The Aspen food scene is one of land-to-table, local ingredients paired with regional and international flavors. Rivaling some of the country’s larger metropolitan areas, this high-end ski town is home to hip, contemporary eateries, casual après ski spots, fine dining restaurants, a lively bar scene, and a wide variety of personalized tours and experiences to make any food and wine getaway extra-special.
It’s also home to craft breweries and tasting rooms as well as over a dozen nearby wineries producing a variety of whites and reds—and perfect for day-trip tours and private wine experiences.
Top-Pick Restaurants
BOSQ, led by renowned chef and owner, Barclay Dodge, is the town’s first and only Michelin-starred restaurant. This upscale, contemporary eatery—focused on local, seasonal ingredients and sustainability—is tasting-menu only, allowing guests to create their own five course meal or enjoy a delicious nine-course Chef’s Experience. From duck liver mousse to beef tartare, free-range buffalo, and lobster grilled over locally foraged juniper branches, every dish here is a beautifully prepared and plated fine-dining masterpiece.
The world-renowned French Alpine Bistro (Crêperie du Village) is a chic, cosmopolitan spot serving up authentic French comfort food in a comfortably rustic dining space. Dark wood tables, art-covered walls, flickering candlelight, and chairs draped with sheep pelts create a feeling of cozy warmth, while the heated patio offers guests a space to relax outdoors and take in the spectacular mountain views. Their classic ham and cheese crepe, saffron sea scallops, and hearty Coq au Vin are three must-try dishes, while the fondue for two is an unbelievably rich and delicious way to round out your meal (especially when topped with shaved truffles and paired with one of their recommended white wines).
Food & Wine Experiences
Wine Experiences at The Little Nell — Personalized, private tastings led by your own personal sommelier or a private, chef-paired dinner in the elegant 20,000-bottle wine cellar are two of the elevated experiences available as part of the luxury hotel’s renowned wine program.
Après at Cloud Nine Bistro — Nestled atop the mountain at the Cloud Nine Lift, this European-style bistro offers authentic Alpine dishes at lunch, private snowcat dinners in the evening, and a lively après-ski party scene, with a DJ and three popular champagne packages, for guests who are 21 and older.
Azura Cellars — This small vineyard winery, about a two-hour drive from Aspen, features an art gallery, Tuscan-style tasting room, and gorgeous views of the snow-topped West Elk Mountains and the property’s own lush, flowering gardens. Open seasonally from May through October, it’s a great place to taste and tour on any warmer weather visit to Aspen.
Aspen Food & Wine Classic — This annual June event is Aspen’s unofficial kick-off to summer, featuring wine and spirit tastings, food demonstrations, panel discussions, dinners, and more. Food and wine lovers from around the country join celebrity chefs, local restauranteurs, and some of the top food and beverage experts in the world for three amazing days of fun and fabulous culinary experiences. Tickets sell out quickly, but the Classic is a must-do event if you’re able to get passes.
At Home in Aspen with Equity Estates
Our spacious four-bedroom Aspen home, perched on the eastern edge of the exclusive downtown area, is walking distance to some of the town’s best restaurants and activities. With an open living space, gorgeous chef’s kitchen, and beautiful views of Aspen Mountain, it’s the perfect home-away-from-home for a food-focused family vacation or special getaway with friends.
Whether you’re a seasoned food and wine connoisseur or an enthusiastic novice, our Residence Managers and Local Hosts are always happy to offer personalized recommendations, make reservations, create unforgettable itineraries, and provide any other help you might need to enjoy the epicurean vacation of your dreams.
