Updated October 2021
Vail is located in Northwest Colorado and is the largest ski resort in the entire state. The quaint town is modeled after Zermatt Switzerland, with Swiss chalets, Bavarian architecture and an alpine ambience. Vail Village and Lionshead Village are the two main shopping and eating areas, both right out of a storybook. For a decadent meal after a day of skiing, review this list for your next Vail vacation!
LANCELOT
LANCELOT
Adjacent to the Children's Fountain in the heart of Vail, you will find Lancelot, an elegant Swiss chalet. This renowned steakhouse is known for their tender prime rib and veal ambrosia. Bring all off your wine loving friends to admire their extensive wine list to reward yourself for a hard day on the slopes.
VAIL VILLAGE | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Lancelot Vail
ALPENROSE
ALPENROSE
Go on an international culinary journey at the German-Austrian restaurant, Alpenrose, which has the most beautiful vintage decor. Picture rustic wooden beams, white plush fur rugs, and even some of the tables are made from old chair lifts. Enjoy your dinner in one of the fondue gondolas with an all inclusive three course menu that includes wine and champagne as well. On the regular dinner menu, they have delicious Bavarian food, such as giant pretzels with beer cheese dip, bratwurst, and classic schnitzel to name a few. Take a homemade pastry with you for breakfast the next day from the bakery display.
VAIL VILLAGE | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Alpenrose
SLOPE ROOM
SLOPE ROOM
Inside the Gravity Haus Hotel, lies an upscale New American restaurant called Slope Room. The rich navy velvet textures bring a level of elegance, while the deep wood accents and antler decor resembles the Old West. They have a stellar menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with fresh fish and local game. For a sweet end your meal, try a decadent desserts such as the S'more Baked Alaska and pair it with a light dessert wine.
GRAVITY HAUS HOTEL | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of the Gravity Haus
CRAFTSMAN
CRAFTSMAN
From burgers to bahn mis, Craftsman reimagines the classics with new and fresh ingredients. Their seasonal menu features eccentric dishes such as the green chile philly, the wild mushroom pastrami, and the schmidt mac double cheeseburger. Craftsman is a casual spot to try a craft beer or cocktail while sharing a small plate with friends like the salmon ceviche or parmesan fries.
EDWARD'S CORNER | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Craftsman
SWISS CHALET
SWISS CHALET
Elegance meets cozy chalet at the Swiss Chalet inside the Sonnenalp Hotel in Vail Village. This adorable restaurant serves authentic Swiss cuisine that will make you feel as though you truly are dining in Switzerland. If you're a cheese lover, try the fondue or raclette, or go for a more traditional dish such as the schnitzel.
SONNENALP HOTEL | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of The Sonnenalp Hotel
MATSUHISA
MATSUHISA
Matsuhisa is a posh restaurant with Japanese fusion fare & sushi and hints of flavor from Peru and Argentina. The large stone fireplace makes a statement as the grand centerpiece of the main room, with several fire pits outside on the expansive patio. Enjoy your spicy tuna roll or yellowtail sashimi with floor to ceiling panoramic views of Vail mountain.
VAIL VILLAGE | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Matsuhisa
VINTAGE
VINTAGE
Vintage is a French brasserie with Champagne brunch and dinner that will make you feel as though you have been transported to Paris. For brunch, try the croquet madame or one of the four eggs benedict plates on the menu while sipping on your mimosa or bloody mary. If you are joining Vintage for dinner, the baked brie and beef bourguignon are fabulous. End your divine meal with a beignet while imagining you are at a Parisian Cafe.
GATEWAY PLAZA IN VAIL VILLAGE | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Vintage
THE LITTLE DINER
THE LITTLE DINER
If you're in need of some comfort food, The Little Diner has got you taken care of. All items on their menu are homemade family recipes passed down through generations, made with tender love and care. They are famous for their Pannekoeken, also known as a Dutch Baby, and their eggs benedict with legendary hollandaise sauce.
LIONSHEAD VILLAGE | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of The Little Diner
BULLY RANCH
BULLY RANCH
Inside the beautiful Sonnenalp Hotel sits Bully Ranch, a western inspired cozy ranch style restaurant. They serve Southwestern cuisine such as truffle tater tots, baby back ribs, and buffalo steak. After an adventurous day on the mountain, wind down with a mudslide for a sweet and relaxing end to the day.
SONNENALP HOTEL | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Bully Ranch
LA NONNA
LA NONNA
La Nonna, meaning grandmother in Italian, is a cozy eatery in Vail Village that takes Italian food to a whole new level. With recipes passed down from generations, they use locally sourced ingredients as well as carefully selected imported products. Their pasta is made from the best Pivetti Flour, from Ferrara, Italy, so you know that it's authentic. To take your taste buds on a delicious Italian adventure, try their famous Gemelli all Vodka with prosciutto or the mushroom ravioli with truffle oil.
VAIL VILLAGE | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of La Nonna
LA TOUR
LA TOUR
To be transported to France for dinner, visit La Tour, which is a sophisticated French bistro in the heart of Vail. For a magical private dining experience, reserve one of the crystal cabins on the patio that overlooks Vail Village. With over 500 types of wine on their menu, ranging from France to California, La Tour is the perfect spot to wind down from a long day on the slopes.
VAIL VILLAGE | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of La Tour
MOUNTAIN STANDARD
MOUNTAIN STANDARD
Just bring your appetite and Mountain Standard has got the ideal meal for you. This New American gastropub brings the heat with mouthwatering starters, a raw bar, and tender meat and fish options. They pride themselves on using the ancient cooking method on an open and live wood fire that creates a bold smokey flavor. In house Sommelier, Jeremy Gramling, selected only the finest of wines for the perfect food and wine pairings in the state of Colorado.
VAIL VILLAGE | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Mountain Standard
FALL LINE
FALL LINE
Fall Line takes food art to the next level. Their contemporary cuisine with Asian influence results in incredible flavor combos. The retro 60's inspired decor with Slim Aaron's photography, sets the scene for the ultimate après ski moment. Sit back and enjoy the scenic mountain views, while sipping your craft cocktail with not a single care in the world.
VAIL VILLAGE | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Fall Line Vail
LEONORA
LEONORA
Inside the breathtaking Sebastian Hotel, you will find an upscale bistro called Leonora. Serving tapas and small plates, this is the perfect spot to meet up with friends and share a charcuterie board or lamb lollipops. Grab a drink at the circular bar or lounge on the cozy patio while waiting on your party to arrive to start a memorable night.
THE SEBASTIAN HOTEL | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of The Sebastian Hotel
VIN 48
VIN 48
Vin48 is a high end restaurant and wine bar all in one. In the middle of Vail and Beaver Creek Ski Resorts, Vin 48 is right down the road from Vail in an adorable town called Avon. Sip on your glass of wine at the beautiful bar or by the fire pit outside for a cozy après moment with friends and family. Before you leave on your scenic drive back, try their signature sparkling CBD root beer float.
AVON | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Vin 48
UP THE CREEK
UP THE CREEK
Overlooking Gore Creek, you'll find a serene eatery called Up the Creek. After a chilly day in the snow, warm up with their signature braised short rib and bacon gouda mac with a nice tall glass of wine. Sit creekside with your friends and family while taking in Colorado's beautiful scenery.
GORE CREEK | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Up the Creek Vail
MONTAUK SEAFOOD GRILL
MONTAUK SEAFOOD GRILL
Whether you're craving a surf n' turf or oysters from the raw bar, Montauk Seafood Grill's guarantees a shuckin' good meal. The ocean meets the mountains in this casual dinner spot in Lionshead Village. Share the Alaskan king crab legs with loved ones while relaxing with a refreshing cocktail in hand.
LIONSHEAD VILLAGE | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Montauk Seafood Grill
SWEET BASIL
SWEET BASIL
Located in the Vail Village, Sweet Basil has been killing the food game since 1977. With seasonal American cuisine with divers influences, you are bound to have an incredible meal for lunch and dinner. Some of their signature dishes are the duck and ricotta ravioli and loch duart salmon, both with unique flavor combinations. If you're in the mood for a something sweet, end your meal with the sticky toffee pudding cake or the red forest cake with raspberry ice cream.
VAIL VILLAGE | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Sweet Basil