Where to Dine in Vail, Colorado

Sharing my favorites over the years – updated for 2022

I love to cook, and eat out less often because of it. But, without a doubt, dining out and bar hopping are an essential part of the resort experience. As at any resort that attracts guests with money, there are many dining options. If you are visiting during the peak weeks; Winter holidays, President’s weekend, the month of March (spring break around the country), Easter week (holy week for the Latin community), Fourth of July week, the last week of July (before most schools start for the Fall), you really should plan ahead and make reservations. You want to get your first choices of restaurants, right?

I have noted the style of dining occasion, which I think is more important than designating a price point. Depending on your mood, wallet or appetite, you may spend a little, or a lot at any dining establishment.

In Vail Village (accessed from the transportation center, centered on Bridge Street and Gore Creek Drive)

• Russell’s – Fine dining, American, dinner only. Known for decadent king crab legs and steaks and an extensive wine list. When I moved to Colorado from Florida, I was sure I would have to give up fresh seafood. Well, thanks to the wonder of air transport, Colorado has a diverse selection seafood
• The Fall Line – Casual to Fine dining, creative international menu, lunch and dinner. Known for ‘60’s ski photos and people watching on Bridge Street, ever-changing menu. Opened in a new restaurant space after extensive renovations to the Bridge Street side of Gorsuch’s. It is still fairly new and has received inconsistent reviews, but I have always had good meals and service.
• Pepi’s – Come-as-you-are, ski jackets and blazers are all welcome.The bar area was updated recently and allows more interaction with the activity on Bridge Street. The sunny patio is always busy, it is the epicenter of the Village. There is a rotating selection of live entertainment. In spite of being the only place I have ever participated in a group ski shot, this is a classy place. You can get a decent glass of wine, in addition to special cocktails. Open for lunch and dinner. Pepi's is the most coveted reservation in town for the post-4th- of-July parade lunch. I really think you have to know somebody to get in. President Gerald Ford and his fmily used to always dine here after the parade. 
• El Segundo- Elevated casual with a Mexican-inspired menu. Open for lunch and dinner, this is the place to go for gourmet tacos and a vast selection of tequilas. It has a great deck, overlooking the Gore Creek.
• Elway’s – Fine dining, American, dinner only. Known for prime beef and an extensive wine list. Owned by pro football hall-of-famer, John Elway and his restaurant partners. Try the lamb chop fondue for a hearty start, and share a steak for a main course.
• Lancelot – Fine dining, American, dinner only. Known for prime rib.
• Sweet Basil – Fine dining, creative American, serving lunch and dinner. Known for seasonal menus with picturesque presentations, finely crafted cocktails and large selection of wines. Sweet Basil’s is the standard for dining in Vail, it should be on every “must-do” list.
• Mountain Standard- Casual to fine dining, American wood-fired oven, lunch and dinner. Known for roasted meats, fish and poultry, raw bar. Stick with the menu options as opposed to the specials, they were never as good as the other options on the table.
• La Tour – Fine dining, creative international menu. Open for dinner only. Known for great appetizers and sides, I often make a meal of them. I always order the brussels sprouts. Local chef/owners Paul and Lordes Ferzacca are at your service.
• Matsuhisa – Fine dining, creative Japanese cuisine, dinner only. Known for fresh sushi. Created by famed Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Be prepared to drop some “serious coin” here, and leave happy.
• Almresi and Alpen Rose- Casual to Fine dining, Germain-Austrian cuisine. Almresi is temporarily closed. Alpen Rose open for lunch and dinner. Known for comfort food, cute décor. Locally owned by the Thoma family. Try the fondue.
• La Nonna (formerly Campo de Fiori)- Fine dining, Italian, open for dinner only. Known for Italian Pasta. The chef/owners are local and almost always at your service. Recently remodeled.
• La Bottega – Casual to Fine dining, Italian, open for lunch and dinner. Known for wood-fired pizza oven. Local owners. Sit at the bar and watch the pizza oven in action.
• Bully’s Ranch at the Sonenalp- Casual dining, Southwestern/American, open for lunch and dinner. Known for huge burgers, the best in town.