Our Favorite Restaurants in Vail
The Vail experience begins with spectacular scenery and a shamelessly relaxing stay at an elegant vacation rental in Vail, Colorado, but all of that wonderful leisure tends to leave one hungry and thirsty. While Vail is a world-renowned destination for skiing and summer recreation, it is fast becoming famous for its daring libations and cultured dining scene featuring highly celebrated chefs such as Paul Ferzacca and Kelly Liken. We have recommendations for the top restaurants in Vail.
Breakfast/Brunch
Ludwig’s Restaurant – The restaurant’s famous breakfast buffet features crepes, waffles, omelets, and $5 mimosas. Brunch is available every day from 7 AM to 11 AM and 12 PM on Sundays. $21 for adults and $14 for children between the ages of 7 and 12. Children under 5 years old eat for free.
The Little Diner – Don’t let the small size of this restaurant deter you from experiencing a delicious morning meal. Select from the tasty breakfast sandwiches, fresh omelets, and south-of-the-border dishes including huevos rancheros.
Westside Café and Market – Grab a table on the deck to breathe in the fresh mountain air as you eat your way through the café’s appetizing breakfast dishes. The morning favorites include biscuits and gravy, corned beef hash, chicken fried steak n eggs, and bison meatloaf with eggs!
Route 6 Café – Located in Eagle, Route 6 Café provides for a great dining stop as you travel through the Rocky Mountains. Choose from an assortment of pancakes, eggs, bacon, and their specialties including the Denver omelet and breakfast burrito.
Lunch/Dinner
YellowBelly – Most famous for the fried and rotisserie chicken, YellowBelly’s menu features salads, sandwiches, and tasty sides including citrus quinoa, macaroni pie, brussels slaw, and much more. YellowBelly is happy to play host or prepare the meal for takeout- it’s up to you!
Sweet Basil – Overlooking a stream, Sweet Basil offers impeccable service and delicious dining choices including lamb shank, pork tenderloin, and trout. Sweet Basil also offers an impressive dessert menu!
Mountain Standard – From the owners of Sweet Basil, Mountain Standard offers a warm, rustic, tavern atmosphere. Most items on the restaurant’s menu are prepared over an open wood fire. Popular menu choices include the animal crackers, the rotisserie lamb, the pork belly, and the Rocky Mountain trout.
La Tour Restaurant & Bar – La Tour hosts brunch, lunch, dinner and happy hour. Chef Ferzacca creates fresh dishes using seasonal, organic ingredients. The pan-roasted duck, the wild burgundy escargots, and the bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin are favorites!
Après Ski
Pepi’s Restaurant & Bar – Pepi’s offers a deck and live music for a relaxing après ski experience. The menu features Austrian beers, specialty drinks, and snacks including schnitzel.
The George – The George offers great food and drinks at a reasonable price. The laid-back atmosphere provides for the perfect spot to kick back and relax after a day on the slopes. Make sure to try the popular surf and turf for only $20.
The Sitzmark Lodge – The property’s après ski is available every afternoon at 3 PM featuring mulled wine and warm soup!
Wine & Dessert
Sweet Basil – Overlooking a stream, Sweet Basil’s Chris McKenzie prepares delicious desserts including hot sticky toffee pudding cake, homemade ice creams, and sorbet. The dessert menu features recommended wine pairings.
La Tour Restaurant & Bar – The bar features a full cocktail and wine menu. For diners craving something sweet, treat yourself to the warm apple date pecan pudding cake, the superfood dark chocolate and avocado mousse, or the dessert trio for a sample of a few desserts!
Leonora – Located at The Sebastian, the bistro serves tapas and an excellent selection of wine. For those wine lovers, take a peek at the circular glass wine cellar located in the middle of the restaurant.
For additional dining-out options, please review the comprehensive Vail Dining Guide provided by Vail Valley Authority. For more information on arranging a private chef during your Vail vacation, please do not hesitate to reach out to Exclusive Vail Rentals.