L'Hostaria, Aspen

This restaurant is so Italian that one almost feels compelled to furnish a passport just to enter. It is a refreshing change to step into an Italian restaurant that does not consider a red-and-white checkered tablecloth as a decorative mandate. Instead, the dining area exudes a Tuscan charm with muted pastel stucco walls, designer Italian chairs and lights that resemble illuminated wasps nests. It offers the only carpaccio bar in town which features mouth treats like smoked buffalo, seared ahi and Beluga caviar. The main menu taunts the tongue with authentic dishes such as the Breaded Veal Cutlet and the Roasted Cornish Hen. All pasta and focaccia bread are made fresh daily.