Welcome to Matsuhisa
Matsuhisa, nestled in the heart of Aspen, CO, is a distinguished culinary gem renowned for its exquisite Japanese cuisine and fine dining atmosphere. Celebrated chef Nobu Matsuhisa melds traditional sushi techniques with innovative flavors. Guests rave about standout dishes like Jalapeño tuna and Shrimp with Spicy Garlic Sauce, embodying a perfect balance of freshness and creativity. The restaurant offers a diverse array of both hot and cold dishes, ensuring there’s something for every palate. Despite its upscale prices, the exceptional service and vibrant ambiance make Matsuhisa a must-visit for sushi enthusiasts seeking a memorable dining experience in Aspen.
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303 E Main St, Aspen, CO 81611 Hotline: (970) 544-6628
Welcome to the culinary oasis of Matsuhisa, nestled in the picturesque Aspen, Colorado. This renowned Japanese wine bar invites you to embark on a gastronomic journey that uniquely blends exquisite ingredients and vibrant flavors. Located at 303 E Main St, Aspen, CO 81611, and reachable at (970) 544-6628, Matsuhisa is more than just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of Japanese cuisine.
Matsuhisa is acclaimed for its attention to detail and commitment to quality, evident in each dish that graces the table. The offerings are diverse, ranging from delightful hot dishes to refreshing cold options:
- Hot Dishes: Don’t miss the Mussels in Spicy Garlic Sauce ($12) and the succulent Chicken or Salmon Skewers ($10), both renowned for their robust flavors. The Yellowtail Tataki with Yuzu-Miso ($18) perfectly marries freshness with a zesty twist.
- Cold Dishes: Start your meal with the esteemed Oysters on Half Shell, or indulge in the exquisite Ankimo Pate with Caviar ($20), a true delicacy. For a refreshing option, the Asparagus with Hollandaise and Salmon Eggs ($18) steals the show.
- Salads: The Lobster Shiitake Salad with Spicy Lemon Dressing ($32) is a luxurious way to begin your dining experience, combining rich flavors with a delightful crunch.
The ambiance at Matsuhisa is typical of a fine dining establishment, with an elegant yet unpretentious vibe. While some may find the decor underwhelming, the service consistently garners praise, with staff attentive to every need, enhancing your overall experience.
Reviews from patrons echo the restaurant’s commitment to excellence. From the shrimp tempura and jalapeno tuna, which have been highlights for many, to the sensational Black Cod that leaves diners longing for more, each dish is crafted with care. The overall dining experience is elevated by recommendations of fine Japanese sake and wheat beers, perfectly pairing with the flavorful dishes.
In the words of customer Jamaal W., Matsuhisa offers “an amazing dining experience,” balancing exquisite flavors with top-tier service. While the price may reflect the upscale atmosphere, many patrons feel the experience is worth every penny, especially when savored in the heart of Aspen.
Ultimately, Matsuhisa stands as a culinary gem for locals and visitors alike, promising an exploration of taste that is distinctly Japanese yet creatively refined. Prepare for an unforgettable feast that will linger in your memory long after your last bite!
Yes, prices are high. But I think it's worth it. Sat at the bar and ordered some dishes on our own and others with the guidance of the friendly bartender. All were tasty, some were over the top exceptional. Snapper sashimi - probably the weakest dish, a bit too salty but still good texture and flavor. Jalepeno tuna - one of my favorites - buttery fish with added kick from the jalepeno Tuna roll - prepared inside out with tempura flakes, excellent Shrimp tempura - the shrimp really stood out in the dish, tasted pan fried with not much grease or oil used. Excellent. To drink we got some Japanese wheat beers and the house-recommended sake. With tip, just over $200 per person, which while spendy is a fair price for great sushi in Aspen.
I had an amazing dining experience at Matsuhisa. The Shrimp with Spicy Garlic Sauce was a nice appetizer, the Lamb Chops had a unique barbecue sauce and were cooked to my desired temperature (well done), and all of the sushi was great. My favorite item was the Black Cod, it was sensational. Service was top tier as expected. The ambience is typical of any fine dining establishment, but the interior design was underwhelming. An elevator and coat check are available for accessibility and convenience. Overall 9.5/10!
Best sushi in Aspen. Hands down. Upstairs menu is slightly different than downstairs. Make a reservation if you can. Otherwise try your luck with walk in.
Food was incredible, cocktails were good too. We enjoyed every dish we ordered - fish was fresh. Would definitely recommend.
Fantastic service from start to finish. I don't think my drink was ever empty. Cool vibe in the lower level dining room. The sushi was some of the best I have ever had. Will definitely be back. Thank you!
I wish I could do 3.5. The food at Matsuhisa was good! The service and ambiance is great, it's definitely a cool/fun vibe. This was our first time in Aspen (visiting from Denver) and we thought it was a good sushi spot. Was it amazing? No. I've been to Matsuihisa in Cherry Creek as well, and felt like that was a better experience. I know it's Aspen and everything is expensive, but I expected *more* from Matsuhisa for the price and reputation. It just didn't impress either of us much. The crispy rice was fun and delicious, all the food was *good*, not life changing. My drink (pictured with the blueberry) was the house drink and it was so sweet I actually got a sugar rush and felt sick. I'm not trying to discourage anyone from going, if you're in Aspen and craving sushi then it'll definitely scratch the itch. I just don't think you need to go out of your way for it!
I will say the food was excellent five stars all the way. Service was very good. Our waiter was very attentive. The drink, however from the bar is probably one of the worst Moscow mule's I have ever had in my life. I would come here for the food, but I would not come here to sit at the bar and have a drink.