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Vail is one of Colorado’s best-known ski resorts and is adored by adventure seekers and nature lovers for its scenery and outdoor activities. However, this snowy paradise has another ace up its sleeve: its restaurant scene.
Vail has everything from traditional diners and friendly cafes to haute cuisine and classic fine dining. In today’s post, we’re sharing the 11 best restaurants in Vail, Colorado.
1. Leonora Restaurant at The Sebastian Hotel
- $$$$
- Address: 16 Vail Road, Upstairs from Frost Bar, Vail
- Website: thesebastianvail.com/experience/leonora
This contemporary American steakhouse is located in The Sebastian Hotel in the heart of Vail Village.
Executive Chef Kevin Erving’s menu is a playful take on sophisticated classics inspired by the French Alps, Spanish Pyrenees, and the Colorado Rockies. The menu has been created with fresh, local, and organic ingredients as the focus, and this makes for the most flavorful dishes imaginable.
The dining experience has been designed tapas-style, to be enjoyed as a series of sharable small plates. Larger plates are also available, including juicy New York strip steaks, succulent lobster, and mouth-watering vegetable dishes.
An extensive wine list is available by bottle or glass, and the in-house sommelier has selected each one to complement the food menu. There are also classic cocktails, domestic and imported beers, and a rotating selection of seltzers.
This is an extremely popular place and is worth the higher price tag that comes with this kind of fine dining. Reservations are recommended.
2. Left Bank
- $$$$
- Address: 183 Gore Creek Drive, Vail
- Website: leftbankvail.com/
For a fine dining experience with a European vibe, Left Bank is a top pick. Chef Jean-Michel Chelain hails from Grenoble in the French Alps and combines his classic training with a purist approach, delivering a menu of authentic French cuisine with a modern twist.
From escargots and foie gras to Steak au Poivre and Duck a l’Orange, a long list of recognizable French fare is made well. Wine aficionados will appreciate the lengthy wine list, including some superb champagnes and lesser-known French grapes.
Make sure to leave room for dessert because you won’t want to miss Chef Chelain’s souffle or homemade ice cream.
3. Sweet Basil
- $$$$
- Address: 193 E Gore Creek Drive, Suite 201, Vail
- Website: sweetbasilvail.com/
Sweet Basil is a long-time hot spot in Vail thanks to its iconic contemporary American fusion menu and swanky dining room.
For the past 43 years, this restaurant has been a fixture in Vail Village, and its popularity shows no sign of slowing down any time soon. In fact, as a child, Chef Will Edwards celebrated his father’s birthday many times at Sweet Basil, so his relationship with the kitchen he now works in is a special one.
The dinner menu features twists on much-loved dishes such as Maine lobster and Angus beef tenderloin, and the dessert menu comes complete with suggested drinks pairings. Speaking of drinks, Sweet Basil’s beverage manager has done a superb job of collating an exciting list of cocktails, beers, and wines.
Reservations are advisable and can be made on Sweet Basil’s website.
4. Matsuhisa
- $$$$
- Address: 41 E Meadow Drive, Vail
- Website: matsuhisarestaurants.com/vail/
In Vail, fans of Japanese cuisine can mostly be found at the highly-rated Matsuhisa. This is Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s second of three restaurants in Colorado, and it has attracted a loyal following since its opening in 2011.
The menu draws on new-style Japanese cuisine and showcases Chef Nobu’s Tokyo training. The menu also pays homage to his time spent traveling in Peru, Argentina, and many other locations worldwide. Try signature dishes such as yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño or black cod miso for a Japanese dining experience to remember.
The decor is equally appealing as the food itself, with rustic urban styling complete with outdoor fire pits, a stone fireplace, and custom woodwork. The view is also spectacular, and Vail Mountain’s panoramic vistas can be enjoyed through the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows. There is also an outdoor patio open when weather permits.
Matsuhisa is located in the five-star Solaris development, and reservations are recommended.
5. Montauk Seafood Grill
- $$$$
- Address: 549 E Lionshead Circle, Vail
- Website: https://www.montaukvail.com/
Classic American seafood meets fine dining at Montauk Seafood Grill. This Vail institution was established in 1987 and has maintained popularity thanks to its consistently brilliant menu of the highest-quality seafood.
Located in the beautiful setting of Lionshead Village, the team behind Montauk works tirelessly to support local businesses and sustainable fishing and aquaculture practices. Seafood classics such as New England clam chowder and pan-roasted Chilean seabass are staples of this restaurant.
Or, if you’re in the mood to try something new, the kitchen team is always adding creative dishes to the menu, including steamed Alaskan crab with buttermilk potatoes and tuna poke tacos.
Meat lovers will also find plenty of exciting plates on the menu, and there’s also a kids’ menu available for tiny diners.
6. Slope Room
- $$$
- Address: 352 E Meadow Drive, Vail
- Website: sloperoom.com
American steakhouses don’t get much better than the Slope Room. This alpine bistro draws its inspiration from Rocky Mountain farmers and ranchers but with a surprising and often exciting level of creativity.
The eclectic dinner menu ranges from hearty beef short rib and pork chop dishes to more experimental Mexican and Asian fusion plates like black cod with truffle miso and blue corn tamale.
The Slope Room happy hour is a popular way to round off a great day in the mountains, and their cocktail list is to die for. Try the spicy Final Say for an unbeatable winter warmer. Breakfast is served until noon, making this venue a tasty brunch option, too.
7. Annapurna
- $$ – $$$
- Address: 250 South Frontage Road West, Vail
- Website: annapurnavail.com
For fans of a little spiciness, Annapurna’s Nepali and Indian cuisine will not disappoint. This authentic spot is known for its fantastic customer service and even better food, and you’ll find tourists and Vail locals alike heading down for mouthwatering curries and aromatic accompaniments.
The menu draws on the rich culture and history of Southern Asia to deliver deep flavors and memorable dishes. Entrees include regional specialties like lamb kebabs and shrimp chau chau, plus staples such as samosas and chicken masala.
There are also several great options for vegetarians, including dishes made with paneer cheese, potatoes, and lentils. Finally, don’t forget to order a cup of cheeya (black Nepali tea) to wash it all down.
This informal eatery also offers takeaway to take back to your chalet or ski resort, and bookings are welcome but optional.
8. The Little Diner
- $$ – $$$
- Address: 616 W Lionshead Circle, Vail
- Website: thelittlediner.com/
If you’re looking for a great brunch, The Little Diner is a legendary Vail eatery. With all-American styling and a great location at the West Lionshead Plaza bus stop, no trip to Vail is complete without a visit.
Breakfast is served all day at this locally owned and operated cafe, and lunch is available after 11.30 am. Everything is made from scratch and prepared to order by the team in the open kitchen.
Choose from traditional dishes, including homemade biscuits and sausage gravy, or try the house specialty of German pancakes. Or, take a date and order the famous eggs benedict that the owner’s father used to win over his mother.
The Little Diner is open daily 7 am to 2 pm, and reservations aren’t needed.
9. Bully Ranch
- $$ – $$$
- Address: 20 Vail Road, Vail
- Website: sonnenalp.com/dining/bully-ranch/
Nestled in the popular Sonnenalp Hotel, you’ll find Bully Ranch: a hearty gastropub with a Southwestern twist. This casual dining establishment in Vail Valley is a hugely popular place to gather with friends and family for lunch, dinner, or a round of drinks after a tiring day in the mountains.
The menu is made for hungry stomachs and is perfect apres ski fuel. Try the wild boar nachos followed by baby back ribs for a hearty feast, or go for the soup and a salad for a lighter bite. Many dishes can also be made vegan on request, and the kids’ menu is fantastic.
OpenTable awarded Bully Ranch a Diner’s Choice award in 2022, so the place is popular, and reservations are recommended.
10. La Nonna Ristorante
- $$ – $$$
- Address: 100 East Meadow Drive, Suite 24, Vail
- Website: lanonnavail.com
For mid-price Italian food and a traditional wine bar feel, head to La Nonna Ristorante. This restaurant is a collaboration between two long-time Vail restauranteurs and two Italian food enthusiasts. Together they have completely remodeled this venue to deliver one of the best dining experiences in town.
Head chef Simone loves to cook by developing recipes he originally learned while growing up in Italy. His menu perfectly showcases his 20 years of experience creating the rustic cuisine that his home village in the Dolomites is known for creating.
The warm, elegant dining room is the perfect place to enjoy his creations, including freshly-made pasta using flour from Italy, and the carefully selected wine list has some superb options to accompany your meal.
11. The BlĂĽ Cow
- $
- Address: 304 Bridge Street, Vail
- Website: theblucow.com
Have you ever had a Swiss hotdog? If not, The BlĂĽ Cow is the best place in Vail to try your first one. This family-owned establishment is known for its great atmosphere and friendly staff, making this the best low-cost dining option in town.
The BlĂĽ Cow, owned by Ernst and Barbra Larsese, opened its doors in 1967. Nowadays, their daughter Simone is running the restaurant at its newest location at the top of Bridge Street in Vail Village.
The menu is simple and delicious and includes the Swiss hotdog, paninis, croissants, and a killer chicken noodle soup. The drinks menu is actually longer than the food menu and has a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages on offer.
Tip: Try the traditional Austrian gluhwein – hot, spiced red wine designed to warm up even the chilliest of evenings.
Eat and Stay in Vail
So there you have it, the 11 best restaurants in Vail, Colorado. Whether you’re looking to splash out on a dining experience to remember or are looking for a hearty meal after a day on the slopes, Vail has the perfect option for you. Bon appétit.
Featured Image Credit: Andrey Bayda
