Featuring Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s signature new-style Japanese cuisine, Matsuhisa Vail is located in the Solaris Plaza in the heart of Vail Village. Matsuhisa is a renowned Japanese restaurant known for its exquisite seafood and tasting menus crafted by chef Nobu Matsuhisa.
The Vail Village outpost offers a contemporary dining experience in the atrium of Solaris, with a vibrant atmosphere and stunning views of Vail Mountains. The restaurant itself is both spectacular and warm, but the two-person tables seem rather crammed together given the scale of the room and the prices one pays.
Our dining room is open from 5pm nightly. Takeout available nightly from 5-9 pm.
Chef Nobu Matsuhisa's Culinary Influence
Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s fusion cuisine draws influence from his classical training in Tokyo and his life abroad in Peru, Argentina, and around the world, showcasing signature dishes such as Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño, Black Cod Miso and White fish Tiradito.
Read also: Your Visit to the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater
Nobu Matsuhisa, one of the most successful chefs in modern history, oversees more than 30 restaurants around the globe, from Los Angeles to Cape Town, South Africa. Like fellow traveler Wolfgang Puck, he immigrated to the United States as a young chef, moved to Los Angeles in the 1970s, made a name for himself in Beverly Hills, and then set his sights on the world. Matsuhisa excited celebrities and pleased the rest of the rich with precisely calibrated, inventive, never-weird Japanese food.
Nobu Style Miso Black Cod Recipe
Signature Dishes and Menu Highlights
The restaurant features classic dishes such as yellowtail jalapeno, New Style seared tuna, and broiled black cod with miso.
Matsuhisa’s menu can also be playful, as with an appetizer of fried cubes of rice. They arrive speared on toothpicks in a little wooden sake box. You top these morsels with a creamy mixture of chopped raw fish and dip the bites in a tangy sauce. That dish is simply called Spicy Tuna, Crispy Rice, which highlights a challenge of the Matsuhisa menu: In this era of restaurant verbosity, the dozens of offerings are thinly, sometimes cryptically, described. I advise quizzing the servers, every one of whom seems to be well-schooled. Detail the textures and flavors you like.
Dining Experience and Ambiance
Matsuhisa Vail offers an unforgettable dining experience with "amazing food" and "impeccable service." Guests rave about the "fresh and high-quality fish" and the "creative options" for all ages. The ambiance is "trendy" and "fun," making it a perfect spot for special occasions.
Read also: Comprehensive Vail Resorts Overview
Atmosphere was maybe the best part.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Matsuhisa in Vail is a top-notch Japanese fusion restaurant with outstanding service and delicious food. Reviewers rave about the knowledgeable staff, must-try dishes like the black cod lettuce cup and hot rock wagyu, and the stunning views of Vail Mountain from behind the bar. Guests appreciate personalized recommendations from bartenders like Clark, special touches for celebrations like dessert decorations for proposals, and consistently excellent quality across the menu offerings.
Here are some snippets from diner reviews:
- "Amazing dinner, service, and ambiance. Delicious black cod, yellowtail. and sake!!" - Cortney Gold
- "The food, service, and ambiance are amazing. They even came up with creative options for our 5 year old while we had the omakase. Nice service and high chairs" - Anne Gold
- "What a fantastic dinner. Had a reservation, but opted to sit at the bar. Lucky us as we were treated to being served by Austin. With Auston's mixology skills and his knowledge of the menu, we ate and drank like kings/queens. The off the menu suggestions were absolutely delicious. If you are able to secure a reservation at Matsuhisa Vail, consider yourself very fortunate and every minute." - Linda Gold
- "Excellent meal. Very fresh and high quality fish." - Diner Review
- "Best restaurant in the world. Literally the best restaurant I have ever been to" - Diner Review
Private Dining and Special Occasions
Matsuhisa Vail can accommodate up to 200 seated inside the restaurant, and another 60 seated on the patio outside we can tent the patio for larger groups. Within the restaurant there are various private dining options, including the fireside lounge (seats 14) and a private dining room (seats 40). Don't miss the "off-menu sushi options."
Read also: Vail Ski Club Benefits
Practical Information
Cuisines: Japanese, Peruvian
Hours of operation: Open 7 days a week, 5:00pm to close. Closed Thanksgiving Day.
Payment options: AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef: Chef Nobu Matsuhisa
Parking details: Complimentary valet parking located at the Solaris entrance on Frontage Rd.
Additional Features: Bar/Lounge, Counter Seating, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access
Ratings and Reviews Summary
Matsuhisa Vail reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.
Overall ratings and reviews:
Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant
- Food: 4.8
- Service: 4.9
- Ambience: 4.4
- Value: 5
Loved For:
- Denver / Colorado
- Japanese
- Mountains
- Hot spot
Table: Matsuhisa Vail Ratings
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Food | 4.8 |
| Service | 4.9 |
| Ambience | 4.4 |
| Value | 5 |