Aspen's finest restaurant inside The Little Nell hotel, Element 47 is named for silver's atomic number - a nod to Colorado's silver mining heritage. The 20,000-bottle wine list is one of America's most extensive.
Element 47 is the flagship restaurant of The Little Nell, Aspen's only five-star, five-diamond hotel, occupying a premier position at the base of Aspen Mountain at 675 E Durant Avenue. The restaurant's name references silver's atomic number on the periodic table — element 47 — a deliberate homage to Colorado's silver mining heritage and the role that silver played in Aspen's founding in the 1880s. This historical grounding gives the restaurant a sense of place that extends beyond its considerable technical ambitions.
The wine program is Element 47's most celebrated feature — a 20,000-bottle cellar that constitutes one of the most extensive collections at any American restaurant, with particular depth in Burgundy, Bordeaux, California Cabernet, and Italian wine. The sommelier team manages the cellar with genuine expertise, making the wine pairing ($85) with the seasonal tasting menu ($145) one of the most complete fine wine experiences available in Colorado.
The seasonal tasting menu drives the kitchen's ambitions — typically eight to ten courses that showcase Colorado proteins and seasonal produce in preparations reflecting contemporary American fine dining. Colorado lamb ($52) is a perennial signature, the state's mountain-raised lamb presented with alpine herb preparations that tie the ingredient to its mountain origins. The breakfast and lunch programs are equally distinguished, reflecting The Little Nell's commitment to all-day excellence.
The dining room is elegant without pomposity — warm tones, the hum of a five-star hotel operating at capacity, and views of Aspen Mountain through large windows that change character from ski-season whites to summer greens. Reservations during peak Aspen periods require advance planning of two to three months.
Signature dishes
- Colorado lamb — $52
- Seasonal tasting menu — $145
- Wine pairing — $85
Good to know
- Known for
- Aspen's pinnacle fine dining with 20,000-bottle wine list and exquisite seasonal Colorado cuisine
- Hours
- 7AM-10PM daily
Location
675 E Durant Ave, Aspen, CO 81611
39.1876, -106.8179 View on map
Highlights
- Aspen's pinnacle fine dining at The Little Nell, the resort's only five-star, five-diamond hotel
- 20,000-bottle wine cellar — one of America's most extensive, with extraordinary Burgundy and Bordeaux depth
- Name references silver's atomic number — a deliberate tribute to Colorado's silver mining heritage
- Seasonal tasting menu ($145) with wine pairing ($85) is the most complete fine dining experience in Colorado
- Breakfast and lunch programs match the dinner standard — Element 47 excels across all dayparts
Tips for visiting
- Peak season reservations (Christmas, Presidents Day, Aspen Food and Wine Classic) require two to three months advance booking.
- The wine pairing is among the best investments on the menu — the sommelier team's cellar depth is genuinely extraordinary.
- Breakfast at Element 47 is the most accessible way to experience the kitchen at a lower price point than dinner.
- Request a window table when reserving for the best views of Aspen Mountain.
- Dress code is smart-formal; this is Aspen's most formal dining room and guests should dress accordingly.
Accessibility
Element 47 is within The Little Nell hotel at 675 E Durant Ave in Aspen, a fully accessible five-star property. The restaurant has step-free access through the hotel's main entrance, and the dining room is on one level. The hotel provides valet parking and is located at the base of Aspen Mountain's gondola lift.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'Element 47' mean?
Element 47 is the atomic number of silver on the periodic table. The name is a direct homage to Colorado's silver mining heritage and Aspen's founding as a silver mining boomtown in the 1880s.
How large is the wine cellar at Element 47?
The wine cellar holds approximately 20,000 bottles, making it one of the most extensive restaurant wine collections in the United States. Strengths include Burgundy, Bordeaux, California Cabernet, and Italian wine. A dedicated sommelier team manages the program.
Is Element 47 only accessible to hotel guests?
No. Element 47 accepts reservations from non-hotel guests. The restaurant is Aspen's most acclaimed fine dining destination and serves both Little Nell hotel guests and the general public.
Is Element 47 the best restaurant in Aspen?
Element 47 is consistently ranked among Colorado's top fine dining restaurants and is considered by many the pinnacle of Aspen dining. It competes with Matsuhisa Aspen and Cache Cache for the title depending on cuisine preference.