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Best Aspen Restaurants for Lunch

Restaurant table of dishes
1 Apr 2025
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Aspen is a world-class destination known for its beautiful alpine scenery, amazing skiing and snowboarding, high-end shopping, and vibrant dining scene. Whether you are visiting for ski season or exploring Aspen’s charm in the summer or “off-season,” finding the perfect lunch can help elevate your experience. Our guide will help you discover the best Aspen restaurants for a midday meal.

Why Aspen’s Lunch Scene Stands Out

It is well-known that the Aspen culinary scene is amazing and diverse, rivaling that of bigger cities. Let’s explore what exactly makes the food here a stand-out affair.

Culinary Diversity

From hearty mountain fare to more refined culinary dishes, Aspen offers an eclectic mix of cuisines. Whether you are craving a casual bistro, a farm-to-table eatery, or a fine dining experience, there’s something here to satisfy every palate.

Ambiance

Lunch in Aspen can be anything from cozy and intimate to lively and entertaining. Whatever you are seeking, the variety of settings available here help to ensure that the atmosphere is as enjoyable as the food itself. 

A Scenic Midday Retreat

After a morning of skiing fresh powder, hiking scenic trails, or perusing designer boutiques, a well-earned lunch is the perfect way to recharge. Many restaurants offer stunning mountain views or sun-soaked patios (for those warmer months,) making for the perfect midday break in the heart of the mountains.

Aspen’s Top 5 Restaurants for Lunch

While Aspen offers a large variety of fantastic restaurants, here are our top 5 recommendations for a little mid-day nosh.

Element 47

Cuisine Type: Michelin-guide recommended; contemporary upscale American

Must-Try Dishes: Wagyu beef tartare and truffle fries

Ambiance: Refined with a warm and elegant vibe

Location and Hours: Inside the Little Nell hotel; lunch served daily from 11:30AM to 2:30PM

Ajax Tavern

Cuisine Type: French American bistro

Must-Try Dishes: Wagyu double cheeseburger and fresh seafood

Ambiance: Lively apres atmosphere with patio seating and scenic views

Location and Hours: Base of Aspen Mountain; lunch served daily from 11:00AM to 3:00PM

White House Tavern

Cuisine Type: Elevated American comfort food

Must-Try Dishes: Crispy chicken sandwich or trout dip
Ambiance: Casual chic, set in a 19th century miner’s cottage

Location and Hours: 302 E. Hopkins Ave., lunch served daily from 11:00AM to 3:00PM

Meat & Cheese

Cuisine Type: Farm-to-table with European and rustic American influences

Must-Try Dishes: Charcuterie boards and artisan sandwiches

Ambiance: Chic and inviting with a market style setting
Location and Hours: 319 E. Hopkins Ave., lunch served daily from 11:00AM to 4:00PM

Clark’s Oyster Bar

Cuisine Type: Seafood with raw bar

Must-Try Dishes: Lobster roll and fresh oysters on the half shell

Ambiance: Bright, airy, and relaxed with coastal charm
Location and Hours: 517 E. Hyman Ave., lunch served daily from 11:30AM to 3:00PM

Honorable Mentions

For other notable spots, check out the following:

Aspen Public House

Rustic pub with a delicious selection of sandwiches, salads, and more

Mawa’s Kitchen

Fantastic Afro-Mediterranean cuisine set in a cozy dining room

Aspen Hickory House

Down-home BBQ with mouthwatering ribs

Best Lunch Spots for Specific Needs

For Families

Brunelleschi’s 

Kid-friendly pizza and Italian dishes

For a Quick Bite

Big Wrap

Wraps and smoothies for a great on-the-go bite

For Health Conscious Diners

Spring Cafe

Organic and veggie dishes

For a Special Treat

Matsuhisa

World-class sushi and Japanese cuisine

Savor Aspen’s Vibrant Dining Scene

Indulge in Aspen’s diverse culinary offerings for lunch or dinner, all while surrounded by the unforgettable alpine beauty that is uniquely Aspen. No matter how you choose to spend your time here, your stay is sure to be unforgettable. 
 

At  Aspen Square condominium lodging, you’ll enjoy the perfect blend of hotel-style services and the comforts of home, all set in a prime downtown Aspen location. With easy access to the mountains, entertainment, and top tier-dining, your getaway will be effortless and enjoyable.
 

Our condominium hotel combines luxury features such as well-equipped kitchens, wood-burning fireplaces, and private balconies with the convenience of hotel services such as a front desk, concierge, bell staff, and daily housekeeping. Contact the concierge at Aspen Square to plan your family vacation this fall in Aspen. Call (970) 925-1000 and let us assist you!