I am thoroughly unqualified to judge Estes Park European restaurants, mostly because I have been to... exactly one and a half of them. I've been to the Inn of Glen Haven, and I tasted Marc Grandmaison's cooking before he took over at Mary's Lake Lodge. I have no problem saying that both were quite good.
Why haven't I been to the others? Well, it's definitely not because they're bad. On the contrary, I've heard nothing but good things about all of them. I guess fancy Continental dining just isn't something I generally think to do. If it's something you enjoy, I believe you'll be pleasantly surprised by what Estes Park has to offer.
Cascades Restaurant (at The Stanley Hotel) 333 W Wonderview Ave., (970) 586-3371, $$$$ Fancy schmancy. The food is good, though not outstanding. Go more for the ambience and opulence of the beautiful Stanley Hotel, the inspiration for Stephen King's The Shining.
Fawn Brook Inn Hwy 7 Bus. (Allenspark), (303) 747-2556, $$$$ Excellent atmosphere and excellent food. Highly reviewed Continental cuisine served in a charming cottage-like restaurant.
Grandmaison's Chalet Room (at Mary's Lake Lodge) 2625 Marys Lake Rd., (970) 586-5958, $$$ Marc Grandmaison is well-known around Estes for creating delicious food. An excellent choice for a romantic dinner.
The Inn of Glen Haven 7468 CR 43 (Glen Haven), (970) 586-3897, $$$+ You'll think you've entered Great Aunt Edna's cottage when you take in this charming, Old-world restaurant decorated in warm, antique style. Pricey, but very good. (And filling! Come empty!) Glen Haven is 15 minutes from Estes.
La Chaumiere Hwy 36 (Pinewood Springs), (303) 823-6521, $$$$ Elegant French cuisine in an intimate setting. La Chaumiere is in Pinewood Springs, about 20 minutes from Estes.
Villa Tatra Hwy 36 (Pinewood Springs), (303) 823-6819, $$$ Located about 20 minutes from Estes in Pinewood Springs, Villa Tatra's specialty is smoked salmon (they smoke it themselves) plus European cuisine.
