Get ready to chow down in Vail! Whether you’re in the mood for farm-to-table fare or Bavarian-style cuisine, this guide is all about where to dine like a local!
LessThis tiny joint has a massive breakfast following, and it's easy to see why. The Little Diner serves up top-notch biscuits and gravy, eggs benedict, and breakfast burritos all day long. But the real star? The Dutch Baby—a sweet, fluffy, and souffle-like German pancake. Grab a seat on the red bar stools and enjoy breakfast with a front-row view of the action in the open kitchen. It's breakfast and a show!
Boozy brunch lovers, rejoice! Vintage is the spot for a perfect morning pick-me-up with spicy bloody marys, refreshing mimosas, and Champagne-based cocktails. This French-inspired gem, with its white tablecloths and charming red phone booth, serves up buttery croissants, fresh beignets with jam, and a decadent Huckleberry French Toast made with dulce de leche-stuffed brioche, bacon mascarpone, and huckleberry syrup.
Impressive can best describe the culinary delights that await at the sophisticated (and delicious) Sweet Basil in the heart of Vail Village. Offering a seasonal menu crafted from fresh, local ingredients, this MICHELIN-recommended spot serves plates that are more like works of art. Dine on the patio when the weather is warm or cozy up inside with views of the wine cellar while indulging in dishes like Sesame Tuna Poke, tenderloin and tiger prawn, or whipped feta with ginger hibiscus honey.
Step inside The Bully Ranch, and you'll be greeted by wood-paneled ceilings, stone walls, and chandeliers made of antlers—perfect for that mountain-town vibe. On warm evenings, the tree-lined patio strung with twinkle lights is the place to be for food with a view. Sink your teeth into one of their famous burgers, like the Bully Bourbon Burger, made with wagyu beef, cheddar, bacon, sautéed onions, and a homemade bourbon glaze.
At Pepi’s Restaurant and Bar, you’ll feel transported to the Austrian Alps without ever leaving Vail. Serving American and European-style fare, this popular spot is perfect for lunch or dinner. Relax in the main dining room and indulge in their renowned wiener schnitzel, chill out on the covered patio with a bowl of Hungarian goulash or cozy up to the bar for a selection of cold and frothy Austrian beers. Be sure to try the jäger schnitzel—veal medallions in a rich wild mushroom sauce!
More than just a restaurant, Chasing Rabbits is a one-stop entertainment hub. Sip on a cocktail in the moody library lounge, groove to live music in the speakeasy, or dine on Mediterranean dishes like braised rabbit bolognese or roasted halibut in the upscale restaurant. Afterward, let loose in the onsite arcade, where you can play a game of Pac-Man or catch live DJs throughout the week.
Alpenrose has been serving authentic German-Austrian cuisine since 1974. With its charming wooden interior and umbrella-covered patio, this restaurant feels like a little slice of Europe in Vail. Start with a freshly baked German pretzel, then dig into bratwurst with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes. Before you go, pick up some treats from the front pastry counter—cheesecake, apple strudel, and sachertorte (decadent Austrian chocolate cake) await!
A Vail staple since 1983, family-owned and operated Vendettas is an excellent spot for Italian cuisine. Stop in for lunch and order a slice of pepperoni pizza or their fully loaded chicken parmesan sub. Or, enjoy a relaxing date night by candlelight and sample entrees like blackened salmon, bacon-wrapped filet, or lasagna al forno. Keep an eye out – you might spot a ski patroller grabbing a bite after their shift!
At Makoto Vail, Edamae-style sushi and Japanese cuisine are the stars of the show. Opened by award-winning chef Makoto Okuwa, this restaurant located in The Grand Hyatt Vail is a must-visit. Relax in the golden glow of the dining room or at the elegant bar, and bite into small plates of rock shrimp, spicy edamame and crispy chicken dumplings. The sushi and sashimi menu features everything from yellowtail to eel, while hearty dishes like braised beef yaki noodles are sure to please.
La Nonna, meaning "grandmother" in Italian, lives up to its name. Offering mouthwatering homemade pasta and a warm, old-world atmosphere, this restaurant feels like stepping into your grandmother's kitchen. Try the gnocchi alla bolognese or mushroom ravioli with white truffle oil and a bottle of imported Italian wine. The tagliatelle al limone is a local favorite, while the famous tiramisu is the perfect sweet treat at the end of your meal!