Vail has long been known for its world-class skiing and breathtaking alpine scenery, but its culinary landscape is just as remarkable. From cozy bistros tucked along cobblestone streets to fine dining establishments offering sophisticated tasting menus, this mountain town has evolved into one of Colorado’s premier destinations for food enthusiasts. The best restaurants in Vail combine creative cuisine, exceptional service, and a deep respect for the region’s natural bounty, creating dining experiences that feel as authentic as they are refined.
Sweet Basil
No discussion of Vail’s dining scene is complete without Sweet Basil. Open since 1977, this contemporary American restaurant has become an institution in the heart of Vail Village. Known for its inventive dishes and ever-changing menu, Sweet Basil blends classic techniques with bold flavors. Guests can expect perfectly executed entrees like pan-seared scallops, roasted duck breast, or wagyu steak, all paired with a curated wine list that showcases both Old and New World selections.
The atmosphere strikes a balance between elegance and warmth, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Gore Creek. Whether for a celebratory dinner or an evening spent savoring wine by the fire, Sweet Basil remains a defining part of Vail’s dining heritage.
The atmosphere strikes a balance between elegance and warmth, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Gore Creek. Whether for a celebratory dinner or an evening spent savoring wine by the fire, Sweet Basil remains a defining part of Vail’s dining heritage.
Mountain Standard
Located just below its sister restaurant, Sweet Basil, Mountain Standard offers a more rustic, wood-fired take on mountain cuisine. Its open kitchen centers around a wood-burning grill that infuses every dish with smoky depth and comforting warmth. Menu highlights include rotisserie chicken, grilled trout, and seasonal vegetables cooked over the flame.
The restaurant’s relaxed, lodge-like ambiance makes it a favorite for both après-ski gatherings and casual evenings out. The combination of refined flavors and approachable presentation reflects what dining in Vail is all about: unpretentious quality paired with mountain hospitality.
The restaurant’s relaxed, lodge-like ambiance makes it a favorite for both après-ski gatherings and casual evenings out. The combination of refined flavors and approachable presentation reflects what dining in Vail is all about: unpretentious quality paired with mountain hospitality.
La Tour
For those seeking European sophistication, La Tour brings a touch of France to Vail Village. Chef Paul Ferzacca’s menu draws inspiration from French brasseries, featuring dishes like escargot, beef tenderloin, and rich seafood bisque. The wine list is equally thoughtful, with selections designed to complement each flavor profile.
La Tour’s dining room exudes understated elegance, while its outdoor patio provides one of the most inviting spots in town for warm-weather dining. Consistent excellence in both food and service has made La Tour a cornerstone of fine dining in Vail for decades.
La Tour’s dining room exudes understated elegance, while its outdoor patio provides one of the most inviting spots in town for warm-weather dining. Consistent excellence in both food and service has made La Tour a cornerstone of fine dining in Vail for decades.
Matsuhisa Vail
Perched in Solaris Plaza, Matsuhisa offers a global experience that feels right at home in the Rockies. Created by world-renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa, this restaurant blends Japanese tradition with Peruvian influence, resulting in a menu that is both innovative and artful.
Signature dishes such as miso black cod, yellowtail jalapeño, and rock shrimp tempura showcase the precision and creativity that define Nobu’s culinary style. The minimalist design and expansive mountain views enhance the experience, creating a space that feels both tranquil and contemporary. Matsuhisa captures the cosmopolitan side of Vail while maintaining the warmth that defines its community.
Signature dishes such as miso black cod, yellowtail jalapeño, and rock shrimp tempura showcase the precision and creativity that define Nobu’s culinary style. The minimalist design and expansive mountain views enhance the experience, creating a space that feels both tranquil and contemporary. Matsuhisa captures the cosmopolitan side of Vail while maintaining the warmth that defines its community.
Almresi
For a more traditional alpine experience, Almresi delivers a taste of Europe’s mountain heritage. The restaurant’s interior features rustic wood accents, candlelight, and decor reminiscent of a cozy chalet. Its menu celebrates German and Austrian comfort food, from fondue and schnitzel to slow-braised meats and spätzle.
Dining here feels like stepping into a family gathering in the Alps, complete with generous portions and welcoming service. Almresi has become a favorite among locals and visitors looking for authentic, hearty fare after a day on the slopes.
Dining here feels like stepping into a family gathering in the Alps, complete with generous portions and welcoming service. Almresi has become a favorite among locals and visitors looking for authentic, hearty fare after a day on the slopes.
The 10th
Located atop Vail Mountain, The 10th offers one of the most memorable dining experiences in the region. Guests reach the restaurant via gondola, where they’re greeted with panoramic mountain views and an atmosphere that feels refined yet approachable.
The menu features elevated mountain cuisine, with dishes such as elk chili, Colorado lamb, and roasted root vegetables. During winter, skiers can remove their boots at the complimentary check and slip into cozy slippers provided by the staff. It’s a thoughtful touch that captures the hospitality for which Vail is known.
Whether you come for lunch on the slopes or a private evening event, The 10th perfectly combines the exhilaration of alpine adventure with the comfort of exceptional dining.
The menu features elevated mountain cuisine, with dishes such as elk chili, Colorado lamb, and roasted root vegetables. During winter, skiers can remove their boots at the complimentary check and slip into cozy slippers provided by the staff. It’s a thoughtful touch that captures the hospitality for which Vail is known.
Whether you come for lunch on the slopes or a private evening event, The 10th perfectly combines the exhilaration of alpine adventure with the comfort of exceptional dining.
Vintage
For brunch lovers and evening diners alike, Vintage offers an experience inspired by the cafés of Paris. Known for its beautifully plated dishes and lively atmosphere, the restaurant specializes in champagne brunches, classic cocktails, and modern twists on French favorites.
The menu features everything from eggs Benedict and truffle fries to duck confit and steak frites. The interior is intimate and stylish, with a charm that makes every meal feel special. Vintage has quickly become one of the most talked-about restaurants in Vail, especially among those who appreciate fine food in a relaxed setting.
The menu features everything from eggs Benedict and truffle fries to duck confit and steak frites. The interior is intimate and stylish, with a charm that makes every meal feel special. Vintage has quickly become one of the most talked-about restaurants in Vail, especially among those who appreciate fine food in a relaxed setting.
Root & Flower
While technically a wine and cocktail bar, Root & Flower earns its place among the best restaurants in Vail thanks to its thoughtful menu and expertly curated drink selection. Small plates like artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and fresh oysters pair beautifully with the rotating wine list, which features selections from around the world.
The cozy interior, accented with warm lighting and natural textures, makes it a favorite spot for intimate evenings or post-dinner gatherings. It’s a space that reflects Vail’s effortless sophistication and commitment to quality craftsmanship.
The cozy interior, accented with warm lighting and natural textures, makes it a favorite spot for intimate evenings or post-dinner gatherings. It’s a space that reflects Vail’s effortless sophistication and commitment to quality craftsmanship.
Dining Beyond the Village
Beyond Vail Village and Lionshead, the broader Vail Valley offers even more culinary treasures. In nearby Avon and Edwards, restaurants such as Vin48 and The Rose deliver exceptional dining experiences with the same dedication to quality found in the heart of Vail. These nearby towns expand the valley’s culinary identity, offering locals and visitors alike new flavors to explore.
Experience Vail Real Estate with Matthew Blake
Vail’s restaurant scene reflects the same qualities that make its homes and lifestyle so sought after: craftsmanship, creativity, and a deep connection to place. Finding a home here means becoming part of that rhythm, where quality of life is measured in both experience and community.
A resident of the Vail Valley for over twenty years, real estate expert Matthew Blake combines financial expertise with an intimate knowledge of the local market. Whether you are searching for a ski-in retreat, a contemporary mountain home, or an investment property in one of Colorado’s most exceptional destinations, he offers the insight, professionalism, and dedication to help you succeed. Connect with Matthew Blake today to start exploring homes for sale in Vail, CO.
*Header image courtesy of Unsplash
A resident of the Vail Valley for over twenty years, real estate expert Matthew Blake combines financial expertise with an intimate knowledge of the local market. Whether you are searching for a ski-in retreat, a contemporary mountain home, or an investment property in one of Colorado’s most exceptional destinations, he offers the insight, professionalism, and dedication to help you succeed. Connect with Matthew Blake today to start exploring homes for sale in Vail, CO.
*Header image courtesy of Unsplash
