Best Restaurants in Aspen Colorado
ASPEN MOMENTS · DINING GUIDE
Best Restaurants in Aspen Colorado
Aspen has one of the most remarkable dining scenes of any mountain town in the world. In 2023, it became the only Colorado mountain destination to earn a Michelin star — and it hasn't looked back since. Whether you're after an intimate tasting menu, fresh oysters downtown, or a casual bite after a long hike, here's your guide to eating well in Aspen.
Fine Dining
Bosq ★ Michelin Star
The only Michelin-starred restaurant in any Colorado mountain town. Chef Barclay Dodge — an Aspen native and James Beard nominee — serves an intimate tasting menu rooted in local foraging and seasonal Rocky Mountain ingredients. His wife Molly runs the front of house. Small room, extraordinary food. Book well in advance.
Element 47 at The Little Nell Michelin Recommended
Named after silver's atomic number — a nod to Aspen's mining history — Element 47 is the flagship restaurant of The Little Nell hotel. Known for its award-winning wine program (one of the best in Colorado) and Colorado-centric seasonal menu. Sommelier Chris Dunaway won the 2024 Michelin Sommelier Award. The terrace is one of the most coveted tables in town.
Wayan
One of Aspen's most exciting newer restaurants, bringing French-Indonesian cuisine to a cozy chalet setting. Standout dishes include lobster noodles, Colorado lamb satays, and grilled octopus. Open kitchen, wood fire, and a warm art-filled atmosphere. Reservations essential.
YUKI by Nobu Matsuhisa
Perched above Belly Up, YUKI is Chef Nobu Matsuhisa's Aspen outpost. Expect A5 Wagyu sandos, Ora King Salmon, and salt-baked branzino in a sleek, elegant space. One of the most special dining experiences in the Rockies.
Mawa's Kitchen Michelin Recommended
Tucked near the Aspen airport, Mawa's Kitchen is a Michelin Guide gem by James Beard Award semifinalist Chef Mawa McQueen. Bold, hyper-seasonal Afro-Mediterranean cuisine with French-American flair. Warm, art-filled space with a devoted local following. One of Aspen's most unique dining experiences.
Casual & Local Favorites
Clark's Oyster Bar
East Coast seafood in the heart of the Rockies. Fresh oysters, lobster rolls, caviar, and cioppino in a cozy wood-accented space with a marble oyster bar. One of the most consistent restaurants in Aspen — packed year-round.
Ellina Restaurant + Bar
Contemporary Italian-American at 430 E. Hyman, with an award-winning wine cellar and outdoor seating on the pedestrian mall. A local favorite for everything from a leisurely lunch to a full dinner. The halibut is consistently excellent.
French Alpine Bistro – Creperie Du Village
A candle-lit Alpine hideaway by Austrian-born owner Karin Derly. Fondue, crêpes, and mountain warmth — exactly what you want after a day outdoors. One of the most charming rooms in Aspen.
BUCK
A local darling that opened in late 2023. Over 200 whiskeys on the wall, creative comfort food by chef John "JJ" Harvey (Monday Pasta Night, Friday Surf and Turf, Saturday Rib Night), and a genuinely fun atmosphere. One of the best value spots in town.
Bangkok Happy Bowl
A 14-year Aspen institution and winner of the 2025 Soupsköl championship with their Beef Massaman Curry. Beloved by locals and visitors alike — one of the best budget-friendly options in a notoriously expensive town.
Aspen Brewing Company
Local craft beers including the Silver Queen series, seasonal brews, and Detroit-style pizza added in 2025. Dog-friendly outdoor patio. A great casual stop after hiking or biking.
Practical Tips
Aspen's top restaurants book out weeks in advance, especially during the Food & Wine Classic (June), July 4th weekend, and ski season. Use OpenTable or Resy for reservations. Walk-ins are easier at lunch or on weekday evenings in early summer and fall.
The Saturday Farmers Market (June through October) on the pedestrian mall is a great way to graze through local Colorado produce, artisan food, and live music without a reservation.
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