If you only want to experience the best food in Vail, a restaurant crawl is the way to go. From coffee and breakfast through late-night bites, be sure to stop by these standout spots across Vail Village, Lionshead, West Vail and beyond.
- Breakfast in Vail
- Lunch in Vail
- Happy Hour in Vail
- Dinner in Vail
- Dessert in Vail
- Late Night Food in Vail
Best Breakfast in Vail
Start your day strong with Westside Café & Market in West Vail, a local favorite known for hearty classics and the “World’s Best Benes” — over a dozen takes on eggs Benedict — including the South of the Border, which come with crispy tamale cakes and pulled pork. Pair your plate with a big foamy latte or opt for a Smuggler hot chocolate with Rumple Mintz and whipped cream.
For a French-inspired bistro just steps from the base of Gondola One (#1), wander over to Vintage. The cocktail list alone is worth the stop with citrusy mimosas and spicy Bloody Marys. Menu must-tries include the avocado toast topped with smoky chopped bacon, buttery croissants and flaky galettes. Prefer something classic? Go for thick-cut French toast with warm maple syrup or eggs with locally made sausage.
Best Lunch in Vail
For a casual lunch, Big Bear Bistro serves up stacked sandwiches, crunchy salads and vegan-friendly options. The Masterpiece, piled high with smoked ham, prosciutto, cappicola, salami and provolone and The Tree Hugger with hummus and crisp veggies are menu standouts. Grab a spot outside or head to the creek for a picnic lunch.
Craving a sit-down meal? The Bully Ranch at The Sonnenalp is a top lunch spot in Vail with burgers, tacos, creamy tomato soup and generous salads. Their shady patio is a go-to on sunny days, especially with one of their signature Mudslides — made with Spring 44 Vodka, Carolans and Kahlua.
Best Happy Hour in Vail
Afternoon cocktails in the mountains hit different — and Garfinkel’s in Lionshead gets it right. Locals love the laid-back vibe, big deck and panoramic views of Vail Mountain. Take a seat at their wraparound bar and order a local craft beer or Old Fashioned.
If you’re in the mood for something upscale, Vail Chophouse has scenic seating near the gondola and a cocktail list that goes well beyond the basics. With live music and elevated drinks like the Mountain Spritzer or I’m Your Huckleberry, it’s easy to sit back and take in the views.
Make your way back to Bridge Street and stop at Root & Flower, a cozy wine bar pouring more than 50 wines by the glass, intricate cocktails and a rotating menu of decadent small plates of charcuterie, cheeses and fresh oysters.
The Slope Room inside Gravity Haus serves bold, shareable options like Korean fried-chicken wings, abundant charcuterie boards and fresh mussels. Their modern approach to the mountain bistro makes it a strong stop before dinner — but you just might end up asking for the menu back and ordering mains.
Grab a craft beer or mountain mule from the central bar at Avanti Food & Beverage Vail, then choose from street tacos, saucy chicken wings or steamy ramen bowls. This modern food hall near Vail Mountain’s base has options for everyone and an open-air deck with snowcapped summit views, so it’s easy to linger well past après.
More Happy Hour & Après-Ski Spots in Vail
Best Dinner in Vail
For some romantic fine dining, La Tour Restaurant & Bar in Vail Village blends classic French cuisine with Colorado ingredients. Expect elegant presentations of beautiful cuts of meat, an extensive wine list and a cozy, candle-lit dining room that makes any evening feel like a special occasion.
Another top-tier option: Matsuhisa Vail. This Japanese-fusion destination from Chef Nobu brings global flavor to a high-alpine setting. Signature dishes like Black Cod Miso and Yellowtail Jalapeño meet views of aspen-covered hillsides and a sleek interior that’s equally impressive.
Best Dessert in Vail
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, head to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory on Gore Creek Drive. Their selection of rich truffles, chocolate-dipped apples and chewy caramels is overwhelming in the best way. Grab something for now — and something for snacking on later at the hotel.
Want a full, sit-down dessert experience? MICHELIN-recommended Sweet Basil takes sweets seriously. The warm sticky-toffee-pudding cake with rum sauce and cool brown-sugar ice cream is unforgettable. Or go for something citrusy with Lime in the Coconut. Either way, it’s worth the stop — even if you think you’re too full.
More Decadent Dessert Spots in Vail
Best Late-Night Food in Vail
When everything else winds down, Vendetta’s keeps going till 12 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Their pizza by the slice (try the Boneyard, a white pizza with spinach, mushrooms, tomato, garlic and feta) is the stuff of local legend, especially after a night out dancing or listening to live music.
In Lionshead, The Little Diner stays open late and starts serving up specials early. Their breakfast-for-dinner vibe is exactly what you want at 1 a.m.: fluffy pancakes smothered in butter and syrup, fried hashbrowns and perfectly cooked eggs made fresh to order.
More Food in Vail
This guide highlights just a slice of the best food in Vail, Colorado. Whether you’re in the Village, Lionshead or West Vail, you’re never far from something memorable. Check out these foodie experiences: