The 5 Best Italian Restaurants Around Aspen

Italian cuisine has a way of bringing people together — shared plates, long meals, stories that grow better with every pour of wine. In the Roaring Fork Valley, Italian dining carries that same sense of warmth, but with a distinct mountain atmosphere. The Best of Aspen, Snowmass and Basalt contest highlighted restaurants that treat pasta, seafood and rustic comforts not just as recipes, but as invitations to linger. Here, the table is never rushed, and the flavors are meant to stay with you.

Campo De Fiori

Campo De Fiori captures the romance of traditional Italian dining, blending regional flavors with a lively, welcoming dining room. Pastas come out vibrant and fresh, sauces layered with depth and warmth. There’s a celebratory feel to the place — the kind where the room carries an easy buzz and dinners stretch just a bit longer than planned. The menu leans classic, but with the kind of finesse that turns familiar dishes into something worth remembering.

Ellina Restaurant & Bar

Ellina Restaurant & Bar brings a refined touch to Italian-inspired cuisine, with seasonal ingredients guiding the menu. The mood is intimate — candlelight, well-curated wines and dishes that arrive looking composed but never overworked. It’s a place where flavors unfold slowly and plates pair naturally with good conversation. The experience feels polished, but never distant, with hospitality guiding every course.

Mezzaluna Willits

Mezzaluna Willits offers a warm, family-friendly approach to Italian dining in Basalt. The menu has range: pizzas with crisp blistered crusts, classic pasta dishes, bright salads and hearty entrées. The atmosphere is casual, lively and easy to settle into — where regulars feel known and newcomers feel welcome. It’s the kind of spot that works just as well for a weeknight dinner as it does for a celebratory gathering.

Acquolina

Acquolina brings the comfort of Italian tradition to the heart of Aspen, with fresh-made pastas, simple ingredients and flavors that lean clean and balanced. The menu is built for enjoyment — dishes that speak to the pleasure of eating rather than complexity for its own sake. The environment feels relaxed and friendly, and there’s a sense that the restaurant was designed for real meals — the kind that invite you to stay a while.

Il Poggio

In Snowmass Village, Il Poggio blends Italian technique with a mountain sensibility. The menu offers familiar favorites alongside thoughtful seasonal specials, giving both locals and visitors something to look forward to. The ambience is warm, with just enough elegance to make it feel like an occasion without leaning into formality. It’s the type of restaurant where a glass of wine, a bowl of pasta and a relaxed conversation feel like the perfect way to end the day.

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