Matsuhisa

Some people contend that the Matsuhisa restaurants (the four owned by the Matsuhisa family) have better food than those named Nobu (which are owned by Nobu Matsuhisa and various partners, including Robert DeNiro). The new Vail Matsuhisa is the perfect place to test the theory: All the classic dishes are here, including the yellowtail jalapeno, “New Style” seared tuna, broiled black cod with miso, and so many more. The setting is equal to the food, with a towering wall of glass facing the ski slopes, dramatically lit stone walls, and a 25-foot long bar made of a single piece of walnut. Not surprisingly, this place is hugely popular; Matsuhisa takes reservations 30 days in advance, and they are crucial.