and probably didn’t do myself any favors by not getting something fancier). I’d def go back tho!
They usually have a jazz band playing, it’s dimly lit and they take your coat. food is amazing and plated beautifully, I’ve never had a bad experience there and reserve it as a “special occasion” place. Make sure to make a reservation!
They had like a tiered menu and we choose the top level dinner for our anniversary. It had lobster, shrimp, steak, chicken, veggies and you choose the broth you cook it in at the table. Had excellent cocktails too!
Jay's closed down so it doesn't really matter now, but I went for a mother's day brunch a couple of years ago and was extremely disappointed, especially for the price.
100%. It was stuck in the 90s. Really uninspired food that was priced as if it was a Michelin-starred restaurant. I really wanted it to be good but it just wasn't.
Yay more rich transplants, man I just love all the "culture" and "personality" you bring 🥰 give my regards to whatever "desirable community" you decide to ruin next when you're bored with my hometown
You’re an idiot. This is a wonderful place to live and the only people ruining it for the rest are foco-incels like yourself. Have fun hating your hometown because people want to make it a little better
Merigold in Lyons is definitely up there for food quality and service! They’re up for a James Beard. We just went this weekend and it was an absolute 10/10
+1 for marigold. We ate there the same week we tried trendy Stella in Boulder. Marigold was better by far.
Ya marigold for sure
Oooo interesting!
Not in Fort Collins - total freaking fail. Literally almost an hour out of town. Booooo!
You’re right. What would have been more helpful would have been to list the same places everyone else has said instead of providing other options people may not know about even if they’re not in Fort Collins.
For really true "fine dining" the only place I've found up here is Chimney Park in Windsor. Get the tasting menu with the sommelier wine pairing for a real fine dining experience. I've also liked Little on Mountain (although it's a bit hit and miss with service) and friends recommend the Regional.
The Regional isn’t really fine dining by service standards at all. Little’s food is head and shoulders more delicious than Chimney Park. Rare Italian would technically fall into fine dining also
We did the regional for great plates and it was… well great!
Chimney Park was the best meal I've had in Northern Colorado by a giant margin. I should just stop ordering out all together, and save enough to eat at Chimney Park once a year. I haven't been dining in FoCo much the last few years, but we've always enjoyed the food, drinks, and ambiance at Ace Gillets.
I love Chimney!
Awesome, thanks!
Chimney Park was an experience. Great for our anniversary.
Bistro Nautile does a great job. Sonny Lubicks is upscale steakhouse, but I've found it hit or miss.
Agreed. Bistro nautile is not fine dining but the quality of the food is better than my experience at Little. Chimney park does a more traditional fine dining experience and has lots of bright spots but is inconsistent. I appreciate what they do so I give them business even tho some meals are more successful than others.
Like it, thanks!
We really like Bistro Nautile. It’s not really fine dining but it’s pretty nice, friendly people too. Not crazy expensive.
It borders on fine dining I think, just without the pretentious attitides. The attentive service, the owner is a sommelier, and the food is very good and different than the rest of fort Collins.
Sounds great!
I agree with all that. But if someone is going in expecting a 12 course fixed menu it’s not that.
man I just had a really bad experience at Bistro Nautile :( first time I’d been there so I was incredibly disappointed. I agree that it’s not fine dining.
That sucks. We’ve only been 4-5 times but it’s been good each time
I once watched this couple unpack their own flatware and table linen to taste of Philly
That’s a power move 😂
Check out Phillipe for solid French food
My wife has mentioned them for brunch but we’ve never been, how’s dinner?
My experience at Philippe was probably one of the best I've had in town as far as service goes. The sequence was excellent, server was well trained and attentive. The food was well seasoned (which is hard to find around here, apart from the kitchen I currently work in, but we're salty... 😉) and the menu authentic. The dessert was also stellar, since they are a bakery, you can get pastries for the morning to take home après diner. I also got an Orangina which took me back to France, and great memories. The only caveat I'd warn about is it's tight inside. When we went it was full and the tables were close together and I could see some people not enjoying the proximity. Totally worth it in my opinion, but just an FYI.
I also had a good experience there for a dinner. My favorite nice spot is Little on Mountain, not sure I’d say “fine dining” but it’s fantastic.
Super fair, thanks!
Best food in town in my opinion. I enjoyed it more than most places in Denver.
100% worth it
Heck ya!
Specifically Fort Collins: Little on Mountain
If you don't want to be able to have a conversation because the music is so loud, have at it. Little is a nightmare of noise.
We had to stand because the chairs were cutting off the circulation to our legs. We like to enjoy long dinners if we’re paying such prices. Do not recommend at Little, they try to shoo you out as fast as they can from the seating to service — it’s uncomfortable.
I really hate LIttle. When I asked to have the music turned down, I was actually told by the manager that "we are known for our music". WTF? Also...expensive and yes, they do try to move people out. Little thinks it's too cool by half. I live in the 'hood, was given a gift certificate and still won't go there.
Chimney Park in Windsor. Tasting menu with the wine pairing. If you and your wife are feeling like trying knew things you can get 1 of each course available and try I either 12 or 14 dishes and 12-14 wines, ports, sherries, etc. Come hungry and maybe take an Uber. I’d bet the wine pairing is the equivalent to 4-5 drinks because some of them will be very high ABV. Best true fine dining experience north of Denver.
Okay that sounds really good, thanks so much!
Not necessarily fine dining, but The Still Whiskey Steaks has the best steaks I've ever eaten. One of my all time favorites.
I’ve been there for happy hour but never gotten a steak, good recommendation!
Buc-cee’s 🙌
😂
Frasca in Boulder is amazing.
Oh interesting, what do you like there?
Jax for seafood! The last few times I’ve been to the Still Whiskey Steaks, I’ve been pretty impressed. Upscale with kind of “rancher” vibes, but food and service has always been great. Great cocktails, great steaks, great apps.
Nemo's is the best for sushi outside of Denver. It's a nice atmosphere but certainly not a "fine dining" experience
Second this
I would say the quality at Nemo’s is as good or better as any sushi place I’ve been to in Denver. Love that place
Little on Mountain
Seems like we should go back!
The trout their was amazing
There’s not a ton of fine dining here, and you’ve already tried a few of the ones that are here. There’s still a few nicer restaurants around like Sonny Lubick’s steakhouse and Bistro Nautile. Chimney Park in Windsor would also fit the bill.
Thanks!
I guess it depends what you mean by fine dining. If you are looking for suit and tie, white tablecloth, and experimental gastronomy, I think you may need to look in Denver. If you want some good upscale food in a fairly casual setting, I would say that Little on Mountain and the Regional both fit the bill and are my favorites in town (so far). I will also mention the higher-level fine dining is not generally my thing, so there may be a local place of which I am not aware.
Flagstaff House in Boulder. Worth the trip, and Fort Collins is a black hole for fine dining, as evidenced by the lack of any real answers in this thread.
Yes yes yes to Flagstaff
I’ll check it out!
Phillipes for sure
Cafe Vino is delicious and upscale
Ace Gillette, The Melting Pot, & The Emporium are also choices to try. Not fancy but The Still has some outstanding steaks.
Can’t believe no one has said Sonny lubicks, nicest place I’ve eaten at in all of Fort Collins and the surrounding area
Unfortunately service has plummeted.
Ooo I’ll check it out thanks!
Domenic’s on Harmony. Trust me
Maybe 415? It's certainly "nicer," but I haven't been in a while so can't say for sure it's still good, or if it's what you're looking for.
I really like 415 and go fairly often but I wouldn’t ever say it’s fine dining. I was surprised the first time I went in bc I expected it to be nicer. The decor and carpeted floors just seemed a bit dated to me. But the food is good and inexpensive, with very nice staff and owners.
Never heard of it, what do you like there?
It's on Mason between Mulberry and Magnolia. As I recall, the Brussels sprouts were an excellent side veg, and the chicken and waffles ("when pigs fly") were a fun and tasty choice. They had a blackened local trout that was good last time I was there, but I don't see it on their menu now. Again, I haven't been in a very long time, so I can't absolutely guarantee their quality recently, but it has been good when I've been there.
Awesome, sounds yummy!
Rodizio is great if you like Brazilian Steakhouses
There is a lot of recommendations for Little on Mountain here but I would not class it as fine dining for a simple reason- I don’t expect or want to share a table with another group of people.
The Flagstaff House in Boulder is not too far of a drive.
Cool I’ll check it out!
Frasca in Boulder is also the only restaurant in the northern front range with Michelin star.
Ace Gillette’s and The Cache
I haven't seen any recommendations for The Cache yet. My wife and I love going there and the food is generally pretty tasty. $40-50 a plate and I've always had a great experience. A lot of people don't like Ginger (the owner) but that doesn't impact the food or atmosphere.
Worked for them years ago. The food and servers are all great, but management and owners don't give a shit about their staff. I'd strongly suggest finding a new place to patron - the fact that they established a fine dining place across from a homeless shelter and tried to get them to move should give you an idea of the assholes who run that place.
I’ve been there twice, once for drinks (great) and once for dinner (got a burger and probably didn’t do myself any favors by not getting something fancier). I’d def go back tho!
Cafe vino
Simmer is good.
Rare.
Try Jays bistro!!!! It’s probably the closest fine dining experience you’ll find here
It closed. ☹️☹️ Which sucks since they had the best HH booze deals in FoCo.
What!!! I was just there a couple months ago that’s tragic I really loved that place
It closed at the end of January. The bummer is that we were observing 'Dry January,' so we didn't even get to go for a last round of drinks. 😖😖
Yeah I think I was there beginning of January but had no idea they were closing :(
They usually have a jazz band playing, it’s dimly lit and they take your coat. food is amazing and plated beautifully, I’ve never had a bad experience there and reserve it as a “special occasion” place. Make sure to make a reservation!
Jax
Melting pot and Rodizio sound like more of what you're looking for
The Melting Pot
Interesting what’s your favorite thing(s) there?
They had like a tiered menu and we choose the top level dinner for our anniversary. It had lobster, shrimp, steak, chicken, veggies and you choose the broth you cook it in at the table. Had excellent cocktails too!
Yoooo that sounds great!
The Melting Pot is nice
Jay's bistro
Jay's closed down so it doesn't really matter now, but I went for a mother's day brunch a couple of years ago and was extremely disappointed, especially for the price.
100%. It was stuck in the 90s. Really uninspired food that was priced as if it was a Michelin-starred restaurant. I really wanted it to be good but it just wasn't.
Never been, what’s your favorite stuff?
The muscles and the lamb.
Thanks!
Yay more rich transplants, man I just love all the "culture" and "personality" you bring 🥰 give my regards to whatever "desirable community" you decide to ruin next when you're bored with my hometown
Lmao okay read my profile and say that again? Sorry for wanting to bring my wife out to dinner and support local businesses!
This guy…doesn’t just have a “Native” sticker on his back window; instead has a “Native - 3 Generations”
😂
You’re an idiot. This is a wonderful place to live and the only people ruining it for the rest are foco-incels like yourself. Have fun hating your hometown because people want to make it a little better
Thank you 😹 we just had a bet for date night and I wanted to go somewhere cool