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.
Overall, customers praised the deliciousness and quality of the food, particularly the steaks and pasta dishes, though some noted inconsistencies in flavor and preparation.
Service
Service received high marks for being attentive and friendly, with several servers being specifically mentioned for their exceptional service.
Atmosphere
The restaurant's ambiance was generally well-received, described as cozy and suitable for special occasions, though some found it a bit noisy.
Inconsistencies
A few reviews highlighted issues with food temperature and preparation, as well as a decline in quality over time, indicating a need for improvement.
Special Occasions
Many customers chose Rare for celebrations and reported positive experiences, although a few expressed disappointment in how special occasions were handled.
AA
Adam
1 day ago
5.0
I've passed this place for almost a decade, always opted for another restaurant. Turns out, that's been a massive mistake. The food was absolutely outstanding. I had a risotto that blew my mind. The affogatto was delightful as well
LP
Leslie Paxton
6 days ago
3.0
Staff was wonderful, never had an empty cup. It was very busy and our waiter was on it.
The food is really expensive and just okay. I would expect much larger servings for a $40 plate.
Calamari was wonderful, but the main course was very disappointing for us. There are far better places within walking distance.
VH
Veronica Hayes
Jan 2, 2026
5.0
Best steak in Fort Collins! Rare is the best restaurant we have in Old Town. Every time I've gone, the food has been delicious and consistent and the cocktails are just so well done, too. It's my husband's favorite, so I always take him there for special occasions. The filet is spectacular!
LM
Lynette Merrill
Dec 22, 2025
5.0
Excellent steak, the Brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes were SO good! The service was great and the atmosphere was very comfortable, it was nice to be able to converse without tons of noise. Highly recommend!
CC
CF Consulting
Dec 20, 2025
5.0
Another excellent experience at Rare. They have perfected the experience with not only excellently prepared food and presentations, but their service is always exceptional. The pasta and filet, NY strip, all of is just perfection. We can’t say enough about this place and it has become one of our absolute favorite places for a date night.
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.