Home of the Aspen Food and Wine Classic, one of the premier culinary events in the world, it should come as no surprise that Aspen-Snowmass is a hotbed of celebrity chefs and exclusive dining experiences all year round.

With over 130 restaurants in just about 30 square miles, narrowing down the delicious dining options may very well be your toughest decision of the weekend. While you can find everything from approachable pub grub to killer après, having one or two splurge-worthy dinners will complete your perfect ski weekend. And let us let you in on a little secret: you don’t even have to drive the 20 minutes to Aspen for a great meal. Here are three not-to-miss dining experiences right in Snowmass.

il Poggio

At the heart of Snowmass Village, il Poggio (Italian for “The Hill”) is unassuming, unpretentious, and OMG delicious. Aimed to satisfy a clientele base who’s dined all over the world yet longs for homey, small town Italian cuisine, the dishes are approachable yet elevated. With everything from wood-fired pizzas to antipasti, my personal recommendation is the beef tenderloin topped with gorgonzola, portabella, porcini butter and red wine. Pair that with an appetizer portion of pasta and the extensive wine list and you have a pretty perfect night on the slopes. Bellissimo. 

Venga Venga

Richard Sandoval is a culinary mastermind and well-known restaurateur with 35 concepts that span the globe, reaching as far as Dubai, Mexico, Qatar, and Serbia. Touted for it’s vibrant Latin flavors, Venga Venga, the cozy Snowmass slopeside cantina welcomes guests to the outdoor patio with roaring fire pits, but it’s the 75 tequilas and mezcals that’ll warm your soul. Paired with specialties like ceviches, arepas, and enchiladas, Sandoval’s signature Latin dishes are the quickest way to a happy stomach.

Little Mammoth

Sometimes there just is no substitute for a good piece of meat. The quintessential American Steakhouse with a touch of European flair, Little Mammoth in Snowmass Village will fill that craving and even one up it for you. With a full menu of prime cuts including a succulent bone-in ribeye for two, all gloriously juicy cuts are served on a Himalayan salt lick for flavor and presentation

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