Aspen, Colorado is known for many things: some of the country’s best skiing, a glitzy atmosphere, and world-class hotels, just to name a few. Whether or not you’re in town to hit the slopes, Aspen is the place to see and be seen as you explore a veritable winter wonderland. For locals and visitors alike, you’re going to need to supplement those exhilarating days on the mountain with delicious meals in Aspen’s cozy enclaves and eateries.
From fine dining to après ski snacks, Aspen offers a unique and delectable culinary scene. As with most activities in Aspen, dining at these restaurants is an excellent opportunity to show off your signature style and your dedication to luxury. In other words… you simply need to accessorize with the perfect watch. Today, we’ll take a deep dive into the best eats in Aspen plus give you some tips on ideal watch pairings for each meal.
Bosq
We would be remiss not to start off this list with one of Aspen’s Michelin-starred restaurants. Bosq is a staple of the Aspen culinary scene and one of the trickiest reservations to score in the entire ski town. Run by head chef and owner Barclay Dodge and his wife, Molly, Bosq is known for its locally foraged ingredients and five- or ten-course tasting menus. The dining room perfectly combines mountain elegance and a moody atmosphere, making for a cozy, romantic evening perfect for celebrating a special occasion.
Dining at Bosq is certainly an event to check off your Aspen bucket list. You’ll love the warm, ambient lighting, lush greenery, and natural wood tones that join together to create what we can call only dreamy Aspen fusion. The upscale dishes include offerings like lobster grilled over juniper branches, bison tartare, and nordic oscietra caviar. With the five-course menu running $195 per person and the ten-course option starting at $275, not including adult beverages, there is no doubt that a dinner at Bosq is the ultimate luxury. Of course, you’ll want to make sure your wrist wear meets the high standards for this occasion…
For a bucket-list dinner like Bosq, you need a watch that also goes above and beyond. We love the Patek Philippe Complications line for this occasion – specifically, we’re lusting after this classic rose gold chronograph timepiece, which showcases a luscious brown leather strap and a diamond-set bezel for extra flair. This Patek Philippe watch is the perfect understated yet elevated accessory for a dinner that might just change your life.
Clark’s Aspen
You might not expect an Austin-based transplant to make a list of some of the best restaurants in Aspen, but Clark’s feels as authentic as the powdery slopes of Buttermilk. The open kitchen allows you to watch these talented chefs whipping up some of the freshest seafood in the state of Colorado. The restaurant’s traditional wooden exterior with blue window trimmings and colorful, floral window boxes has become an Aspen landmark – and when you step inside, you’ll be treated to a meal that’s certain to exceed your expectations.
Ocean and mountain life collide in this eclectic space, where you’ll find both a cozy wood-burning fireplace and a giant tropical aquarium. You’ll definitely need a reservation to get dinner, but if you haven’t planned ahead, don’t worry – Clark’s offers a boozy brunch that is walk-in only, and you might also enjoy the après ski happy hour where you can get delightful deals on burgers, martinis, and oyster shooters. As you slurp down a spicy, briny oyster, make sure you’re showing off your hottest accessories.
If you’re heading to Clark’s straight from the slopes, you’ll need a watch that can keep up. We love the sporty, functional, high-performance pieces from Swiss watchmaker Richard Mille. This RM 21-02 has a totally unique look with its black-and-white finish, tonneau-shaped case, and skeletonized dial. Instantly recognizable as an RM, this timepiece exudes luxury while still being fit for a day of intense skiing.
Hickory House
An Aspen icon that you have probably seen on Instagram, TikTok, or simply the Aspen Picture Map, Hickory House is a place where cultures collide. A relic of Aspen’s humble beginnings, this classic brunch spot is instantly recognizable due to the giant bear statue on the roof of its log cabin exterior. When you walk inside, you’ll see local shop owners, construction workers, and tourists carrying Birkin bags and showing off Patek Philippe watches alike tucking into the all-day breakfast menu that has been popular for years.
Enjoy mountain staples like slow-smoked baby back ribs with eggs, a well-seasoned bloody mary, or one of the four available mac and cheese options. You’re guaranteed a filling, tasty, and saucy meal at Hickory House. It’s nothing fancy… but that’s kind of the point. Still, anyone who is anyone in Aspen has eaten here at one point or another, so you’ll want to look good.
For this meal, take your accessories up a notch with a timeless Patek Philippe Nautilus. As you bring a bite of cinnamon raisin french toast to your mouth, show off your style with this classic sports watch that’s a staple of Aspen’s luxury fashion scene. We’re loving the classic lines of this stainless steel watch – plus, the elegant blue dial and unique moonphase display make it all the more memorable.
French Alpine Bistro
Nothing says ski town like the French Alps… and when you walk through the (literal) burgundy velvet curtains into the French Alpine Bistro, you’ll be transported to Chamonix. The low-lit restaurant is decked out like a classic European ski chalet, with antique chandeliers, layered oriental rugs, flickering candles, and vintage art. Antique chandeliers, distressed mirrors, and plenty of sheepskin complete the traditional, cozy atmosphere.
The menu is just as authentic, serving up dishes like foie gras, savory cheese fondue, and crepes of many different flavors. If you want a reservation at this chic eatery, you’ll need to be on your game – when the window opens up 60 days in advance, you’ll have to grab your spot immediately. Dress for a special occasion here, and don’t forget to choose a watch that matches these dreamy, European vibes.
For a dinner at French Alpine Bistro, we’d opt for a watch that is just as moody and traditional as the restaurant itself. We’re currently obsessed with the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, a timeless staple of any watch collection that is imbued with elegance and class. This burnished 18K rose gold watch with a black dial turns the line’s original stainless steel look on its head for a watch that is sure to be a conversation starter.
Matsuhisa
This Nobu restaurant is an Aspen institution set in a mining-era Victorian estate. In the large main dining room, which you’ll find on the lower level, you’ll find a mix of ski bums and celebrities dining on family-style Nobu favorites like black cod miso, rock shrimp tempura, and other daily specials created just for you. Matsuhisa remains one of the toughest reservations to land in Aspen, but if you’re looking for a more lowkey experience, you can try the upstairs sushi bar and lounge, where walk-ins are accepted.
The powder-blue exterior of the restaurant might not strike you as luxurious, but once you walk in the doors, you will be welcomed into a mountainside paradise of natural wood, unexpected light fixtures, and incredible cuisine. The natural edged wooden bar and wide-plank floors will transport you back to another time, but the modern and scintillating bites will keep you coming back for more. A meal at Matsuhisa is an ideal occasion to break out your favorite watch.
As you take a sip of imported sake, take the opportunity to show off an elite piece of wrist wear. In Aspen, it’s all about elegance and flair – so pick a Rolex watch that simply cannot be overlooked. We love the oversized glamour of this 18K yellow gold Rolex Yacht-Master II, which offers a substantial 44 mm case and a 90-degree bidirectional bezel in a striking royal blue hue.
Come Visit Us at Avi & Co. Aspen
While you’re skiing, shopping, and dining your way through Aspen, don’t forget to come visit us at the Avi & Co. Aspen boutique on Cooper Avenue, right in the heart of Aspen’s downtown area. At Avi & Co., we specialize in timepieces from the world’s most elite brands, including Patek Philippe, Rolex, Richard Mille, and Audemars Piguet. We also recently unveiled our own branded line of Avi & Co. watches as well as a luxurious and in-demand collection of fine diamond jewelry. Explore our full inventory online or in store!
In addition to our Aspen boutique, we also have locations in Manhattan and Miami – so wherever you call home, there is an Avi & Co. store near you. Make an appointment today.
