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.
Mixed reviews on food quality, with some dishes praised as exceptional while others were criticized for being overly salty or poorly prepared.
Service
Service received high marks for attentiveness and friendliness, with several servers being highlighted for their exceptional service.
Atmosphere
The restaurant's ambiance is generally well-received, though some customers noted noise levels and seating arrangements could be improved.
Value
Customers expressed concerns about the pricing relative to food quality, with some feeling that the meals did not justify the cost.
SB
Starla B
5 days ago
2.0
Went to Rare for my 30th bday and it was pretty disappointing… the server was very unfriendly and seemed like she was having a bad night. The food was barely warm and it took over an hour to get our food.
KK
Kelley
Dec 1, 2025
5.0
Absolutely amazing. The steak melted in your mouth. Shout-out to Katie for making our 4-year anniversary one to remember. And James for being so accommodating and moving our reservation from 630 to 430 on short notice.
RS
Romina Silva
Nov 26, 2025
2.0
We just finished eating 15 minutes ago, it was 6 of us. My boyfriend had the gnocchi pasta, he just puked twice, he does not have any allergies or is intolerant to anything, that's not supposed to happen if the food is well made. Overall the food did not taste authentic at all, the flavor was very bad/mediocre. My brother had a hamburger with a side of fries and the fries were actually disgusting. My sister had some meatloaf and they were extremely salty, she couldn't even finish her meal. My dad didn't like the carbonara at all, he went to Italy recently and he said the flavor wasn't even close. Me and my mom had the ragu pasta and it was just ok, nothing especial for those 30 dollars. Everyone thought we could make something better at home. The server was ok, wasn't inviting at all tho. The only thing we liked was the environment. Do not recommend this restaurant at all! Such horrible experience, my boyfriend got super sick from it and it was super expensive! Save your money people.
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.
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.