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