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About
Kenichi Aspen, est 1991
Welcome to Kenichi Aspen, est. 1991, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Aspen, Colorado. Known for its innovative twist on Japanese cuisine, Kenichi has been a favored dining destination for over three decades, inviting food enthusiasts to embark on a delightful culinary journey.
Located at 533 E Hopkins Ave #2, Aspen, CO 81611, this restaurant boasts a stunning ambiance tailored for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings. As you walk in, you are greeted by moody lighting and tasteful decor that sets the scene for a memorable dining experience. The warm hospitality from the staff adds to the inviting atmosphere, making you feel right at home.
Kenichi is celebrated for its diverse and delectable menu, featuring specialty share plates that highlight fresh ingredients and bold flavors. A must-try dish is the Pan Seared Scottish Salmon, served with a delightful Kenichi ginger barbeque sauce and topped with shaved asparagus for $29.00. Another stand-out is the Boneless Braised Beef Short Ribs, featuring golden potato puree and baby carrots, all drizzled with a gochu demiglaze, priced at $37.00. These dishes not only satisfy the palate but also create a delightful dining experience through their artful presentation and exquisite taste.
The restaurant doesn’t stop there. Guests can also indulge in Teriyaki plates that feature chargrilled and wok-seared vegetables alongside your choice of proteins such as flatiron steak, airline chicken, or Scottish salmon, all available for $35.00. Sides like the crispy parmesan Brussels sprouts or the spicy edamame complement any meal beautifully, enhancing the overall gastronomic adventure.
If sushi is your passion, the specialty rolls are essential. The Blake Roll, a tempting combination of tempura shrimp, cucumber, avocado, and spicy tuna topped with teriyaki sauce for $24.00, captures the essence of innovation and tradition. Other offerings like the Hawaiian Yellowtail Roll and the Kenichi Special Roll promise to thrill sushi aficionados and novices alike.
What truly stands out at Kenichi Aspen is the impeccable service. Guests rave about the attentive and knowledgeable staff, who go above and beyond to ensure your experience is nothing short of exceptional. Whether it’s a birthday gathering or a family reunion, the restaurant’s dedicated servers create a welcoming atmosphere, perfectly accommodating larger parties while ensuring a personalized touch.
Dining at Kenichi isn’t just about the food; it’s a full sensory experience. The expertly crafted cocktails and a noteworthy selection of sake seamlessly complement your meal, elevating the taste of every dish. The restaurant also embraces a philosophy of sharing, which resonates well with groups looking to explore various flavors and textures in a single sitting.
In summary, Kenichi Aspen stands as a beacon of culinary greatness, combining authentic Japanese flavors with a contemporary flair. As a food reviewer for Foodjoyy, I highly recommend Kenichi as a "must-visit" destination for anyone in Aspen. Whether you’re a sushi connoisseur or new to Japanese cuisine, this establishment promises a delightful exploration of taste, tradition, and warmth that will leave you longing for your next visit.
“ Great food and good service! The crispy tofu was surprisingly good! Wellseasoned and great texture. Definitely the highlight of the meal since it has a very unique taste that I have not had before in other Japanese restaurants. Scallop was tender. The mushrooms and the vegetables underneath the scallops were yummy. The Godzilla roll was good. The strawberry on top was actually a good addition to the roll a little bit of sourness makes it tastes lighter. The shrimp was a little heavy both the coating and the sauce. But still good. Overall I enjoyed the quality of the food I tried here. ”
“ Great place with extended menu selections. Everything was fresh and tasty. And Its so lovely to see the kitchen bar operation ”
“ We really enjoyed a lovely dinner for 4 at Kenichi Aspen last evening. They have a nice assortment of cocktails and a great selection of saki, plus imported beers. We shared 3 sushi rolls green tail roll, Blake roll, and Tora Tora Tora roll, a nightly special and three Entrees Miso black cod, lobster tacos, and spicy tuna on crispy rice cakes, my favorite. Every item was delicious, and the kitchen thoughtfully adjusted the portions, so each of us got to try everything. Our server,Jue, was a delight and took good care of us throughout the evening. It was just the right amount of food for 4. ”
“ We had a blast on my friends birthday party . Juicy was our server and she was amazing . The staffs were very accomodating and attentive . They made sure that we had all the things we needed. The food was delicious and so are the cocktails.They have great selections of Sakes a must try pairing with your food . We stayed at their private dininig area and it was just the right space since there were 14 people. Definitely reccommend this spots esp. for family style dining. P.S If you are staying in Snowmass area, they also have one restaurant there. ”
“ Amazing Japanese innovative food! Very fresh fish. Great options for everybody from not Japanese experts to Japanese foodies! We went with the whole family last time, party of 7 and we had great time! ”
“ Wagyu bites 910 Tempura shrimp roll 910 California roll 710 Virgin Kiss 710 Our great waiter was Hudson And awesome chef Jay I enjoyed the vibes ”
“ Upon entering, the inviting ambiance immediately caught our attention. The moody lighting and tasteful decor created a serene yet stylish atmosphere, hinting at a memorable evening ahead. The host staff greeted us warmly and led us to the private area we had requested, showcasing a pleasant attention to detail. Our waitress was exceptional. Her comprehensive knowledge of the menu and the cultural nuances of the dishes was commendable. She walked us through the offerings, sharing insights into the Japanese tradition behind each dish and gave us an informative introduction to Sake, which was enlightening. Her friendly demeanor made us feel welcomed, never rushed, striking a perfect balance between professionalism and approachability. Now, onto the culinary journey. We ventured through a variety of offerings, mostly guided by our waitresss insightful recommendations. The sashimi and sushi were fresh, delicately prepared, showcasing a mastery of traditional techniques. The adventurous dishes were a delight, each bite revealing a blend of authentic flavors and contemporary innovation, a testament to the chefs expertise. The restaurant has a trendy yet relaxed vibe, making it an ideal spot for a date night or a casual outing with a touch of elegance. The convergence of hospitable service, enlightening culinary insights, and delectable food made this dining experience stand out. Its a trendy hub for those with an affinity for toptier sashimi, sushi, and a voyage into unique dishes. A mustvisit when youre in town, promising not just a meal, but a delightful and educational culinary expedition. Reflecting on the evening, the staffs warmth, engaging conversation, and culinary excellence left a lasting impression. We anticipate our next visit to explore more of the menu and relive this delightful experience. The blend of casual elegance, warm hospitality, and culinary brilliance has us eager to return. ”
“ This place was amazing. From the atmosphere to the service and food. The black cod was the best fish Ive ever had in my life and the sushi rolls were phenomenal. We will definitely be coming back in the future! ”
“ Great food and good service! The crispy tofu was surprisingly good! Wellseasoned and great texture. Definitely the highlight of the meal since it has a very unique taste that I have not had before in other Japanese restaurants. Scallop was tender. The mushrooms and the vegetables underneath the scallops were yummy. The Godzilla roll was good. The strawberry on top was actually a good addition to the roll a little bit of sourness makes it tastes lighter. The shrimp was a little heavy both the coating and the sauce. But still good. Overall I enjoyed the quality of the food I tried here. ”
“ Great place with extended menu selections. Everything was fresh and tasty. And Its so lovely to see the kitchen bar operation ”
“ We really enjoyed a lovely dinner for 4 at Kenichi Aspen last evening. They have a nice assortment of cocktails and a great selection of saki, plus imported beers. We shared 3 sushi rolls green tail roll, Blake roll, and Tora Tora Tora roll, a nightly special and three Entrees Miso black cod, lobster tacos, and spicy tuna on crispy rice cakes, my favorite. Every item was delicious, and the kitchen thoughtfully adjusted the portions, so each of us got to try everything. Our server,Jue, was a delight and took good care of us throughout the evening. It was just the right amount of food for 4. ”
“ We had a blast on my friends birthday party . Juicy was our server and she was amazing . The staffs were very accomodating and attentive . They made sure that we had all the things we needed. The food was delicious and so are the cocktails.They have great selections of Sakes a must try pairing with your food . We stayed at their private dininig area and it was just the right space since there were 14 people. Definitely reccommend this spots esp. for family style dining. P.S If you are staying in Snowmass area, they also have one restaurant there. ”