The Ultimate Dining Guide: 12 Best Restaurants in Vail, CO

Vail, Colorado, is well-known for its massive ski slopes and beautiful alpine views. But after a long day on the mountain, nothing beats a world-class meal. Vail’s food scene has grown into a global culinary destination, offering everything from cozy alpine taverns to high-end sushi bars.

If you are looking for the best restaurants in Vail, this guide will help you find the perfect spot for your next dinner, lunch, or après-ski drink.

Here are the top restaurants Vail, CO has to offer right now.

1. ZUMA Vail

As the newest blockbuster addition to the local food scene, ZUMA Vail is instantly a top contender for the best restaurant in Vail Village. Located inside The Lodge at The Sebastian, this globally celebrated brand brings its very first U.S. alpine concept to Colorado. 

It delivers an incredibly sophisticated Japanese izakaya-style dining experience. The stunning interior features glowing amber resin bars, carved timber screens, and an energetic lounge with a live DJ booth.

• What to order: The legendary marinated black cod in hoba leaf or premium selections from the live robata grill.

• Atmosphere: High-energy, ultra-luxurious, and buzzing with dynamic après-ski style.

2. Mountain Standard

Located right in the heart of the village, Mountain Standard is a must-visit when searching for the best restaurant in Vail Village. This lively gastro-tavern cooks almost everything over an open, wood-burning fire. The rustic dining room gives you a front-row seat to the open kitchen, where chefs handle premium meats and seasonal ingredients.

• What to order: The wood-fired pork shank or a premium Wagyu steak.

• Atmosphere: Relaxed, energetic, and warm.

3. Sweet Basil

Sweet Basil has been a cornerstone of the local food scene since 1977. It easily ranks among the best restaurants Vail, CO boasts for creative, modern American cuisine. The menu changes with the seasons to keep things fresh. It recently earned a well-deserved spot in the Colorado MICHELIN Guide, thanks to its innovative flavors and massive wine list.

• What to order: The Hawaiian Kanpachi crudo or the Skuna Bay salmon.

• Atmosphere: Upscale, vibrant, and sophisticated.

4. Matsuhisa Vail

If you want a luxurious dining experience, head straight to Matsuhisa inside the Solaris Residences. Created by the world-famous chef Nobu Matsuhisa, this restaurant brings legendary Japanese-Peruvian fusion to the Rocky Mountains. It is a premier choice for Vail's top restaurants when you want to splurge on incredible sushi and premium sake.

• What to order: The iconic Yellowtail Jalapeño or the tender Black Cod Miso.

• Atmosphere: Sleek, modern, and high-end.

5. Vintage

Vintage is a gorgeous French brasserie tucked away in the village. While their dinner menu features classic French comfort food, they are most famous for having one of the best weekend brunches in town. It is the perfect spot for a slow morning with a cocktail in hand.

• What to order: The bacon-wrapped figs followed by the heavy-hitting Meat & Potatoes Benedict.

• Atmosphere: Charming, romantic, and vintage-inspired.

6. Pepi’s Bar & Restaurant

Pepi’s is a true local institution. Established in 1964 by Olympic skier Pepi Gramshammer, this historic spot serves authentic Austrian and European classics. In the winter, the indoor dining room feels like a cozy cabin. In the summer, their outdoor patio is the absolute best spot in the village for people-watching.

• What to order: The classic wiener schnitzel or hot bratwurst with sauerkraut.

• Atmosphere: Historic, lively, and family-friendly.

7. La Brasserie Vail

La Brasserie Vail brings an authentic taste of coastal and timeless French gastronomy to the village. Blending classic brasserie elegance with a vibrant, fresh energy, it features a beautiful bar and an exceptional wine list. It is the perfect, highly anticipated spot to celebrate tradition and good flavor in a lively alpine setting.

• What to order: The classic French onion soup or a perfectly prepared seasonal seafood dish.

• Atmosphere: Sophisticated yet thoroughly relaxing and vibrant.

8. The 10th

The 10th offers a unique mountain experience because you have to ride a gondola to get there. Located at the top of Vail Mountain, this ski-in, ski-out restaurant offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. It is named after the legendary 10th Mountain Division ski troops from World War II.

• What to order: A bowl of hearty gourmet soup and an upscale sandwich during a ski break.

• Atmosphere: Alpine-chic with breathtaking mountain views.

9. Tavernetta Vail

Inside the Four Seasons Resort, Tavernetta Vail brings la dolce vita and an alpine-influenced Italian escape to the mountains. From the James Beard Award-winning team behind Denver’s culinary icons, this elegant yet incredibly cozy spot feels instantly welcoming. You can grab a seat by the roaring fireplace or stop by their playful spritz window after hitting the slopes.

• What to order: The freshly flown-in creamy burrata with homemade pesto, followed by the lobster linguini or handmade rigatoni with lamb ragu.

• Atmosphere: Polished, warm, and romantic.

10. Elway’s

Named after NFL Hall of Famer John Elway, this popular steakhouse is located inside The Lodge at Vail. Elway’s is a local favorite for its prime cuts of meat, excellent seafood raw bar, and sleek, modern design. It balances a high-end menu with a comfortable, welcoming Colorado vibe.

• What to order: The filet mignon or the New York strip with a classic cocktail.

• Atmosphere: Modern, bustling, and upscale yet comfortable.

11. Bully Ranch Restaurant

If you want to skip the fine dining and keep things casual, head to Bully Ranch inside the Sonnenalp Hotel. This Western-themed tavern focuses on Southwestern comfort food. It is relaxed, unpretentious, and a fantastic place to unwind with friends after an intense day outdoors.

• What to order: The juicy bison burger paired with one of their famous mudslide drinks.

• Atmosphere: Casual, rustic, and laid-back.

12. Garfinkel’s

Known by locals as “Garf’s,” this iconic sports bar sits right at the base of Lionshead Village. It features a massive outdoor deck with direct views of the ski slopes. It is arguably the most popular spot in town for a casual lunch, pub-style comfort food, and affordable drinks during après-ski hours.

• What to order: A classic bacon cheeseburger and a cold local craft beer.

• Atmosphere: Unpretentious, loud, and fun.

Plan Your Vail Dining Experience

Because Vail is such a popular destination, the top restaurants Vail, CO, hosts can book up quickly, especially during the peak winter and summer.

• Book Early: Make reservations at fine dining spots like Sweet Basil, Mountain Standard, and Matsuhisa a few weeks in advance.

• Check Seasonal Hours: Some mountaintop spots change their hours depending on ski lift operations.

• Mind the Dress Code: Trendy new openings like ZUMA maintain a strict upscale dress code—leave the ski boots and sweatpants back at the chalet!

No matter which village you find yourself in, Vail’s incredible food scene ensures you will eat exceptionally well during your mountain getaway.