Craving a taste of Italy in the heart of the Rockies? Dive into Vail’s culinary scene with Italian restaurants — and pizzerias with Italian-style dishes — that’ll have you saying, “Delizioso!” You’ll find everything from cozy dining for a romantic dinner to casual spots for meals with friends to eateries with kid-approved menus.
Vail Italian Restaurants
Tavernetta Vail
Tavernetta Vail, located inside the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail, brings Italian fine dining with a modern twist to the mountains. Created by the MICHELIN-recognized Frasca Hospitality Group, this sister restaurant to the Bib Gourmand-designated Tavernetta in Denver offers the same exceptional quality in a setting made for Vail guests. Start your day with a decadent breakfast seated in their elegant dining room with vaulted ceilings and wood accents reminiscent of an Italian villa. Opt for decadence with the pizzelle (thin waffle cookies) loaded with blood orange-hibiscus Chantilly cream, hazelnuts, lime and mint. Or fuel up for outdoor adventure with lemon-ricotta pancakes and Italian-style eggs Benedict with prosciutto cotto, brown-butter hollandaise and chives.
After a day of exploring the villages, sidle up to the stone bar for happy hour (or après-tivo as they call it) for sharable plates, Negronis and spritzes before dinner. Or partake in a Tuscan and Northern Italy tradition at the Spritz Window — a small arched window in the wall where you can literally “Buzz for a Spritz” with the touch of a button. Plus, check out Tavernetta Vail’s page for dining events, including Sunday Brunches and special wine dinners. For those wanting to save their table ahead of time, reservations are available online.
Pro Tip: Get a peek at what date night looks like at Tavernetta Vail on our Instagram @DiscoverVailColorado.
1 Vail Rd., Vail, CO 81657, 970-477-8600
La Nonna Ristorante
Tucked around the corner from the main street, La Nonna Ristorante’s smaller, elegant dining areas offer a warm, intimate atmosphere with charming touches, like terracotta tiles and red-brick arches. Paired with its daily fresh-made pasta, La Nonna evokes the comfort of an Italian kitchen. Indulge in a bowl of ribbon-like tagliatelle with braised wild-boar ragu and ricotta or the vegetarian-friendly mushroom ravioli served in a decadent cream sauce with white truffle oil. Vino lovers can elevate their meals with a glass — or bottle — from the extensive, international wine list.
Pick La Nonna for gatherings with smaller parties (up to eight guests) like a special birthday dinner, an anniversary celebration or a meal with close friends and family. Request a seat on the patio in summer for gentle mountain breezes or next to the picture windows in winter for stunning views of the slopes. Or gaze into the bustling, partially open kitchen and watch skillful chefs prepare tantalizing dishes. While walk-ins are sometimes available, usually during midweek or the off season, reservations are highly recommended, especially for groups of more than four people.
100 E. Meadow Dr., Suite 24,Vail, CO 81657, 970-393-5959
La Bottega
La Bottega offers Tuscan-inspired vibes and a menu brimming with new and old Italian favorites. Stucco-style walls, rustic stone columns and intricate imported tiles transport you straight to the sun-drenched foothills of Italy as you twirl pancetta-topped spaghetti carbonara onto your fork. For even more atmosphere, dine at the bar where they craft thick-crust pizzas before loading them into the yellow-and-blue-tiled stone oven. Seats here may be a bit warmer, but you can’t beat the tantalizing aroma of mozzarella, tomato and dough wafting out through the air.
Craving picturesque village views as you dine? The outdoor terrace is an excellent spot for soaking up the scenery and leisurely dining with loved ones. Indulge in spinach-ricotta cannelloni or cacao-powder-dusted tiramisu and a glass of Chianti, sherry or port. Looking for something different altogether? Sample the seasonal truffle menu, featuring dishes like wagyu and black truffle ravioli and fois gras bruschetta with winter fruits and Italian truffle honey. Walk-ins are always welcome at La Bottega, though reservations are suggested for larger groups of eight or more people.
100 E. Meadow Dr. Suite 37, Vail, CO 81657, 970-476-0280
Vendetta’s Italian Restaurant
When it comes to Vail’s après-ski scene, Vendetta’s Italian Restaurant is a longstanding hot spot. After a day of carving up the slopes, there’s nothing like a stop at their pizza bar for a refreshing brew and a few delicious, hot slices of pizza. Order specialty pies to share with your table, like the three-meat Snow Pig and the veggie-loaded Billy Bob’s Brain, or see where your taste buds take you and order by the slice.
For an alfresco experience, try Vendetta’s year-round cobblestone patio. It’s a spacious spot to sip and dine filled with warming sunshine in winter or umbrellas and blossoming flowers in summer. In the evening, return for plates of lemony chicken piccata or indulgent shrimp lasagna in a nutmeg-bechamel sauce and slices of baguette-style garlic bread. Make it a romantic dinner with your sweetheart or a relaxed meal with friends. Plan to book your table ahead of time during peak season or when gathering with larger groups.
291 Bridge St., Vail, CO 81658, 970-476-5070
Pizza Places in Vail
Powder Crust Pizza at Avanti F&B Vail
Explore a world of flavors against the stunning backdrop of Golden Peak at Powder Crust Pizza, located in Avanti F&B Vail. While you may have tried Avanti F&B sister locations in Denver and Boulder, only Vail’s food hall hosts Powder Crust Pizza and their Italian-inspired menu. Choose from signature pizzas like the Prosciutto layered with mozzarella, roasted red peppers, garlic oil and — of courses — prosciutto, or the decadent Mushroom Pie finished off with white sauce, mixed mushrooms, basil, truffle and rosemary. It’s also the only local pizzeria for crispy, airy Roman-style slices with a rotating selection of options.
Just looking for a snack after mountain biking or hiking down Vail Mountain? Stop in for a light panzanella salad featuring focaccia croutons, basil and fresh mozzarella or a classic cannoli with pistachios, chocolate chips and sweet ricotta. Chow down with friends inside or claim a green patio table for fresh air, peoplewatching and peak vistas all year.
458 Vail Valley Dr., Vail, CO 81657
Pazzo’s Pizzeria
The aroma of melty cheese drifts from Pazzo’s Pizzeria, where guests have been gathering for more than two decades to create their own pies and savor Italian-style favorites. Start with garlic-cheese bread or a warming bowl of minestrone soup, then dive into tasty entrees, from eggplant parmigiana to spaghetti in marinara sauce — a tried-and-true option for kids. If pizza is your heart’s desire, try one of the house pies like the Corfu, which features feta cheese, black olives and onions along with fresh tomatoes and basil. Or have your pizza tailored to your tastes with customized toppings, including pineapple, shrimp, meatballs, broccoli and jalapeños.
With its convenient location near the Solaris Plaza, Pazzo is great for recouping after a successful round of shopping or a magical ice-skating session. Snag a table or long booth — perfect for groups — and soak in the ambiance. We’re talking walls lined with photos and memorabilia, nods to Italian architecture and an open kitchen to watch the chefs in action.
122 E. Meadow Dr., #9, Vail, CO 81657, 970-476-9026
Blue Moose Pizza
Blue Moose Pizza is a casual joint known for its hand-tossed New York-style pies. Plus, they offer a selection of Italian dishes and a children’s menu. Nestled in the heart of Lionshead Village, up the street from the Eagle Bahn Gondola (#19), you’ll love refueling with family and friends after a hiking or e-biking adventure. Choose from a wide range of specialty pies — and be prepared, it may be hard to pick just one! Those seeking non-traditional pizza flavors will love the monthly pizzas, which highlight unexpected ingredients like Palisade peaches or dill pickles.
Too hungry to wait for the oven? Snag an appetizer for the table like spinach-artichoke dip served with crostini, seasoned and roasted broccolini or burrata (fresh cow cheese) — with heirloom tomatoes and a pesto-balsamic glaze. If you prefer a non-pizza dish, try a fresh salad with a side of prosciutto or a caprese sandwich with chicken. With its light-blue walls, spacious dining room and playful moose-themed decor (it really lives up to its Blue Moose name), this pizzeria is also a great place for large events with 20 people or more.
675 Lionshead Pl., #170, Vail, CO 81657, 970-476-8666
Alpine Pizza Company
Seeking a thick slice of Detroit-style pizza? Alpine Pizza Company in Lionshead Village is the only shop in Vail that serves it, and they know how to do it right — with daily, fresh-made dough and a satisfying, crispy cheese edge that is infamous. Try a square of their classic plain or pepperoni, and you may end up leaving with a whole tray. See their pies of the day (one meat and one veggie) on Instagram @alpinepizzacompany. It’s worth following just to watch slow-motion cheese pulls of slices topped with sweet-corn elote, broccoli-cheddar, al pastor pork or lamb-sausage.
Or see the menu in person and chow down on whatever speaks to your taste buds. You’ll find the pizzeria in the corner shop next to Bart & Yeti’s. They also have non-pizza dishes with melt-in-your-mouth, hot-honey Brussel sprouts or special Friday hoagies with Italian-inspired flavors like meatball-provolone or spicy chicken vodka with stracciatella cheese.
555 E. Lionshead Cir., Vail, CO 81657, 970-393-5553
Vail Italian Restaurant FAQs
Do I need dinner reservations in Vail?
To ensure a table for your party, it’s best to reserve your spot several weeks ahead of time, especially during peak season, like the winter holidays. Visiting midweek or during the off-season may open more opportunities for walk-ins or last-minute reservations.
Are there dress codes at Italian restaurants in Vail Village?
Many restaurants embrace the mountain-casual vibe, especially during après-ski season, though some restaurants might require a slightly more elevated style. But, really, anything goes in a mountain town like Vail — just leave your ski boots at your lodging.
Does Vail have any MICHELIN-recommended restaurants?
Yes, it does. Vail currently boasts two MICHELIN-recommended restaurants: Sweet Basil and Osaki’s. Additionally, Tavernetta Vail’s sister location in Denver earned a Bib Gourmand distinction.