7 Best Fine Dining in Aspen, CO

Aspen, Colorado, has been at the top of the list when it comes to exclusive real estate and high-end vacation homes for years, all while being an international winter sports destination. But the restaurants and fine dining in Colorado’s crown jewel of a city are just as world-class. Whether you’re craving a romantic night out on the town, a delicious 10-course meal with family and friends, or something in between, Aspen has you covered. Come along with us as we journey through the best Aspen fine dining restaurants in 2023. Let’s dive in.

One of the most legendary bistros in town, Aspen’s long-standing Wild Fig restaurant is a must-visit for residents and visitors alike. Try the fig salad (after which the restaurant is named), glazed pork chop, and mussels. The atmosphere here is casual but definitely deluxe, and the service prides itself on the depth of knowledge of wine pairings and Mediterranean cuisine. Several vegan and vegetarian dishes are available, and they’re open for lunch all the way deep into the night.

This elevated nikkei-style Japanese fusion restaurant may just take top billing as the most coveted dining spot in Aspen. But just in case Japanese cuisine isn’t your favorite, the menu is more expansive than you’d expect from a high-end dining destination in town. The miso-glazed cod and seafood ceviche is a must-try, or order the special of the day. With an expert staff to guide you through the service, you’re sure to have a world-class experience no matter what you choose. The den-like ambiance makes dinner at Matsuhisa an intimate affair, but seating is quite exclusive, so reserve a table well in advance.

If you and your dinner guests are in the mood for heartier fare or the cold winter wind has given you an appetite, there’s no better Aspen fine dining spot to visit than Steakhouse No. 316. One of the most coveted destinations during the tourist season, this top-notch steakhouse has been an Aspen staple for years. Steak is, of course, the big attraction, and you’re certain to get a thick cut of some of Colorado’s best ribeyes and filets. Seafood is making a renaissance at 316 in recent years, with their striped bass and Himalayan red rice dish a local favorite. The vibes inside are warm and casual yet uber-luxurious, and the service is exceptional. A definite must-visit location the next time you’re in town.

For an upscale take on après ski dining, don’t pass up the opportunity to taste what they’re serving at Mountain Social, where Aspen’s well-heeled visitors can kick up their feet and enjoy top shelf drinks and cocktails in style. Even though the dining options may take second fiddle to the extraordinary drink menu on view here, you’ll always have an excellent time relaxing and going over your day on the mountain while live music plays. The outdoor patio is lit up in the most beautiful fashion, and the views of downtown Aspen from your perch at Mountain Social form the perfect backdrop at the end of a long day on the slopes.

This trendy recent addition to the Aspen nightlife scene blends live music, a social and inviting atmosphere, and some of the finest cuisine in town. Specializing in elevated comfort food like grilled lamb, hummus and pita, and craft cocktails, executive chef Byron Gomez is quickly gaining attention as one of the cleverest foodies in town. The attached Supper Club is a main attraction and perhaps the finest place in Aspen to dance, eat, and share a drink late into the night. Both sophisticated and relaxed, there’s no way you’ll come away from a night at 7908 Aspen without a heap of cherished memories.

One look at your first hors d’oeuvres plate at Plato’s Restaurant, and the feeling sets in: this is what it means to eat well in the Rockies. Open from 5 to 9 pm daily, reserving a seat at Plato’s will take patience. Be sure to dress formally when you finally get a chance to sample the deluxe European fare that makes this restaurant so special. Attached to the Aspen Meadows Resort, guests can walk directly from their suites to this exclusive and glamorous destination spot run by world-renowned chef Rachel Koppelman. Every dish is made with locally-grown sustainable ingredients, including smoked salmon, avocado and King Crab toast, and shishito peppers. Room service is available, and live music plays from 4 to 7 pm every Monday in the lounge.

If you’re looking to dress up and spend a few hours soaking in Aspen’s most elegant indoor dining experience, Element 47 is where you should go. The bar serves only the best liquors, caviar, and snacks, while the wine list continues to win James Beard awards almost yearly. Dinner is a sophisticated affair, with top-tier Kaluga sturgeon, short ribs, and the Colorado rack of lamb being just a few must-try dishes. Don’t forget their pasta and gnocchi, black bass, or wagyu beef steaks. There’s truly no more exclusive table in Aspen than one at Element 47.

There you have it: a complete list of the best Aspen fine dining restaurants currently available to try right now. Whether you’re looking for seafood, Colorado-style comfort food and steaks, or high-end French and Italian fare, Aspen has something for everyone.

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