25 Must-Try Restaurants in Aspen, Colorado

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Bringing all the best features of Modern Italian cuisine to Aspen, Duemani offers tasty, uncomplicated dishes in an elegant and relaxing environment. The menu is focused on the fresh flavors of coastal Italy; fish and sea foods feature prominently, alongside perfectly grilled prime meats. The menu starts off with a selection of morsels from the popular raw bar – think fresh oysters, scallops or Ahi Tuna and 3 different tartares. These are followed by a comprehensive selection of appetizers before you reach the tempting entrees and sides. There is something delicious to suit all palates and a curated wine list from Italy, France and the US. Browse our Weekend Getaways in Colorado guide for more ideas.

Duemani, 216 S. Monach Street, Aspen, CO 81611, 970 920 2555

© Pyramid Bistro

Pyramid Bistro is a unique “nutritarian” restaurant that serves health-conscious, mostly vegetarian cuisine. A few fish and light meat dishes are also available. Your taste buds will enjoy dishes like the Indian-Spiced red lentil Sliders, Rainbow Rice Risotto, or Thai-Spiced Butternut Squash Soup.

The restaurant also offers beer, wine, fresh squeezed juices, and other specialty drinks. Dr. Joel Fuhrman and Executive (Nutritarian) Chef Martin Oswald opened this charming eatery in 2010. They coined the term nutritarian to describe a person who eats the most micronutrients per calorie. Find Pyramid Bistro on historic Main Street in downtown Aspen.

221 East Main Street, Aspen, Colorado, Phone: 970-925-5338

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© Pine Creek Cookhouse

Pine Creek Cookhouse is a charming and rustic restaurant that serves traditional American Alpine cuisine made from seasonal, locally sourced, responsibly-raised, natural and organic ingredients. Enjoy extraordinary dishes such as the Colorado Elk Bratwurst, Sautéed Ruby Red Rainbow Trout, or North American Buffalo Tenderloin. Vegetarian options are also available.

Executive Chef Chris Keating leads the kitchen at Pine Creek, which was established in 1971. In winter, the charming restaurant can only be accessed by horse-drawn sleigh or by an adventurous guided cross-country ski or snowshoe tour. It is located at the base of the majestic Elk Mountain Range in Castle Creek Valley.

12500 Castle Creek Road, Aspen, Colorado, Phone: 970-925-1044

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© Zocalito

If you are in the mood for something spicy, check out Zocalito Bistro and Rum Bar for delicious Latin cuisine. Their menus feature the unique flavors of Oaxaca, Mexico. Treat yourself to tasty dishes and tapas such as Manchego Potatoes Gratin (baked with Spanish chorizo and marinated shitakes), Crispy Pork Loin Tacos, or the Shrimp & Octopus Seafood Salad with Avocado and Cotija Cheese.

Chef Michael Beary first opened the eatery in 2004 after taking extensive travels throughout Oaxaca and learning about their traditional moles and peppers (which he also sells online). You will find Zocalito in downtown Aspen close to Wagner Park.

999 18th St Ste. 107, Denver, CO 80202, 720-923-5965, (website link)

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Campo de Fiore is headed up by Chef Guiseppe Garafalo, who has been with the restaurant for more than 20 years and brings with him many years of experience in his homeland of Italy. Guiseppe and his team strive to offer guests a genuine Italian dining experience, surrounded by the beauty of the Aspen Mountains. The menu relies heavily on prime locally sourced ingredients as well as cured meats and dry products imported from Italy. You can start your Italian adventure with appetizers like the marinated grilled mixed seafood or a fresh Burrata salad, before choosing something delicious from the extensive pasta and entrée menus.

Campo de Fiore, 205 S. Mill Street, Aspen, CO 81611, 970 920 7717

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© Spring Cafe

Spring Café is an organic, vegetarian restaurant and juice bar that strives to be as eco-friendly as possible. Enjoy inventive, plant-based dishes such as the Rise and Shine Tacos, Soba Noodle Salad, or Avocado Tempeh Reuben. Their fresh juices are as healthy as they are delicious!

Owner Sabrina Rudin opened the charming eatery in 2013 and brought in Chef Blanca Salas to develop the stellar culinary creations. Her husband Michael Rudin helped design and renovate the building to make it as green as possible. You will find their restaurant in the east end of Aspen not far from Aspen Art Museum.

119 South Spring Street, Aspen, Colorado, Phone: 970-429-8406

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© Meat & Cheese

Aspen’s Meat & Cheese restaurant and farm shop serves tasty farmhouse cuisine made from seasonally available, locally sourced, and sustainably raised ingredients. Stop in and try the Stacked Korean Short Ribs or Jamaican Style Goat Curry. Alternatively, you can go light and order a signature Meat & Cheese board with something from their eclectic wine list, a craft beer, or a handcrafted cocktail.

Wendy Mitchell founded Avalanche Cheese Company in 2008 and expanded it to include the Meat & Cheese restaurant and retail shop in 2014. She brought in Executive Chef David Wang to lead operations in the kitchen. Visit them in downtown Aspen’s “Restaurant Row.”

319 E. Hopkins Avenue, Aspen, Colorado, Phone: 970-710-7120

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© The White House Tavern

The White House Tavern is a favorite eatery amongst Aspen locals. It is an intimate, convivial bar that specializes in premium sandwiches. Sink your teeth into the French Dip Au Jous, Crispy Chicken Sandwich, or the Thai Steak & Noodle Salad. The White House Tavern resides in the historic AG Sheppard House, which was built in 1883 and is one of Aspen’s oldest structures.

The Tavern opened in 2013 and is operated by the Hillstone Restaurant Group. Executive Chef Sheamus Feeley can be found keeping himself busy in the restaurant’s exhibition kitchen. The White House Tavern is nestled between Wagner Park and Main Street.

302 East Hopkins Avenue, Aspen, Colorado, Phone: 970-925-1007, (website link)

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© J-Bar

J-Bar, located in Aspen’s historic Hotel Jerome, serves small plates, pub fare, beer, and vintage-inspired cocktails in a lively, yet casual setting. Savor incredible dishes, such as the Spicy Tuna (with crispy eggplant), Bison Patty Melt, or Slow Roasted Cauliflower. Stop in for Sunday Brunch and try the Eggs in Purgatory.

Executive Chef Rob Zack is the mastermind behind J-Bar’s culinary creations. The J-Bar has been a local favorite for over a century and, like the hotel it resides in, has a rich history that originates in the mining era. You will find the saloon on downtown Aspen’s “Restaurant Row.”

330 East Main Street, Aspen, Colorado, Phone: 855-331-7213

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© Ajax Tavern

Ajax Tavern serves traditional French-American tavern fare in a glamorous yet inviting setting inside the five-star Little Nell hotel. Savor exquisitely prepared dishes such as the Ajax Colorado Lamb Bolognese, Mussels Marinière, Duck Cassoulet, or something from the Seafood Bar. Don’t miss the famous Ajax truffle fries.

Wine, microbrews, and handcrafted cocktails are also available. Chef de Cuisine JD Baldridge is at the helm of the kitchen at Ajax Tavern. Enjoy the views and partake in people watching at the Tavern’s perch next to the resort’s Silver Queen Gondola.

685 East Durant Avenue, Aspen, Colorado, Phone: 970-920-6334

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© Chefs Club by Food & Wine

Chefs Club by Food & Wine is a unique restaurant where the menu, carefully designed by up-and-coming chefs from a national list of award-winning Best New Chefs, frequently changes. Treat yourself to extraordinary dishes such as Octopus a la Plancha, Summer Squash Mezzalune, or Grilled Maple Brined Pork Chop.

Be sure to save room for a divine dessert like the Parmesan Poundcake. Current chefs in residence at Chef’s Club include Cara Stadler, Paul Qui, and Greg and Gabrielle Denton. You will find Chef’s Club by FOOD & WINE at Aspen’s five-star St. Regis hotel and resort.

315 East Dean Street, Aspen, Colorado, Phone: 970-429-9581, (website link)

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Wonderful wood paneling and rich warm colors create the warm and welcoming atmosphere at the Caribou Club, Aspen’s private dining, wining and dancing club. (Visitors are always welcome for dinner provided they come with a member). As one of Aspen’s most prestigious dining venues, you can expect the food to be innovative and indulgent. There is a selection of raw bar items to start and caviar is always available. The menu changes from one season to the next but some of the most popular dishes are served all year round – these include the signature Shellfish Platters, grilled Angus Fillet and Rocky Mountain Trout.

Caribou Club, 411 E. Hopkins Ave, Aspen, CO 81611, 970 925 2929

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© La Creperie Du Village

La Creperie Du Village is a fabulous Provencal-style bistro that serves French Alpine fare, and it is the town’s only fondue restaurant. Sample incredible dishes such as the Raclette, the Nirvana (Thai green chicken curry with a red pepper, eggplant, squash, fresh basil, and coconut milk), or The French Connection (a Moroccan spiced lentil crepe).

Marseille-born Raphael Derly, an avid skier, first opened the restaurant in 2011. He has brought in Chef Andreas Neufeld to head operations in the kitchen. Enjoy the charming ambiance at La Creperie Du Village, which is nestled in the heart of Aspen’s “Restaurant Row.”

400 E. Hopkins Avenue, Aspen, Colorado, Phone: 970-925-1566

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© Matsuhisa

Matsuhisa is one of Aspen’s hottest sushi bars, where they serve incredible Japanese fusion cuisine blended with Peruvian and Argentinian ingredients. Go for the Omakase tasting menu or try other fantastic dishes like Scallops with Wasabi Pepper or Spicy Garlic Sauce, Black Cod & Miso, or Washugyu Beef Tataki.

A variety of sushi and sashimi are also available, as are sakes, wines, cocktails, and beer. Award-winning and Saitama-born celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa and his family privately own the restaurant, which they opened in 1997. You will find this sophisticated eatery on Main Street just across the street from Hotel Jerome.

303 E. Main St., Aspen, Colorado, Phone: 970-544-6628, (website link)

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© Steak House No. 316

Steak House No. 316 is a sophisticated eatery that specializes in New York-style steaks and seafood. Treat yourself to exquisitely prepared dishes such as the Lobster Oscar, Blackened Verlasso Salmon, or the 10 oz. American Kobe Flat Iron Steak. You can’t miss the Branding Iron Onion Rings!

Restaurateur owners Craig and Samantha Cordts-Pearce opened Steak HOUSE No. 316 in 2010, revamping the historic mining cabin that formerly housed Lulu Wilson’s, their previous restaurant. Steak HOUSE No. 316 is amazingly successful and has even been featured on The Cooking Channel. You will find it in the heart of downtown Aspen on East Hopkins Avenue.

316 E. Hopkins Avenue, Aspen, Colorado, Phone: 970-920-1893

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Proud owners of a 5-Star, 5-Diamond ranking, Element 47 at the Little Nell is one of the most impressive restaurants in Aspen. Unlike most other fine-dining establishments, Element 47 is open all day long – you can enjoy a brilliant breakfast, ski-in for lunch or settle in for a relaxed evening of superb wining and dining. Breakfast choices vary from the ultimate healthy bowl to berries to indulgent Lemon Soufflé Pancakes. At lunchtime you can enjoy light snacks, soups, salads and delicious light mains like Wagyu Tacos, Burgers or a Vegan Energy Bowl. However, at dinner time the true essence of Element 47 is on display as you settle in to enjoy an elevated 3-course fine-dining set menu.

Element 47, 675 East Durant Ave, Aspen, CO 81611, 970 920 6330

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© Aspen Over Easy Breakfast Club

Aspen Over Easy Breakfast Club is a fun breakfast joint and juice bar that is strongly committed to sustainability. You can’t go wrong with their spectacular dishes, some of which include the Banananutella Crepe, Fried Trout Sandwich, or the Hillbilly Benny (eggs benedict with smoked BBQ pork and caramelized onions).

Try a refreshing juice blend such as the Adrenaline Rush or a handcrafted cocktail. Bulgarian-born brothers Mladen and Ves Tsolov opened the eatery in 2011 with help from Aspen’s CORE sustainability program. After a night out or before a busy day of skiing, visit Aspen Overeasy, located downtown just down the street from the iconic Hotel Jerome.

515 E Hopkins Ave, Aspen, CO 81611, 970-710-7337

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© Betula, Aspen

Occupying a second floor location in the heart of Aspen, Betula Restaurant offers beautiful views of Ajax Mountain for you to admire as you dine. Architect designed, the indoor and outdoor dining spaces offer a relaxed Aspen vibe – comfortable, but undeniably stylish. The menu is very tempting without being too pretentious – it starts off with a selection of cold and hot appetizers to get the taste buds going. These are followed by a choice of prime meats cooked on the rotisserie and fish, seafood and steaks cooked to perfection. The desserts are little works of art on the plate and should not be overlooked.

Betula, 525 East Cooper Ave, Aspen, CO 81611, 970 922 8103

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© Silverpeak Grill

Silverpeak Grill serves some of the best comfort food and affordable diner fare in town. You will love their delicious eats like the Seared Ahi Tuna Sandwich, Kale & Quinoa Salad, signature Rolladillas, or the daily-changing Gringo Tacos. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available.

Long-time Aspen Chef Troy Selby owns Silverpeak Grill, which opened in 2010. Enjoy the casual, family-friendly atmosphere at Silverpeak Grill, located just two blocks away from the gondola. It’s the perfect place to stop for lunch on an adventure-packed day in Aspen.

520 East Cooper Avenue, Aspen, Colorado, Phone: 970-925-9788

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To truly appreciate the remarkable diversity of agriculture in and around Aspen, visitors owe it to themselves to book a table at Bosq, where you can sample exquisite regional flavors. For the last 6 years, Bosq has been captivating palates in Aspen by serving some remarkable small-plate tasting dishes inspired by the seasonal offering of neighborhood farmers and the wealth of foraging opportunities in the Aspen Valley. Guests are treated to a 4, 5, or 7-course tasting menu – you have the option of choosing which dishes on the menu are most appealing to you. The set menu changes throughout the season to make the best use of whatever is fresh and delicious.

Bosq, 312 South Mill Street, Aspen, CO 81611, 970 710 7299

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© Mezzaluna

Centrally located close to the gondola, Mezzaluna is a locally owned Italian restaurant which is open for lunch and dinner. The interior of the restaurant is light and bright offering a relaxed ambiance for your dining experience. Many lunch-time visitors are in a hurry to get back to the slopes and choose something quick and filling like a wood-fired pizza, a burger or sandwich or a comforting bowl of pasta (gluten free options available). At night diners are more relaxed and the dinner menu offers soups, salads and pastas in addition to a good selection of delicious entrees including Rocky Mountain Trout, Steak and Fries and Grilled Salmon.

Mezzaluna, 624 E. Cooper Ave, Aspen, CO 81611, 970 925 5882

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Located in the former premises of the historic Little Annie’s restaurant, Clark’s Oyster Bar welcomes visitors all year round. Some of the distinctive atmosphere of the original restaurant has been retained and “old” guests will feel right at home when they see the restored mahogany bar which now serves at the Oyster Bar. Oyster-lovers can rejoice – the oyster menu includes at least 8 different varieties to sample and there are several other tantalizing starter options at the raw bar. There is a long list of Specialties and Mains including Lobster Roll, New England clam chowder, Linguine with Clams and hearty Clark’s Cioppino. Not to mention caviar, sandwiches and Grilled Catch of the Day.

Clark’s Oyster Bar, 517 E. Hyman Avenue, Aspen, CO 81611, 970 710 2546

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When only the finest and freshest sushi will do, Kenichi is the place to go in Aspen. The restaurant first opened its doors in 1991, endeavoring to become a favorite local sushi destination. Since those early days Kenichi has succeeded in wooing the locals and attracting many vacationers who come back time and again to enjoy fantastic sushi and other Japanese cuisine. At the top of the list of house favorites, Yellowtail and Otoro Serrano Sashimi will seduce your taste buds with a hint of truffle oil in the basil yuzu soy. The Wagyu Hot Rock and the delectable Tuna Tataki are equally popular signature dishes.

Kenichi, 533 E. Hopkins Avenue, Aspen, CO 81611, 970 920 2212

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© Casa Tua

A beautiful architect-designed interior awaits you at Casa Tua Aspen. Designed to provide a cozy yet elegant area for relaxed dining, the restaurant presents warm wood details and rotating art and photographic installations to add interest. The cuisine is firmly centered about modern Italian dishes prepared with the finest locally sourced seasonal ingredients. The warm winter menu usually offers hearty bison and venison dishes, while in summer the emphasis turns to light and bright plates featuring local trout and porcini mushrooms. Wherever possible, organic produce is used. Tasty antipasti include beautifully seared scallops, grilled octopus or Stripped Bass Carpaccio. These are followed by a wide choice of pastas and/or a selection of hearty entrees.

Casa Tua, 403 S. Galena Street, Aspen, CO 81611, 970 920 7277, (website link)

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© 7908 Aspen

When you are looking for more than just a quick dinner, 7908 Aspen supper club is the ideal choice for a fun night out. 7908 is Aspens first restaurant, bar and nightclub rolled into one, offering guests excellent cuisine, a wonderful wine and cocktail menu and some great music that will keep your feet tapping. The food is modern International cuisine, exquisitely prepared and presented so that each and every diner can enjoy an “elevated” fine dining experience as befits a stylish resort. Guests can sit back and enjoy the music or join in the dancing in the fabulous 7908 lounge – the choice is yours.

7908 Aspen, 415 E. Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO 81611, 970 516 7908

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