Matsuhisa — Restaurant in Aspen

The hotel where we were staying recommended this location and we had reservations well in advance of our arrival and then checked back 48 hours prior for the upstairs reservations options, to which the hotel was successful in aquiring.

When we arrived, the hostess stated that I wanted to remind you of our 1.5 hour time limit on your reservation. I quickly advised her that we were not told of a time limit and that if I were still ordering, why would we need to leave in 90 mins. She stated that she had another table to be seated and that they were firm on the time. It was very off-putting that the hostess would tell me that with no notice. Keep in mind that there were only 2 of us, and I observed her seat a table of 8 right before us and did not mention the time of the reservation to that table. I was there and listening for the entire encounter, and again, none of that was said to the table of 8.

Then, when we arrived, we went up 3 steps to what I thought was the main level. They sat us right by the door. I quickly said the table was not acceptable with people coming and going behind us with the potential of bumping our seats. The restaurant is tight. And for thr price point is VERY rustic. It was shocking how dilapidated it appeared.

After we were seated at another table, we quickly discovered there was no air conditioning. Even a woman from another table came over to our table because we were by an air conditioning vent and said she was trying to get some air, it was so hot. I also had to keep fanning myself. It took quite a while for the server to come. We had the assistant bring water and because it was taking so long and because I remembered that we had upstairs reservations, I went back outside to the hostess and let her know that we have not been seen by the server and that I reserved upstairs seating. The hostess said, "Oh yes, you are upstairs." I then noticed there was sub street level seating. The "upstairs" seating is very misleading because we are at street level.

When the server did come, she ws every pleasant. We even told her we were going to leave, but she convinced us that the food was good and that we should try it. The starters she suggested were always the most expensive on the menu, but we still ordered what she suggested. While we we were waiting for our starters, a man in a business suit came to our table, did not introduced himself, but just started asking if we had any issues....I looked up at him to ask, if he was a manager, or who he even was. He was very antagonistic, so I decided that after we received our starters and salad and miss soup, we would, in fact, be departing, which we did. The bill came to $100+ for small bites. The miso soup was so mediocre. The sashimi starters and my salad were good, but not worth the hassle of the hostess, the no air-conditioning or the man who aggressively asked us if we had any issues.

This was my experience, and I would not return to this location whatsoever. I have visited other restaurants by this chef, which are superb, but the staff ruined the...

Matsuhisa Sushi stands as a testament to the extraordinary culinary expertise of Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, offering an unparalleled dining experience that consistently exceeds expectations. Having had the privilege to dine at various locations since 2013, I can personally attest to the remarkable consistency in quality, ambiance, and service that defines the Matsuhisa brand.

The food at Matsuhisa is nothing short of amazing, with each dish showcasing the meticulous care, creativity, and mastery of sushi-making that Chef Nobu is renowned for. The menu, a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese techniques and Peruvian flavors, features an array of dishes that are both innovative and deeply satisfying. The freshness and quality of the ingredients are evident in every bite, from the delicate slices of sashimi to the perfectly crafted sushi rolls.

Complementing the exquisite food is an exceptional sake selection, curated to enhance the dining experience. The range of sake, from smooth and subtle to rich and complex, ensures that there is a perfect pairing for every dish and palate. The knowledgeable staff are always on hand to offer recommendations, making the sake journey as accessible as it is enjoyable.

Beyond the food and drinks, the ambiance of Matsuhisa locations contributes significantly to the overall experience. Each restaurant boasts a unique yet unmistakably Nobu aesthetic, combining elegance with a welcoming warmth. The attention to detail in the design reflects the same care and precision that goes into the preparation of each dish.

Service at Matsuhisa is impeccable, with a team that goes above and beyond to make guests feel valued and attended to. The staff's professionalism, knowledge of the menu, and genuine hospitality contribute to a dining experience that is both luxurious and comfortable.

In conclusion, Matsuhisa Sushi is not just a restaurant; it is a culinary journey that reflects the passion and artistry of Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Whether you are a long-time admirer or a first-time guest, Matsuhisa offers an unforgettable experience that combines extraordinary food, exceptional sake, and impeccable service in a beautiful setting. It is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates the art of sushi and the joy of...

We went here on what seemed like a slow midweek night in November, but even though the staff weren't particularly busy, their level of attention wasn't great and neither was some of the food. It seems to me that Matsuhisa is a bit too comfortable because of the Nobu name. In terms of the food, the miso soup seemed really generic, but the crispy rice with tuna and the tacos were great. The cucumber salad was pretty bland with no 'pop' of flavor to be found. The chicken and beef skewers were amazing and really flavorful. The softshell crab roll didn't have a lot of crab in it and the crunch was barely noticeable. Judging by any sushi restaurant standard, I would give this meal three stars. However, what was the most disappointing was the service. One server seemed to choose the worst possible times to come ask to remove empty plates and the main server forgot to remove a dish from the bill that we had ordered but changed due to dietary restrictions. What really detracts from our experience and memory of Matsuhisa was his reaction when, at the end of our meal, he asked if everything had been good. When we replied that one of the dishes in particular hadn't lived up to our expectations (enough to mention it), he became extremely defensive and began arguing back at us. He asked the question and we answered. There was no demand to take it off the bill or anything, simply answering that one of the dishes hadn't been that good. Had he responded with curiosity or at least said thank you, I will take that feedback to the kitchen, I would have been happy giving this place three or four stars. But as it was, I can only give two and won't recommend this restaurant unless you really can't live without Nobu-branded food while...