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Best Authentic Restaurants in Boulder

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12 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Sforno Trattoria restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1127)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Boulder
Booked 21 times today
We strive to give you the genuine tastes of Italy, right here on Boulder’s historic Pearl Street Mall, with our local, natural ingredients. And with our famous mozzarella made in house, Happy Hour 7 days a week, and an original wood burning pizza oven, we have no doubt that you will love coming to Sforno. Join us for a little bit of Italian bliss right here in Colorado, and let us show you what ‘love from the oven’ means to us.
A photo of Pizzeria Alberico restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(51)
Price: Moderate
• Pizzeria • Boulder
Booked 18 times today
Join us at our cozy spot on the East end of Pearl Street, right in the heart of downtown Boulder. Our menu features Southern Italian staples like fritti, fresh salads, savory salumi, artisanal pizzas, and delicious gelato, all made with ingredients from local farms to bring you a fresh take on the classics. Our wood-fired oven adds an authentic touch to our pizzas, creating a perfect, crispy crust every time.Enjoy our sprawling, dog-friendly patio with a spritz in hand during our daily aperitivo hour. Come for the food, stay for the ambiance, and experience a slice of Italy right here in Boulder!p.s. It's al-beh-REE-co (named after the Alberico family!)
A photo of Stella's Cucina restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(649)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Boulder
Booked 10 times today
The restaurant was founded in 2023 by owner Stella Spanu, a Boulder local. Honoring her Italian heritage and embracing her passion for food and hospitality, Spanu’s philosophy is to have a dining experience that stimulates all senses by incorporating visual art, design, music, premier service, comfortable seating and fresh, authentic Italian cuisine. The space, an Art Deco inspiration, was conceptualized and built by architect Miguel Quismondo.Stella's is showcasing a world-class menu, highlighting traditions from all over Italy, with house-made pastas with imported ingredients directly from Italy, and locally sourced ingredients from Colorado farms. The menu is accompanied by an extensive selection of Italian wines and specialty cocktails.Friday and Saturday, after dinner service, the space will transform into a lounge with a dance floor with a state-of-the-art sound system, while guests are encouraged to enjoy beverages, the dance floor, and a wide variety of music.
A photo of Japango Boulder restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1494)
Price: Moderate
• Sushi • Boulder
Booked 45 times today
Japango, set in a historic building just west of Broadway on the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, CO, offers a dynamic combination of traditional and contemporary Japanese cuisine. Guests will enjoy a relaxed experience in an award winning space designed by nationally acclaimed architect, Scott Rodwin. In many ways this wildly popular restaurant feels like a direct extension of Boulder itself—sophisticated, casual and healthy. // It’s is the perfect place for a first date, a family gathering, or a night out with friends. In addition to an elegant—yet intimate and unpretentious—dining room, Japango features a large sushi bar, a Pearl Street patio, a back patio with fireplace, an enclosed patio that seats up to 10, and a lively bar and lounge area. // The full bar offers unique house cocktails, an extensive sake menu and the largest Japanese whisky selection in Colorado.
A photo of Centro Mexican Kitchen restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(554)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Boulder
Booked 14 times today
We're a fun, Colorado-inspired Mexican restaurant in the heart of downtown Boulder along the iconic Pearl Street Mall. Our bustling bar specializes in festive cocktails and our year-round covered patio offers some of Boulder's best people watching.
A photo of Sushi Zanmai restaurant
4.5
Awesome(20)
Price: Moderate
• Sushi • Boulder
Booked 16 times today
Sushi Zanmai is celebrating its 38th year as Boulder's favorite sushi spot! Zanmai provides family friendly dining. Our daily happy hour features popular rolls and appetizers and of course, Sake Bombs! Sushi Zanmai has intimate dining for dates, sushi bar seating for guests who want to watch the chefs make their food, large tables for parties, and private Japanese tatami rooms for business meetings or raucous gatherings. The menu boasts both traditional Japanese kitchen food, sushi, and sashimi, as well as creative rolls and appetizers. Zanmai has vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten-free, and vegan offerings. Reservations are encouraged for parties of 6 or more. This restaurant also offers to-go services.
A photo of Carelli's Ristorante Italiano restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1199)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Boulder
Booked 23 times today
Enjoy a wonderful dining experience with family or friends at Carelli's. Owner Greg Carelli with help from his father Gene wanted to offer guests authentic Italian cuisine in a contemporary setting that features a large open flame fireplace, mosaic tiles, natural Birch woods, and warm lighting. An appetizer of fresh mozzarella and Beefsteak tomato caprese, lightly breaded calamari or lamb artichoke meatballs will please the palate at Carelli's. Guests can dine on baked jumbo shells stuffed with spinach and ricotta , the classic chicken parmigiana or shrimp scampi. Artisanal pizza, calzones, and paninis. Awsome Gluten-free options are also available. Carelli's was the winner of the Daily Camera Reader's Choice 2002-2020 award for Best Italian Restaurant and ambiance. It also has won awards from the Denver Post and Boulder Weekly magazines. It has an awesome bar scene and an extensive wine list. Carelli's restaurant features daily fresh fish specials.
A photo of Gemini restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(142)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Boulder
Booked 20 times today
Located on the historic Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, CO, Gemini is a full service restaurant focused on contemporary Spanish food and wine and its international influences. The menu is guided by the seasons and highlights sustainably farmed meats and produce from Colorado purveyors. Taking cues from the cuisines of Barcelona and San Sebastian, we offer traditional tapas items, including Patatas Bravas, Pan con Tomate, meatballs, and Boquerones. Larger dishes from land and sea include Octopus, Cauliflower a la Plancha, and Basque Braised Lamb.Our beverage program features organic, low-intervention wines from Spain and the West Coast, classic cocktails, and selections from Colorado’s craft brewing community.
A photo of La Mariposa Restaurant & Margarita House restaurant
4.1
Excellent(50)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Boulder
New to Boulder Colorado, La Mariposa Mexican Restaurant & Margarita House! We hand craft over 30 different margaritas and carry a large portfolio of tequilas as well as mezcal and sotol. We specialize in Fajitas and Molcajetes along side our extensive seafood menu and many other traditional dishes all authentically prepared from scratch. We are gluten and vegetarian friendly and accommodate to any dietary preferences.
A photo of Bucatino Trattoria Romana restaurant
4.5
Awesome(145)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Lafayette
Booked 21 times today
Welcome to Bucatino Trattoria Romana, We are an authentic Roman Italian restaurant with homemade mozzarellas, homemade pasta, desserts and more. Our specialty is homemade tick hollow pasta in four different recipes. With a beautiful roman decor, rustic, casual but modern ambiance plus a large bar, spacious dining room, plus a private room up to 50 people for large parties, a wonderful patio for dining al fresco, plenty of parking that will make your experience very pleasant and authentic. Looking forward to to cooking you an incredible authentic roman Italian meal. Buon appetito! Chef Marco Monnanni & staff.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Christine
    Denver / Colorado •27 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We enjoyed a couple of happy hour appetizers before devouring our pizzas! The crust is the best I've had in Boulder and the toppings are delicious; Margherita and the Mais. I don't think you can go wrong with any of their pizzas!!
    More info
    Pizzeria AlbericoPrice: Moderate• Pizzeria• Boulder
    4.7
  • Carol
    California Central Coast •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    I was there for lunch with a dear friend to celebrate her birthday. We chose a few appetizers to share as we like to eat small plates. the brussel sprouts were nicely charred and seasoned, the calamari crisp not chewy, the meatballs large and meaty not spongy. Our waiter CJ was attentive, fun and efficient. I would go again for sure!
    More info
    Sforno TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Boulder
    4.5
  • Barbara
    New York City •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    The Barrachi wine pairings with Chef Simone's delicious food was wonderful. The service was excellent and the evening was relaxing and totally enjoyable. The evening was well organized and the music at the right sound level. My spouse and I could have a quiet conversation and we enjoyed each serving. Well done Stella's Cucina.
    More info
    Stella's CucinaPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Boulder
    4.7
  • Barbara
    Denver / Colorado •7 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Waitress left and didn't tell us so we were left unattended for a while but other than that love the place and the food!
    More info
    Centro Mexican KitchenPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Boulder
    4.6
  • Erica
    Miami - Dade •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 10 Nov 2024
    Delicious food and service. Our server Mimi gave great recommendations. Our table was in the back and very close to other tables but the noise level was fine.
    More info
    Japango BoulderPrice: Moderate• Sushi• Boulder
    4.7

Discover best authentic restaurants in Boulder

Discover Boulder's authentic dining scene, where local flavors and vibrant atmospheres converge in the heart of Colorado. This carefully curated selection of restaurants in the Boulder area showcases the true essence of authenticity, featuring establishments that emphasize local ingredients, sustainable practices, and innovative culinary techniques. Each restaurant presents a unique twist on traditional and contemporary cuisines, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience that resonates with both locals and visitors alike. From seafood that's as fresh as the ocean breeze to rustic American dishes with a modern flair, the dining options in Boulder cater to a variety of palates and preferences. The commitment to quality and genuine connection to the local environment makes each meal more than just food—it's a culinary journey. Whether you're seeking a fine dining atmosphere, a cozy bistro vibe, or a lively tavern setting, Boulder's restaurant scene delivers with excellence and authenticity. Experience the best of Boulder dining, where every meal is crafted with care and every flavor tells a story of authenticity and innovation.

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