Aspen may be known for fur coats, famous DJs, fashion-week ski fits, and very aggressive champagne showers at Cloud Nine, but the real star? The food. With top chefs and buzzy restaurant brands opening here, Aspen’s dining scene is as impressive as it is glamorous. Here’s your guide to eating your way through Aspen.
Betula
Betula is a French-Panamerican restaurant that legitimately blew everyone in my family away. The menu moves from crudos to grilled fish to perfectly cooked meats. This was our favorite meal of the trip.
Must Try: Pulpo Anticuchero, Miso Chipotle Seabass, Tuna Tataki Bata-yaki, Roasted Duck Magret
White House Tavern
Three words: Hillstone Restaurant Group. White House Tavern is their Aspen outpost that draws wait times up to 3 hours even on a Monday. While the menu is simple with their usual classics, one thing about a Hillstone restaurants is it’s consistent and never fails.
Must Try: Smoked Trout Dip, Crispy Chicken Sandwich, French Dip
Matsuhisa
Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s famous Japanese restaurant made its way to Aspen in 1998. Matsuhisa Aspen gives a distinct historic yet sophisticated vibe while serving Nobu’s signature dishes. You’re guaranteed a great meal here always.
Must Try: Yellowtail Sashimi, Miso Black Cod, Japanese Eggplant, Any sushi rolls!
Meat & Cheese
When I think of a perfect lunch spot, Meat & Cheese is it. Meat & Cheese is a casual yet thoughtfully curated restaurant and marketplace right in the middle of town. Their charcuterie and cheese boards stand out, but don’t sleep on their sandwiches and meat boards as well. They’re also open for dinner!
Must Try: Rotisserie Chicken Board, Pastrami Sandwich, Fried Chicken Bites, Chocolate Chip Cookie Board
Bosq
Bosq is a seasonally-driven tasting menu restaurant from Chef Barclay Dodge, an Aspen local. Bosq has earned a Michelin star, making it not only one of Aspen’s signature culinary destinations but also one of the few Michelin-recognized restaurants in Colorado.
It’s a tasting menu, so everything is fresh, refined, and top-quality.
Sant Ambroeus
Sant Ambroeus is growing by the day and their Aspen location is no different. Sant Ambroeus first arrived in Aspen with a coffee bar concept before expanding to the full restaurant. The restaurant is set within a historic 1889 building merging Alpine charm with Milanese sophistication, just like their menu. If you’re looking for a fancy, celebratory meal, this is the place to go.
Must Try: Black Truffle Pizza, Sant Ambroeus Ravioli, Cacio e Pepe
Steakhouse No. 316
This Aspen steakhouse is as classic as it gets: white tablecloths, cold martinis, and steaks cooked to perfection. It’s definitely a contender for the best steakhouse in town.
Must Try: Crab Cakes, Dover Sole, Lobster Mac and Cheese, Any of their steaks
The Little Nell
The bar at The Little Nell’s Element 47 is my favorite place to people watch. Grab a seat at the bar after a long day of skiing or for pre-dinner drinks. Don’t skip the truffle grilled cheese.
Must Try: Tortilla Soup, Wagyu Burger, Truffle Grilled Cheese
French Alpine Bistro
The second I stepped into French Alpine Bistro I was transported to a cozy chalet in the French Alps. This French restaurant is serving hearty and comforting dishes that just make the heart (and your stomach) happy.
Must Try: French Onion Soup, Cheese Fondue, Truffle Potato Gnocchi, Any of their Crepes
Clark’s Oyster Bar
The famous Clark’s Oyster Bar, hailing from Austin Texas, has become a staple in town. Between the oysters, crudo, chowders, and crab cakes, any seafood you have here is amazing. Make sure you make a reservation. It’s always packed!
Must Try: Crudo Plate, Clam Chowder, Lobster Roll
The Wild Fig
The Wild Fig is a very intimate and charming restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine. It gives off the energy of a European brasserie making it the perfect restaurant to sit back, relax, and stay for hours.
Must Try: Fig Salad, French Onion Soup, Mussels, Tiramisu
Bar at Hotel Jerome
While it’s not a fancy sit down restaurant, the bar at Hotel Jerome is truly my favorite place for truffle fries and a fantastic cocktail.
Must Try: Espresso Martini, Mini Sliders, Truffle Fries
Las Montañas
Las Montañas is the kind of restaurant you can hang around and sip margaritas all afternoon. It’s not stuffy, laid-back, and the food hits the spot. If you’re in the mood for Mexican, look no further.
Must Try: Lamb Barbacoa Quesadilla, Crispy Beef Taco, Chicken Enchiladas
Silvers
Silvers makes the best bagels in Aspen. There is often a wait, so the earlier you go the better!
Must Try: Everything and Sesame Bagel
Hickory House
If you want to feel like a local in Aspen, go here. This neighborhood BBQ joint is serving the best barbecue in Aspen. It’s truly a hidden gem.
Must Try: Ribs, Hot Wings, Beef Brisket
Caribou Club
Caribou Club is a private members-only club that combines fine dining, an acclaimed bar, and a lively nightclub all under one roof. We were fortunate enough to be given entry for dinner and drinks, so if you get the opportunity to go, I highly recommend.
They make an excellent martini!
THE WATERS EDIT 