An open dining room provides quiet spaces for romance in this happening restaurant, but most of the action is at the sushi bar. This is definitely one of Boulder's places to be seen. Choose from over 100 sushi and sashimi selections, each one prepared right in front of you. Entrees feature a number of Pacific Rim seafood offerings. Enjoy items like Spicy Seafood Udon or Salmon Teriyaki. Most entrees come with Tamanishiki short grain rice, which rates as the highest quality rice in the world.

Zagat's raves about the food, the Wine Spectator touts the wine selection, and Mobil awarded the place four stars, so its obvious that you are in for an exquisite treat when you visit this establishment. Located in the dining room of the Hotel Boulderado, this is the perfect spot to celebrate a romantic occasion or impress the boss. The dinner menu features a host of seasonal specialties including Colorado rack of lamb. All dishes use local organically grown products.

This lively restaurant has all of the charm of a tiny European coastal café. Sunny paintings and brilliant colors bedeck the walls. Lush foliage grows everywhere, and an imported Italian wood burning stove glows in the background. Known for its flavorful tapas, the menu celebrates the succulent entrees of Italy, Spain, Greece and France. The wood-oven-baked pizzas are popular, as is the Eggplant Parmigiana. For dinner, the family style Paella de Mariso is divine. Order a dessert if just to observe the masterful designs created by the pastry chef.

Located near the Pearl Street Mall, this gem of a restaurant is like wandering around only to find Bruce Wayne's Bat Cave. It is worth finding, however, for it offers great Italian fare at great prices. Bright flags hanging from the high ceiling cast an Italian Alps type feel to the room. The ambiance is both urban and casual. Pizza is the main draw and features odd topping choices such as shrimp, artichokes and chopped clams. Specialty items include Chicken Fettuccini and Stuffed Shells. All of the pasta is homemade. The outdoor patio is the place to be during warm weather.

Thanks to a fishing troller called " "Overnight Delivery, this restaurant is able to serve some of the finest fish creations in town. Sit at the lively bar and slurp raw oysters or grab a table in the dining room or the patio. The dining room, bedecked in wharf décor, is small and often crowded. Both the catfish, which comes blackened or grilled, and the tuna, which is a thick center of mahi served rare, are popular dinner choices.

This quaint restaurant near the Pearl Street Mall is nestled in a Victorian house complete with a large porch and deck. The staff is friendly, and the food is wonderful. Make sure to get here early on weekends, as the place is always packed. Children are welcome. The chef creates delicious Louisiana-style cuisine. Breakfast selections include fresh baked biscuits, waffles, and Eggs Sardou, a Creole specialty. Fresh fruit and cereal is also available. The lunch menu offers salads, Creole and Po'Boy sandwiches. No alcohol is served, but there are plenty of coffee drinks.

Boulder is bagel crazy, meaning someone prepares the fresh baked delights on just about every corner. This popular shop occupies a spot in the Meadows Shopping Center. It may be a simple looking strip mall location, but heavenly smells will lure you in for a cup of java and a tasty bagel. In addition to a dozen different bagel flavors the store serves muffins and sandwiches. Complement your bagel with a gourmet coffee, espresso, a fruit smoothie or a juice drink. Seating is limited.

Stop in the Acoustic Coffee House and there is a good chance owner, State Representative and local celebrity, Tom Plant will serve you a cup of java. A long-time Mecca for acoustic musicians, singers and poets, the cafe draws a crowd all week long. The open stage bluegrass jam is a popular Sunday event. Fresh sandwiches, baked goods, bagels, tasty coffee and a funky patio atmosphere make this a popular hang out spot.

Do not let the brown, unmarked door fool you. Inside, this old Nederland watering hole is a rare view of mountain history and culture served with some delicious American and Mexican food. Known in town as the PI, it is worth a visit if just to view the rustic decor of wagon wheels, horse saddles and cowboy paraphernalia. On weekends live music booms about the dining room. Non-smoking and smoking sections are available. No children at the bar.

Affectionately known as Neo's, this pizzeria and Italian restaurant is a favorite among skiers driving home from Eldora. Huge family-style portions are big enough to share and include tasty selections of calzones and lasagna. But you cannot leave without tasting the fabulous pizza. An extensive beer and wine list will accommodate most tastes and price ranges. The tables are close together, and the service can be slow on busy evenings, but this does not deter the faithful customers of this long-time Nederland establishment.