13 Best Restaurants in Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley, Colorado

Extraordinary flavors flow from ordinary ingredients in the shareable plates at this perfectly situated space at the bottom of Fannie Hill. Root vegetable salad tossed in balsamic dressing, Parker House rolls with a pinch of sea salt, and Korean fried chicken with gochujang hot sauce are best enjoyed with a craft cocktail or glass of wine by a fire pit on the large patio with stunning mountain views. Large windows, cozy couches, and banquettes with high tops invite casual dining in the front, while tables and dimmer lighting offer a more formal experience in the back. The "for the trails" menu offers a sophisticated spin on sack lunches perfect for adventurers on the go. 

The dining room at Bosq is small and intimate with a rustic-chic setting that's bright in the daytime and dimly lit for a romantic experience at night. The food is equally impressive, melding root vegetables and local meats and fish with bold, and sometimes spicy, surprises. Dishes displayed like works of art and decorated with flowers and meticulously placed sauces are almost too beautiful to eat—almost.

Ski bunnies and shredders flock to this laid-back beach house downtown offering one of Aspen's best après-ski experiences. The crisp white walls and warm wood weathered by salt and sand offer a cozy spot to sip wine and clam chowder. A large table near the fireplace or a tucked-away corner booth are prime spots to share extravagant caviar, red snapper ceviche, or a lobster roll with a piled-high stack of shoestring fries. A fish tank and open kitchen add to the appeal. 

Candlelight, fur pelts, plush pillows, wooden skis, and European antiques come together in this bistro to create a cozy and charming Swiss chalet, a nod to the one where owner and retired pro skier Raphael Derly vacationed as a child. The authentic setting is supported with a divine, seasonal menu—with such traditional dishes as escargots, foie gras, boeuf bourguignon, and dessert crepes—that references Derly's upbringing in the south of France.

So close to the gondola you can keep your boots on while dining, this upbeat restaurant in the Little Nell hotel has big glass windows and a spacious patio with slope-side views. Large wooden beams, red booths, and sleek furnishings define this spot, which is popular both for its location and its hearty surf-and-turf dishes. The menu changes seasonally and focuses on Colorado ingredients.

With a focus on locally raised meats, Cache Cache brings a Continental influence to sophisticated yet filling entrées that are served on the patio or in the dimly lit room, with its white tablecloths and black chairs. In warmer months, the chic bistro's vegetable accompaniments reflect whatever is freshest from area farms. Those on a budget can belly up to the raucous bar for less pricey entrées.

Earth tones and calming blue glass tiles that reflect flickering candlelight provide a serene backdrop for the beautifully plated Mediterranean delights of chef Jesus Alvarado who trained at Aspen's renowned Matsuhisa sushi restaurant only a few blocks away. From caviar served with tater tots and hamachi crudo to Chilean sea bass topped with fennel puree and lemon caper sauce, each dish is light and bright with gorgeous color and flavor. Steaks, lamb chops, and veal are also a hit, but the seafood shines. Ask the in-house sommelier to recommend pairings from the extensive wine list or choose from one of the city's best liquor selections, including an impressive Japanese whiskey collection. 

Aspen's elite book tables at this swanky, highly regarded restaurant in the Little Nell hotel not only for the beautifully presented entrées but also for the glass, ceiling-height wine cases stocked by knowledgeable sommeliers who also make tableside recommendations. The seasonal menu highlights locally sourced produce and game, as well as meat raised on Colorado ranches. For a lighter meal, head to the bar, which features Colorado beers and spirits.

The smell is enticing as a thinly sliced Wagyu sizzles on a 1000° Hot Rock at the table in this dark sushi restaurant near the base of Snowmass mountain. Kenichi has been operating in Aspen since 1991, so Snowmass locals are happy to have their own outpost of the institution. Start with a warm dish like miso black cod before diving into sushi. Be sure to order whatever special roll the chefs have concocted, or if you're sticking with a warm entrée, try the pan-seared duck with a caramelized blood-orange soy glaze.

The sound of sizzling rib-eye fajitas waft through the second-story dining room and vibrant bar where Mexican art and an impressive wine program elevate the unexpected Tex-Mex menu. Ask the in-house sommelier to recommend affordable Spanish or Mexican wines to pair with the grilled Spanish octopus with bay-leaf aioli and pickled Fresno chilies. Dine during the day to appreciate the hand-carved wooden chairs, paintings, and festive dishes and tile imported from Mexico. Top-shelf margaritas, chips and queso, and enchiladas on the outdoor patio offer a more traditional, albeit expensive, experience.

Although you shouldn't expect to see celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa in the kitchen of his hopping restaurant in an 1887 Victorian house with an elegant downstairs room and a more casual, limited-menu upstairs space, his recipes and techniques are unmistakable. Nobu's sushi rolls and his new-style sashimi are marvelous, his hot dishes delectable, and his prices astronomical.

The journey to and from this elegant log cabin restaurant in an idyllic setting is even more memorable than the delicious local fish and hearty wild game plates served. In the winter, take in breathtaking views of the Elk Mountains as you snowshoe, cross-country ski, or ride in a horse-drawn sleigh to the cabin where large windows preserve the scenery. In summer, plan to hike or bike to take in the stunning surroundings for the reward of a filling lunch or dinner. Wintertime dinners are quite pricey, but they include transportation—by sleigh or a cross-country ski trek (gear provided).

Inside the Viceroy Snowmass hotel, TORO warms up the night after a day of skiing with its craft cocktails, Latin American cuisine, and dining room decorated with wood accents and a fireplace with nearby couches that are the perfect spots for sipping drinks. This spacious restaurant has a daring menu focusing on creative seafood and chops; spicy, smoky flavors pop in many dishes, with milder options for those who can't take the heat.