RARE is an Italian steakhouse located in the heart of Old Town in Fort Collins, Colorado. Inspired by travel experiences in central Italy, RARE offers a rustic, farm-to-table approach to dishes often found in Umbria and Tuscany. RARE’s menus feature fresh, homemade pasta and cheeses, the best in-house dry-aged steaks in Northern Colorado, and an extensive list of New and Old World wines.
Many customers praised the attentive and friendly service, highlighting specific servers like Jeffrey and Monica for their exceptional care.
Food Quality
While many reviews celebrated the delicious steaks and pasta, there were mixed opinions on certain dishes, with some customers expressing disappointment in flavor and presentation.
Atmosphere
The restaurant's ambiance was frequently described as warm and inviting, though some noted it could be noisy at times.
Consistency
Several customers mentioned a decline in food quality and menu changes over time, indicating a desire for the restaurant to maintain its previous standards.
Special Occasions
The restaurant is often chosen for celebrations, with many customers appreciating the efforts made for special events, although some felt their expectations were not met.
RV
Rohit Valecha
2 days ago
5.0
Italian cuisine of this quality is indeed RARE. Easily one of the best eggplant parmesan!
AA
A.C.S
Nov 17, 2025
5.0
Saved the best for last! We were visiting our daughter (from New Jersey) for a few days and picked RARE Italian as the last restaurant to try. We were not disappointed. It’s very pretty, sort of a fancy comfy vibe. Some people were dressed up, others were casual.
The hostess was friendly. Our table was very comfortable. Our server Jocelyn was excellent! She was super attentive, always filling up our drinks, checking on us, empty dishes don’t sit around, either Jocelyn or a nice young man would remove them right away.
The food and drinks were outstanding. I got the duck ragu, and a spicy pear marg. My husband got the filet-said it was one of the best he ever had, and my daughter and her fiancé (who are vegan) got the vegan eggplant parm. and said it was delicious.
We are coming back in June with more family and we will definitely be going here again for dinner.
HS
Haleigh Sockwell
Nov 16, 2025
5.0
Really enjoyed my experience! My partner and I are vegan and the eggplant parm was the best we have ever had. My dad, who is a notoriously picky eater, also said it was the best meal he ever had. He liked the carrot and doesn’t normally like carrots. The service was fantastic, it was quick and attentive. I would recommend this restaurant to others for sure.
VD
Vince D
Nov 10, 2025
5.0
Servers were terrific! Great food and drinks overall. Appetizers were our favorite. Will be back again 🥂
JP
Jhoe Policarpio
Nov 5, 2025
5.0
The steak si melting!!! Everything is amazing, kudos to Jeffey who assist us whos very nice to Us,i really love this place
What type of cuisine does RARE Italian specialize in?
RARE Italian is an Italian steakhouse offering Rustic, farm-to-table dishes inspired by central Italy, particularly Umbria and Tuscany.
Where is RARE Italian located?
RARE Italian is located at 101 S. College Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80524 in the Old Town Fort Collins neighborhood.
What are the opening hours of RARE Italian?
RARE Italian is open daily from 4:00 PM to 9:15 PM.
Does RARE Italian offer pickup or delivery services?
RARE Italian offers in-store pickup and also provides delivery services with no-contact delivery available.
Can I make a reservation at RARE Italian?
Yes, RARE Italian accepts reservations but does not require them.
What payment options does RARE Italian accept?
They accept American Express, Cash, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, debit and credit cards.
Is RARE Italian wheelchair accessible?
Yes, RARE Italian has wheelchair accessible entrances, parking, seating, and restrooms.
What can I expect on the menu at RARE Italian?
The menu features fresh homemade pasta and cheeses, house dry-aged steaks, antipasti, wine, cocktails, and happy hour offerings, including vegetarian and vegan options.
What nearby places can I visit before or after dining at RARE Italian?
Nearby you can visit The Mainline Ale House, a popular pub and bar; Walrus Ice Cream for desserts; and Pendleton, a clothing store, perfect for shopping.
How can I use nearby transportation or attractions to find RARE Italian?
RARE Italian is centrally located in Old Town Fort Collins near popular spots like Starry Night Espresso Cafe and FirstBank, making it easily accessible for visitors exploring local shops and cafes.