It caught Aspen by surprised when acclaimed Gisella ended its tenure at 415 Main Street to make room for this thoroughly Italian eatery led by a truly native staff and powerhouse chef previously of Campo de Fiori. The restaurant is a familiar fixture from its streetfront facade, defined by bright windows that peek into the more casual space that still retains its mosaic marble walls but with earthy elements like a prominent wood-fire over and more causal collection of bartops and frill-free tables that appeal to a more casual dining crowd.
The Food
While we miss the fussier style of former-Gisella, the menu of Acquolina impresses with a more causal presentation of regional Italian faire that you'll find at places like Casa Tua. Open for lunch and dinner, meals begin with beef carpaccio and batter-fried calamari, numerous seasonal salads and homemade pastas with variable mushroom truffle and lamb ragu editions. Wood-fire specialties are really what should be ordered from incredible sausage fennel or Gorgonzola and pear to fluffy focaccias. Main course includes Sicilian rolled meats, grilled tenderloin and garlicky scampi.
Last Word
Local entrepreneurs create one-room dining room with cocktail bar offering some of Aspen’s best Italian cuisine in convenient Main Street setting.
