Top 10 Restaurants in Aspen

Description:

World-renowned chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, whose gourmet Japanese food has filled stomachs in New York, London and Los Angeles to high praise, is now working his magic in Aspen. The interior is so stark and simple that it somehow drips with style. Seating options include table, booth or sushi bar. It is not often that one can say that everything on the menu is outstanding, but this restaurant is one of the rare exceptions. Specialty dishes include mussels in a spicy garlic sauce, and Tuna Tataki. It also offers an array of sashimi options. Open hours change with each season; call the restaurant for more information.

Description:

Located next to the Silver Queen Gondola, this popular restaurant combines location with style to create one of the premier ski restaurants in the world. A sun-drenched deck makes for a perfect viewing spot. The wood dominated interior has a classy feel. For true Mediterranean tradition, try the Tuscan Barbecue Short Ribs, or for pasta fans, opt for the Venison and Pork Bolognese. The full bar has built a reputation for its martinis.

Description:

Rocky Mountain Artisan cuisine is a specialty of the Montagna in the Little Nell. Serving traditional American breakfast, including cereals, omelets and pastries, juices, soups, salads, assortments of vegetables and meats are available, giving you plenty to choose from. And don't forget the exotic French, Swiss, Dutch and Italian cheeses and desserts after your meals or the wines from the large selection. You can choose from the Master Sommelier Richard Bett's private cellar consisting of over 20,000 wine bottles.

Description:

Traditional American recipes merge with Mediterranean inspiration, creating an ever-changing menu rich with flavor and imagination. Savor big, robust food bursting with flavor. Feel the energy, driven by Olives' trademark exhibition kitchen. Olives Aspen décor features warm pine floors, a mix of antique furniture and cozy deco-inspired booths, wrought iron sconces, ochre walls and fabrics in soft earth tones. Olives combines elegance and comfort, the finest cuisine and exceptional service for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Menu selections are prepared with the highest quality ingredients and seasoned cooking techniques.

Our Local Expert Says:

Great margaritas, and killer grilled veggie salsa

Description:

This creatively fresh, little restaurant looks more like something one would expect to find in Santa Fe rather than Aspen. In fact, upon entering you almost get the feel that instead of dining you are going to make pottery. For an entrée with a local taste but a southwest twist opt for the Blue Corn Crusted Trout. Or for the truly unique try the Banana Wrap Sweet Potato Tamale. If you prefer the traditional touch, there are plenty of fajita options including veggie, shrimp and buffalo. Children's portions are available.

Description:

Another local favorite, Jimmy's (subtitled "An American Restaurant & Bar") is known for its steaks and seafood, but loved for its luscious meatloaf. Proprietor Jimmy Yeager says it's "fierce American food," busting with flavor and prepared without fear. Other signature dishes include the crab cakes, Colorado rack of lamb, and the addictive homemade chocolate chip cookies. The BBQ sauce and salsas are also worth a taste. Jimmy's also prides itself upon its selection of tequilas and mezcal: At 145 labels, it's one of the nation's best.

Our Local Expert Says:

The specialty breadsticks with olive oil will melt your cares away!

Description:

Few, if any, Aspen restaurants can match Mezzaluna for its combination of great food and a lively bar scene. But it is this fusion that makes it so popular and prompted Gourmet Magazine to rank it as one of the top three restaurants in Aspen. The interior is Los Angeles hip: marble tables, big glass windows and tall potted plants. If you can secure a window table it is a great perch for people watching both inside and outside. If you covet booze-addled Happy Hours this is the place to go. The entrées feature an array of pasta, fish and meat dishes. There is also an audacious selection of avant-garde pizzas including one that features French onion with Swiss cheese and smoked bacon.

Our Local Expert Says:

Alone? Sit at the locals table and get all the scoop!

Description:

Since 1965 this restaurant is known as one of Aspen's true dining landmarks. It takes such care in serving authentic Austrian fare that you will leave with a strange hankering to watch the Sound of Music. The menu, as expected, serves plenty of traditional Austrian dishes, such as Bratwurst and Sauerbraten. It also, however, offers a nice continental selection too, including Dover sole, sirloin steak, and grilled pork chops. A kid's menu is also available. Please note that the restaurant closes at 10:30p, but the bar remains open until midnight.

Description:

It is rare that a restaurant is equally famous for both its breakfast and dinner, but this local treasure pulls it off with nonchalant style and manner. The brown exterior mirrors the interior: basic and stylishly absent. Yet it exudes warmth and character. Its barbecue is world renowned and has won top prize in 43 national competitions. Full- and half-racks of baby back ribs headline its barbecue list. There are also many meat-leaning sandwiches such as barbecued smoke pork and pit-smoked ham. The breakfast menu is traditional and features everything from omelets to oatmeal.

Description:

This downstairs restaurant will never be confused as the place to go for a great view. Instead, it offers a cozy and intimate setting in a contemporary atmosphere. A full bar area lends it a relaxing feel, providing a nice break from some of the food-snob formality which pervades many of the other restaurants. The menu is budget friendly without sacrificing style and taste. The Wasabi Caesar Salad provides a nice departure from the usual. Sesame Crusted Salmon and grilled Filet of Beef are popular dinner choices.