Top 10: Romantic Restaurants in Boulder

Our Local Expert Says:

The Flagstaff House dining area is the epitome of sophistication and mountain elegance, highlighted by a greenhouse-like glass dining pavilion that provides stunning views.

Description:

If romance is on the agenda, head up into the hills to the Flagstaff House for a dining experience like no other. Built in 1929 as a retreat cabin, the spot resides on the side of Flagstaff Mountain, overlooking Boulder and the surrounding foothills. The main courses include grilled Alaskan King Salmon and Buffalo Filet Mignon. Its wine cellar hives over 20,000 bottles.

Our Local Expert Says:

Unlike any other restaurant in town, the Black Cat and Chef Eric Skokan have actually created an organic farm to supply the restaurant with just-picked produce.

Description:

The Black Cat is a chef-owned fine dining restaurant serving modern French and American cuisine paired with a killer wine list and some of the best cocktails in the city. The Black Cat creates an intimate, soulful dining experience with its beautiful dining room and its hand-crafted cuisine. Located on the Pearl Street Mall, Black Cat is a wonderful place to go for a special occasion.

Our Local Expert Says:

Like the historically found Frascas found throughout Friuli, Italy, this restaurant is full of local farm cuisine, wine, and warm hospitality.

Description:

Winning raves since its 2004 opening, Frasca is the critical darling in Boulder for its upscale atmosphere, impeccable service, and peerless cuisine, drawn exclusively from the culinary traditions of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, a subalpine region in northeastern Italy. Using fresh ingredients, with a special emphasis on terrific seafood, cheese, and wine, the masterful kitchen delivers some of the best fare in the West. The menu changes daily, but always includes a vast selection of small plates leading up to pasta, seafood, pork loin, and other specialties of the region. Every year the staff takes a trip to Italy for a refresher course in Italian culinary appreciation, and it shows.

Our Local Expert Says:

Leaf has some of the best food Boulder has to offer, so don't be scared by some of its unusual ingredients. Who knows, you might discover an entirely new food you love!

Description:

Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant creates delicious meals that vegetarians and omnivores alike will enjoy, although omnivores may not recognize everything on the menu. Leaf uses organic, seasonal ingredients and provides an international cuisine with menu items such as Oaxacan Mole, Jamaican Jerk Tempeh, and Matar Panir. One of Boulder's best health-conscious dining options, Leaf also provides a full bar highlighted by an environmentally-friendly wine list and Boulder's own organic Vodka 14 martinis.

Description:

Mateo is a casually elegant, bustling, neighborhood Provencal restaurant. The cuisine features seasonal menus with organic fare sourced from local farmers. Mateo offers a dynamic wine list & breathtaking full-service bar.

Description:

The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse was given to Boulder by our sister city of Dushanbe. Built between 1987 and 1990, more than 40 artisans from cities across Tajikistan created the elaborate, creative elements of the Teahouse, including its hand-carved and hand-painted ceilings, columns, and ceramic panels. The Teahouse serves a delicious international cuisine, including dishes such as Tanzanian Dagaa Seafood Stew, Malaysian Tofu, and Argentinean Skirt Steak. The Teahouse is in central Boulder, just next to Central Park and the Boulder Farmers' Market, making it a perfect place to stop for a midday tea.

Description:

Just off the Pearl Street Mall, Sherpa's Adventurers is, at first glance, just a house. However, inside the house are a bar, an authentic Tandoor clay oven, and a Traveler's Library and Lounge, where you can peruse Sherpa history and photos. Another unique aspect of Sherpa's is that you can book Himalayan treks and volunteer opportunities. With its delicious, well-priced food, its interesting atmosphere, its outdoor seating area, and its proximity to the Pearl Street Mall, Sherpa's is a real Boulder gem.

Our Local Expert Says:

Their "Tapas Hour" everyday from 3:00 to 6:30 is one of the best happy hours in town.

Description:

This lively restaurant has all of the charm of a tiny European coastal café. Sunny paintings and brilliant colors bedeck the walls of "The Med". Lush foliage grows everywhere, and an imported Italian wood burning stove glows in the background. Known for its flavorful tapas, the menu celebrates the succulent entrees of Italy, Spain, Greece and France. The wood-oven-baked pizzas are popular, as is the Eggplant Parmigiana. For dinner, the family style Paella de Mariso is divine. Order a dessert if just to observe the masterful designs created by the pastry chef.

Description:

This pleasant contemporary eatery, eclectically decorated with murals, rotating local art, and a flagstone floor, touts its menu as healthy and environmentally-friendly. The ingredients include certified organic produce, fresh seafood, and free-range, hormone-free poultry and game. The kitchen takes a multicultural approach: Sunflower features a diverse selection of dinner entrees, including sesame-crusted ahi tuna served with coconut-scallion basmati; buffalo sirloin tenderloin with gorgonzola crust; and tempeh korma with spinach, potatoes, raisins, and cashews. Lunch includes fresh variations on sandwiches -- such as a blackened salmon burger -- as well as specialties like pad Thai and vegetarian Malay fried rice. An all-you-can-eat organic salad buffet is served daily until 4pm, organic juices and wines are available, and there's a popular weekend brunch.

Our Local Expert Says:

Great happy hour deals on appetizers and its dark, tavern atmosphere make The West End an ideal restaurant for almost any occasion.

Description:

Be sure to request a table upstairs and get a seat facing the magnificent view of the Flatirons! The West End Tavern even has misting pipes to cool you in the summer as you sit alfresco and soak in the beauty of the mountains. Feel free to ask for recommendations when trying to decide on a bourbon choice--their bourbon menu alone is quite overwhelming.