This All-You-Can-Eat Buffet In Colorado Is So Good, People Drive Through The Mountains Just To Get There

I’ll never forget the first time I drove two hours through the Colorado mountains just to eat at Cinzzetti’s Italian Market Restaurant in Northglenn.

My friends thought I was nuts, but one bite of fresh-made pasta proved them wrong.

Tucked away just outside Denver, this all-you-can-eat Italian feast has become legendary among locals and tourists alike.

People genuinely plan road trips around Cinzzetti’s—and once you hear what’s on offer, you’ll understand exactly why.

Stepping Into A Tuscan Village Buffet Experience

Walking through those doors feels like teleporting straight to Italy without the jet lag. Rustic wooden beams stretch across the ceiling, warm golden lighting bathes every corner, and the aroma of garlic and fresh herbs wraps around you like a cozy blanket. Honestly, the atmosphere alone makes the mountain drive worthwhile.

Tables are arranged family-style, encouraging that classic Italian vibe where everyone’s welcome. You’ll spot murals of rolling Tuscan hillsides and vineyards painted along the walls. The open kitchen design lets you watch chefs toss pizza dough and stir bubbling sauces, adding theater to your meal.

Even the music playing softly in the background—classic Italian folk tunes—completes the immersive experience. It’s not just dinner; it’s a mini vacation for your senses.

Fourteen Live Cooking Stations: Fresh Pasta, Pizza & More

Picture this: fourteen different stations scattered throughout the dining room, each one churning out something incredible. Chefs stand ready at pasta stations, cooking your choice of noodles to order and tossing them with sauces that range from creamy Alfredo to spicy arrabbiata. There’s zero chance of soggy, sitting-under-heat-lamps pasta here.

The pizza station is pure magic. Watch dough get hand-stretched, topped with your favorite ingredients, then slid into blazing-hot ovens. Minutes later, you’re biting into crispy, bubbly perfection.

Other stations feature carved meats, seafood preparations, and even a risotto bar where they stir each portion fresh. Having chefs prepare food right in front of you elevates the buffet game completely. You control freshness, temperature, and customization—basically, it’s buffet heaven without compromise.

From Salad Bar To Gelato: Over 60 Italian-Style Dishes

Sixty dishes sounds overwhelming until you realize it means endless variety and zero chance of boredom. Start light with the salad bar featuring crisp romaine, fresh mozzarella, marinated artichokes, and about twenty different toppings. Italian dressings include balsamic reduction that’s legitimately addictive.

Main courses span everything from chicken marsala to eggplant parmesan, lasagna layered thick with cheese, and seafood linguine that tastes like the coast. Side dishes include roasted vegetables, garlic bread that’s dangerously good, and risottos in multiple flavors.

Then comes dessert—oh, the dessert section! Tiramisu, cannoli, panna cotta, and a gelato bar with flavors like pistachio, stracciatella, and lemon sorbet. I’ve gone back for thirds on gelato alone. With this much selection, every visit feels like discovering something new.

Weekend Brunch & Pasta Party: How They Do It On Saturdays & Sundays

Weekends transform this place into something even more special, if that’s possible. Saturday and Sunday brunch adds breakfast favorites with an Italian twist—think frittatas loaded with vegetables, French toast dusted with powdered sugar, and breakfast pizzas topped with eggs and bacon. Traditional American brunch items meet Italian creativity beautifully.

The “Pasta Party” aspect means extra pasta stations get added, featuring seasonal specials and limited-time sauces. I once tried a pumpkin sage ravioli during fall that haunts my dreams. Fresh fruit displays expand, mimosa bars appear, and the energy level kicks up several notches.

Families pack the place on weekends, creating this lively, celebratory atmosphere. Reservations become essential because word spreads fast about weekend specials. Brunch runs late into afternoon, perfect for slow, leisurely meals.

Pricing & Hours: What To Know Before You Go

Budget-conscious diners will appreciate the straightforward pricing structure. Lunch typically runs around twenty dollars per adult, while dinner creeps closer to thirty—still reasonable considering the quality and quantity. Kids eat for significantly less, usually half-price or better depending on age.

Hours vary seasonally since tourism affects traffic, but generally they’re open for lunch starting around 11 AM and dinner service until 9 PM. Weekends see extended hours to accommodate brunch crowds. Calling ahead confirms current hours and prevents disappointing drives through mountain passes.

They accept reservations for groups but also welcome walk-ins, though expect waits during peak dinner times and all weekend long. Payment options include all major cards. Honestly, given what you get, the pricing feels like highway robbery—in your favor.

Big Groups Welcome: Private Rooms, 500+ Seats & Reservations

Planning a family reunion, office party, or birthday celebration? This buffet handles large groups like absolute pros. With over 500 seats spread across multiple dining areas, they’ve got space to spare. Private rooms accommodate parties ranging from intimate gatherings of twenty to massive celebrations exceeding a hundred guests.

Reservation coordinators work with you on customized menus, special dietary needs, and even decorations if you’re celebrating something special. I attended a wedding rehearsal dinner here once—the bride’s Italian grandmother cried happy tears over the authentic flavors.

The spacious layout means even when fully booked, the restaurant never feels cramped or chaotic. Servers navigate efficiently between tables, keeping drinks filled and clearing plates. Big groups get the same attentive service as couples on date night, which speaks volumes about their hospitality.

Real Comments From Diners: What People Really Say About The Food

Online reviews paint a consistent picture: people rave about freshness and flavor. One reviewer wrote, “I’ve traveled Italy twice, and this buffet captures authentic tastes better than some restaurants in Rome.” Another mentioned driving three hours specifically for the seafood linguine. High praise indeed.

Common themes include surprise at the quality level for buffet-style service, appreciation for live cooking stations, and delight over the gelato selection. Some reviewers admit initial skepticism—how good could a mountain buffet really be?—before becoming instant converts.

Negative reviews are rare but usually mention weekend crowds or occasional waits for popular stations. Most diners consider minor inconveniences totally worth it. The overwhelming consensus? This place exceeds expectations spectacularly, earning its reputation as a destination worth the mountain drive.

Tips For Visiting: Best Times, Family Friendly Features & What To Order

Smart diners arrive right when doors open or during off-peak hours between lunch and dinner rushes. Weekday afternoons offer the calmest experience with shortest lines at cooking stations. If weekends are your only option, make reservations and arrive early.

Families love the kid-friendly atmosphere—high chairs, booster seats, and a children’s menu area featuring simpler options like plain pasta and cheese pizza. Staff members are patient with little ones, and the noise level means parents don’t stress about occasional kid chaos.

My ordering strategy? Start with salad to pace yourself, hit one pasta station, grab pizza, then explore entrees. Save serious stomach space for dessert—the gelato alone deserves multiple visits. Wear stretchy pants. Trust me on this. Come hungry, leave happy, and start planning your return trip immediately.