Top 5 Fort Collins international restaurants you must try
The Colorado State dining scene is anything but typical in comparison to most college towns. Of course, in the surrounding neighborhoods, the usual college bars, student-preferred late night pizza joints and classic American burger hot spots can be found. However, it’s what lies in between these restaurants that makes Fort Collins dining unique. The dining scene is brimming with international cuisine restaurants that everyone living in the area must try.
Perhaps, you haven’t already taken the time to explore the exotic cuisines in CSU’s surround neighborhoods already. Have no fear. Below is a list of five of the best local restaurants that cater to five completely different cuisine cultures.
- Cafe de Bangkok
If you are someone who enjoys traditional Asian-American food, try broadening your horizons with this authentic Thai restaurant. Located in the Campus West neighborhood off of Elizabeth Street, Café de Bangkok is an establishment that is dedicated to serving genuine Thai food six days a week. The executive chef, Wichayanee Chayangkura Brown, or Pu, comes from Bangkok herself, and she has been practicing her craft in Thai cuisine for 20 plus years. The menu includes Thai classics like pad thai and crab rangoon, but also has more unfamiliar entrees like stir fried holy basil. You definitely won’t want to miss out on this southeast asian experience.
2. Los Tarascos
For those searching for authentic Mexican food, Los Tarascos is the closest you’ll get to the south of the border cuisine. The restaurant was founded by the Caballerno family, who immigrated to Colorado from the Mexican region of Michoacan. The menu revolves around food from their homeland, which includes a chorizo bean dip and tricolor enchiladas. Los Tarascos also has daily happy hour specials, so you’re sure to almost always snag a deal at each visit.
3. Petra Grill
One of Fort Collins biggest cultural surprises, and a blessing, is the abundance of Mediterranean restaurants. However, only one spot can give you an authentic dining experience: Petra Grill. Also found in the Campus West neighborhood, Petra Grill’s main focus is to bring the community true middle eastern and Mediterranean flavors. The menu boasts tasty appetizers, like eggplant babba ganouj and fried falafel, and flavorful entrees, like lamb kabobs and gyro’s. Petra Grill is a must when wanting to satisfy all of your Mediterranean cravings.
4. Canino’s
Canino’s is a Fort Collins classic that has some of the best traditional Italian food in the area. In fact, the restaurant is so classic that it has spent it’s 40 years of service in a 1905, historic landmark building. Pretty vintage, huh? The menu is just as classic as the building. From Sicilian mussels to pasta primavera, you most certainly won’t leave Canino’s with an unsatisfied appetite.
5. Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal in Old Town Fort Collins provides a culinary experience you will not want to miss. The owner, Balwinder Singh, immigrated to Colorado from India in 1986, and ever since then he has been prevalent in the Colorado Indian cuisine scene. Singh began Taj Mahal in 1996, and has been bringing authentic Indian food to Fort Collins ever since. The restaurant has won several awards including “Best of Fort Collins” and “Tastiest Cuisine.” When dining at Taj Mahal, be sure to try the chicken tikka masala and vegetable samosa.
International dining is certainly an area our community neighborhoods are not lacking in. Our diverse population provides the perfect setting for exotic cuisines. Next time you and your friends are dining out, try challenging your palette with one of these international delights.
