Carlos' Bistro

This unassuming restaurant in the heart of Colorado Springs was one of the best meals I've had in quite some time. Upon entering, we were immediately greeted by the owner, Carlos, who asked us for our names with a great big smile. When he discovered that we were celebrating my date's birthday, he fawned over her with birthday wishes and the waitstaff soon joined him. We showed up 20 minutes early, but were sat immediately. The restaurant was not loud and we were able to easily hear each other speak without raising our voices. The bread was warm on the table and they brought us a homemade butter that was delicious. They were already prepared to accommodate my date's gluten allergy and had bread prepared for her as well. Throughout the dinner, Carlos would make the rounds. He had memorized our names and was funny and very charming. He loves what he does and you can tell. I ordered the Petite Boneless USDA PRIME Ribeye cooked to a medium temperature with a wedge salad. The salad came out first and, while not a traditional wedge salad, it was a great addition. My steak was cooked perfectly. It absolutely melted in my mouth. My date was poking fun at me because I was savoring every bite. For dessert, they brought over a gluten-free option of sorbet with a birthday candle lit. I could not recommend this restaurant more. It wasn't just a great meal... it was a great overall experience. I will definitely be returning.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Truly Exceptional Dining Experience! Carlos’ Bistro is hands down one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in Colorado Springs. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with warmth and hospitality that make you feel right at home. Carlos himself often comes by to welcome guests, which adds such a personal and memorable touch. The food is absolutely phenomenal—every dish is prepared with precision, creativity, and top-quality ingredients. Whether it’s the perfectly cooked filet mignon, fresh seafood specials, or their decadent desserts, each plate is beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The atmosphere is cozy and elegant, perfect for a special night out or romantic dinner. The wine selection is impressive, and the staff is incredibly knowledgeable and attentive without being overbearing. If you’re looking for a place where fine dining meets genuine hospitality, Carlos’ Bistro is a must-visit. Worth every penny and then some. I can’t wait to return!

My husband and I went to Carlos bistro for a celebratory date night, and it did not disappoint! Carlos himself greeted us, and made his way to our table a few times to ensure that the drinks and food were to our liking, and just gave us an overall very welcoming feeling. He took the time to stop at all the tables multiple times to ensure his guests were enjoying the experience. We had the green chili cheese, fondue, an old-fashioned, riesling, lamb chops, sea scallops, and crêpes for dessert; Everything was perfectly prepared, presented and delicious! We will definitely be back.

Absolutely one of the best experiences and restaurants I've been to. From the moment I walked in the restaurant I was greeted and welcomed in as if I belong there or have been there before. Chef Carlos and the staff ensured all our needs were met and even more. The establishment was a very intimate setting made for a great date for me and the wife. Lastly, but most importantly the food was the BEST I've ever had. We will be back and I highly recommend everyone else should follow suit.

My friend and I went to Carlos Bistro to celebrate my birthday. We took our time and enjoyed every bite. The atmosphere is inviting, and the service couldn't be more warm. A note worth mentioning. I really appreciated that the background music was truly in the background. I love being able to enjoy conversation over a meal, and Carlos Bistro provided an ideal environment. Carlos and Stephanie anticipated every desire we could think to have. I only wish I had visited Carlos Bistro long before! This is truly one of Colorado Springs's hidden gems. Thank you, Carlos and Stephanie, for ensuring I had such a delightful experience. And if you're a person who enjoys a good Old Fashioned, I highly recommend you have theirs!

real Japanese wagyu and Kobe. one of the best meals of my life. meals truly cooked with love and artistry. one of the best restaurants in all of Colorado. service is impeccable. Carlos is wonderful

5/30/25 update: Back in COS and stopped in to see Carlos. If you haven't been you need to go. The food is seriously delicious. Highly recommend. 11/29/24: Sublime. This food was amazing. We used to go to the Broadmoor for dinner when we visited the Springs but now we will be going to Carlos' Bistro. Carlos is sweet and fun and a wonderful Chef. Honestly the food was phenomenal for the price. I've been to more expensive places with less quality food. Highly highly recommend Carlos' Bistro. BTW: The Google maps menu prices are wrong from the actual prices.

We went to Carlos Bistro for date night and will 100% be back. It was phenomenal food, a wonderful atmosphere, great service and a beautiful night. Carlos’ story is a must hear!

We stumbled on this little gem by accident! The food and the service were top notch. The cocktails were just as awesome! Highly Recommend this restaurant. I was impressed by the quality of food and the thought that goes into every dish. This place is a must try and will not disappoint!

Can’t say enough about our experience, my fiancé and I came in for dinner for our Anniversary and were treated like royalty The greeting by Carlos makes you feel like you’ve known him for years love that he remembers our names The excellent communication, amazing customer service and speediness of courses was top notch The food was incredible, and the French butter with sea salt - Magnifique We can’t wait to come back! thank you to the entire staff that made our experience so special

I took my husband here for his birthday dinner at the recommendation of a long time friend. Frank and Carlos are awesome! They were incredibly professional and extremely warm and welcoming. Carlos crafted beautiful meals and shared his thought process for his passion for food. He answered all of our questions about menu items and asked us about our preferences before giving well thought out recommendations. Frank was so accommodating and it was like he anticipated all our needs and questions. Frank made the effort to get to know us, was patient with our decision making and always had a smile on his face. I loved the feel of a family environment where the staff seem to truly care about the people coming to their restaurant. The food was spectacular. My husband said his cocktail was great! Carlos shared his dream of working at his restaurant for another 30 years and I hope his dream comes true. I will be recommending this place to family and friends from here on out! 10/10 experience. Looking forward to our next time here (:

Carlos Bistro offers an exceptional dining experience with high-quality ingredients and passionate culinary craftsmanship. The atmosphere is warm, and every dish is meticulously prepared, reflecting the chefs' dedication. The staff's enthusiasm and knowledge enhance the experience, making it truly memorable. Highly recommend for anyone seeking extraordinary cuisine.

This place is a hidden gem in Colorado Springs. The food is wonderful and the owner, Carlos is the owner and is was intragle part of our meal Service. The restaurant was just terrific.

Carlos greeted is with delight ensuring to know that it was a special event my friend's Matt's birthday. We started out the evening with the tartare, fried oysters and foie gras all of which was well seasoned and to accompany the starters some amazing bread and butter including pecan bread that was just the right amount of sweet. The main course we chose the lamb and ribeye cooked perfectly. Our server Stephanie didn't miss a beat when it came to making sure our orders were correct and the table was clear. The night was truly magical and felt very intimate. I would definitely recommend Carlos' Bistro.

Stoped by this amazing place on our ride across the country. Amazing European food with Peruvian flair. Attention to details and service is immaculate. Amazing bar, wine selection, and whiskey. Lobster bisque was next level, lamb was phenomenal, steaks were perfect. Absolutely top notch experience that is very hard to find nowadays. Worth every dollar we will be back.

This place deserves WAY MORE than 5 stars. The personal attention & professionalism of the staff is unmatched. Stephanie was our Server & she was top notch 👌 Carlos continued to check on our table as well & chatting with him was enlightening. I am a Google Local Guide, Level 8 & have been writing reviews on restaurants for many years. When I tell you this place is FABULOUS, I mean it. They made sure that our Valentine's Dinner was so lovely & we are so grateful. 💝 The 2 dishes that stood out above the rest: 🐌The Escargot 🐌 🦞The Lobster Bisque 🦞

*PHOTOS ATTACHED ARE ALL THE ASSOCIATED DISHES FOR REFERENCE :)* This evening my girlfriend and I decided to treat ourselves to a nice Italian Restaurant, after looking around for a little, we settled in Carlos' Bistro. This has been by far one of the best experiences I've had at a restaurant. We had the pleasure of being serviced by Carlos and accompanied by his wife Stephanie, Carlos was incredibly welcoming from when we first entered to up until we left. Stephanie was assisting the other tables, but also came to greet us and assist with whatever we needed as well. We started off with a couple of drinks, I can't recall the names of them, I just can best describe them as Lemonade Martini's, one with Gin and the other with Boka. Those were pretty good, very good flavor with a tinge of alcohol flavor at the end, although I personally do not drink much so my sensitivity to that is pretty high. After taking a long look at the cocktail menu, my girlfriend decided to try a professionally made Vesper as she's always loved James Bond, and she was not at all dissapointed. It was pretty strong for my liking, but she absolutely loved it. As for our food, I have personally never been to a fancy Italian Restaurant before, so I was very new to the menu, but Carlos was gracious enough to tell us about his specials as well as answer any questions we had about the dishes! At our table came water, a bowl of bread, and some butter. The butter's texture was very smooth (like butter) only proven to be even better once Carlos came and added some sea salt to it. The bread was also very good, they had (what I believe to be, at least) some kind of raisin bread that is absolutely to die for. The other bread is more so what you would expect at a restaurant as this, very crunchy exterior, but very soft interior, very good. What we decided to go with for our appetizers were the Lobster Bisque (which Carlos was hyping up) and the Ratatouille. Firstly, the Bisque was absolutely worth all of the praise that Carlos has received for creating that, the flavor was amazing, the Lobster was a perfect combination, and combining it with the complimentary bread made it very, very good. Secondly, the Ratatouille was very delicious, I've never had this before, so I don't have a frame of reference unfortunately. However, it was absolutely splendid. For our entreè, we decided to go with pasta. I got the Filet Mignon Stroganoff w/ Medium Rare meat and my girlfriend got the Lobster Fa Daviolo. As for my dish, the sauce combined with the juicy and tender steak really sold it. The combination of all of the vegetables along with the noodles was also a very nice idea, especially as I'm someone who likes to eat my food individually. The Lobster Fa Daviolo I didn't try because it's quite a spicy dish, my girlfriend described it as being a 6-7 with immediate spice and a 2-3 lingering after eating a bite. So I imagine that was quite worth it, just not my cup of tea. For a desert we decided to go with the Raspberry and Mango Sorbet, which I can't recall the name of, but that was the gist. The desert was just as good as the main meal, incredibly full of flavor, great display, and included assortment of fruits. Things like Blackberries, Raspberries, some Blueberries, and raw mint leaves were all in the dish, which was a thorough surprise. All in all, I'm incredibly happy to have chosen this locally owned and operated restaurant, and definitely going to be telling others this place for their own delight as well. We're incredibly happy to have had the experience dining here, and we certainly hope to do so again in the future! Thank you Carlos & Stephanie! - Kalvin & Leilani

What a wonderful experience! Carlos is amazing, and really makes dinner an experience to be remembered. Stephanie, our server was nothing short of brilliant! Her and Carlos made sure we had a wonderful first night in Colorado Springs. Great food, wine, and service that feels personal!

I took my wife here for our 5th anniversary. This was the most amazing experience at a restaurant my wife and I have ever had. The food was the best I have ever had, and the service was even better. Carlos was amazing, so welcoming, and made our experience feel very personal

We had a party of 6, 3 couples, dine at Carlos Bistro for dinner. For starters, the service was exceptional. Carlos met us in the parking lot to greet and welcome us to his restaurant. He then walked us to our table, asked each person their name, and relayed that to our server, Stephanie, who called us by our name throughout the night. The restaurant's ambiance was elegant and intimate, perfect for a romantic dinner or a special celebration. Carlos was more than willing to accommodate my husband's allergy to tree nuts and explained that all dishes on the menu are made to order so that any ingredient could be omitted. The menu was extensive, with options to suit any palate. We tried various menu selections, including Escargot, Calamari, Lobster Bisque, Wedge Salad, Paella, Lamb Chops, Veal Scallopini Marsala, Fruit de Mer, and Bison. Every dish we tried was phenomenal, but our table fan favorite was the Lamb Chops. The attention to detail, personalized service, and classy atmosphere made our dining experience exceptional. We will be back the next time we visit Colorado Springs. Thank you to Carlos and Stephanie for making our experience incredible.

My husband and I have been to Carlo's Bistro many times and have never been disappointed. The dishes offered are both artistically beautiful and phenomenally delicious! This visit I had the Chorizo appetizer, the Caeser Salad and the Schnitzel dinner. My husband had the Lobster Bisque (which he is still talking about! and the Beef Wellington. You cannot get this kind of food anywhere else in Colorado Springs. But for us, what stands out most is the service. Carlos is a master at what he does, he is all energy and good nature. Charming and intuitive he guides you through the ever changing menu. Truly, cannot recommend HIGHLY ENOUGH!

Carlos Bistro is more than just dinner—it’s an unforgettable experience! From the moment we sat down, the owner himself took care of us, and it was clear this place runs on passion. With a small staff (just the owner, one other server, and the kitchen team), the personal touch here is unmatched. The owner made us feel like VIPs, sharing detailed stories about where every ingredient came from, which made the meal even more special. We tried the Filet Mignon Stroganoff, and wow—hands down the best beef dish we’ve ever had. The beef melted in our mouths, and the flavors were rich and perfectly balanced. This dish alone is reason enough to come back! We also had the Fresh Duck Breast and the Crab Alfredo, both of which were delicious and packed with flavor. It’s definitely on the pricier side—maybe a bit more than expected—but given the quality of the ingredients and the personal, one-of-a-kind service, it’s worth it. The owner’s passion for food truly shines through every bite. Highly recommend Carlos Bistro if you’re looking for a unique dining experience. It’s the perfect spot for a special occasion or a memorable night out. Be sure to get the Filet Mignon Stroganoff—you won’t regret it!

From the second you walk through the door, you feel like family. This was my first visit and has already become a staple for us. Carlos greets you with a vibrant smile and genuine excitement for you being there! From the first greeting to the closing of the check, you feel 100% taken care of and valued. Sarah was our server and you have to request her if you go! Prompt, knowledgeable of the menu, warm and attentive, she is the epitome of what amazing service looks like. Don’t even get me started on her mixology skills! ✨ A true gem of a place, we can’t wait to be back!!

Anniversary night, 41 years! Spent the most personalized delightful evening with my love! Carlos the owner shared fun stories and Stephanie treated us like royalty. The meal was the best anniversary dinner we have enjoyed! We split lobster salad; dined on fillet tenderloin, and asparagus with rice! Martinis so delicious and finally truffles with cream! We will be back. Would recommend making this place your next special night out!

Wow. My friend and I were here from out of town and it was a highlight to end the trip at this restaurant. The service was so great, Carlos came out and introduced himself right away and got our names. He had a very welcoming atmosphere both inside and out. Our server Stephanie knew lots of knowledge about the menu and had amazing suggestions. Although it is on the pricey side, everything was made with love and we could taste it!! We got the ratatouille bruschetta (great portions!), the crab Alfredo, and pan seared scallops and wow... don’t really have words! Also the cocktails were delicious... the bread pudding also carried well to go and the presentation was perfect even at home. Best service we’ve had in awhile. They represent Colorado well!

Tonight was amazing! The atmosphere was incredible and very romantic. The food was absolutely delicious, from the appetizers to the dinner, dessert, and wine. From the moment we walked in, we were welcomed in such a warm and unique way. The entire service was exceptional and personalized. My husband and I will definitely return for another unforgettable date night!

My fiancé and I had an absolutely beautiful time. Before going to any new restaurants I always look at their 1 star reviews first so we can go in with full knowledge. After going here I truly feel like the 5 most recent 1 star reviews weren’t true on any level and did not set the scene for what is truly there. (The gentleman comparing this bistro in Colorado Springs to a diner in Naples is just ridiculous and how do you roast someone’s entire menu without trying the food? How pathetic) Despite many reviews about price gouging I found it to be affordable for the quality of service and the meals. (Total cost of meal at the end) The staff is attentive without being invasive, Carlos is personable, friendly and charming. I love that every server greets you by name throughout the entire service. We started our meal inside at a table and ended with desert out front by the fire they had and it was stunning. For drinks I had a glass of champagne and a glass of Riesling, my fiancé got a drink called the green mountain fall (that was to die for) the green mountain fall was an absolutely stunning drink with notes of peach and apricot and made with angels envy whisky, that drink alone is a $95 drink which is definitely pricey for a drink but very delicious. We personally wouldn’t order again because I don’t find value in a $95 drink but again very delicious. We ordered fried mozzarella and ratatouille bruschetta for apps, the mozzarella was fresh and salty and stringy and pulled apart so beautifully. I do wish it came with more because if I recall correctly it was 5 pieces. I read a review claiming the food was too salty and Carlos must have fixed it because it was all beautifully seasoned. Next we ordered a filet with risotto and then a filet al la Oscar (which had crab meat and hollandaise sauce) both were cooked to perfection and beautifully seasoned, I LOVED the sauce and felt like they gave nice portions. I also read another review complaining that the plating was messy but I truly believe that everything was lovely, I would however tone down the spring greens on the top but still lovely. Ours were both played with spring greens, fried strips of carrot, asparagus and a squash or zucchini. Lastly for desert we ordered both their cheesecake crepe with a whisky sauce and the crème brûlée. The cheesecake was wrapped in a sweet crepe and was about the size of a cigar, topped with a blueberry(?) whiskey cream sauce that was so rich and creamy with a bold whisky flavor. The crème brûlée was rich, creamy and tangy with tons of specs of vanilla beans throughout topped with blackberries and raspberries. For 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, 2 deserts, 2 glasses of wine and a $95 drink and our total was $316 which I honestly find very affordable especially if you take the $100 drink out of the factor. Carlos, thank you for such a beautiful experience we will be back!

Wow wow wow! This is our first time here and we are hooked. The atmosphere is wonderful with the fireplace, full bar and you could see the mountains out the windows. Our waitress knew everything on the menu and could answer all of her questions and her service was impeccable. Carlos, the owner came out and engaged with us and talked for a few minutes. Wagyu and Kobe cooked to perfection here. I know it sounds cliché, but it’s worth every penny. If you come between 4 PM and 5P they have an early bird special and you can get the same great dishes for a little bit less money. Will be back soon.

Everything about this place is elevated to an art. The attention to detail, passion, and execution make it a truly enjoyable place to share an exquisite meal experience. Carlos and the waitstaff are lovely. Very memorable.

This is my head to toe review: Let me start off by giving a shout out to Stephanie!! That woman was on it. She took very good care of us during this dining experience. Never had to wait for drink refills cuz she was on top of that and the bread was flowing.. OMG THAT DELICIOUS BREAD. I LoOOVEe me some bread and that was amazing. Speaking of amazing, the esthetics offered an intimate setting and I love the fact that the last seating is at 7p to avoid distraction from your present company but the staff was accommodating until the last patron left. Carlos, the owner and head chef, was engaging, personable and offered great food pairing ideas. The menu is vast and food choices are not your typical bunch either. There was so much flavor in our meals. I really wanted to try everything. The appetizers looked and tasted delish (we got the shrimp cocktail and crab cake). Our main meals were the paella and fruit de mar and we were stuffed. I wish I had-had room for dessert! If I'm asked for company dining ideas I'm definitely putting Carlos Bistro in the hat drawing. This experience was worth every penny and I look forward to visiting again REAL soon.

My wife took me here for my birthday back in January and I absolutely cannot say enough good things about this restaurant. The Atmosphere and Decor of the restaurant is awesome and they were playing some old school 80's rock that had me vibing from the start. The server was awesome and made sure we always had a drink while providing us a ton of background on the items that were on the menu. Carlos even came by our table a few times to tell us some stories about his journey as a chef which I found very captivating. The crabcake appetizer was amazing and the seafood pasta I ordered was easily the best I have ever had. We loved this place so much we are taking two of our friends that are visiting from out of town here on Friday night. I will say that my only negative was that I felt the whiskey was a little over priced but it did not exceed my expectations as I had two very full glasses. Great everything here and this place lives up to its reputation if you are looking for some place upscale to take someone to eat this is it. Don't miss out on this place!!!

Just a phenomenal experience. From the ambience to the service to the French butter to Carlos remembering everyone's name, everything is so wonderful and warm and delicious! We had the cacio e pepe and calamari for appetizers. Petite ribeye and porkchop for main course. White and dark chocolate bread pudding for dessert. Everything is top tier and it's such a fine dining experience. Already looking forward to coming back! 😊

This restaurant is a true gem! We had dinner at Carlos’ last night and it was our first time visiting. Carlos greeted us like two members of his family coming to his home for dinner. The food is exquisitely prepared and absolutely delicious! I had the lamb chops which melted in your mouth and my partner had a wagyu/kobe hamburger that Carlos promised “would change his life”! I’m quite certain it did! We can’t wait to return to Carlos’ Bistro. Thank you to everyone that made our visit so special.

I can’t believe we haven’t found Carlos Bistro sooner! We came here to celebrate my dad’s birthday. We all agree, this is the best service and food we have had at a restaurant in a very long time, if not ever. The owner and our server were very hospitable, greeting us all by name. The food was all delicious. They had lots of gluten free/friendly options and a full list of NA drinks, so I didn’t feel left out of the celebration in any sort of way. The filet mignon was the best steak I’ve ever had, and my husband loved the elk special. Additionally, they were so very welcoming and accommodating to our 11 month old. We absolutely will be coming back!

If you come to Colorado Springs and you don’t go to Carlos’ you are missing out. I have dined at many five star / Michelin restaurants that do not even compare to the service I have received here. Carlos personally greeted us upon arrival and Stephanie kept us informed on all the menu items. My family all ordered different dishes and every single one was as delicious as the next. 10/10. Amazing.

I don’t remember the last time I had a true experience at a restaurant (until I went here). We went with a larger group, and Carlos meet us in the parking lot, greeted us and provided the best customer service I think I’ve ever had. Not only was a customer service absolutely exceptional, but the food was beyond amazing. You can tell they put heart and soul into every meal and really care about the ingredients. The only thing I’m sad about is that I didn’t know about this place earlier!! But now I will be going for every time we eat out and I will be telling literally everyone about it. Seriously, just go!!!!!!

Incredible service and food are sure to deliver a very memorable dining experience! Carlos Bistro delivers an amazing dining experience on all levels. My 41st birthday will forever be one of those incredible memories thanks to Carlos, his staff and especially the Chef(s)!!! We began our meal with the lobster bisque which came out with a lobster tail shell and all, as well as the crab cake. For the main course beef wellington and the 8oz filet mignon. Quality, cook, seasoning and portion sizes were all very well balanced and exploding with flavors. Dessert was a cheesecake crape with fresh berries and I enjoyed a EH Taylor straight rye whiskey from their nice range of whiskey and bourbon offerings. All across the board it was just amazing. Exquisite food with an exceptional service staff make Carlos Bistro a five experience. Thank you Carlos Bistro for making our evening unforgettable!

Had an amazing experience dining in at Carlos Bistro. Atmosphere was amazing. Carlos and Stephanie took such great care of us. It was our 10 year anniversary and couldn’t have picked a better place to go. Highly recommend!

I cannot say enough amazing things about this place! We were instantly greeted by Carlos the owner and he was so excited to have us. Steph and Carlos asked our names and referred to us by our names all night as they were very personable. The drinks were brought out in super fun glasses and they were AMAZING. The presentation of our main course was so beautiful. I got the petite filet with risotto rice. For the desert our plates were cleared and I loved how they bring you a new clean napkin for desert. The attention to small detail is phenomenal and I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone and everyone

While the service and food was spectacular. The food and drinks were extremely expensive. For spending over $100 per person you would expect not to be hungry for the rest of the day. The food servings were small. For example scallop dish has two scallops for $37. A soda costs $10. I didn’t like the fact the desserts were told to us versus a menu and we couldn’t see the price of what we ordered.