ORO – A Seasonal Italian Experience in Colorado springs, Colorado
- Alma D.
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
In one of the most amazing cities within Colorado, the historic Mining Exchange Hotel in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs offers many dining options these days. And ORO (located on East Pikes Peak Avenue) has clearly established itself as one of the city's premier destinations for refined Italian dining. Before writing this article our team visit this establishment nine times in a 6 month period. Without question, we were amazed at every aspect. Inspired by the warm golden glow of the Tuscan countryside and Colorado's unforgettable sunsets, ORO blends Old World traditions with the incredible bounty of the Rocky Mountains. Every detail is clearly thoughtfully curated menu to the welcoming hospitality, creating an experience that encourages guests to slow down, savor each bite, and enjoy great food alongside family and friends. We're confident in making the bold statement that this restaurant is clearly within the top 10 Italian restaurants in Colorado.
It was clear to us that the culinary philosophy at ORO centers around seasonal Italian cuisine crafted with locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Their menu boasts Colorado-raised bison, pork, and lamb; taking these options center-stage in several signature dishes, while fresh vegetables, herbs, and artisan ingredients shine throughout the menu. Their team is led by James Beard Award-nominated Chef Aaron Barnett and complemented by nationally recognized sommelier Joel Gunderson's expertly selected wine program, the restaurant delivers sophisticated flavors without sacrificing warmth or approachability.
Guests consistently rave about the impressive selection of appetizers and house specialties. The Colorado Bison Carpaccio has become an early favorite, offering delicate slices of beautifully prepared meat that celebrate local ingredients with Italian flair. The Burrata with Pueblo peppers delivers creamy richness balanced by Colorado-grown chiles, while the generously portioned focaccia (served with flavorful basil butter) is frequently praised as the perfect companion for soaking up every last drop of the restaurant's exceptional sauces. Other favorites like arancini (pictured above), olives, and fresh salads provide an outstanding beginning to any meal. During our fourth experience here, we simply ordered a wide variety of appetizers and spent an hour sharing, snacking sipping wine and absorbing the experience; a magnificent idea for a 'girl's night out.'
The pasta program has quickly earned a devoted following, with many diners describing it as some of the finest Italian cuisine in Colorado Springs. And, we agree. ORO's handmade Pappardelle Lamb Ragù receives constant praise for its deep, rich flavor and perfectly cooked pasta, while the Rigatoni Bolognese has become one of the restaurant's signature offerings. Our team also applauded the Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, Linguine Tricolore, Spaghetti & Meatballs, Lamb Ragù, and the flavorful Frutti di Mare. Trust us - you can't go wrong. Nearly every review highlights pasta that is expertly prepared, beautifully balanced, and generous enough to leave guests happily satisfied.
And beyond their pasta dishes, ORO offers an outstanding collection of entrées that showcase both traditional Italian techniques and Colorado ingredients. When you ask for feedback from other diners, they will regularly rave about the tender roasted chicken served with an unforgettable sauce, perfectly cooked veal scallopini, flavorful sea bass, delicate Branzino and their incredibly tender 20-ounce steak that several guests describe as melting in your mouth. Although ORO represents the finest in Italian cuisine, steak lovers won't complain. The lamb shank and seasonal risotto have also become customer favorites, proving that every corner of the menu receives the same careful attention to detail.
But, of course, no Italian dining experience is complete without exceptional wine and cocktails, and ORO excels in both categories. The extensive wine list features outstanding selections from Italy's celebrated vineyards alongside carefully chosen bottles from California and the Pacific Northwest. We took our time to meet and share ideas with their knowledgeable servers and found them to be very helpful; guiding us toward wines that perfectly complemented our meals. ORO's handcrafted cocktails (including our favorites like the Fleur de Lis, Fumo Rosso, Espresso Martini, Old Fashioned, and refreshing seasonal mocktails) earned consistent praise from us. Their creativity, balance, and presentation was spot-on. Whether enjoying Prosecco before dinner or finishing with a fine amaro, every beverage feels thoughtfully selected.
Although we loved the appetizers, wine and entrees, ORO's desserts may very well be the highlight of the evening. For me, the house-made tiramisu receives overwhelming acclaim, with numerous diners (at our table and online reviewers) calling it among the finest they've ever tasted. The rich espresso flavors, velvety mascarpone, and delicate presentation create an unforgettable finish to the meal. But if the tiramisu isn't your kind of thing, ORO's house-made-gelato paired with crisp pizzelle cookies has become another standout (shown above), while thoughtful birthday desserts and celebratory treats demonstrate the restaurant's commitment to making every special occasion feel memorable.
Equally impressive is the restaurant's atmosphere and hospitality. ORO combines modern elegance with comfortable warmth through beautiful gold accents, stylish chandeliers, cozy booths, sophisticated lighting and an inviting bar area that feels perfect for pre-dinner cocktails. When we finished eating our meals, our opinions would be combined to view similarities. We repeatedly described the service as a genuine five-star rating; frequently recognizing team members like Spencer, Ryan, Sara, Juan, Natalie, Nila, Crystal, and others for their outstanding menu knowledge, attentiveness, professionalism, and sincere hospitality. Whether celebrating a birthday, enjoying a romantic date night, gathering with friends before a concert, or simply sharing dinner with family, diners consistently mention feeling welcomed, unrushed, and exceptionally well cared for.
For anyone seeking one of Colorado Springs' finest Italian dining experiences, ORO more than lives up to its growing reputation. Its combination of seasonal Italian cuisine, locally sourced Colorado ingredients, exceptional wines, handcrafted cocktails, remarkable desserts, and polished yet approachable service creates a restaurant worthy of repeat visits. Whether you're staying at the Mining Exchange Hotel or simply searching for an unforgettable evening downtown, ORO delivers the perfect blend of elegance, authenticity, and Rocky Mountain hospitality that continues to win over both locals and visitors alike. As a team, we highly recommend this restaurant for your upcoming special event.
123 E Pikes Peak Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
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