If you're looking for the best Italian restaurant in Colorado, then you might be surprised to find it in a strip mall in Lakewood - yet there it is. Cafe Jordano opened in 1991 and is family-owned and operated. It's been serving hungry patrons since then, and everyone who dines at this wonderful little spot leaves more than satisfied. Cafe Jordano offers excellent appetizers, mains, and desserts, all in a very pleasant atmosphere - you're going to love this spot!

Cafe Jordano is in a strip mall at the crossroads of Kipling and Jewell in Lakewood. You wouldn't even know it was there unless someone told you about it. That's how I found it.

This place is great. There's one dining room in the front that looks like this...

...And there's one in the back that looks like this. This restaurant is pretty big, but don't be surprised if you have to wait a bit for a table. The wait is worth it!

Cafe Jordan is first-come, first-served, although they do accept reservations for parties of six or more.

Cafe Jordano is family-owned and operated. Elisa Heitman came to America in 1979 from Italy as a 17-year-old newlywed. After four months, her husband left her. On her own, she learned English, worked hard as a house painter and waitress, and eventually became a restauranteur.

Her son, Jordan, was four when she opened Cafe Jordano - her second restaurant - which she named after him. Photos of her family and friends are all over the restaurant. It makes diners feel like they are part of the family and are dining in someone's home.

The vibe and atmosphere at Cafe Jordano is pleasant and welcoming, but the food is even better. Perhaps you'd like to try some fried calamari for an appetizer?

Other appetizers include eggplant rollatini, Caprese salad, mussels, bruschetta, and others.

Don't fill up on appetizers, though, because you're about to get a big meal! Soup or salad comes with all entrees. and there's bread and olive oil, too - and a side of pasta!

Cafe Jordano has a big menu, so take your time deciding. Many Italian dishes you've heard of are served here, plus a whole bunch that you've never heard of before as well.

There are 18 pasta dishes on the menu. There are also 13 chicken dishes and 9 fish dishes. And, to make Cafe Jordano a Colorado Italian restaurant, there are also five items on the menu made of bison.

Vegetarians love Cafe Jordano, too. There are five vegetarian entrees on the menu as well.

The lunch menu features many of the same items. No matter what you order, you're going to be impressed. This is no ordinary Italian restaurant.

You're sure to want to return time and time again to try different things.

Be sure to save room for dessert. Doesn't this spumoni look good? It's just one of many different Italian dessert options offered here. Some are made in the restaurant - but some are imported all the way from Italy.

Cafe Jordano is a very special restaurant that you're going to love. Plan a visit there soon. It's great.

Cafe Jordano is wonderful, and you're going to love dining there. Everything about this place is top-notch! We think it's one of the best Italian restaurants - not only in Colorado, but anywhere. Check it out soon!

Looking for more great Italian restaurants in Colorado? Here's a list of 10 more!