Colorado Springs may be landlocked in the middle of America, but it’s chock full of incredible restaurants serving authentic cuisine from around the world!

From Filipino adobo to Jamaican jerk chicken, Colorado Springs is an unassuming home to countless creators and chefs who are serving authentic food from their home countries. Some were brought here by military service and others were drawn in by the Rocky Mountains, but one thing’s for sure, this city wouldn’t be the same without them.

* With COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions ever changing, we encourage you to check-in with each of the restaurants listed below for their most up-to-date information before planning your visit.

Check out this list of our favorite spots for tasting food from around the world!

1. You-Ka Cafe (Filipino)

You-Ka Cafe is family-owned and operated, serving Filipino cuisine in a bright and modern space off Powers Boulevard and N Carefree Circle. While they don’t open until 11:00 AM, they serve daily breakfast including their Ube Waffle, topped with fresh fruit, and several savory bowl options with varying meats and fresh veggies, topped with a sunnyside up egg. It might not be your traditional brunch menu, but it’s authentic to its origins and will likely make you want to plan a trip to the Philippines.

Similarly, their colorful dinner menu is full of fresh veggies and slow-cooked meats. A must-try is the Pork Adobo — a tender pork cooked in apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, oregano and black pepper, served with rice and lumpia.

2. Monse’s Pupuseria (Salvadoran)

The home of Salvadoran comfort food, Monse’s Pupuseria specializes in handmade pupusas and empanadas, served with the best fried plantains you’ll ever have! Their sunny location in Old Colorado City boasts a beautiful outdoor patio for warm months and bright, modern decor. They serve a 100% gluten free menu, made entirely of locally sourced, organic, all natural and non-GMO ingredients. And for all you vegans out there, each of their entrees can be made sans meat and animal bi-products. Grab yourself a homemade horchata or agua fresca and as many pupusas and sides as you can handle! You won’t regret it!

3. Heart of Jerusalem (Middle Eastern)

After he retired from the US Air Force, Hussein Abukhdeir and his family dreamed of opening an affordable and authentic Middle Eastern restaurant that would bring their home in Jerusalem to the Rockies. In 2007, they opened Heart of Jerusalem, which quickly became a local favorite, expanding to multiple locations throughout the city.

This family owned and “family focused” restaurant serves food to appeal to all, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and children-centric options. Their menu is full of authentic spices, award-winning hummus, kabob meats, and falafels. Enjoy Turkish coffee and the most delicious Middle Eastern cuisine the Springs’ has to offer, all in one of their several down-to-earth spaces.

4. Spice Island Grill (Jamaican)

Spice Island Grill has been providing authentic Jamaican spice to Colorado Springs since 2011. Husband and wife team, Claudette and Glenroy Hutchinson, started serving this unique cuisine across the country at festivals, until they decided to take up roots in Downtown Colorado Springs. Their century-old Adobe location behind The Antler’s Hotel has a storied past, thought to once have been a brothel. Now, Spice Island Grill is a two location operation, where locals throughout the city can enjoy Reggae tunes, a colorful atmosphere, and entrees like their Curry Goat, Jerk Chicken, or Red Snapper Filet.

Spice Island was featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” with Guy Fieri and is also a stop on our Original Colorado Springs Food Tour!

5. Uchenna (Ethiopian)

Uchenna invites you to “explore the rich flavors of an ancient culture” and immerse yourself in cuisine from around the world. Chef Maya was born just northeast of Ethiopia’s capital and has been serving this unique cuisine to neighbors and friends for decades and from Uchenna’s kitchen for the past eight years. The menu offers guests the option between Ehtiopian, Mediterranean, and Isreali food, all made from healthy and organic ingredients, including authentic Teff Injera, a sourdough flatbread made from teff flour. Vegetarians and those with gluten aversions won’t have a hard time finding something to suit their needs. While you can’t go wrong, be sure to try the Lamb Yebeg Alecha, the Beef Kitfo, or the Misser Alecha.

6. Little Nepal Indian Restaurant & Bar (Indian)

Little Nepal is well-known in Colorado Springs for its Nepalese and Indian cuisine, holding the award for Best of the Springs six years in a row. Their menu includes authentic dishes including curries, masalas, korma, vindaloos, bhuna, saags, and makhani. We recommend trying their Chicken Tikka Tandoori, Lamb Masala, and Chicken Tikka Korma — with a huge serving of naan of course!

While the food is to die for, there’s a lot to be said for the restaurant’s other fun attractions. For guests who want to try their hand at Indian cooking at home, be sure to check out their small Indian grocery store, where you can buy items like authentic Masoor Dal, curry masala, bay leaves, and more! For jewelry, art, and other trinkets to remember your Little Nepal experience by, visit their gift shop. And for that much needed nightcap, grab an Indian wine, beer, or cocktail from The Everest Bar.

Speaking of unique culinary experiences in Colorado Springs, check out our food tours! You’ll have a chance to try food from several different local restaurants, meet with restaurant owners and chefs, and learn unique facts about the Colorado Springs food scene from a local guide! Click here to learn more!

Cheers, Your Rocky Mountain Food Tours Team

(So, what’s a food tour, anyway…?)

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