Gisella
415 East Main Street
Tel. 970.925.8222
www.gisellaaspen.com
Local restauranteurs Elizabeth and Luigi Giordani (they own restaurants in Denver, Vail and Aspen) along with co-owner Coleen Delia and manager Marcello Ferraira have launched a new concept at their restaurant Gusto. Now it's called Gisella and chef Jorma Cox heads the kitchen. Locals always flocked to this place.
Pinons
105 S Mill St.
Tel. 970.920.2021
www.pinons.net
Pinons has been around for ions, but not much has changed. It still has a great western ambiance and wonderful Colorado cuisine. Featuring traditional American food modified with local Aspen touch. Zagat consistently gives the elegant Pinons high ratings.
Syzygy
520 East Hyman Avenue
Tel. 970.925.3700
www.syzygy.com
In a town thats seen many come and go, Syzygy continues to reinvent itself. Great contemporary ambiance!
Matsuhisa
303 East Main Street
Tel. 970.544.6628
www.matsuhisaaspen.com
Opened 1998, Matsuhisa was an instant hit, partly because of celebrated chef Nobu Matsuhisa, of Nobu fame, and partly because of the lounge filled with high tech audio and video systems. The fish is flown in daily from Los Angeles. If you desire Japanese cuisine or a spice of its culture while in Aspen, Matsuhiusa is a must destination.
Social
304 East Hopkins Avenue
Tel. 970.925.9700
www.social-aspen.com
Globally influenced local cuisine. Try the dates wrapped in bacon with blue cheese.
Dogwood Grill
Two Rivers Road in Basalt
Tel. 970.927.4000
www.dogwoodgrill.com
This down valley restaurant is the talk of the town, although it is 30-minute trip from Aspen. Dogwood Grill’s menu is a homey, hearty southern inspired treat. With real Virginia ham sliced thin atop grilled asparagus and prawns and baskets of warm biscuits, crispy fried okra and, of course, buttermilk fried chicken.
Montagna at The Little Nell
675 East Durant Avenue
Aspen, Colorado 81611
Tel. 970.920.4600
thelittlenell.com
New restaurants come and go in this town of many foodies. Montagna in the Little Nell Hotel remains a constant success with a perfect combination of great ambiance, excellent cuisine and a dedicated staff. With a splendid view of Aspen Mountain, Montagna offers a delicious menu of American cooking during breakfast, lunch and dinner. Additionally, for wine lovers, Montagna contains a 15,000 bottle wine cellar, offering a perfect compliment to any meal.
Brexi Brasserie
411 South Monarch Street
970/925-2838
http://www.dancingbearaspen.com/property/brexie-brasserie
The Brexi brasserie is located on the ground floor of Dancing Bear residences and just across from the St Regis. It certainly is beautiful and there is no doubt that the bar will be lined up this winter for those yearning for comfort food. Think Balthazar and Pastis in the Rockies.
Cuvee World Bistro
305 Gold Rivers Court
Basalt
Tel. 070.927.4000
www.cuveebistro.com
This down valley restaurant is all about the wine. The winebar is a top of the line preservation system that dispenses 40 wines by the glass from $5.00 to $17.00 per. And if you get hungry the food by Chef Mitch Levy (formerly of the Little Nell and Snomass club) is outstanding. Try the Colorado lamb or the Mahogany roasted duck.