Nobu Matsuhisa's original Colorado restaurant — opened before the global Nobu brand existed, Matsuhisa Aspen retains a personal character that the chain locations lack. Black cod miso, tiradito, and omakase in a warm wood-paneled room on Main Street.
Why It Belongs on the List
Matsuhisa Aspen holds a special place in the story of modern Japanese cuisine in America — this was one of Nobu Matsuhisa's first restaurants outside Los Angeles, predating the global Nobu brand by years, and it retains a personal character and warmth that the institutional Nobu locations can't match. Chef Matsuhisa himself visits regularly and has adapted the menu to Rocky Mountain ingredients over the decades. The room — warm wood, dim lighting, Main Street location — is one of the most comfortable in Aspen. The omakase is the way to go for serious diners; the bar menu is perfect for après-ski. Reservations required for ski season.
What Stands Out
- Pre-Nobu Matsuhisa original — personal character the chain locations lack
- Omakase the definitive order for serious diners
- Chef Matsuhisa visits regularly — a labor of personal love
- Warm
- intimate room — one of the most comfortable in Aspen
- Bar menu perfect for après-ski