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https://www.lhvc.com/story/2025/07/23/news/new-italian-steakhouse-fortezza-to-open-in-former-farow-space/10852.html
New Italian steakhouse Fortezza to open in former Farow space
Audrey Asbury | Jul 23, 20250
A new chapter in Niwot's dining scene will begin this summer with the arrival of Fortezza, an Italian steakhouse crossover slated to open in the former Farow restaurant space in Cottonwood Square in Niwot.
Adam and Natalie Moore, the owners, expect to open the restaurant sometime between Aug. 7 and Aug. 14, bringing high-end, Italian-inspired cuisine and a community-focused atmosphere to town. The couple believes Northern Colorado overlooks many opportunities as a hub for unique, small-business restaurants, and they see Fortezza as an opportunity to fill that gap.
Adam Moore attended Skyline High School, while Natalie went to Longmont High School. They met while bartending in college in Longmont, and their shared roots in the region deepen their commitment to creating a restaurant that reflects both local spirit and culinary excellence.
The Moores bring extensive fine dining experience to their new venture. Adam Moore held leadership roles at some of Colorado's most acclaimed restaurants, including a decade as General Manager of Barolo Grill in Denver's Cherry Creek neighborhood and a tenure at the Ritz-Carlton Denver. Their backgrounds promise a level of culinary expertise that many believe will make Fortezza a standout destination for both Niwot locals and visitors.
When asked about the type of cuisine diners can expect, Adam said the menu will highlight two distinct styles of Italian food. "One will be kind of like the immigrants' Italian, which is very Sicilian - red sauce, the kind of food you often see in America, like spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, and chicken parmesan," he explained. But for him, Northern Italian cuisine offers the most excitement.
"It's really a very focused cuisine, just really high-quality ingredients done very well," he emphasized. "We really try to highlight the different regions of Northern Italy, with Piedmont and Tuscany being the biggest influences."
Guests can expect to see authentic staples inspired by the genuine Parmigiano Reggiano and aged balsamic vinegar, used in thoughtful, elevated ways that stay true to Italian tradition. "We'll also have fun with a variety of prosciuttos," Adam added. He has traveled to Italy nearly a dozen times, bringing a deep appreciation and firsthand knowledge of the cuisine to every detail of the menu.
In addition to Northern Italian influences, the menu also reflects his roots in classic American steakhouses. "I also have a lot of steakhouse background as well, so I wanted to bring some of that crossover into the concept: a classic steakhouse feel, almost, because it's a part of my DNA," he said.
The restaurant will keep the same bar setup as Farow but will introduce new classic cocktails with an Italian twist. Wine will also play a central role at Fortezza, featuring a carefully curated selection sourced through two local Boulder-based wine companies, including Giuliana Imports. "We've cultivated a wine list that's about 80 percent Northern Italian and 20 percent domestic," Adam said. He noted that many Niwot locals are world travelers, so it was essential to offer wines that reflect both international character and familiar favorites from closer to home.
"Adam and Natalie Moore have tremendous experience in first-class dining," said Anne Postle, who owns the building that will house the establishment. "We are so excited to have Fortezza come to Niwot."
Postle, who recently retired from Osmosis Art Gallery and Architecture, said Fortezza fits both the space and the community naturally.
"Adam's experience ensures that Niwot's newest restaurant will add to our dining offerings," she said. "In all my conversations with the Moores, the one thing I take away is that they want to be a part of the Niwot community and are so excited to dive in."