Address: 1002 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Phone: (970) 498‑8292
Yelp Rating: Not yet rated (opened June 2025)
A New Era for a Fort Collins Favorite
When a long-loved restaurant reopens under a new name, expectations run high. Limonata by Paninos, which officially launched in June 2025, rises to that occasion by reimagining the legacy of Paninos—an iconic Fort Collins spot—with warmth, intention, and just the right amount of shine.
Set at the redeveloped 1002 S College Avenue location, Limonata honors the comfort food roots of its predecessor while introducing a brighter, more modern feel. The result? A refreshed neighborhood Italian restaurant serving generous paninos, pastas, pizzas, and craft lemonades in a cozy yet elevated setting. Whether you’re a loyal Paninos patron or discovering it for the first time, Limonata ranks among Fort Collins’ most inviting new Italian destinations.
Table of Contents
Atmosphere & Dining Experience
The setting is an immediate upgrade—wood-paneled, warmly lit, and intentionally designed to feel both contemporary and nostalgic. The refreshed interior strikes a balance between cozy and elegant, offering a comfortable space for families and date-night diners alike. Outdoor seating surrounds a central fireplace, giving off trattoria-meets-backyard energy that feels especially welcoming on temperate evenings.
Inside, there’s a calm buzz: the clinking of silverware, the laughter of longtime fans reliving old memories, and staff delivering dishes with pride. That’s no accident. Limonata is still very much a family-run operation, now helmed by the third generation committed to preserving what made Paninos great.
What to Order at Limonata
Limonata’s menu is built for generous appetites and shared plates. True to its roots, it features the signature paninos that gave the brand its name—plus new dishes that reflect both creativity and comfort.
Based on our research, locals love the following:
- Burrata Limonata
A standout starter—creamy burrata served with citrus notes, pistachio pesto, arugula, and pickled onion. Described by early diners as “bright, elegant, and addictive.” - Dream Steak Panino
A house specialty loaded with shaved tri-tip, jalapeño bacon cream cheese, onions, mushrooms, and provolone. Bold, rich, and generously portioned. - Gino Panino
A classic filled with meatballs or sausage, peppers, onions, garlic, marinara, and melted provolone—perfect for longtime fans craving a Paninos throwback. - Black and Bleu Salad
A hearty, flavorful option featuring shaved tri-tip, mushrooms, bleu cheese, and balsamic glaze. Often praised as a satisfying standalone entrée. - Beck’s Best Pizza
A house original pizza with shrimp, garlic, mozzarella, arugula, lemon, and alfredo sauce—surf-and-cream meets crisp, thin crust. - Chicken Parmigiana
Served with spaghetti or vegetables, this comforting favorite is among the most frequently mentioned in early reviews.
For drinks:
- Hand-crafted Lemonades
These house-made drinks live up to the name “Limonata.” - Margarita Italiana
A cocktail noted for its balance and freshness—several reviews call it “surprisingly excellent.”
Menu Overview & Pricing
Limonata’s extensive menu covers starters, entrées, pastas, and pizzas, with special attention to family-friendly classics and modern Italian comfort food. Prices reflect the quality and new ambiance, positioning it squarely in the upscale casual category.
- Starters & Salads: $9–$16
- Paninos & Pizzas: $15–$20
- Entrées: $35–$40 (Seared Ribeye, Ossobuco)
- Desserts: Cannoli, lemon olive oil cake, tiramisu gelato
- Kids Menu: Spaghetti & meatballs, mac & cheese, mini pepperoni panino
Dietary Notes:
While vegetarian options are available (salads, pizzas, and select starters), no full gluten-free or vegan menu is currently offered.
Beverage Program
Limonata offers a full bar anchored by their namesake lemonades—available plain, spiked, or sparkling. The drink menu also includes:
- Wines by the glass or bottle
- Local and Italian beers
- Signature cocktails like the Margarita Italiana
- Non-alcoholic lemonades and soft drinks
It’s a well-rounded beverage program that’s accessible without being overly trendy—just classic enough to satisfy regulars and thoughtful enough to impress first-timers.
Service & Seating Details
- Hours: Tuesday–Sunday: 4 PM–9 PM (Closed Mondays)
- Service Type: Full-service dining, catering, patio with fireplace
- Reservations: Recommended—via phone or TableAgent online
- Seating Capacity: Spacious indoor and outdoor options
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible; street parking and nearby lots available
- Pet-Friendly: Not officially stated, but patio likely allows dogs
Early guests note that staff is “attentive and welcoming,” though a few have mentioned minor service slowdowns, likely reflective of early growing pains in a new kitchen. That said, the tone across feedback remains highly positive.
What Locals Are Saying
Since opening, Limonata has generated strong word-of-mouth and media attention. Review highlights include:
- “Food was spectacular! Generous portions… truly delicious.”
- “What a wonderful way to pay homage to the roots…”
- “Staff was warm, space is lovely, and it all felt familiar and new at once.”
Some Redditors and early reviewers note prices are higher than the original Paninos, but nearly all agree the upgrade in ambiance and dish quality is worth it.
Events & Community Ties
More than just a rebrand, Limonata leans heavily on Fort Collins roots. The Paninos legacy remains core to its identity—evident in the menu, the décor, and the ownership. The restaurant offers catering services, hosts parties, and is expected to activate its outdoor fireplace space for seasonal gatherings.
No specific sustainability initiatives are listed, but the family’s reputation for integrity and consistency appears to carry forward.
Who It’s For
Limonata appeals to a wide audience, including:
- Former Paninos loyalists looking for familiarity with a fresh twist
- Couples and families craving reliable, cozy Italian
- Locals seeking a casual-yet-upscale night out
- Anyone who values comfort food served with polish and warmth
It’s not just about nostalgia—it’s a thoughtfully executed revival that stands firmly on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Limonata kid-friendly?
Yes. There’s a full kids’ menu with paninos, pasta, pizza, and other staples that make it easy for families to enjoy a relaxed evening out.
Do I need a reservation?
Reservations are recommended—especially for weekend nights. You can book online through TableAgent or call directly.
What’s the price point?
Paninos and pizzas land in the $15–$20 range, while premium entrées like ribeye or ossobuco run closer to $35–$40.
Are there vegan or gluten-free options?
Some vegetarian items are available, but there’s no separate vegan or gluten-free menu listed.
What’s the best dish to try?
Popular early favorites include the Dream Steak Panino, Beck’s Best Pizza, and Burrata Limonata.
Conclusion: Legacy, Reimagined
Limonata by Paninos manages to do something rare in restaurant culture: honor its heritage while embracing the future. With a polished menu, warm staff, and a reinvigorated setting, it offers Fort Collins diners an experience that’s both nostalgic and novel. The family connection is still there, but so is the desire to elevate.
Whether you’re chasing memories or creating new ones, Limonata offers one of Fort Collins’ best new Italian dining experiences—and it’s only just getting started.
About the Author
Written by David Lanketh, an editor at Colorado Food Reviews who curates culinary guides based on verified public consensus across thousands of online reviews.
About Colorado Food Reviews
Colorado Food Reviews is a regional editorial guide spotlighting the most noteworthy food experiences across the Front Range. We aggregate insights from thousands of diners and publish researched, trust-based restaurant reviews. Read more about us here
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