Aspen is more than breathtaking mountain views and luxurious properties.

 

Its culinary scene has been on the rise, with several restaurants offering enticing cuisines perfect for food enthusiasts.

 

Aspen’s restaurants bring a plethora of dining options, from upscale restaurants to casual cafes. Visitors can choose from a variety of cuisines such as Italian, French, Japanese, Mexican, and American. The options are endless, making it difficult for tourists and locals to decide where to eat.

 

One of the top-rated restaurants in downtown Aspen is Cache Cache. For over 30 years, this French-American bistro has been an iconic fine dining destination, providing guests with the best wine selection and perfectly crafted dishes. The restaurant earned recognition and numerous accolades from different dining organizations, and people flock to the location to experience its world-class cuisine.

 

Located in the lobby of The Little Nell Hotel, the Ajax Tavern provides guests with an exceptional dining experience. With the stunning view of Ajax Mountain and a lively bar scene, this restaurant is one of the must-visit establishments in town, perfect for anyone seeking luxury and quality.

 

Meat and Cheese is a perfect spot for those seeking a casual, farm-to-table meal. The restaurant’s menu features locally sourced and organic ingredients, perfect for a healthy yet satisfying meal. They offer salads, grain bowls, sandwiches, and more, along with a stocked specialty food market.

How to Choose the Perfect Restaurant

Now that you know which restaurants are the best in Aspen, it’s time to pick one, and that’s the tricky part. Choosing the right restaurant can make or break your dining experience. Here are some helpful tips to finding the ideal dining spot.

• Type of Cuisine – Determine what type of food you’re in the mood for. Aspen has a variety of dining options ranging from classic French, Italian, Mexican, and Japanese. It’s essential to know what type of cuisine interests you before deciding where to eat.
• Budget – Aspen is known for being an upscale destination, so dining can get quite expensive. Determine how much you’re willing to spend before picking a restaurant to avoid any surprises.
• Location – Consider the location of the restaurant. If you’re staying out of town, you might want to find a restaurant near you. If you’re after a mountain view or a more bohemian ambiance, there are numerous options for that as well.
• Service – Whether it’s fine dining or casual dining, excellent service is always a plus. Look for reviews online to ensure the restaurant you choose provides an exceptional experience.

The World-Class Wine Scene in Aspen

Aspen is well known for its wine scene. With a plethora of options, it’s no surprise that people from all over the world flock to Aspen to taste the finest wines. Aspen has numerous wine bars and vineyards, but one establishment that consistently stands out is Element 47, located in The Little Nell Hotel.

 

Element 47’s beverage program earned numerous awards over the years, including the Best of Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine. They offer an impressive wine list, including rare and vintage wines, perfect for wine enthusiasts who want to taste something new.

 

One of the unique things about Element 47 is that they have created a “wine wall.” The concept allows guests to choose wine based on regions, varietals or try something the sommelier recommends. Element 47’s knowledgeable and passionate sommeliers are always ready to help guests find the perfect wine that suits their taste.

Cooking Classes and Culinary Experiences in Aspen

Part of what makes Aspen’s food scene so unique is that it offers more than just dining. There are many culinary experiences that visitors and locals can enjoy, from cooking classes to wine tastings.

 

Exciting culinary experience to try in Aspen is the Farm-to-Table Dinner or Community Meal event. This program takes guests to working farms to learn about sustainable agriculture, followed by a farm-to-table dinner prepared by a local chef.

 

Aspen’s food scene is constantly evolving, with new restaurants and culinary experiences popping up throughout the year. Whether you’re visiting Aspen for the first time or a local looking for a new culinary adventure, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste in Aspen.