Matsuhisa

4.0 star rating
58 reviews Rating Details

Category: Japanese  [Edit]

303 E Main St
Aspen, CO 81611
(970) 544-6628
Make a Reservation
choose a date
Price Range:
$$$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
No
Takes Reservations:
Yes
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
No
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Good For:
Dinner
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Noise Level:
Loud
Ambience:
Romantic, Classy
Has TV:
Yes
Caters:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

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"All the sushi was fresh and had great flavors." (in 35 reviews)
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"...king crab trempura and the yellowtail jalapeño stand out as..." (in 2 reviews)
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"rock shrimp also rocked, as well as the rolls." (in 4 reviews)
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58 reviews in English

  • Review from Lauren A.

    Atlanta, GA

    5.0 star rating
    8/14/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I swore there was no way you could ever get fresh good tasting sushi in a state that doesn't border water. When my friends told me this was the best sushi they have ever had I was more than skeptical.

    2 words - proved wrong. This was the hands down the freshest/best sushi I've had to date.

    I went with a large group and we basically put ourselves at the mercy of the waiters suggestion. He continued to bring out the "house favorites" until we cried stuffed!

    This was my first visit to Aspen. We ate out several of the nights that we were there. Matsuhisa definitely took the cake. It will certainly be the restaurant that I am most looking forward to returning too.

  • Review from RAHUL D.

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    • 5 friends
    • 23 reviews

    Fremont, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/6/2012

    I told myself I would not be eating in fancy restaurants in Aspen. However, I was staying down the street from Matsuhisa and having heard a lot about Nobu, I decided to give this place a shot. I came here on Christmas day and the reservations and wait list were full so got a seat at the bar

    Got the sashimi combo, some warm sake and an uni shot. The highlight was definetely the uni shot. It had uni, quail egg and sake in a shot glass which tasted pretty amazing.

    However, there was the price...so 4 stars

  • Review from andy t.

    New York, NY

    5.0 star rating
    10/10/2011

    Matsuhisa is one of my favorite restaurants in the whole world.
    La cheeka and I came here for dinner recently, grabbing a spot at the sweet bar. We split five dishes and each one was better than the next: rock shrimp ponzu, spinach salad with sake bits, a sushi bento box and black cod with miso. Not only is the food impeccable but the servers are all friendly and knowledgeable and the restaurant could not be any more comfortable or casual, thanks to its location in a converted Victorian home in the greatest ski town in America. Best of all, when i got the bill I could not help but laugh. In my hometown of NY, the price tag would have been twice as bad. I can almost taste my next meal at this awesome place.

  • Review from Manny R.

    Denver, CO

    2.0 star rating
    7/18/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I'll start off by saying that our waitress was very friendly and helpful and I had heard rave reviews for this restaurant.  The quality of the fish was good with the exception of the Spanish mackerel (it wasn't cold and the texture was off) that I had on my Chef's Choice sashimi plate.  The hearts of palm salad was delicate and perfectly seasoned.  I also had the heirloom tomato salad which was quite nice and the tomatoes had the perfect texture.  We enjoyed a bottle of Infinite Monkey Theorem sauvignon blanc with our meal.  I really was expecting the food to be stellar based on what I have read and heard about this place, but it was just middle of the road.

    Four of the five of us had our sashimi plates delivered in a timely fashion.  One of my coworkers was waiting for her house special roll and figured it would be out within a few minutes of everyone receiving their food.  We had to ask our waitress three separate times for the roll that was ordered and she kept saying "It'll be right out."  I finally got up and politely asked the manager if we could please have the roll we were waiting on as the rest of us had been done eating for 45 minutes already.  Clearly the sushi chefs were running behind and not in any hurry to produce the one roll that was missing from our table.  Finally, after close to an hour since ordering the roll arrived.

    The painfully slow service delivery of the food (over an hour for one sushi roll when the place wasn't that full) followed up by an insincere "I'm going to get to the bottom of this" (his exact words) by the manager ensures I won't be going back to Matsuhisa.  Incidentally, we still tipped the waitress twenty percent.  They took the roll (which we named "The Forever Roll" since that's how long it took to come out) off the bill as they should have, but it was really too little too late.  Matsuhisa was a total disappointment.

  • Review from Susan J.

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    • 6 reviews

    Manhattan, NY

    2.0 star rating
    1/17/2012

    Overpriced, service was mediocre (but friendly), and was too crowded.  The sushi here was average and unfortunately the service was too slow and the up-sell on the sake was annoying.  IMO, this is typical for the Nobu restaurants as it is now a chain.  So if you like Nobu in NYC or other spots you will probably like this.  But I'd skip it in favor of pizza or something more unique next time I'm in town.

  • Review from Mike H.

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    • 4 friends
    • 43 reviews

    Brookline, MA

    5.0 star rating
    5/10/2011

    Three words: Blew My Mind.

    This place is one of the nicest places I have EVER been to. My only experience there needs to be put on a pedestal. I don't spend much time in Aspen, but I was there with my boss for a meeting last winter and we had dinner here after the meeting. The client had gotten us reservations and offered to take care of the bill, so we were obviously not going to refuse.

    The ambiance is so nice and I don't think anyone can refute the quality of the food.

    I had the Filet Mignon with Teriyaki Sauce, (Because I'm a Teriyaki Addict,) and it was one of the best plates I have ever had. Flavorful, cooked to perfection, and the perfect amount of sauce. My boss had the Rock Shrimp Tempura with Butter Ponzu sauce and he was silent through the entire meal. SILENT. That means he's in love. I love him, but he's rarely silent.

    It was obviously pricey, but a) it's Aspen, what did you expect, and b) I wasn't paying. If I ever go back to Aspen, I'll remember to save up to go here again,

  • Review from Anna Y.

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    • 4 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    3.0 star rating
    7/22/2011 Seated via OpenTable

    This review is for their a la carte menu and not their omakase (Chef's choice)

    Alright, we all know the man, the name, the legend. So I made this spot a must-try on our Colorado vaca and came here with some lofty expectations. While I can't describe the food as bad (it was even a little bit above mediocre to be honest), for a restaurant that bears Nobu's last name and the price tag that comes with that name, I expected more.

    Two highlights:
    1. The freshness/quality of the fish: there is no denying, Nobu only serves the best cut and freshest fish.
    2. The service: service was absolutely impeccable and seamless. You could tell this restaurant is run by a professional. The waiters knew their menu and wine well and busboys were courteous and efficient. One waiter even told me to not order the house roll b/c he didn't think I would like it. It seems like every waiter came from an exotic land and had a different accent, that was an added bonus.

    Two lowlights:
    1. The execution of the dishes: While no one questions the quality of Nobu's ingredients, the execution left more to be desired. Our first course of new style salmon sashimi (hot oil seared with ginger and scallion slices) was delicious but is virtually the same as the $7 ones I get from Gyu Kaku in Chicago. The creamy spicy crab had sizeable chunks of crab but it was smothered in a mayonnaise based sauce that you could barely taste the flavor of the grab. The mixed seafood Toban-Yaki came with a generous serving of fresh lobster, scallops, shrimp, squid and mixed mushroom medley in a light smoky broth. My bf enjoyed the dish but I can't say it was my favorite b/c it lacked complexity of flavor. We also ordered a couple standard rolls (salmon/avocado, negi/hamachi, a variation of spicy tuna) but they were nothing out of the ordinary. My lycheetini tasted like a glass of vodka with a splash of lychee juice and trust me I LIKE STRONGGGG drinks. But I didn't send it back on principal b/c let's be honest, a strong drink is a lot better than a weak drink.
    2. The ambiance: We were led down to the "main" dining room in the basement of a house through a side entrance. I understand Aspen is a winter town but it does get hot sometimes in the summer and there was not sufficient AC down there. The wall décor by the sushi bar was beautiful but as you go farther into the room, the décor fades and you are left with lacquered wood tables and silverware you expect from a $19.99 all you can eat sushi restaurant in the suburbs.

    If Matsuhisa was just any other Japanese restaurant, I would probably give it 4 stars. But for a chef so talented and a price tag so hefty (it was $200+ for the two of us), I expected tastier dishes and better ambiance. However, you probably can't find fresher fish anywhere else in the Colorado mountains. Stick to the sashimi, avoid the warm dishes, and when all else fails, entertain yourself by watching the gaudy couple in the corner with a 40-year age differential between them.

  • Review from Robert H.

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    • 1 friend
    • 11 reviews

    Pacific Palisades, CA

    2.0 star rating
    6/6/2011

    Despite all the buzz and the Nobu name, I haven't found anything very special about this place.  The sushi is better than the average in Aspen, but that's not saying much; it wouldn't stand out in Southern California.  I've had mixed experiences with the service here.  While having drinks and food at the bar with a friend, for example, we were abruptly asked by the bartender to "step away from the bar" so that other customers could spend their $ more conveniently.

    Now that Kenichi is open, I would recommend it over Matsuhisha.  The service and atmosphere are more sophisticated.

  • Review from Jon A.

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    • 38 reviews

    Atlanta, GA

    4.0 star rating
    11/11/2010 1 Check-in Here

    We had a fantastic dinner experience at Matsuhisa -- my first warning would be that if you are visiting during peak season and you want to experience the famous Nobu sushi house, book early.  However, if you are like us and did little to no prior research to booking our trip to Aspen and you find yourself in the two-week period that they call "off peak", you can likely get in whenever you want.  

    Started the meal with a delicious Lychee Martini made with Svedka Vodka and sake.  I'm always a little hesitant to try cocktails made with sake, but glad I went with this one because I think had three maybe four.

    I'll break the rest of my review down by parts of the meal...

    APPETIZERS
    Edamame -- staple, basic, can't go wrong

    Shishito Peppers -- lightly fried, low on the Scoville scale, very tasty

    Yellowtail Jalapeno -- thinly sliced yellowtail, topped with what looked like a Serrano pepper versus a Jalapeno, eh but who's judging, it was awesome!

    Spicy Seafood Soup -- big enough to share for two people; they will even split it into two bowls if you tell them beforehand; nice big pieces of seafood (scallop, mussel, clam, shrimp) and a spicy broth

    MAIN/SHARED COURSES
    Spicy/Crunchy Tuna Roll -- this was a special roll, so ask your server if it is available. It was very good -- crunchy on the outside, fresh

    Dragon Roll -- another special roll, ask your server; you really can't go wrong with these two

    Matsuhisa New Style Salmon Sashimi -- the "new style" includes a light sauce, thinly sliced fish (of choice) and some fresh toppings.  Overall it worked really well!  Tried a piece of "new style" scallop sashimi too and it was equally as tasty as the salmon if not more.

    Overall, I'm really happy that we were able to make it into Matsuhisa -- considering the nearest ocean is 2K+ miles away, the fact that this was some of the freshest and well-prepared sushi I have had to date is a feat unto itself.  

    When I find myself back in Aspen, I will be clamoring for a table at Matsuhisa!

  • Review from dirk d.

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    • 9 friends
    • 20 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/23/2011

    Okay...

    This is not only the best sushi I've ever had, but it's possibly the best food I've ever consumed, EVER.

    Certainly the best of Aspen.

    It's also a great spot for a group and the service was perfect.

    I was also pleased that they served my sake in fresh bamboo shot glasses, otherwise I would have thrown any unauthentic glass into the wall and spat.

    Just kidding... It was a nice touch though :)

  • Review from Rachelle S.

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    • 1 friend
    • 19 reviews

    Denver, CO

    1.0 star rating
    7/6/2011

    Sooo disappointed. Tuna sashimi was not fresh and Overpriced! This place is mediocre at best and I think Nobu-San would be mortified if he ever stepped foot in this chaotic den of bad sushi and sashimi. My spouse and I are from the pacific nw and one of my best friends is a sushi buyer, so I know my sushi and sashimi (and the difference between the two). These employees cannot brew sencha properly and the rice we were served was old and cold. The waiter had no clue what nigiri was and kept referring to it as sushi. Oh boy; for these prices and the reputation, we expected a lot more than conveyer belt quality sushi. We were also served green tea in dirty glasses and then charged $8 for it. Avoid this one and go to Nobu in NYC or Tokyo.

  • Review from Marina N.

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/1/2010

    I think there's some confusion between the different concepts at this location. There is the lounge/bar with sidewalk seating, which has a completely different vibe and menu from the restaurant downstairs.

    We had incredible sushi at the downstairs restaurant. Definitely 5 stars. Service was great too. We sat at the sushi bar but there's also a choice of tables and limited booths. The tako was incredibly tender. The uni and shrimp from Santa Barbara were delicious. The grand omakase had an outstanding selection of sushi.

    I wish I could take off a half star for some of the cooked food. The Japanese eggplant was totally oversauced and too sweet. The beef skewers were completely overcooked. The lobster ceviche was blah, strong tomato and cucumber and onion which didn't work with the delicate lobster. However the grand omakase had great cooked food - wagyu with fois, and a sea bass with truffles.

  • Review from Near M.

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    • 8 reviews

    Lafayette, CO

    3.0 star rating
    6/23/2011

    Delicious food ... Once it got there. We were there during the off season and the place had a few tables, but not super bust. It took over 10 minutes for us to take our order for drinks and over 40 minutes to get our California rolls. No reason for the delay - no apology. Once the food got there though, it was worth it.

  • Review from Phil N.

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    • 10 friends
    • 41 reviews

    Denver, CO

    5.0 star rating
    4/30/2011

    I'm not sure what I can add to other's reviews.  Plate after plate of delicious, never before have I experienced sushi.  A must try if you are in Aspen.  Pricey, but this is Aspen and worth every penny.  We were a party of 11 and shared a little taste of about 10-15 dishes.  EVen if you don't like sushi, go and go now!

  • Review from Ryan L.

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    • 6 friends
    • 25 reviews

    Boulder, CO

    5.0 star rating
    9/4/2011

    Solid. Try wild Alaskan salmon sashimi new style. Yummmmyy. Our waitress was insanely awesome too.

  • Review from Aliya J.

    Orlando, FL

    5.0 star rating
    9/28/2010

    Seeing that they seated us right before the kitchen closed, we ordered almost everything we wanted except the seaweed salad.

    The sake was chilled and delicious. The sashimi was fresh and tasty. The sushi rolls were super yummy, and the waitstaff was very friendly.

    This place isn't cheap. We ordered three rolls, two orders of sashimi, 5oz of sake, a beer, and edamame... the bill was $150. Yes, it was good. Yes, it's pricey. It's Aspen. What do you expect?

  • Review from Amanda L.

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/18/2010

    One of the most fantastic sushi experiences I have ever had in my entire life.  I loved the cold sake served in a real, fresh, frosted bamboo tokurri - A beautiful touch.

    I also knew the guy who was an owner and he really hooked it up for me. It didn't hurt that he was a hot piece himself.

    A must-do in Aspen.

  • Review from Shazz M.

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    • 128 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    5.0 star rating
    6/15/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Ridiculously over-priced, but excellent fresh Fish.

  • Review from Ed W.

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    • 23 friends
    • 76 reviews

    Manhattan, NY

    4.0 star rating
    12/2/2011 1 Check-in Here

    a very good first time impression. i would definitely go back here, but very expensive. 7 people and the bill came out to 700. unbelievable. not sure if its worth it, but it was good.

  • Review from Firas A.

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    • 1 friend
    • 44 reviews

    Santa Clara, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/7/2011

    This place always lives up to its reputation.  The food and service are simply excellent.

  • Review from Eleanor W.

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    • 80 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    6/16/2009

    There are two types of eateries in Aspen:  Those that are overpriced and rip you off, and those that are overpriced but worth it.  Matsuhisa falls squarely into the second category.

    Having eaten at a few places in Aspen I've developed a negative reaction to the extremely expensive decor of most restaurants, since they constitute the majority of places to eat and only about 1/3 of the time is it indicative of an objectively worthwhile restaurant.  However Matsuhisa's atmosphere is modern but understated, ritzy enough for a business dinner but not ostentatiously so.  They were playing Thievery Corporation (Richest Man in Babylon) which gave it a more "young" feel (in a good way).  

    I got the sashimi sampler and it did not disappoint.  For $30 I got a plate of six or seven types of seafood, all of which were extremely fresh and flavorful.  The chefs garnished each fish with either a certain type of herb, vegetable or fruit that complimented the specific fish quite beautifully.  All of it was served on top of a banana leaf so that the presentation too was quite elegant.  Probably the best plate of sashimi I've had yet.

    Dessert was unfortunately generic, but it did the job.  They offered mochi ice cream, banana spring roll, fresh fruit or the "bento box" which is this trojan horse of a dessert.  You're of course going to ask your server "what's in the bento box?" and he then proceeds to woo you with descriptions of chocolate and icecream.  I actually wish it had been a real bento box, with little compartments of different things, instead it was a store-bought quality sundae served in a bento box.  I still ate most of it.

    I'm giving this four stars instead of five because our head waiter (like most in Aspen) was pretty relentless about pitching the $100 sampler entree, when I said I hadn't been to this particular chain before.  He was also noticeably disappointed/short with us when we ordered less expensive items.  A bit gauche.  Also he treated us like total n00bs by giving us an explanation of everything on the menu including appetizers.   It was well intentioned, but could have been done in a way that assumed we were intelligent.

    Would eat here again.  When my parents are in town so they can pay for it!  Our bill was over $100 for two people.

  • Review from Tiffany T.

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    • 150 reviews

    Barrington, IL

    5.0 star rating
    7/24/2008

    I have been to Nobu in South Beach and Manhattan, and I really think the experience I had at Matsuhisa was better than either of them.  We sat at the sushi bar and had a great experience from beginning to end.

    There were so many specials, they made my head spin after awhile, but we had a few of them (the crab claw was outstanding) and they did not disappoint.  All the sushi was fresh and had great flavors.  Our waiter was extremely nice and attentive, and our sake that he recommended was perfect.  Overall a great evening and a top ten sushi experience in a town that has no less than four other sushi places!  The love their sushi in Aspen!

  • Review from Daniel F.

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    • 15 friends
    • 39 reviews

    San Marino, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/24/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Xmas time we ordered a set menu for my family of 20, not great but expensive ... this time, we ordered a la carte and everything was excellent. I think a lot of time, how and what to order at a restaurant makes a big difference. Sushi in general is not their best because afterall, they are really a fushion and not a japanese restaurant. All the cooked stuff are much better and all tasted really good. So my recommendation is to order more cooked food from Matsuhisa.

  • Review from Doug T.

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    • 14 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/2/2010

    An excellent sushi restaurant with a fine wine list.  The meal was so good the first night that we booked a reservation for the next day while we were still at the table!

    The sushi is fresh and interesting.  The yellowtail with jalapeno was particularly good the first night, as was the black cod (I think that's right).  The second night we did the high-end omakase menu which was great fun.  The dishes were light and varied, and our waiter did a great job of pairing the dishes with both a good sake and later with the Flowers Chardonnay.  Don't miss out on that wine!  It was a match made in heaven.

    The atmosphere is intimate, and the wait-staff attentive without being intrusive.  All-in-all, a great experience.

  • Review from Megan C.

    New York, NY

    5.0 star rating
    1/10/2007

    Matsuhisa "Nobu" Sushi

    Still a bigger fan of the Nobu in Malibu, California, but considering the location -- excellent sushi and great bites.  

    Aspen has everything... why wouldn't they have a Nobu?

    Indulge yourself if you must.

    Date Rating: 9
    Pick up Scale: 3

    Strong Suggestions: Make a reservation in advance... if it's high season you will be without a table if you don't call ahead of time.

  • Review from Matt C.

    Atlanta, GA

    5.0 star rating
    4/1/2011

    this place is unreal.  one of the best restaurants in aspen, and definitely some of the best sushi you will EVER have.  

    i have only been twice, but both the experiences here are in my "hall of fame" of dining out.  what i'd recommend is letting your waiter choose what comes to the table for you.. just give him/her an idea of what you're wanting to spend, and let them take it from there.  we have used this ordering method both times, and have been absolutely blown away by what's been brought to the table.  i've gone with two decent sized groups, and there is never a person who doesn't call this the best sushi they've ever had.. and some of these people, unlike myself, are sushi snobs.

    the service is top notch, great hot and cold sakes offered, and the food is world class.  i've tried probably about 20 dishes, and have never tried anything i wasn't raving about.  my highest recommendation, however, is probably the jalapeno yellowtail.  

    the place is pretty expensive, but you get what you pay for..

  • Review from Jonathan W.

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    • 84 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    3.0 star rating
    7/16/2010

    Odd, out of all the Matsuhisa locations globally, the one I try first is in Aspen - and I'm a LA native. But given I don't have an extravagant budget or expense account, one can understand why I wouldn't go....only when it's on someone else's dime!

    Holler!

    As part of a recent work trip, this cool little spot was our farewell dinner, and my colleagues and I were treated to an assortment of the restaurant's more popular items - offerings from the raw and "new" menus.

    appetizers: rock crab tacos, tuna on top of some kind of chip, baked scallop in a wonton crisp(?)
    raw: jalapeno yellowtail, yuzu scallops, assorted nigiri platter (including tuna, salmon, yellowtail, negihama cut roll and other sashimi bites)
    "new": seared salmon/Wagyu beef with grilled vegetables, chicken teriyaki skewers

    My overall impression of Matsuhisa Aspen is that since I ate from a never-ending buffet and not from their sushi bar/standard menu is that the food is pretty good. It wasn't mindblowing, nor underwhelming - probably great considering the area I was in. I've easily had better in other parts of the world but I left very satisfied. Would I go back? Probably not as I don't see myself visiting Aspen in the near future. If you have some dough to spend, it won't go unwasted here.

    Cool details about Matsuhisa Aspen:
    - There are two parts to this restaurant - the upstairs is reserved for more traditional items (sushi bar is housed here) while the downstairs is billed as their 'live action'/lounge-like section.
    - The original building (upstairs portion) was physically removed so they could add in the downstairs area. Once the renovation was completed, they added the original upstairs back in. Only Matsuhisa money can do this!
    - The upstairs bar has a shot that infuses tequila with cointreau. It tastes similar to a Cadillac Margarita. Get it. Tip your bartender after.

  • Review from K. Chris M.

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    • 15 friends
    • 59 reviews

    New York, NY

    2.0 star rating
    7/10/2009

    This place used to be a great restaurant. It is a Nobu restaurant, so in any other city in the world you would have to book a reservation months in advance. Since its Aspen however you can walk just in. The food used to be fantastic, the portions were great, the flavors incredible, and it was well worth the extravagant prices. In the past year and a half however they have reduced their sizes drastically and increased their prices. The food is still good. I recommend the Yellowtail with jalapeno and Anticucho skewers.

    The reason for my low review is because of what this place used to be, and if you look at it now it doesnt even come close. Its just so disappointing because this used to be a 5 star place in my book. If you want the best Japanese in aspen go to Kenichi and go to the bar when the owner is working. He will make some of the most inventive creative dishes you've never tasted, and if you ask he will give you a tour de soy sauces.

  • Review from Liz A.

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    • 4 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/18/2011

    The food here is pricey but worth every penny. The yellowtail jalapeño is fabulous as well as the black cod in miso sauce, the shishito peppers, the oysters are too die for and the salmon tartar is the best I've ever had!! The wine selection is top notch & the som is excellent. Max was our server and we were compelled to over tip him because he did such a fabulous job. Love this place, wish there was one in SF!

  • Review from Kate R.

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    • 6 reviews

    Berkeley, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/23/2008

    Best get nimble with those chopsticks, or that last piece is mine.

    Two experiences at Matsu, the upstairs lounge the best. My *first time* was in the downstairs dining room, during the Food & Wine summer festival, one table over from Emeril and Mario. The standout dish, a must-consume, is the Jalapeno Yellowtail, with a salty citrus yutsu-soy sauce. The only way to make it work $$, is to go with Mom & Dad, or to snatch up somebody else's and throw on the charm.

    The lounge upstairs is the Aspen date spot, for the 10 or 20 of us still kickin' it old school, with dimly lit booths or the bright, clean sushi bar. The Atom roll, topped with silky salmon (get it while it's hot!), Japanese unagi, and fresh scallops disappear, no chewing necessary. Mark shrieked when I tipped the scallop shell into my mouth and drank ALL of the delicious juices. But, baby, when you're paying 10% of your monthly income on one meal, it's survival of the fittest.

  • Review from Loren P.

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    • 28 reviews

    Miami-Dade, FL

    5.0 star rating
    8/12/2010

    They get it right.
    Taste texture temperature is a delight.
    I think the restaurant may have regressed half a step since it's opening.
    Still one of my favorites.

  • Review from Michelle M.

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    • 49 friends
    • 81 reviews

    Westlake Village, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/7/2009

    I am not going to deny the yum factor of this restaurant. The fish is excellent and melt-in-your-mouth fresh. I gobbled up my food in 20 seconds flat. The decor is woodsy. But the best part of the decor was the bathroom. I loved the zen-ness of it!

    Our server was a little...different. He was super well versed in all the items of the menu, but cut me short when I tried to order more sushi. That kind of annoyed me. I am going to chalk it up to the restaurant getting busier by the time the end of our meal rolled around.

    Oh, by the way, $6 for iced tea? Really?

  • Review from Scott S.

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    • 10 friends
    • 55 reviews

    Denver, CO

    5.0 star rating
    3/12/2011

    Sushi in Aspen won't get any better!  Yes, if you are walking in from your yuppy coastal sushi place and trying to compare.  You might need to check yourself.  We are in the Mountains, 1500 miles from the ocean.  Still the fish is fresh and flown in daily or every other day.  Love it and have another drink, its Aspen. We like to party!

  • Review from Bill C.

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    • 23 friends
    • 217 reviews

    Houston, TX

    3.0 star rating
    10/18/2009

    Tried the two levels of omakase here with my brother.

    It was good, but given the expense wasn't amazing, although the peruvian-spiced lamb chop I had was pretty great.

    They have two omakase menus, one at $100 and one at $150.  The differences between the two aren't that noticeable, except that the $150 menu gets you real wasabi with the sushi, yet $100 is only going to get you the reconstituted stuff.  Really?

    The dishes were good, but given the price they ought to be...

  • Review from Shiho F.

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    • 5000 friends
    • 2633 reviews

    Carmel by the Sea, CA

    3.0 star rating
    4/14/2008

    Wow, I don't know what to say.  I was so excited to grab a cocktail and dine at Matsuhisa's.  Nobody told me they were closed for an employee party the one night I'm in Aspen.  I would have cried myself to sleep if I hadn't fallen asleep from the cocktails and food I had elsewhere.  

    Can't wait to dine there...  I know... I probably shouldn't be allowed to Yelp this.  Well I will soon.

  • Review from Erica R.

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    • 9 friends
    • 25 reviews

    Miami Beach, FL

    5.0 star rating
    2/20/2011

    Nobu by any other name is still Nobu. Always fabulous!! Monkfish pate and black cod drenched in miso are must haves! Consitant and yummy wherever you are and whatever you are called. You will always smell so sweet and taste so great!!

  • Review from Fionn M.

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    • 8 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    2/20/2008

    Hands down, the best sushi I've been fortunate enough to eat. The quality of the fish, attention to detail and flavor are top notch.
    Yes, it is a scene  but I feel like all of Aspen is. The other review that notes the price is about right when doing the math, about $100 per person

  • Review from jack h.

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    • 4 friends
    • 29 reviews

    Denver, CO

    5.0 star rating
    10/21/2009

    'Overpriced but worth it', I can't put it any better so I won't.

    If you find yourself in Aspen, especially for a special trip (anniversary, birthday, vacation, etc.) don't miss this place.  

    Excellent fresh sushi (especially given the nearest ocean is 2k miles away) and the atmosphere/bar area is great.  

    As good as it is, get ready to choke on the bill..especially if you're drinking any vino/cocktails.

  • Review from Alex D.

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    • 2 friends
    • 33 reviews

    Aspen, CO

    5.0 star rating
    6/19/2008

    I have two words for you:  Miso Tai.  Hands down the best and most unusual sushi plate I have ever tasted.  

    I have been to Matsuhisa several times, but this latest visit was amazing.  We had the best waiter, who helped us navigate the some 300 dishes on the menu, and we were not disappointed -- unique flavor experiences around every corner.  

    Our waiter did recommend one appetizer -- the soft shelled crab -- which was thoroughly un-enjoyable.  We took one bite and set it aside.  He removed the charge from our bill, which was unexpected but appreciated.  Also, we ordered some chocolate hazelnut dessert special -- basically adult Nutella with salt -- it was spectacular.

  • Review from Brooks B.

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    • 0 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Aspen, CO

    5.0 star rating
    1/27/2011

    We won't eat sushi anywhere else in Aspen.

    Try the bar upstairs if you don't have a reservation.  Don't waste your time going downstairs if you don't have confirmed seating.

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