The Mining Exchange Hotel announces Oro restaurant

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – The Mining Exchange Hotel, a newly reimagined boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs, will enter a new chapter with the arrival of Oro opening spring 2025. The new dining concept will celebrate the artistry of Italian cooking while paying homage to Colorado’s rich heritage. With a welcoming ambiance, rustic-meets-refined cuisine and a thoughtfully curated wine and cocktail program, Oro will be poised to become a staple of downtown Colorado Springs’ culinary scene.

Conceptualized by Giant Squid Ink, a Portland, Oregon based culinary group known for creating award-winning dining experiences, the restaurant’s menu will be developed by Chef Aaron Barnett, a James Beard Award nominee renowned for his mastery of Italian and French cuisine. Under his guidance, Oro will deliver an ingredient-driven menu that honors tradition and embraces innovation.

Lobby (Photo: Michael Kleinberg Photography).

“At Oro, we’re bringing traditional Italian techniques to life with high-quality ingredients found right here in Colorado,” said Chef Barnett, “By bringing a fresh perspective to iconic flavors, we’ve created dishes that are refined and inviting—perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions and everything in between.” 

At the heart of Oro’s culinary experience will be a light and playful approach to Italian cuisine. The menu will be created with a distinct focus on local ingredients, incorporating regional specialties such as Colorado-raised lamb and bison alongside fresh produce that highlights the state’s agricultural bounty. Artisan pastas and expertly grilled meats will form the foundation of a menu that is both approachable and indulgent. Guests will be able to enjoy starters such as bison carpaccio with parmigiano Reggiano and Calabrian chili oil or a delicate scallop crostini with lemon, chili butter and basil. Pasta lovers will find comfort in dishes like rigatoni Bolognese with mama’s Sunday sauce or the rich simplicity of cacio e pepe, which will feature bucatini pasta and plenty of black pepper. Beyond traditional pasta dishes, signature entrées such as the whole roasted bronzino with salsa verde and the 20-ounce bistecca Colorado will showcase the kitchen’s expertise in balancing rustic flavors with refined execution.

Joel Gunderson, a nationally recognized wine expert and James Beard Award semifinalist renowned for his innovative work with Giant Squid Ink, will curate a beverage lineup that will complement every dish on the menu. The restaurant’s extensive wine list will offer a journey through Italy’s diverse wine regions, featuring selections such as Sangiovese from Tuscany, Nebbiolo from Piedmont and Falanghina from Campania, alongside premium Champagnes and New World selections from the Pacific Northwest and California. A thoughtful cocktail menu will showcase Italian favorites like the perfect negroni and spritz, alongside unique creations that blend classic sophistication with a distinctly Colorado flair.

Corner King room (Photo: Michael Kleinberg Photography).

Managed by Practice Hospitality, the Mining Exchange Hotel continues to expand its offerings to create a dynamic guest experience. Much like the hotel itself, Oro will embody a spirit of reinvention. Its warm and elegant interiors, burnished by golden light, will create a cozy atmosphere. As a dining destination designed for both guests and locals, Oro is a natural extension of the hotel’s vision to create spaces where people gather, connect and experience the best of what the region has to offer. Whether stopping in for a midweek pasta, a celebratory drink or a well-earned steak, Oro will invite guests to sip, savor and celebrate.

“Oro’s arrival marks an important milestone in the continued evolution of the Mining Exchange Hotel,” said Klaudio Simic, president of Practice Hospitality. “The restaurant joins the hotel’s diverse collection of food and beverage venues, complementing the beloved Golden Hour, our high-craft indoor-outdoor bar and courtyard, and BLK MGK, the hotel’s specialty coffee bar.” 

Beyond its culinary offerings, Oro will be deeply committed to fostering community engagement and collaboration. Special programming, including chef’s tastings, wine dinners and collaborative events, will provide guests with immersive experiences that go beyond the plate.

The article The Mining Exchange Hotel announces Oro restaurant first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.