Aspen is the chic skiing destination known around the world. Working in the luxury travel industry means that I’m always sending clients to Aspen and booking the best restaurants for them. Trust me when I say that these restaurants are hard to get into for a reason. This is one of the few places in the world where the food is as good as the skiing!

Fair warning, as a travel agent, booking trendy restaurants in Aspen can be a hair-pulling nightmare sometimes. Especially during peak travel seasons, there are credit card guarantees, undesirable dining times (released randomly 1 week prior), extortionary cancellation fees, and straight up rude staff to deal with. If you’re booking these restaurants yourself, power to you. If you’d rather have someone take care of it for you, use someone experienced in booking these restaurants (like myself). Trust me, it’ll save you some gray hairs.

Keep reading to find out which of Aspen’s trendiest restaurants I regularly book and why I recommend them!

Cache Cache

Cache Cache is a renowned French-American restaurant in Aspen, known for its elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. The restaurant offers a refined menu featuring fresh, high-quality ingredients and a wide selection of wines. Definitely get the lamb chomps while you’re there!

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Matsuhisa

Possibly the toughest reservation to get – Matsuhisa in Aspen is a renowned Japanese restaurant by celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa, offering a fusion of traditional Japanese dishes with Peruvian influences.

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Located in a beautifully restored Victorian home, the restaurant boasts a stylish and elegant atmosphere. Known for its sushi and inventive dishes like the renowned black cod with miso, it’s a hotspot for both locals and visitors looking for a high-end dining experience.

Important to note that the main dining area is located in the downstairs basement. Upstairs is where the sushi bar lives and is usually first come, first serve. The bar seats are highly coveted but you would need to arrive early.

Catch Steak

The famous outpost of NYC/LA staple, Catch Steak in Aspen is a chic and modern steakhouse that’s a hotspot for both locals and celebrities. The menu features high-quality steaks and seafood, including a standout dry-aged prime rib cap and Pacific Hamachi crudo.

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The restaurant also offers a variety of inventive cocktails, like the Main Squeeze, which combines Grey Goose vodka with yuzu and strawberry. This outpost has two levels including an outdoor terrace with sweeping views of the mountains. Make sure to get your reservations in advance here!

Casa Tua

Casa Tua is synonymous with an exclusive dining experience, and the outpost in Aspen is no different. Casa Tua in Aspen offers a refined blend of traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine in a cozy, elegant setting that evokes the charm of the Dolomites and Alps. Located in downtown Aspen, it features multiple dining spaces including the intimate Library, the Chef’s Table with a view of the open kitchen, and a charming outdoor patio with views of Ajax Mountain.

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The menu highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients with dishes like pappardelle alla bolognese, Ora King Salmon, and veal Milanese, complemented by a curated selection of organic wines. Casa Tua is not just a restaurant but a lifestyle experience, with an exclusive members-only club upstairs offering panoramic views and a luxurious ambiance. Tip: If you’re a Casa Tua member (or know someone who is a member) reservations will be a million times easier.

Clark’s Oyster Bar

Clark’s Oyster Bar in Aspen is a charming spot located in the historic former Little Annie’s space downtown. Known for its fresh seafood, it offers a variety of dishes including oysters, crudo, lobster rolls, and daily fish specials.

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The cozy interior features a fireplace and a marble oyster bar, making it a popular place for après-ski cocktails and hearty meals. Open daily for lunch and dinner, it’s a favorite among both locals and visitors for its relaxed yet refined atmosphere​.

Betula

Betula (the sister restaurant of the St. Barths staple, Bonito) in Aspen is a chic, second-floor restaurant that offers stunning views of Ajax Mountain. The menu features French Pan-American cuisine, blending French techniques with flavors from the Americas, crafted by famed Chef Laurent Cantineaux. You have to try the Crispy Skin Striped Bass – a menu staple everyone raves about.

The ambiance is relaxed yet elegant, making it a perfect spot for both locals and visitors. Known for its innovative dishes and cozy Victorian-style interior, Betula provides a warm and inviting dining experience worthy of a Michelin Star.

Steakhouse No. 316

Steakhouse 316 in Aspen is a chic, intimate dining spot housed in a historic Victorian-era home. Known for its dark and cozy atmosphere with red velvet booths, it offers a romantic setting perfect for date nights or special occasions.

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The menu features prime cuts of steak, seafood, and a raw bar, with standout dishes like the tomahawk ribeye for two, crab oscar, and decadent sides such as potato pavés with béarnaise sauce. The restaurant also boasts a well-curated wine list, making it a top choice for steak lovers and wine enthusiasts alike.

White House Tavern

White House Tavern in Aspen is a beloved dining spot known for its casual ambiance and delicious American fare. Located in a historic building, it offers a cozy atmosphere with a touch of rustic charm.

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Their menu features comfort classics like burgers, sandwiches, and salads, all made with high-quality ingredients. Definitely don’t miss the Crispy Chicken Sandwich while you’re there! It’s a popular choice for locals and visitors alike seeking a relaxed dining experience in the heart of Aspen.