Element 47

Aspenites looking for an urban vibe flock to Element 47, which opened in the Little Nell in December 2012. Designed by the same team as Manhattan’s Craft and 11 Madison, the restaurant has a sleek, modern look that transports diners from Pitkin County to New York City. Element’s menu offers dishes more synonymous with cities than mountain towns as well, with a healthy smattering of foie gras, lobster and truffles. But despite the sophisticated setting and well-pedigreed cooking, Element is anything but pretentious. Ski attire is not only common but totally accepted at lunch, and even Aspen’s toniest dinner crowd can be downright casual. Service is friendly, and there’s a hopping après bar crowd comparing notes on the day’s skiing over local beers and deviled eggs.