Aspen has an amazing number of good restaurants for a small mountain town of 6,000 people.

For That Special Evening:
For a special evening of extravagant dining:
Montagna (970-920-6330)
the main dining room in the Little Nell Hotel. You can't go wrong and the wine selection is out of this world.
Pine Creek Cookhouse (970-999-9999)
for a dinner located in a rustic building. Accessed in Winter by a star gazing winter sleighride or cross-country trek. located at the end of Castle Creek Road.
Pinons (970-920-2021)
Colorado cusine - make note that they have a great value early bird special prix fix limited menu which is available before 6:30 ... or in the bar all evening.

Sushi Restaurants:
Takah Sushi (970-925-8588)
perennial winner of Aspen's annual local's award for best sushi in Aspen but there has been a major turnover in staff since the move to their new location at the corner of Mill and the Hyman Ave Mall.
Matsuhisa (970-544-6628)
another great option for sushi & Nobu's signature concoctions - but we always eat in the upstairs lounge for a more relaxed atmosphere plus a more affordable meal.
Kenichi (970-920-2212)
Another top quality sushi bar on Hopkins Ave
Ing (970-999-9999)
a minimalist environment at the Airport Business Center. More oriented for take-out.

Italian Restaurants:
L'Hosteria (970-999-9999)
consistently good Italian fare on Hopkins Avenue
Campo Di Fiori (970-920-7717)
downstairs in the Mill Street Mall
Mezzaluna (970-925-5882)
with its hard surface acoustics it can frequently get too noisy for my taste.
Gusto Restorante (970-925-8222)
on main street

Other Good Choices :
Other Aspen restaurants worth mentioning are:
Zocalito (970-920-1991)
a hidden gem on the Hyman Mall. Spanish, Central & South American cuisine. Best margarita in Aspen.
Pacifica (970-920-9775)
best choice for seafood and raw bar
Wild Fig (970-925-5160)
great food but the acoustics are loud and it can be difficult to carry on a conversation.
Blue Maize (970-925-6698)
for southwest fare - and, if you are hungry, try the wonderful whole fish daily special ... and the blue corn chips with salza are spectacular. located on Hunter.
Steak Pit (970-925-3459)
just what it says
Jimmy's (970-925-6020)
American food and a large selection of tequila at the bar. located in the Mill Street plaza.
Cantina (970-925-3663)
the local Mexican favorite located at the corner of Main & Mill Streets
Asie (970-920-9988)
for Thai and Chinese dishes. Located on Main Street.
Little Ollies (970-544-9888)
Chinese restaurant and take-out on Hunter

Good & Cheap - Burgers & More:
Woody Creek Tavern (970-923-4585)
a local "institution" know for good food and fresh lime margaritas located in the Aspen suburb of Woody Creek. Warning: no credit cards.
Little Annie's Eating House (970-925-1098)
on Hyman Ave
Bentley's At The Wheeler (970-920-2240)
adjacent to the Wheeler Opera House
Red Onion (970-923-4585)
Aspen's oldest restaurant rumored to be closing down at the end of the ski season. on the Hyman Ave Mall.
Cooper Street Pier (970-925-7758)
on Cooper Street. also rumored to be closing down at the end of the ski season.

Full Blown Breakfast:
Aspen locals gather for a hearty breakfast at the
Hickory House (970-925-2313)
located on Main Street at the West end of town
Wienerstube (970-925-3357)
on Hopkins Ave
Main Street Bakery (970-925-6446)
on Main Street

Coffee And Bagels or Muffins :
Ink Coffee
the overwhelming local's choice, locally-owned, non-chain coffee shop located on Durant Ave.
Starbucks
If you must, it's located on the Gondola Plaza