10 Best Restaurants in Aspen for Holiday Dining
Aspen, Colorado, is a winter wonderland that transforms into a festive paradise during the holiday season. With its stunning mountain scenery, world-class skiing, and holiday events, Aspen offers a magical atmosphere. The city is known for its luxurious dining options, making it an ideal destination for holiday celebrations. Here’s a curated list of the 10 best restaurants in Aspen for holiday dining, each offering special menus and unique experiences.
Element 47

Photo Credit: bentelandbentel.com
Located within the luxurious Little Nell hotel, Element 47 is renowned for its upscale dining experience. This Christmas, they feature a four-course prix fixe menu that includes exquisite dishes like seared foie gras and wagyu beef. The elegant ambiance and exceptional service make it perfect for a celebration.

Photo Credit: google.com

Ajax Tavern

Photo Credit: aspensnowmass.com
Ajax Tavern offers a setting with a family-friendly atmosphere. This holiday season, enjoy an Italian family-style meal on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, featuring dishes such as wagyu carpaccio and caramel apple cheesecake. The restaurant’s extensive wine selection enhances the dining experience.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/table4friends/

Prospect

Photo Credit: instagram.com/hoteljeromeauberge/
For a truly luxurious holiday meal, Prospect at Hotel Jerome presents a five-course dinner on Christmas Eve that showcases local ingredients and seasonal flavors. Guests can indulge in beautifully crafted dishes while enjoying stunning views of the snow-capped peaks.

Photo Credit: google.com

Velvet Buck Restaurant

Photo Credit: google.com
The Velvet Buck Restaurant at the St. Regis Aspen offers a special holiday brunch in December with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. The menu features breakfast classics and live cooking stations, providing a variety of seasonal dishes. Located in the St. Regis Aspen Resort, the restaurant is a popular choice for dining during the holidays.

Photo Credit: google.com

Pine Creek Cookhouse

Photo Credit: google.com
The Pine Creek Cookhouse, located near Aspen, Colorado, is a well-known destination for those seeking a unique dining experience in a mountain setting. The restaurant is surrounded by stunning views of the Elk Mountains, making it popular for both its cuisine and its natural backdrop.
The menu emphasizes locally sourced ingredients, with an emphasis on seasonal and fresh flavors. Guests can expect dishes that feature wild game, fresh fish, and vegetarian options. During winter, it’s particularly famous for its cross-country skiing or snowshoeing experiences, where guests reach the restaurant via trails before enjoying their meal.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/pinecreekcookhouse/

West End Social

Photo Credit: instagram.com/aspenmeadowsresort/

The West End Social Club, located at the Aspen Meadows Resort in Aspen, CO, offers a blend of farm-to-table, European, and globally inspired cuisine. This casual yet elegant restaurant features dining areas including a lounge, Albright Pavilion, and patio, along with a stylish dining room.
Their menu includes highlights such as a double bison patty burger served on a pretzel bun, sweet potato-based dishes, and inventive vegetarian options like shredded kale salads with beets and chevre. For brunch, you can enjoy items like banana walnut pancakes or the unique "Mo's Sweet Potato Beni." Menu options expand to include dishes like roasted elk loin or dry-aged duck. The restaurant also accommodates dietary preferences with gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/aspenmeadowsresort/

Matsuhisa

Photo Credit: instagram.com/matsuhisaaspen/

Matsuhisa, located at 303 E Main St, is a high-end dining destination specializing in Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine. Founded by chef Nobu Matsuhisa, the restaurant is loved for its expertly crafted sushi, sashimi, and innovative dishes like black cod with miso and yellowtail jalapeño. The menu highlights high-quality ingredients with a creative twist that mixes traditional Japanese flavors with Peruvian influences.
The upscale ambiance includes a main dining room, an intimate sushi bar, and a lively lounge. Guests can enjoy signature cocktails, an extensive wine list, and premium sake to complement their meals. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak seasons. Expect a dining experience that reflects Matsuhisa's international acclaim!

Photo Credit: instagram.com/matsuhisaaspen/

White House Tavern

Photo Credit: instagram.com/whitehousetavern/

The White House Tavern, especially during the New Year’s season, becomes a popular spot for cozy and high-quality dining. Situated at 302 E Hopkins Avenue, this restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors for its straightforward, well-executed dishes, making it an ideal choice after a day of winter activities.
The menu features hearty American classics like sandwiches, salads, and house-made specialties. The rotisserie chicken salad and crispy chicken sandwich are particularly well-loved. For the holiday season, its warm and inviting ambiance provides a perfect setting for sharing a meal with friends or family. While not explicitly decorated for the holidays, the Tavern's charm and consistent quality make it a solid pick for a relaxed yet satisfying New Year’s dining experience.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/whitehousetavern/

J-Bar

Photo Credit: oyster.com

J-Bar, located within the historic Hotel Jerome in Aspen, is a renowned destination. The iconic bar at 330 E Main Street blends vintage charm with a festive atmosphere, making it a popular choice for celebrating New Year’s and Christmas in the heart of Aspen.
J-Bar is known for its upscale yet approachable menu, featuring hearty dishes like wagyu burgers, flavorful chili, and locally inspired appetizers. During the holidays, the bar often incorporates seasonal ingredients and cocktails into its offerings, providing a celebratory touch. Its warm wooden interiors and storied history add to its appeal, creating a cozy spot to enjoy a meal or drink after a day of winter activities.

Photo Credit: google.com

Caribou Club

Photo Credit: caribouclub.com
The Caribou Club, located at 411 E Hopkins Avenue in Aspen, is a private members-only club цшер upscale offerings. As one of Aspen's most luxurious dining and social venues, it attracts a discerning clientele seeking exceptional cuisine and a refined atmosphere.
The club features a menu crafted with premium ingredients, showcasing dishes that often highlight seasonal flavors. During the New Year’s period, the Caribou Club becomes a hotspot for elegant celebrations, offering curated dining experiences and specialty cocktails. Its intimate setting and high level of service make it an unparalleled choice for those who gain access. Advance arrangements or connections are typically required to secure entry, emphasizing its status as a coveted destination.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/caribouclubaspen/

If you happen to be staying at The Little Nell or visiting Aspen make brunch reservations at Element 47. Pancake lovers: try the Lemon Soufflé Pancakes, there’s just the right amount of citrus in these decadent fluffy pancakes. Vegans & avo toast lovers try the Avocado Toast. Plentiful, perfectly seasoned mashed avocado with feta & pickled onions on house baked bread is superb. Another vegan option is the Warrior Pudding Bowl, this healthy dish is super flavorful, light yet filling. Ingredients include quinoa, hemp, chia & oat. The Nell’s famous Hot Cocoa is rich, creamy & a quintessential tribute to Valrhona’s top of the heap chocolate. The recipe includes half & half, sugar, Valrhona cocoa powder & chocolate. It’s unreal! I’m a pastry fanatic so I always can’t wait to hear what flavor hand pie (pop tart esque) is on the menu. I also stash one in my ski back pack, makes the chairlift ride even more fun!