Aspen, a historic town with world-renowned ski mountains and the most visited national forest in the United States. There’s no doubt this town is an outdoor lover’s paradise, but it’s also a place where you can enjoy some delicious cuisine whilst taking in the views of the surrounding mountains.

There’s lots of ways to work up an appetite here. And thankfully there are several vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Aspen to try out when you’re hungry.

As we know this mountain town so well, we have compiled a list of six best vegetarian restaurants in Aspen to enhance your ski trip.

Several on our list serve meat as well, but they have a fantastic array of vegetarian and plant-based dishes.

So whether you’re after a quick vegan or vegetarian bite during your adventures, or a fine dining experience with your non-vegetarian friends all cozied up by the fireplace, we’ve got something here that will be perfect for you.

friends around table full of food
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The Six Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Aspen For Food, Views & Fun!

1. Spring Café

As the name implies, Spring Café is a super vibrant and sunlit vegan and vegetarian restaurant in Aspen. This spot stands out thanks to the colorful flowers that adorn the outdoor seating area, which overlook the stunning snowy mountains.

Tucked away in Aspen’s East End, this café is the ideal spot for you to enjoy a delicious vegetarian breakfast and lunch, all prepared with the freshest ingredients. We love that they have a focus on health and wellness – perfect if you are looking for a menu consisting of 100% organic ingredients.

They have a large variety of vegetarian food to choose from, including vegan and gluten free options, but what we recommend is trying their Glorious Acai Bowl or Superhero Burrito for breakfast, and for lunch why not try their vegan Highway Bowl or their Blue Beauty Smoothie?

We’re sure this unique, organic food café won’t disappoint. Great food, quick service and crave-worthy dishes that will keep you full and happy.

This vegetarian and vegan-friendly Aspen restaurant is open from Monday to Friday from 7am to 4pm and from 8am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Address: 14 West 4th Street, New York, NY 10012

acai bowl topped with fruits
Photo for illustrative purposes only: Unsplash+/ Maryam Sicard

2. Pyramid Bistro

Pyramid Bistro is a great vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Aspen tucked away above a bookstore, serving some of the most creative and nutritious dishes in the area.

Expect a fine dining experience here with loads of vegan and vegetarian-friendly options to choose from. And with the welcoming patio on the upper deck, you can dine al fresco and enjoy the views and fresh air at the same time.

We highly recommend their Aspen famous Mango Spring Rolls, Sweet Potato Gnocchi and Farro Risotto which are an all-time favorite of locals. And if you fancy a sweet treat, why not dig into their Assorted Sorbet with Berries for a sweet and tangy taste?

This quaint restaurant hosts cooking classes and fundraisers too, and has very accommodating and friendly staff who will assist you with any queries about the menu. On top of that, we always love a spot where our four-legged friends are welcome, and Pyramid Bistro is one of the most dog friendly vegetarian restaurants in Aspen.

And if you love people watching, you can enjoy a glass of wine whilst sitting on the front patio and watching the world go by.

This vegan-friendly and vegetarian restaurant in Aspen is open everyday from 11:30am to 9pm but closed during off season.

Address: 221 E Main Street , Aspen, CO 81611

risotto with cutlery on wooden table
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3. Plato’s Restaurant

If you are looking for a memorable and indulgent American dining experience to be enjoyed with your non-vegetarian family or friends, Plato’s Restaurant is an opportunity not to be missed!

With some of the best views of Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and the Buttermilk mountains, you can enjoy an indoor dinner without compromising on the views thanks to the large glass windows here. You can even enjoy their famous cocktails on their unparalleled and spectacular Simon Terrace. The point is, no matter where you sit a knockout view is guaranteed!

With an array of vegetarian, vegan-friendly and gluten-free options to choose from on the menu, we are convinced that you will want to come back for more! All their vegan and vegetarian dishes are prepared with sustainable local ingredients – we love a seasonal menu!

We highly recommend trying the Chef’s Beyond Meat Burger and the Green Goddess Salad. They have some of the best house-made desserts too.

Although not solely vegetarian, we just had to include Plato’s Restaurant on our list of vegetarian restaurant in Aspen for the stunning venue and incredible upscale menu. This spot is open everyday from 11am to 9pm.

Address:  845 Meadows Road, Aspen, CO 81611

Food and beer on outdoor patio
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4. Ajax Tavern

Situated next to the Silver Queen Gondola, Ajax Tavern is an award winning restaurant in Aspen with great food, stunning views and chilled ambience. We think it’s the perfect spot for casual dining.

Although not solely vegetarian, we just had to include Ajax Tavern on our list of vegan-friendly and vegetarian restaurant in Aspen. Why? Well, the unbeatable scenery here overlooking Aspen Mountain just enhances the dining experience and the food doesn’t fall short either! The outside heated dining area is a great seating area too if you are looking for a tranquil setting for people watching.

This place is open all year round and offers up great vegan and vegetarian options.

So what do we recommend? Well the Truffle Fries which are served in a large cone are ideal for sharing (we highly doubt you’ll want to share any of these mouth-watering fries though!) and we loved their hearty Onion Soup Gratin and Cauliflower Gratin. The signature Ajax Veggie Burger is a great choice too!

And if you have a sweet tooth, then give their Butterscotch and Whiskey Pie a try. The kid’s menu is also what attract many locals to this spot; the indulgent Mac & Cheese, as well as Oreo Crumble ice cream seem to always be a winning combo amongst young ones.

Whether you want a quick lunch before getting back to the slopes, or want to end your ski or adventure trip with a bang, the great veg options alongside the selection of beer and wine here is going to help make that happen!

Ajax Tavern is open everyday from 11:30am to 9pm.

Address: 685 E Durant Avenue, Aspen, CO 81611

person holding a burger and chips on the table
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5. Big Wrap

If you are looking for a great variety of vegetarian and vegan food that is affordable, super filling and bursting with flavor, Big Wrap will offer you just that!

The extensive menu here will please all taste buds, and vegetarians and vegans will absolutely love the large array of tasty fresh plant-based ingredients. There’s burritos, tacos, wraps and salads to choose from – a variety that has made this restaurant a go-to lunch spot for locals.

We recommend trying the Mr. Potato Head Wrap, Breakfast Burrito and the Oriental Salad. And if you love smoothies, the large variety of delicious varieties here will be a winner – the perfect healthy après ski drink! For a recommendation, we loved their Big Smack and Peach on the Beach Smoothies.

The staff are always super friendly and helpful and if you fancy customizing your dish, they will be happy to accommodate your request.

This burrito joint is open from Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm, and is a cash only restaurant.

Address: 520 E Durant Avenue 101, Aspen, CO 81611

Display of burrito
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6. Bangkok Happy Bowl

There aren’t many ethnic food options in Aspen but Bangkok Happy Bowl is one of the few, great spots for vegans, vegetarians and those looking for gluten-free comfort food.

Acclaimed for its authentic, fresh cuisine, this Thai restaurant is a great stop on your ski trip. Located on the lower outskirts of town, this hidden gem requires a bit of walking but it’s well worth the hype!

This vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Aspen has a large variety of veg dishes, vegan appetizers, soups, stir-fires, curries and salads – you won’t be disappointed.

We recommend trying their vegetarian Massaman Curry, Panang Curry and Pad Thai. And for vegan options, the Pumpkin & Green Curry and Drunken Noodle Jay are amazing choices.

The fantastic variety of drinks, including their specialty drink menu will be a definite hit after you’re done with the slopes – and they’re all at the very reasonable price!

This restaurant is open everyday from 11am to 9pm.

Address: 300 Puppy Smith Street 202, Aspen, CO 81611

Image of pad Thai with chopsticks
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