RARE Italian

Name: RARE Italian
Address: 101 South College Avenue, Fort Collins, CO, United States, 80524
Telephone: (970) 294-4544
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.4

4.4

953 Reviews

$31 to $50

Contemporary Italian

Top Tags:

At RARE Italian, we celebrate beautiful cuisine as it is enjoyed in Italy in an environment that is cultured yet welcoming and which engenders feelings of love, generosity, and discovery between our staff and guests.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Contemporary Italian, Italian, Mediterranean
Hours of operation
Dinner: Sunday - Thursday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm Friday-Saturday 5:00pm - 12:00am Happy Hour: Daily 3:00-6:00
Phone number
(970) 294-4544
Website
http://rareitalian.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Steven Anderson

Location
101 South College Avenue Fort Collins, CO 80524
Neighborhood
Fort Collins
Cross street
Mountain Ave
Parking details
There is free 2-hour parking throughout Old Town area.
Public transit
Mountain Ave Max Station is one block away.
Additional
Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Calamari Fritti$12.00
Cornmeal Breaded Calamari, Lemon, Arabbiatta
Watermelon Salad$10.00
Compressed Watermelon, Radish, Arugula, White Balsamic Vinaigrette, Ricotta Salata
Rare Caesar$11.00
Romaine Heart, Garlic Crouton, Pecorino Romano, Anchovies
Mixed Salad$8.00
Mixed Greens, Carrot, Tomato, Pepperoncini
Arancini$11.00
Sweet Corn Risotto, Fontina, Roasted Pepper Aioli, Arugula, Smoked Paprika
Figs alla Plancha$12.00
Mission Figs, Speck, Crispy Polenta, Gorgonzola Fonduta, Pinoli
Margherita Pizzetta$13.00
San Marzano Tomatoes, Basil, House-made Mozzarella. Available Gluten Free
Salami Pizzetta$15.00
San Marzano Tomatoes, Mozzarella, Finochietta. Available Gluten Free
Quattro Formaggi Pizzetta$15.00
Mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Gorgonzola. Available Gluten Free
Speck Pizzetta$15.00
Thinly Sliced Speck, Pickled Anaheim Peppers, Fresh Mozzarella, San Marzano Tomato Sauce. Available Gluten Free

Pasta and Risotto

Available Gluten Free

Risotto
Summer Squash, House-cured Pancetta, Aged Carnaroli Rice, White Wine, Chive, Parmigiano-Reggiano. Please allow 30 minutes
- Primi$14.00
- Full$27.00
Bucatini All 'Amatriciana
Hollow Semolina Pasta, Guanciale, Caramelized Onion, San Marzano Tomato, Garlic, Chili Flake, Pecorino Romano
- Primi$11.00
- Full$21.00
Tortelloni
Fresh Egg Pasta with Spinach & Ricotta Filling, Corn Ragu, Parmigiano Broth, Basil, Parmigiano, Poached Egg
- Primi$14.00
- Full$26.00
Tagliatelle Marinara
Hand-cut pasta, San Marzano Tomatoes, Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Primi$8.00
- Full$15.00
Tajarin al Ragù
Finely Cut Noodles with Pork Sausage & House-aged Beef Ragu, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Rosemary
- Primi$14.00
- Full$26.00
Rare Lasagna
Pasta Layered with House-made Sausage, San Marzano Tomatoes
- Primi$14.00
- Full$25.00

Entrees

Senza Carne$24.00
Asparagus, Lentil Ragu, Braised Kale, Seared Polenta, Grilled Tomato, Salsa Rossa. Available with Pasta
Chicken "Al Mattone"$27.00
Chicken Breast with Lentil Ragù, Salsa Verde, Sautéed Spinach
Polpette Bevevino$24.00
Oven-baked Meatballs of Beef and Pork with Crispy Polenta Cake, Arrabbiata or Marinara Sauce, Fried Basil, Parmigiano-Reggiano. Available with Pasta
Brasato$27.00
Braised Beef, Chive Potatoes, Sautéed Spinach, Gremolata
Bone-In Pork Chop$27.00
Stonefruit Mostarda, Grilled Polenta, Broccolini
Trout$30.00
Colorado Trout Filet, Lemon-thyme Farrotto, Fagiolini, Salsa Bianco
Rare Burger*$13.00
6 oz. Dry-aged House-ground Burger, Potato Bun, House-made Mayo, Arugula, Tomato, Red Onion. Served with Fries or Salad

House-Aged Steaks

Served with Chived Potato Purée and Sautéed Spinach. Sauces: Aged Balsamic Vinegar, Salsa Verde, Chianti-veal Demi Glace, Truffle Butter

8 Oz. Beef Tenderloin*$42.00
10 Oz. Dry-Aged New York Strip*$40.00
14 Oz. Dry-Aged Rib Eye*$42.00
24 Oz. Bone-In Dry-Aged New York Strip*$66.00
32 Oz. Dry-Aged Bistecca alla Fiorentina*$87.00

Side Dishes

$8. For the table

Lentil Ragù
Funghi Trifolati (9)
Grilled Polenta
Chive Potatoes
Chili-Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Truffle Fries

Dessert

For the table. Please order at the beginning of your meal to allow time for proper preparation

Blueberry Crostata
Flaky Pastry with Fresh Blueberries, Ginger, Crème Anglaise and Mascarpone Gelato
- Serves 2-4$18.00

What 953 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.4

4.4 based on all time ratings

4.4Food
4.4Service
4.4Ambience
4Value

Noise • Moderate

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OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall3food5service3ambience4
Food and atmosphere were awesome. However, our food took forever to come from the time of ordering so we were starving and our server was socially awkward.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing dining experience
LR
LorelR
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on January 25, 2020
overall3food2service3ambience4
The only thing that my party liked was the charcuterie board but the entrees were underwhelming and overpriced. It wasn’t bad but nothing special and expensive for the quality
S
Sandstorm
Denver
33 reviews
5.0
33 reviews
Dined on January 25, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
RARE Italian just keeps getting better. One can come for happy hour and leave full. The appetizer meat and cheese board was amazing. The pickled vegetable are a great accompaniment. Our server, John, was attentive without being overbearing. He was very knowledgeable about the selections and the wine list. We look forward to our next visit.
PC
PeterC
Denver
21 reviews
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on January 24, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great happy hour values and delicious
L
Larry
Denver
50 reviews
5.0
50 reviews
Dined on January 20, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
We have been to RARE 4 times in the last 3 months. RARE is a nice place, very good service, moderate prices, and the food is quality and good. The Brussels Sprouts are outstanding. We live in Loveland but are in Fort Collins frequently for musicals and shows. RARE has become our favorite place.
SH
ShaneH
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on January 19, 2020
overall2food2service3ambience4
Wasn’t too impressed with the food. Nice ambiance, but I didn’t love anything we had to eat.
ST
SteveTarr
Denver
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on January 12, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience4
This is a pre-pandemic review... The ambiance is very warm. The food was well prepared and the presentation was above average. The waitstaff were pleasant and cordial. The price for the experience and food was reasonable. The only negative was the ambient sound, it’s a loud resturant that requires a bit of shouting across the table to hear and be heard. Sometimes that noise adds to the experience as a “happening place”, other times it is a detriment to the experience. You decide...
RD
RobD
Denver
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on January 6, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Finally ordered the Bistecca Alla Fiorentina and split it 3 ways. Probably would have been better to split 2 ways, as the bone was pretty large, but we each got a decent portion and the steak was perfectly cooked, tender and delicious. Rare is one of our top two go-to restaurants in northern Colorado. Consistently good.
N
Natalie
Denver
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on January 5, 2020
overall5food4service5ambience5
We tried a new entree, lamb osso bucco from the Fall/Winter menu and it was a delicious, fork-tender dish, although not an overly generous portion. The dining room service was exceptional as Dan is always attentive, professional and friendly. Rare Italian is our number one go-to restaurant for consistent high-quality food, wine and ambiance.
CT
CeciT
Denver
11 reviews
4.0
11 reviews
Dined on January 4, 2020
overall4food4service3ambience4
Nice place, good food not many gluten-free options.
KB
KatieB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 4, 2020
overall5food4service5ambience5
So delicious. We loved all the food. I am Celiac and there were so many things for me to eat on the menu.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
18 reviews
vip
3.0
18 reviews
Dined on January 4, 2020
overall3food2service5ambience3
Good service. Food is just okay. Pasta has a house made texture but is not very good. Red sauce was good. Several dishes at the table were very bland, yet heavy. Dessert (the advance order fruit pastry) was overly sweet and inelegant. This is not high end Italian.
DA
DAvidT
San Francisco
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 3, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Consistently great food and service. Always a stop for us when we come into Ft Collins.
TO
TimO
Denver
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Another fantastic evening at Rare! Fabulous food and wine! A must visit.
S
Squidnose
Denver
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 29, 2019
overall3food2service3ambience4
Not as good as our first time at Rare. Steaks were average. The glass of Montepulciano d’Abbruzzo I had seemed like the bottle had been open too long - tasted stale. Service was average, not engaging or very personable. No one asked if we were celebrating a special occasion. Disappointing experience. I might try it again somewhere down the road.
MR
MichaelR
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 29, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
My wife and I were first timers to Rare, it was a very cool experience. The service was excellent, the food tasty and the ambience was spot on. We'll be back.
JM
JenniferM
New England
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 28, 2019
overall5food4service5ambience4
The staff here is phenomenal. Everyone was very accommodating and friendly. The arincini is delicious and our waitress recommended a cocktail called Lumen that knocked my socks off.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on December 25, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
A great holiday restaurant. Consistently great cuisine and friendly helpful staff.
s
southerngirl
Raleigh
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 25, 2019
overall3food4service3ambience3
Excellent food for adults; no children’s menu; service extremely slow (waited nearly an hour for entrees); somewhat rude hostess; charged for child’s food that we sent back; ambiance so-so
CP
CarrieP
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 25, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food - great service - great Christmas Eve !
OT
OpenTable Diner
Palm Springs
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 24, 2019
overall3food5service5ambience5
Exceptional food. Great service. Wine was underwhelming and massively overpriced - to the point of gouging.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Dallas
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on December 24, 2019
overall4food5service3ambience5
The restaurant was very busy when we arrived. Server seemed rushed and annoyed when we wanted to order cocktails. Food was fantastic (as usual) but just wish we hadn’t felt like such a burden for the server.
PA
PAL10
Denver
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 24, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Family holiday dinner. Delicious food and great service.
MG
MichelleG
Seattle
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 22, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were there celebrating graduation and it was the perfect atmosphere for such a special evening! Great energy, wonderful food and service.
DB
DavidB
Atlanta
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on December 22, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and service was excellent! Further, when we arrived with more in our party than our reservation called for, the hostess was most accommodating in getting us all seated. I look forward to coming back soon
AG
AndyG
Denver
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 19, 2019
overall4food5service4ambience3
Exceptional food, but very long wait. We were there to spend time with each other, so waiting was fine, except for our drinks, which also took a long time. It’s loud. Make reservations. Save room for desert...it’s worth it.
RP
RandyP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 15, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful ambience, friendly, attentive staff, and delicious food. This is my new favorite restaurant to celebrate special ocations.
SV
SkiVail
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 15, 2019
overall3food3service5ambience3
We have visited Rare twice and actually had the same waiter and he was awesome. Unfortunately, I requested a table near a window (a birthday dinner) and we were taken in the back near the bathrooms and staff area. There was absolutely no ambiance. There was a very loud table near us that did not understand the meaning of “soft” voices. This is not the restaurants fault but this woman was so loud we could not have a conversation. It was not only our table that was bothered. The food was just okay, my meal was under cooked and while everyone had their food, I had to wait another 15 minutes for mine to be recooked. This is a very pricey restaurant for such unfortunate mishaps. Again, the waiter was amazing and did everything he could do to accommodate us.
W
Woody
Denver
147 reviews
vip
5.0
147 reviews
Dined on December 15, 2019
overall5food4service5ambience4
Great service. Great food. Consistent. Definitely will return.
c
charlesm
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 15, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
We are never disappointed with food or service here. Anything anytime.
H
Houstonfoodie
Houston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 15, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food. Incredible flaky apple pie dessert.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on December 14, 2019
overall4food4service5ambience5
We loved our server, Michael. The ambience of the room was nice. Food was good, dessert was great. We thought it was a nice place to celebrate our anniversary.
S
Spoiledbutnotrotten
Denver
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on December 13, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
This visit we had two children and a new born with us and Rare was very accommodating to our group. There was no rush or fuss over the little ones. Our waitress was very patient and understanding. The food was excellent as expected.
JJ
JimJ
Denver
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 10, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
As usual RARE never disappoints! The service and food are amazing! I highly recommend RARE for a date night, special outing or a large group.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 10, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had an overnight getaway in Ft Collins. I heard about this restaurant from a friend. It was outstanding. Good wine, great lasagna! Can’t wait to try other dishes.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 7, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Staff was great. Food was delicious. Wine was amazing.
S
Spoiledbutnotrotten
Denver
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on December 4, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is a great place to take guests when you want to treat them to a special culinary experience. This is the best Italian restaurant in northern colorado. Their meat and cheese plate is outstanding, their pastas are perfect texture and flavor. But, their steaks are what puts them a cut above the rest.
M
Momsnightout
Denver
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 1, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
We go to Rare whenever we have friends visiting! Always great food and service.
L
Leelee
Denver
30 reviews
vip
4.0
30 reviews
Dined on December 1, 2019
overall4food5service4ambience4
Service a little slow, and inattentive, but food made up for it. Would benefit from having a friendlier hostess too.

FAQs

RARE Italian does offer delivery in partnership with Chow Now.

RARE Italian is rated 4.4 stars by 953 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Delivery

Additional information

Cross street
Mountain Ave
Neighborhood
Fort Collins
Hours of operation
Dinner: Sunday - Thursday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm Friday-Saturday 5:00pm - 12:00am Happy Hour: Daily 3:00-6:00
Cuisines
Contemporary Italian, Italian, Mediterranean
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
There is free 2-hour parking throughout Old Town area.
Public transit
Mountain Ave Max Station is one block away.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Steven Anderson
Additional
Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://rareitalian.com/
Phone number
(970) 294-4544

RARE Italian

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Delivery

Additional information

Rare Lasagna

Mixed Salad

Risotto

Antipasti

House-Made Cheeses

Italian Cheeses

Salumi

Vegetables

Appetizers

Calamari Fritti$12.00

Watermelon Salad$10.00

Rare Caesar$11.00

Mixed Salad$8.00

Arancini$11.00

Figs alla Plancha$12.00

Margherita Pizzetta$13.00

Salami Pizzetta$15.00

Quattro Formaggi Pizzetta$15.00

Speck Pizzetta$15.00

Pasta and Risotto

Risotto

Bucatini All 'Amatriciana

Tortelloni

Tagliatelle Marinara

Tajarin al Ragù

Rare Lasagna

Entrees

Senza Carne$24.00

Chicken "Al Mattone"$27.00

Polpette Bevevino$24.00

Brasato$27.00

Bone-In Pork Chop$27.00

Trout$30.00

Rare Burger*$13.00

House-Aged Steaks

8 Oz. Beef Tenderloin*$42.00

10 Oz. Dry-Aged New York Strip*$40.00

14 Oz. Dry-Aged Rib Eye*$42.00

24 Oz. Bone-In Dry-Aged New York Strip*$66.00

32 Oz. Dry-Aged Bistecca alla Fiorentina*$87.00

Side Dishes

Lentil Ragù

Funghi Trifolati (9)

Grilled Polenta

Chive Potatoes

Chili-Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Truffle Fries

Dessert

Blueberry Crostata

Overall ratings and reviews

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FAQs

Does RARE Italian offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is RARE Italian restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Delivery

Additional information