Take a quick trip to Italy with a night out at any of our favorite Italian restaurants in Colorado Springs!

From creamy homemade sauces and freshly picked vegetables to perfected baked calzones and paninis, Colorado Springs’ Italian restaurants are transporting us to Naples, Bologna, Rome, and beyond!

Here’s our list of the best Italian restaurants in Colorado Springs:  

Panino’s Downtown

604 North Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

If you’re looking for a truly local experience, Panino’s is the place to be. This Colorado Springs’ favorite uses fresh ingredients to serve pasta, oven-baked pizza, calzones, and of course, their world-famous Panino sandwich, a mix of garden vegetables and top-quality meats and cheeses, sandwiched in specialty bread and baked to golden, melted perfection.

While Panino’s Downtown on Tejon Street in Colorado Springs was the first location, opening in 1974, the business has expanded throughout Colorado and even to Florida and Minnesota. Each location is operated by third-generation family members, keeping authentic to the Panino’s rich family history.

Paravicini’s Italian Bistro

2802 West Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

Paravicini’s Italian Bistro, another favorite amongst Colorado Springs locals, was opened by Chef Franco Pisani in 2003 in historic Old Colorado City. Chef Franco’s dishes reflect contemporary culinary concepts while honoring his Italian heritage and age-old family recipes. Paravicini’s menu is comprised of handmade sauces, unique family recipes, and fresh, local ingredients whenever possible.

You may have even seen Chef Franco appear on Guy Fieri’s, Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, where Guy exclaimed,  “That’s a real-deal, old-school Italian dish,” when tasting Chef Franco’s Veal Giuseppe.

Ristorante Di Sopra

4 S 28th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

Up next is Paravicini’s sister restaurant, Ristorante Di Sopra. Chef Franco’s second Old Colorado City establishment originally opened as Sopra, a wine bar centered around their shareable plates. However, when he realized patrons were consistently ordering from the selective entree options, he decided to give Sopra a facelift.

While Paravicini’s is a classic Italian joint serving more affordable dishes, the new menu at Ristorante Di Sopra is the next level up in fine-dining experiences. As part of the restaurant’s facelift, Chef Franco bought a pasta machine from Italy, allowing them to serve their fresh, local ingredients with homemade pasta.

Il Vicino

5214 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Since Il Vicino’s opening in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1992, the restaurant has expanded to Colorado Springs and other locations, where it has secured itself in the hearts of locals as a favorite spot for Italian dishes and great pizza.

While they are mainly known for their wood oven pizzas, their menu is full of other Italian favorites — calzones, paninis, baked lasagnas, and traditional pasta dishes. Everything on the menu is made with high-quality, fresh ingredients, paired with their selection of premium wines, award-winning craft beers, homemade root beer (a must-try!), and a delicious spread of desserts.

Red Gravy Italian Bistro

23 S Tejon St Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Red Gravy is located in Downtown Colorado Springs and is on a mission to create a space “where art, culture, food, and drink converge.” Chef and Owner Eric Brenner began his culinary career working in St. Louis’ famous Italian neighborhood, The Hill, and has gone on to be featured in Bon Appetit, Sauce Magazine, and even claimed the winning title in Guy’s Grocery Games in 2014.

His love for tradition, innovation, and the community shines through Red Gravy’s extensive menu. You’ll find an array of soups, pizzas, and pasta, including Butternut Ravioli, Penne Florentine, Sunday Gravy, and more!

Stellina Pizza Cafe

749 E Willamette Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Stellina Pizza Cafe may be the new kid on the block and while their menu mostly centers around their Roman-style pizzas, we couldn’t finish this list without mentioning their risotto and homemade pasta dishes.

This little neighborhood cafe is tucked back in the streets of Downtown’s quaint Shooks Run neighborhood. In addition to pizza, their menu boasts homemade pasta dishes including a Spicy Sausage Lasagna, house-made Pesto Spaghetti, Cacio e Pepe with homemade macaroni, and more. Pair your pasta with one of their signature cocktails or a glass of wine, and finish the night with a scoop of locally made, organic gelato from Legit Gelato Colorado.

Looking for pizza? We’ve got you covered!

We love a good pasta dish, but sometimes you just need a good ol’ slice of pizza! Here’s our list of the top pizza places in Colorado Springs! Whether you’re looking for gourmet toppings or a simple New York-style slice, Colorado Springs has it all!

Well, which spot are you headed to first? You really can’t go wrong with any of Colorado Springs’ top Italian restaurants! Be sure to tag us in your next restaurant adventure @rockymountainfoodtours!

Cheers! Your Rocky Mountain Food Tours Team

(So, what’s a food tour, anyway…?)

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