At the pinnacle of luxury skiing, Aspen tops many global ski travellers’ winter wish list.  Below is our review of the must have dining from Lush Lunchtimes to Decadent Dining.

Lush Lunchtimes

For more Little Nell novelties, head to their mid-mountain Lynn Britt Cabin for a sensational sit down lunch or later in the evening for snowcat dinners. The Nell also operates the top of the mountain’s Sundeck restaurant, so expect quality quaffing and gastronomic grub there, too.

Culinary comforts on Snowmass Mountain include Sam’s, a new Italian restaurant at Sam’s Knob at 10,620 ft.. With sweeping views of the Elk Mountains and a sophisticated but lively food experience, the $2.5 million remodel aims to accentuate the natural landscape of the surrounding peaks while pulling in a light and bright modern feel with tempting touch points such as an open bar area, live-action kitchen, fireplace with relaxed seating, and a stylish deck.

An added slipper room will greet diners with the option to remove ski boots and slip into a pair of comfy slippers. The mindful menu features house-made pasta, artisanal bread, locally cured meats, curated wine list and signature cocktails – notably the negroni spritz.

Best view for lunch downtown is arguably from SO, atop Aspen’s must-visit Art Museum, with unparalleled views of Aspen Mountain and Independence Pass as well as a menu of innovative local ingredients. Just like the exhibits, menus are rotated regularly in tune with the seasons.

Decadent Dining

If your party doesn’t fit into the Mini Jimmy’s, check out the full-sized version for Aspen’s best steaks. Local celebrity and Aspen insider  Gretchen Bleiler  recommends the Creperie du Village’s  French Alpine Bistro for unique atmosphere and ambiance. “But make a res because it fills up,” she says. “It’s a totally authentic European fondue experience that makes you feel like you’ve been transported to the heart of the Swiss Alps.”

There are over 100 restaurants and bars to choose from downtown including alpine-modern Bosq for New American cuisine care of passion-driven international chef C. Barclay Dodge who has been in the restaurant world for over thirty years. Together with his wife Molly, you’ll be entertained in their cozy but chic space with dishes like the renowned Peking duck.

Casa Tua AspenCheck out Casa Tua Aspen for polished Northern Italian dishes in the art-adorned alpine atmosphere with a private upstairs club.

Betula is the latest collaboration between chef Laurent Cantineaux and architect and restaurateur Juan Carlos Pérez Febres, co-owners of Bonito, a restaurant in the French West Indies Island of St. Barth. Visit for French Pan-American cuisine, an authentic rôtissoire as kitchen centerpiece, elegant combinations of flavour, texture and presentation, and a beautiful view of Ajax Mountain all in a modernized downtown Victorian building with chic beach house décor overtones.

Nestled in another quaint Victorian house on Main Street, Matsuhisa has an upstairs lounge, sushi bar and full dining room famous for its marinated and broiled black cod with miso.

With over 100 eateries, Aspen has culinary options for all palate from pub grub to haute cuisine. For more on this decadent ski destination see our Aspen resort guide here. Bon Apetit!