The Complete Guide to Dining in Aspen:
Aspen is a food lover’s dream, featuring renowned spots like Matsuhisa for unforgettable meals. The excitement around Aspen’s culinary scene is palpable as the winter season approaches. Newcomers bring fresh flavors and creativity, while beloved classics define the town’s distinctive food culture. For those seeking the best dining in Aspen this winter, the options are as exciting as they are diverse.
Mollie’s restaurant at the chic MOLLIE hotel offers inventive meals, and Stranahan’s Whiskey Lodge serves pleasant, locally inspired cuisine. To help you navigate Aspen’s culinary scene, we’ve compiled a list of top restaurants in town. From innovative newcomers to established gems, this guide will ensure every meal is one to remember.
Noteworthy Restaurants
These spots are generating buzz and making a substantial impact on Aspen’s culinary scene this winter.
Cache Cache – Aspen Restaurant
“A Timeless Aspen Favorite”
Cache Cache has been a mainstay in Aspen’s dining scene for 36 years. It combines French-American cuisine with a warm, relaxed atmosphere. Located in downtown Aspen, it’s a spot where locals and visitors alike come to enjoy outstanding food and a sense of community. Whether it’s a date night or a gathering with friends, Cache Cache delivers exceptional dishes, top-notch service, and that signature Aspen charm.
TO EAT: Treat yourself to the famous Colorado rack of lamb or the buttery Dover sole; both are extraordinary. Seasonal specials bring a fresh twist to the menu, giving regulars and newcomers something new to look forward to each time.
TO DRINK: The team curates an exceptional wine list and crafts cocktails with expertise, perfectly complementing any dish you choose.
photo courtesy of Aspen Snowmass
“A Refined Culinary Gem”
Element 47 at The Little Nell embodies the art of fine dining with a menu that celebrates local and seasonal ingredients in every dish. Known for its exquisite Colorado wagyu and handmade pasta, it offers a dining experience that’s as polished as it is welcoming. If you’re after a place where great wine and expertly made cocktails come together, this one’s a standout. With an impressive wine list and excellent service, it’s become a favorite in Aspen’s bustling dining scene.
TO EAT: The wagyu is a must-try, or go for the seasonal dishes that showcase the best of Colorado’s local ingredients.
TO DRINK: Let the sommeliers help you find the perfect wine pairing or enjoy a cocktail that enhances your meal.
Jing Aspen
Aspen may already have its fair share of fine dining options, but Jing offers something genuinely distinctive. This popular Global Fusion restaurant on Main Street, next to Acquolina, skillfully blends flavors and techniques worldwide. Jing provides an exceptional dining experience with sushi, premium steaks, and creative fusion dishes. Unlike Matsuhisa, Jing stands out with bold, globally inspired dishes that go beyond traditional offerings. Open for both lunch and dinner, Jing has become a go-to destination for lovers of refined cuisine and vibrant dining atmospheres. With a reasonably priced bar menu and a lively, welcoming vibe, it’s no surprise this spot continues to charm locals and visitors alike.
TO EAT: Dig into the Aspen Roll, a local favorite bursting with fresh, bold flavors, or share the indulgent Blue Crab Dumplings, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. For something interactive and exceptional, try the flavorful Shabu-Shabu Hot Pot.
TO DRINK: Enhance your meal with a pour of premium sake, enjoy the smoky drama of the Dragon’s Breath cocktail, or cool off with the refreshingly chic Lychee Martini.
From fine dining to beloved local spots, Aspen offers an indelible culinary experience. Stay in style with Aspen Luxury Vacation Rentals, which is close to the best restaurants and offers unforgettable experiences. Book now, and let us handle the details!
Aspen Classics
A curated list of our top Aspen favorites—from must-try restaurants to hidden gems, we’ve got the inside scoop on the best of the best!
Best Views:
Ajax Tavern: American-style cuisine, lively bar scene, great après ski, base of Aspen Mountain.
Aspen Public House: Modern gastropub located at Aspen’s best street corner, E Hyman Ave.
French Alpine Bistro: French & Austrian cuisine restaurant with genuine Alpine feel, E Hopkins Ave.
Classic American:
CP Burger: High-quality burgers, truffle fries, spiked shakes, and year-round outdoor seating, Mill Street.
The J Bar: Saloon-style ambiance and locals’ watering hole, Hotel Jerome.
Meat & Cheese: Restaurant and farm shop with charcuterie platters and an expansive wine list, Hopkins Ave.
Italian:
Acquolina: Contemporary Italian with an extensive wine list, Main St.
Casa Tua: Upscale, elevated Italian on Galena St., Aspen Mall.
Steakhouse:
Catch Steak Aspen: Premium cuts, fresh seafood, and a chic, energetic ambiance on Hopkins Ave.
The Monarch: Prime cuts, seafood, and an upscale vibe on Monarch St.
Steakhouse No. 316: Prime beef, an extensive wine list, and an upscale club feel on Hopkins Ave.
Japanese:
Matsuhisa: World-renowned authentic Japanese cuisine with seasonal specials added for winter 2024, Main St.
Kenichi: Contemporary Asian and sushi, energetic and upscale, Hopkins Ave.
Madame Ushi: Creative Japanese small plates and sushi, intimate and modern, Hyman Ave.
Mexican:
Mi Chola: Trendy Mexican cuisine with a lively bar scene, Main St.
Las Montañas: Authentic Mexican flavors and mezcal cocktails, Mill Street Plaza.
Taco Pina: Fresh Mexican Street food, casual vibe, and a local favorite for tacos and breakfast burritos, Puppy Smith Street.
Breakfast:
Jour de Fete: French locals’ café with patio seating, Durant Ave.
Paradise Bakery: Baked goods, beautiful views, outdoor seating, Galena St.
Poppycock’s: Hearty breakfast offerings for families, table service, Cooper Ave.
Bear Den: Local bakery/café offering seasonal winter specialties, E Hopkins Ave.
Vegetarian:
Spring Café: Plant-based dishes, organic juices, and smoothies, downtown Aspen.
Bangkok Happy Bowl: Authentic Thai flavors, vegetarian curries, and stir-fries, located at Puppy Smith St.
Mawa’s Kitchen: Fusion dishes focusing on vegetarian and vegan options, located near Aspen Airport.
Ready To Plan Your Aspen Adventure?
Let our concierge team handle all the details for this winter season! From securing exclusive dining reservations to arranging memorable winter activities, we’re here to make your stay extraordinary. Whether you’re drawn to iconic restaurants or hidden gems, we’ll ensure you experience the best dining in Aspen this winter.
Reach out to us at:
concierge@aspenluxuryvacationrentals.com | (970) 205-9960
Want to make your trip even more special? Check out our Luxury Concierge Services to see how we can take the stress out of planning and help you create a truly unforgettable Aspen experience.
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