It is hard to narrow down the best restaurants in Aspen. Our beautiful, little mountain town is home to many gourmet restaurants. From authentic Italian food to fresh Asian fusion, there is a menu for every palette.

WHAT IS THE MOST ESSENTIAL RESTAURANT TO THE ASPEN, CO EXPERIENCE?

Every town has a restaurant that represents the essence of that town. In Aspen, there are 3 restaurants that represent the culture of this ski town. Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro is a well-known aprés ski party destination. Visitors can spray champagne at 12,000 feet. Cache Cache is a cornerstone of dining in Aspen. It serves French cuisine and has an extensive wine list. Caribou Club is a luxurious members-only club that caters to visitors from all over the world.

Aspen is home to many delicious and diverse dining experiences. No matter your taste, dietary restrictions, or interests, you will find the best meal of your life here in Aspen. If you can’t decide where to eat out, the ALC team has got you covered. Here are some recommendations from your local concierge.

TOP 3 RESTAURANTS IN ASPEN WITH A VIEW

Please note that the views are seasonal. During winter months, the outdoor and/or rooftop seating is covered.

With so much natural beauty, Aspen has no shortage of restaurants with a view of Aspen Mountain and the Maroon Bells. However, if you want to connect to the heart of Aspen and experience all it has to offer, these are the 3 restaurants that you can’t miss.

1. ROOFTOP CAFE AT ASPEN ART MUSEUM

Located on the roof of the art museum, visitors can drop by after touring the museum or join the après party on a Saturday night. Rooftop Cafe stands out from other restaurants because of its culturally opulent atmosphere. You can enjoy both natural beauty and hand-picked sculptural exhibits for the duration of your dining experience. Rooftop Cafe has an ever-evolving, farm-to-table, locally sourced menu, with local coffee and beer served all day.

2. AJAX TAVERN

Ajax Tavern is located in The Little Nell at the base of Aspen Mountain. This is the quintessential après-ski destination. No restaurant gives you a taste of Aspen, Colorado better than Ajax Tavern. The atmosphere is casual, yet with an underlying sense of exclusivity. Ajax Tavern is the perfect place to wear your newest designer streetwear or show off your newest ski ensemble. The sun-drenched patio is the ideal place to see and be seen, while enjoying the mountain views.

3. CHICA

Chica brings Latin flavors to the mountains! You get an unbeatable view of Aspen Mountain while being close to the action of The Little Nell. The mastermind behind the dynamic menu is world renowned chef Lorena Garcia. She is known for merging Venezuelan flavors with international techniques. Garcia elevates cuisine to a whole new level, so you can experience Latin flavors in their most authentic form.

WHAT ARE THE BEST ASPEN RESTAURANTS FOR BACHELORETTE GROUPS?

Before you say “I do,” first you have to ask “will you be my bridesmaid?” Before embarking on married life, you will absolutely want to have the time of your life with your best friends. In addition to being a prime wedding destination, Aspen is amazing for bachelor and bachelorette parties. 

If you want to have an up-scale, classy bachelor or bachelorette party, check out these 6 amazing restaurants.

1. BETULA

Betula is a chic, cozy, little restaurant in the heart of Aspen. It has a certain je ne sais quoi that makes you feel as if that table is where you were always meant to be. Although Betula is a popular bachelorette destination, ALC also recommends it as a classy place to take your future in-laws.

The chef behind Betula is Laurent Cantineaux, a prodigy of chef Daniel Boulud. Cantineaux draws inspiration from classic French cuisine, South American flavors, and Caribbean favorites. In addition to its haute cuisine, Betula has exceptional cocktails with flavor profiles for every palette. A current Betula favorite is the herbal and fresh Pachamama, made with huacatay and quinoa-infused Barsol Quebranta pisco, fresh yuzu juice, egg whites, and orgeat.

2. CAMPO DI FIOROI

Campo Di Fioroi is warm, lively, and rustic with a touch of romance. Anyone who skis or summers in Aspen will know all about Campo’s earthy Italian cuisine. After one meal at Campo, you will find yourself chatting with the owner and staff like the oldest and dearest of friends. The inside of Campo mirrors the golden glow of dawn in Tuscany and brings that Italian hospitality to the Colorado mountains

Although the Northern Italian cuisine is a real treat, even for the most well-traveled of visitors, the real attraction of Campo is the bar. Campo has an unmatched collection of Italian and local wines. Officially, they are known for their bar parties and their espresso martinis. Unofficially, Campo is known among the local ladies for having very cute men on the waitstaff. 

3. KENICHI

If Betula is fine dining and Campo Di Fioroi is a fun, casual munch, then Kenichi splits the difference. Not only does Kenichi have world-class sushi, it also has a party-like ambiance. ALC recommends Kenichi for bachelor and bachelorette parties because it has private booths. You can also book the exclusive Tatami Room for all your intimate pre-wedding events.

If you are a laid back bride, you will really enjoy Kenichi. You can grab a bite with the girls after après at the Aspen Art Museum. If you want to pregame a night on the town, Kenichi also has an extensive liquor list. In addition to the classics, you can try drinks from around the world, including sake, Japanese whiskey, Mexican tequila, French wine, and local beers.

4. MONARCH STEAKHOUSE

While Monarch is suitable for both bachelor and bachelorette parties, it is a favorite among grooms and their groomsmen. Monarch Steakhouse is the perfect venue for a classy, sophisticated, luxury bachelor party. The atmosphere is akin to London Gentlemen’s Club with far better food. Locally, Monarch is well-known for its exceptional service.Whether you are a regular or a first time diner, you will be treated as if you are the most important person in the world. Every request is met, every expectation exceeded.

If you have a taste for the finer things, you will enjoy the prime steaks, caviar service, and extensive wine collection. In addition to bachelor parties, Monarch is ideal for date night. ALC recommends the 32 oz tomahawk rib eye for two. It goes very well with a number of signature Monarch cocktails. You should definitely try the Beluga & Caviar or the Monarch Negroni – which is a tribute cocktail that benefits the Mountain Rescue Aspen.

ALC HAS TAKEN THE LIBERTY OF CURATING A DOWNLOADABLE APRÉS GUIDE. PRINT OUT THIS GUIDE AND USE IT WHEN PLANNING YOUR TRIP.

NEW RESTAURANTS IN ASPEN TO DISCOVER

round every corner in Aspen is an eatery that has the potential to be your new favorite. Contact your concierge to get a reservation or to reserve a private dining experience.

1. LAS MONTAÑAS

Las Montañas is a popular newcomer to the Aspen dining scene, but it is already considered one of the best restaurants in Aspen for Mexican food. Las Montañas is easy to find, having moved into the space where Jimmy’s used to be. If you’ve been around long enough to watch Aspen restaurants come and go, you probably miss La Cocina. While Las Montañas is not the same as La Cocina, it definitely offers something new and vital to Aspen. This Tex-Mex spot serves delicious comfort food, including all the classic Mexican favorites with American touches. What makes Las Montañas stand out is the wine and liquor offerings. The wine list is extensive, with something for everyone, and the bar menu is full of unique cocktails and agave spirits. Las Montañas goes beyond just normal margaritas and embraces the Aspen spirit of great food and better wine.

Las Montañas is more of a party restaurant than the other newcomers. The second floor has a large dining room, a patio with a mountain view, and plenty of space for parties. Many party people like to either pregame at Las Montañas or end the night with something warm and cheesy. Either way, Las Montañas will quickly become your new favorite restaurant in Aspen.

2. YURT VILLAGE FONDUE DINNER

Introducing a luxury dining experience with a winter wonderland twist! There is currently a new yurt village set up in the St. Regis Courtyard. It is a new winter dining experience that you can’t miss! You can enjoy a meal of warm fondue in the privacy of your own yurt. Due to the warmth and intimacy of the yurts, this is an ideal venue for date night with your beloved.

As you know, there are so many restaurants to choose from in Aspen. What makes the yurt village so popular is the novelty and the special, new experience. If you want to wow your partner and have a much needed romantic dinner, look no further than the yurt village. Yurts are filling up fast: Contact your concierge to reserve a yurt for your fondue dinner.

3. PARC

PARC has been credited with filling a void left in Aspen when several locally-owned restaurants closed down. If you haven’t experienced PARC yet, what are you waiting for? This Aspen restaurant is cozy and a great reflection of the city. Its style is the perfect merger of a French countryside farmhouse and an LA vegan restaurant. Whether you ski, summer, or stay in Aspen year round, PARC will quickly become your favorite restaurant.

PARC’s entire menu was inspired by Colorado culture, with locally-sourced ingredients and seasonal menus. What makes PARC unique is the tiered dining experiences. You can grab a casual drink at the modern locals bar. If you are in the mood for fine dining, head up to the contemporary dining room. PARC also has the 620 room for intimate parties and private dining; you can enjoy a 5-star dinner with complete privacy and exceptional service.

4. MADAME USHI

Madame Ushi opened its doors shortly before New Year’s Eve. Although new, it is being lauded as one of the best restaurants in Aspen for unique Asian fusion cuisine. If you are an ethical eater, Madame Ushi is the place for you. The meat is sourced from authentic, cruelty-free wagyu farms and the seafood is sourced from environmentally-conscious fisheries.

Each dish highlights the quality of the ingredients while exploding visitors to a new way of seeing Japanese food. ALC recommends that you try the Osetra Caviar from the main menu. This delectable dish has hash browns, chives, 24k gold leaf, and yuzu creme fraiche. The tuna tartare is also made with 24k gold leaf, turning a fine dining experience into a luxury adventure for your palette.

After dinner ends, Madame Ushi turns into an exclusive, new nightclub called Gala Aspen. Be the first to experience this new Aspen gem! Contact your concierge to get a reservation.

WHAT ARE THE MOST ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS IN ASPEN, COLORADO?

Romance is always in the air in Aspen. Everyone knows that you need the perfect venue for a romantic evening or a proposal. The team at Aspen Luxury Concierge has 3 recommendations for romantic restaurants:

1. STEAKHOUSE 316

Steakhouse 316 has received rave reviews in 303 Magazine, 5280 Magazine, and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. If you have already experienced 316, then you know that this restaurant is something special. The historical decorations, walls draped in red fabric, and the opulent atmosphere make you feel like you traveled back in time to the dawn of the gilded age.

The menu includes both seafood and steak dishes, as well as an assortment of salads for vegetarian visitors. ALC recommends the 32 oz prime porterhouse for two as an exceptional dish to share with your beloved. With the intimate tables and low light, Steakhouse 316 is the perfect romantic destination for date night, an anniversary dinner, or a proposal. 

2. CASA D’ANGELO

Casa D’Angelo is the best restaurant in Aspen for romantic fine dining. It is the place to go if you want to romance your beloved and reconnect after a busy season. The owner is chef Angelo Elia, who was born in Salerno, Italy and brings the tastes of Italy to Aspen with him. The menu combines Italian classics with 10 distinctly Aspen dishes. All ingredients are fresh and locally-sourced. Wine connoisseurs will appreciate the extensive wine list and the luxurious ambiance. You and your beloved can either dine in the dining room or on the patio, where you can enjoy the views of the mountains.

3. FRENCH ALPINE BISTRO

French Alpine Bistro is elegant, luxurious, and known for fine dining. It has been voted one of the most romantic restaurants in Aspen. This beautiful restaurant is a little smaller than other Aspen venues. In the style of a Swiss mountain chalet, it provides an intimate setting that is ripe for romance!

Get dressed up in your latest designer finds and dine in style! French Alpine Bistro specializes in authentic crepes, fondue, and raclette. If you want a decadent meat dish, you simply must try the 6 oz filet mignon, aged 14 days. The ALC team highly recommends the Bœuf Bourguignon. If you or your beloved is a vegetarian, try the Bistro Bowl, which has quinoa, wild rice, toasted sesame ginger dressing, edamame, organic avocado, and crispy scallions. French Alpine Bistro serves delightful crepes for dessert, all of which pair perfectly with a glass of 2017 Rozès Port.

4 HIDDEN GEM RESTAURANTS IN ASPEN, COLORADO

ALC is a local concierge, so we know all the hidden gems of Aspen. If you’re looking for a lesser known but still amazing dining experience, we recommend Bosq, Duemani, Jing, and Ellina. Please contact your concierge if you would like a reservation for lunch or dinner.

1. BOSQ

Bosq provides a luxury dining experience with an intimate ambiance. The patio (open seasonally) is the perfect venue for you to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. Bosq is tasting menu only; each meal experience is closely curated to give you only the dishes that you will love. The wine pairings perfectly complement each uniquely crafted course. All ingredients are locally sourced and wild foraged as part of Bosq’s sustainable business model. The genius behind Bosq is Chef Barclay, who is one of the most talented chefs in Aspen. He even has a James Beard Award nomination.

ALC recommends Bosq if you are vegetarian or vegan. If you have unique dietary needs, please notify your concierge ahead of time. Your concierge will communicate your dietary needs to Bosq so they can provide you with a safe, delicious culinary experience.

2. DUEMANI

Duemani brings the Mediterranean coastline into the Colorado mountains. The menu consists of classic Mediterranean seafood dishes with a contemporary twist; Duemani also serves a variety of grilled meats that can be cooked to meet your unique preferences.

Duemani stands out as an excellent venue for dates, dinner with the in-laws, and business meetings. The main dining room has public seating for visitors who want to chat with the next table over. Duemani is also one of the only restaurants in Aspen that has a private dining room. It can be booked for private parties where you get hands-on one-on-one service.

3. JING

Jing is one of the most chic restaurants in Aspen.If you have international tastes, Jing is the place for you! Jing is best characterized as Asian fusion with global flair. The menu includes familiar Japanese dishes like sushi, as well as prime steak and a variety of seafood options. All ingredients are locally sourced from organic farms in Colorado. There are quite a few Asian fusion restaurants in Aspen, but the atmosphere at Jing is completely unique. You will love the attention to detail given to every plate.

4. ELLINA

Ellina is located in the heart of Aspen, but not many people know how special this place truly is. Ellina serves modern Italian food crafted by Chef Diaz. The real draw of Ellina is the wine. The owner is sommelier Jill Carnevale, who has curated an incredible collection of over 1,500 wines for you to enjoy. Whether you are dining indoors during the winter or on the patio in the summer, you will get the best experience of Aspen at Ellina.

Please note that Ellina normally books up 6 weeks in advance. Let your concierge know if you would like to have dinner at Ellina so we can make a timely reservation for you.

FIND THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN ASPEN FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS!

Want a great view? Throwing a party? Going on a date? Are you looking for a restaurant to propose at? Aspen Luxury Concierge has got you covered! As a local concierge, we know every inch of Aspen, Colorado. Not only can we recommend the perfect restaurant, we can handle everything for you. Your concierge can make reservations, arrange transportation, get you access to private dining, and arrange for childcare. Contact Aspen Luxury Concierge today to start your Aspen adventure!