520 East Durant Ave, Aspen, Colorado, 81611, 970-205-1000, $$$$ Splurge

website: ilmulino.com

For more than 25 years Il Mulino has delighted guests and gourmands from around the world with the vibrant flavors of Italian cuisine and an absolute devotion to exemplary service. Il Mulino has been voted the #1 Italian restaurant in New York City for two solid decades by Zagat’s! Il Mulino reflects the infectious enthusiasm and joy we take in bringing the Italian tradition of fine food and hospitality to your table. Simple, straightforward, wholesome and always fresh – it’s the Il Mulino tradition.

Il Mulino cuisine originates in the Italian regional capital of the mountainous countryside of Abruzzo, Italy. Abruzzo, situated in the ankle of Italy, combines the majestic splendor of the Gran Sasso with sloping hillsides that spill into unspoiled coastline along the Adriatic Sea. Abruzzese cuisine is characterized by its simplicity: a rustic and hearty blend of the freshest ingredients available, from fish and lamb and cured meats to homemade pecorino and ricotta, all lovingly and meticulously prepared to celebrate and enjoy with family, friends and even strangers. All Il Mulino New York restaurants feature creatively prepared, premium quality Italian food based on authentic Roman and Abruzzi regional recipe. Customers may select a variety of dishes, including housemade and imported pasta, poultry and game, meat and fresh soups, salads and desserts. The restaurants also offer Italian appetizers, creative desserts prepared on site, full liquor service and an award-winning, extensive wine list emphasizing Italian and some Californian varietals.

Il Mulino’s philosophy is: only the best ingredients beautifully prepared and presented to all who join us. Robust delicacies like the signature Osso Buco, double cut veal chops with sage and potatoes, rich porcini mushroom ravioli and Il Mulino New York’s legendary langoustines are always on the menu. Its many devotees come to Il Mulino New York for the warmest hospitality; generous portions of antipasti welcome each guest as they survey the outstanding selection of fine Italian wines. A well-choreographed troupe of servers attends to each guest with grace and precision and many dishes are finished off tableside with a dramatic flourish, elevating a dinner at Il Mulino New York from a meal to an experience.