Thank you to everyone at Ephemera for the most incredible experience last night. The tasting menu was so special from start to finish. We were truly blown away with every single dish. If you are open to completely unique flavor combinations that will wake up your whole palette, you love high quality service, and want to be blown away by the most passionate staff I've ever seen...please check it out! This is the first restaurant EVER where I haven't had to ask for a salt shaker--literally every item on the plate was seasoned to perfection. You can't miss out on the squid ink pasta, sirloin, fish with pancetta, and asparagus soup. I could skip the panzanella and the ice cream next time around--just personally weren't my thing. We absolutely can't wait to come back! read more

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I was so disappointed in this place and wanted to like it so bad, especially with all the good reviews. We tried this place for this years anniversary after doing the tasting course at Ambli for last years anniversary, and there's just no comparison - food, service and atmosphere. First, the setting of this restaurant just does not feel intimate at all. There's no privacy, you can hear the music from down stairs, the light and ambience lacked, there's nothing romantic about it for a special occasion. Second, the food was notmind blowing as it should have been. There was 3/7 dishes that did absolutely nothing for me or my fiancé and the portions were so small. The barramundi fish was excellent, the chicken, and rhubarb tart were good as well. The service was good at first and everyone was nice but then we were forgotten about for the last three courses it felt like. Also, we saw them filling their 'fancy bottled water' with tap water several times. For a $250 bill I have serious regret going here. I highly recommend Ambli over here. read more

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We came to Ephemora for our first date night since Covid and the arrival of our kiddos. We had big expectations and hopes for our first night out in 2 years and Ephemera exceeded our highest expectations. The food was impeccable...almost too beautiful to eat...until you take the first bite and then you can't help but finish every delicious bite. You must get the tasting menu with the wine pairing. Each course is amazing. The wine is the final perfect topping element to each dish, which makes every course soar even higher. If you do order a la cart, you are still in great hands, as the staff are accomplished sommeliers and make fantastic recommendations. Ephemera gave us a fantastic evening with amazing food and delightful service. Highly recommend. read more

Ephemera - Desserts Near Me - Colorado Springs, Colorado

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Horrible experience trying to have my birthday dinner here on vacation. Big mistake. There were two servers, both of which confirmed our orders of the Chefs table at $69/person. Not too bad. Food was sub par at best. They kept bringing me and my wife wine pairings despite us telling both waitresses I DO NOT (allergy) and my wife was good with water. They still charged both of us for the sommelier experience we never asked for. Over $300 later .... I had to get out of there. And I'm actually still hungry. TOTAL WASTE OF TIME AND $$ read more

What an awesome gem. The place seemed so casual and we were blown away by everything. We did the wine pairing dinner and it was awesome. Our server described everything so perfectly and was so happy and friendly. When we told them it was our 26th anniversary, I think almost every staff member stopped by at some point to congratulate us. Our server even gave us a recommendation on where to go for some cocktails after dinner!!! It's a bit pricey but well worth our time and money. Thanks!! read more

We eat a lot of fine dining and living in Colorado has meant basically being disappointed. The food in CO is normally just fancy for the sake of being fancy...tough game meat and bull balls at a premium price. Not Ephemera! This is the best dining experience we've had in the state. The executive chef isn't as polished as I think he's going to be as he gets more age and experience and the som wine pairing isn't perfect...but this restaurant is really exciting and good. I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes. Get the chef's tasting menu and have fun! read more

If there is any single place that is truly an example of the movement in the right direction of Colorado Springs, it is Ephemera. The bravery this restaurant has to pursue their concept in a meat and potato, Applebee's, taco shop, brewery town like this is inspiring. The owner's Ian and Adam are two of the most brilliant, creative, forward thinking people in this city and their food speaks of it. They are truly inspiring. I just had my second experience here and just so happened to be as blown away as the first. The first experience, my lovely date and I were so excited to dive right in to their seven course menu. Dish, after dish, after dish, after dish were incredible. The kitchen team's preparation, composition, and respect for every ingredient on every course was something I have never experienced before. They treat every ingredient, on every dish, as it's own individual note on a keyboard. Every dish is harmony. There were stand outs. The deconstructed spring roll blew my mind, the beet tortellini (no joke) brought a tear to my eye, and the Elk Wellington was one of the most delicious, out there, memorable dishes of my life. My second experience was all about their oysters. It's truly wonderful to have the chefs present you with a half dozen and guide you through what makes them special. You taste meaning, which is so special. Paired with a glass of delicious muscadet, couldn't be happier. In a town like this, Ephemera is special. They are truly pushing the culture of Colorado Springs forward. We aren't New York, we aren't San Francisco, we don't ever want to be Denver, but this place epitomizes what is so special about our big little city. There is serious talent here, and this place is showcasing the best of it. Ian, Adam, and Nora are the best of this city and I couldn't recommend a seat at their spot more. read more

This was definitely one of the best meals I've had in Colorado Springs! The chef's tasting menu and sommelier wine pairing was 100% on point and I wish it was Vegan Week all the time. JB did a fabulous job explaining the wines and the regions they came from. Chef Ian came out to talk to me about the dishes he had prepared, and all around it was a really lovely meal. I was happy to find out that Ephemera can accommodate a vegetarian menu outside of Vegan Week for the chef's tasting menu, which means I'll definitely be back with my friends. This is a wonderful addition to Downtown Colorado Springs and I think this will be one of my go-to "special evening out" restaurants! read more

Ephemera - Smashed potato with avocado and poblano purée paired with an exquisite Carménère from Chile. - Desserts Near Me - Colorado Springs, Colorado

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We were told that this place was an amazing experience. We weren't disappointed one bit. It truly is a fine dining experience. The description on the website is that it's a punk rock type of fine dining. I love me some punk rock, so the description has me intrigued. The setting is unique with art from artists on the walls and in our experience, clouds in the sky. We definitely had our head in the clouds as we were daydreaming about the different pairings with each course. Tonight's menu has only 5 courses. We also got the oysters as an appetizer. Initially when the first course was served, we honestly thought that we'd have to get some snacks later to fulfill our appetites. Boy, we were wrong! The serving sizes are in the smaller side, but the combination of the different wines along with the exquisite courses was just right. Not too much, not too little. Each course seemed to just better and better! read more

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I'm excited to see Ephemera here and I'm excited to return. I stopped in on a whim one evening and tried a few lighter items with the recommended wine pairing. The food was delicious and the experience was awesome. I highly recommend checking this place out and going with the plan on pairing wine with the food. I look forward to returning for their tasting menu. This place is a little hidden in and located in COATI which can be confusing to the first-time visitor. Don't let that keep you from seeking it out. It's worth the effort. read more

I moved here recently from the East Coast and have been underwhelmed by the restaurant scene - until tonight! Ephemera is outstanding. The food was outstanding, the service was friendly, knowledgable and attentive, the wine list was varied and impressive and the value is remarkable. By far, the best overall restaurant experience in the Springs. I will be back!! read more

Ephemera - Desserts Near Me - Colorado Springs, Colorado

I've been maybe four times, always done the tasting menu, and it is ALWAYS a hit. They do fun and unique flavor pairings, the wines are usually interesting and complimentary, the courses are timed well, and the servers are well informed. It's the perfect date night/special occasion place. read more

Y'all. This was such a great experience! The food was amazing! I left completely satisfied with the chef's tasting menu! And my vegan/vegetarian peeps don't hesitate! My husband ordered vegan options and he was thrilled with his dinner! It was beautiful. So tasty! So perfect. I don't know how they shoved so much flavor into a rutabaga but there you go. Perfect evening. Perfect service. I couldn't ask for a better anniversary dinner. Eat here. You won't regret it. read more

What a fantastic experience! First time here and went for the Chef's Seven Course Tasting Menu + wine paring. I love that this format forces me to try things I would never go for normally. Every single course was fantastic, every pairing was spot on, and the service was friendly, attentive and engaging. Pick your fav fine dining spot, remove all ostentation, and enjoy every bite. Definitely coming back... and bringing friends. read more

This is a great example of a team / restaurant trying very hard to be the foodie restaurant without the chef skills or wine skills. Pork belly was not seared or fat rendered. Pasta was overwhelmed by too much lemon. Salad overwhelmed by too much paprika and allspice on the granola. We ordered the Somm wine pairings which was a mistake. For starters, one of our pairings was a very sweet cocktail, " because they couldn't find the right wine". They just need to hire someone who knows wine. Our cab franc was from Napa and lacked depth. Our cab Sauv from Paso and had overripe fruit. There are many wines that could have worked, but they went for the known pricey regions . The exception was the Italian white pair with the salad and the Hungarian dessert wine which were both very good. Two for six ( one course had no wine for some reason) is tough when you are charging $150 / person for food and wine. read more

Amazing venue with personable service. We will definitely return for their tasting menu. A must for date night, to impress friends from out of town, or just because you want great food and wine! read more

The only way I can describe This place is that food is unique and amazing! If you ever want to try this place I strongly recommend to get the dinner special. read more

Ephemera - Desserts Near Me - Colorado Springs, Colorado

This was our 5th time bringing friends and doing the 7-course tasting menu & wine pairing that gets switched up every couple months according to the season, so there are always new surprises and creations and pairings to try! Even the art gets changed monthly to allow new artists to feature their work, so it's always different when you visit! Each tasting plate was delicately and artistically presented, flavorful and cooked to perfection and I was again incredibly impressed with the wait staff & chef's knowledge of all the beautiful different foods and how friendly they remained from start to finish while catering to each person's needs. We were a big party of 11 with a ton of allergies and food restrictions in our group and not only did they keep everything straight for each of us, as needy as we were, but they also even made alternative plates of food for some picky eaters to make sure everyone left with a full belly with food they enjoyed. They also expanded their seating area to accommodate larger parties and we felt very well taken care of, we were asked if the music was a good volume, etc, they were just super accommodating. I will always highly suggest this place if you are open minded to trying new, exciting, nourishing foods and flavor combinations you can't find at too many other places on this scale or if you're looking for that elevated excitement with food you've been missing lately, definitely try this place if you're tired of the "same old, same old" from other restaurants. We will absolutely be back again to support these award winning chefs making a big impact in the culinary world and to enjoy the whole experience again!!! read more

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Food and sommelier wine pairing experience was absolutely wonderful. You can easily recognize the thoughtfulness behind paired tastes. Servings are smaller, but left feeling perfectly satisfied. Would definitely recommend to others. read more

This is by far the best restaurant in the Springs! It completes with big city food and is well worth the price! Get the tasting menu and don't ask what is in it so you can be surprised the entire experience. They accommodate all dietary restrictions also! read more

We have done the tasting menu several times now and they have never disappointed us. We loveeeee the food here. The atmosphere is lively and very entertaining. The staff is extremely knowledgeable on their food and wines. Overall, the best place for an upscale dinner. read more

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Absolutely delightful tasting menu shared by the kind and knowledgeable staff. Splurge for the sommelier wine pairing - worth every penny and calorie! read more

Amazing food. Chef Ian and his team are so creative & knowledgeable. The seven course tasting & wine pairing is the best food you'll have in the Springs. read more

Hands down the best meal(s) I've had in Colorado Springs in several years - maybe ever. Since opening, I have visited Ephemera three times. Each time, I leave even more impressed. My first two visits were all about the seven course pairing dinner. For $60, you get seven delicious, very well portioned dishes. It's truly a steal! Their menu changes often, so you never quite know what you're going to get (which I love.) Between the Beet Tortellini, Grilled Octopus, Braised Short Rib, and Elk Wellington, I couldn't have been more impressed. Every flavor is intentional, unique, and balanced - every bite is perfect. Most recently, they added a Tuesday night oyster special. We had two dozens oysters from opposite coasts. Chef Ian took his time to really explain the nuances of each type of oyster and how it's caught, the flavors, and the Muscadet wine pairing. Those oysters were some of the best I've had in Colorado Springs. Last point - the ambiance of Ephemera is truly something special. It's an open kitchen, so you get to see the chefs in action the entire time. Local artwork and wine racks fill the walls. The wine menu has been composed beautifully. The service is truly amazing. When you're here, you feel like you're part of something special. I highly recommend giving them a try. A La Carte or the full Seven Course Pairing, you won't be disappointed! read more

Ephemera is a one-of-a-kind experience and is like nothing else in Colorado Springs! The chefs' tasting menu is superb and is constantly changing. There's also an a la carte menu and brunch on Sundays. The quality of the food is outstanding! The food, wine, atmosphere, art, and friendliness of all of the staff combine for one of the best dining experiences in the city! We will be there often!!! read more

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We're in town for the weekend and came here to celebrate our anniversary. This place was phenomenal...the service, the food, everything was amazing! the dishes were creative and were cooked perfectly. We ordered the seven course tasting menu and while the portions are smaller, we left full. I wish I lived in town to go more often. Bottom line - if you're in the area, you need to check this place out! read more

We came for the 9-course dinner with wine pairings from the sommelier. The food portions were so small that we left hungry. While trying to talk to each other, the live music was so loud we couldn't really have a conversation and we were on the second floor with the door partially closed. The food we ate was good but again, the portions were small. So, we joined the crown downstairs for live music and more food. The price we paid for everything was too much and really didn't reflect the quality it suggested. The sommelier was on auto pilot and didn't really spend any more time with each table making it personable. This is not the place for fine dining. However, if you want live music and street food, this is the perfect place. read more

The food was good but nothing rocked my world. The ambience was really lacking, and honestly distracting from the food. Considering the price I wouldn't recommend. There are better experiences for the cost in town. read more

This was our favorite meal while visiting Colorado. We sat at the kitchen bar top and had the tasting menu. Each dish was unique. The flavors were incredible. The staff was even better. They patiently answered our questions and gave us lots of tips on local Ingredients and products. We had a fantastic time. read more

Excellent food. Kudos to the chefs for a flawless 7 course tasting menu. Everyone in our party loved everything. Great service. 2 hours of fine dining that is worth the price. read more

The food was okay. The pretentious attitude every last server or staff member presents is nearly intolerable. Aside from that the consistency of their tasting menu was not there and the price point for the food is entirely disproportionate. The food portions were comical. Muscles? Of the six served between the two plates, three were unopened and inedible. The soup? Tasty broth, but you could see the bottom of the bowl (hardly any in it, looked like the leftovers of someone who had finished their portion first) practically and the veg in it was undercooked. The main course was a sirloin, which was underwhelming and under-seasoned. My girlfriends steak was extremely rare, with a sinew that ran through the entire cut, inconsistent from my steak and inedible. The cut was extremely small, the cauliflower puree was unseasoned did not pair with the sirloin at all. The highlight of the meal was the cream basil compote and berries, but ironically it was the largest portion of all plates. The total bill was $133.00 And was so small that we had to get something else to eat after. Extremely disappointing experience for a place as pretentious and expensive as it was. Will not be returning. They also accepted zero substitutions, which was weird considering how small and inconsistently everything was cooked. read more

Great service. Food combinations and flavors are amazing! Love the atmosphere. Haven't been disappointed yet will keep going back.

The staff at Ephemera made my 70th birthday party phenomenal. We had the beautiful room towards the back completely to ourselves. It is such a lovely space, warm and welcoming. Our group chose the 5 course tasting menu with wine pairings that was based on seasonal, local food. Each course was splendid, with the enhancement of a perfectly chosen libation. The service was impeccable and perfectly timed to facilitate conversation and maximum enjoyment of the beautifully presented offerings. I can honestly say I have never had a more wonderful meal. From appetizer to dessert, everything was thoughtfully chosen, creatively and magically prepared, and served with consideration and genuine warmth. My entire group of family and friends was most impressed and pleased. Ephemera has our highest respect, admiration, and gratitude for a memorable evening! Cameron, who guided our experience and expertly explained each course and pairing, was kind, professional, and hosted us flawlessly. She made the process appear to be effortless, the mark of inspired dedication. Highest accolades to the chef and servers, and everyone else involved! read more

What a wonderful newly opened restaurant we discovered tonight- definitely on our "very favorites" of Colorado Springs list, and a MUST TRY for a dining experience that is both artistic and sophisticated, as well as wines that were brilliantly paired with our multi- course tasting meal. Our server, Rebecca, was very personal yet so polished, and every aspect of the service was a 10 out of 10. The details of a fine dining experience were very well attended to at every turn...a restaurant that would please any knowledgeable foodie. Thank you Ian (Chef) and Rebecca (server), and the rest of the Ephemera staff for such a uniquely lovely experience! read more

Great new restaurant in downtown COS. Innovative and interesting menu. Excellent service and the proprietors really care about customer experience. read more

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We had dinner with the wine pairing - it was amazing. The dishes were beautifully presented, adventurous, and thoughtful. We can't wait to go back to try something new. Highly recommend! read more

Literally AMAZING!!! thanks for creating the most percent things. 10/10 will be back thanks so much

Wow is the only thing I can say about Ephemera. We had the tasting menu and wine pairing and everything was amazing. The mango gazpacho with shrimp, the new summer tomato dish, salad with fried prosciutto were just a few of the dishes that were not only beautifully crafted but tasted amazing. The staff was also top-notch. If you are in town, please don't miss this place! read more

Overall, a litte uneven. Excellent salad- creative textures and combos and beautifully dressed. Red pepper soup was memorable- great garnishes and the presentation was extraordinary. First courses pretty uninspiring; grilled bread and peanuts and dried apricots? Not really fine dining worthy to me. Mignonette sauce too strong for the oysters...overwhelmed them with allium flavors rather than a clean accent. Bigger issue-- the menu says "poulet rouge" with no further explanation. "Red Chicken" sounds good; I order "the chicken." Didn't receive a correction or explanation from waitstaff but when dish arrived, I was told "guinea fowl." It was good but that seems like that should be clarified or explained when ordered. Other entrees good, duck should have more fat rendered off. Olive oil cake was super! Both Creative and a really nice balance of textures and flavors. Generally, enjoyed the evening and thought it was priced well but definitely some things to improve. read more

Came here for dessert on a recommendation from the bartender at shame and regret...omg! Sitting at the bar watching the cooks and chefs preparing dinners. They will let you sample items in the pan..pazole yes!!! Brisket...hell yeah! read more