Romance in Vail
Romance is created by the senses: the soft sounds of music; the feeling of an intimate table, close enough to hold hands; the aromas wafting from elegant dishes; the look in a lover’s eyes; and an incredible meal to savor together. The best places to experience all of these senses are along Vail’s streets, which are dotted with the most romantic dining destinations in Colorado. We’ve curated a guide to our five favorite romantic restaurants in Vail, so read on to find inspiration for your next date night.
Je t’aime
France is known for its elegance and romanticism, and lucky for Vail, there are two French-inspired romantic dining options for visitors to choose from.
Left Bank
Address: 183 Gore Creek Dr., Vail, CO 81657
Phone: 970-476-3696
For a more classic romantic restaurant experience, Left Bank is a must. It has been wooing guests with incredible cuisine for more than 50 years. The owner, Kimberly Chelain, alongside her husband and executive chef, Jean-Michel, said that they have couples visit and relay memories of their anniversary dinners from decades past, showing just how special this romantic restaurant is. “They remember exactly what they ate and exactly where they sat.”
Creating — or recreating — memories is easy at Left Bank. This luxury romantic restaurant maintains a traditional menu and vintage atmosphere with classics like escargots à la Bourguignonne. Baked in their own shells with butter, garlic and parsley, the combination creates an aroma that is unmissable from the kitchen or as the dish passes your table. What’s more, these morsels are perfect for sharing. Though the menu is traditional, it’s anything but predictable. Jean-Michel is a master at creating sumptuous French cuisine, but he also adds his own contemporary style to each dish, evident in both its visual appeal and taste. To experience this first hand upon your next visit to this romantic restaurant, we recommend trying the gluten-free côtelettes de cerf aux champignons: pan-seared elk chops, served with sautéed wild mushroom and diced butternut squash in a sherry sauce. C’est Magnifique.
La Tour
Address: 122 E. Meadow Dr., Vail, CO 81657
Phone: 970-476-4403
Looking for even more French decadence, mon cheri? Head to La Tour where the yellow umbrellas beckon and the experience is unparalleled. Here, Chef Paul Ferzacca has been bringing the best of France to Vail for more than 20 years. With innovative cocktails, an expansive wine list, and a menu that celebrates seasonal treats, dinner at this romantic restaurant is a sumptuous affair. Order a cocktail from the bar and take your time reviewing the dinner menu. The options at this romantic place to eat are sure to tempt and excite. If you’re deciding between caviar or oysters, we say, “Why not both?” Entrees are created to satisfy almost any palate, from hand-cut steaks to panko-crusted chicken paillard and portobello mushroom Wellington. Pair your romantic meal with the perfect bottle of wine, and you must not forget a sweet dessert. The crème brûlée flambée burns almost as brightly as your love.
Ti Amo
La Nonna Ristorante
Address: 100 E. Meadow Dr., Vail, CO 81657
Phone: 970-393-5959
If the Italians didn’t invent romance, they certainly have perfected it. Create your own romantic spaghetti moment at La Nonna Ristorante. This atmospheric dining destination is perched above Meadow Drive, creating an “away-from-it-all” feel. Warm and inviting, dinner is more than a meal — it’s an opportunity to connect. Begin your romantic dining experience with antipasti. The burrata is silky and sinfully delicious. Then, prepare to pick your pasta. All of the pasta is made fresh and from scratch daily at this romantic restaurant, using imported Italian flour. From linguine vongole to rigatoni arrabbiata, there is an abundance of exquisite choices. Secondi options include brasato piedmontese (braised short rib) and agnello al fichi (grilled Colorado lamb chops), among other savory selections. Satiated by your sweetheart and the incredible cuisine, you’ll be sure to finish your meal whispering, “That’s amore.” This romantic restaurant in Vail is open Monday–Saturday, 5pm–close.
Love You
Flame Steakhouse
Address: 1 Vail Road, Vail, CO 81657
Phone: 970-477-8650
If the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, then a visit to Flame at the Four Seasons is a great way to start the journey. Yes, the candlelight (emanating from a 7x Ranch Wagyu beef fat candle that’s served with bread for dipping) is lovely and the ambiance is intimate (servers are so unobtrusive it’s like they operate by telepathy), but the road to romance is truly paved with beef. And seafood. And some truly delectable vegetarian options.
Set the stage with soup: Though the recipes change seasonally, Executive Chef Simon Purvis has a flair for the dramatic. The winter menu featured a charred fall squash soup–a rich and velvety concoction poured tableside over mole marshmallow mountains. Vegan gourmands can enjoy the charred cauliflower steak while carnivorous diners can opt for the 30oz Wagyu Tomahawk steak, one of the signature dishes at Flame that’s sliced tableside, or the roasted elk loin. No matter the choice, gastronomic love is guaranteed. This upscale romantic restaurant is open for dinner from 5-9pm daily.
Romance is easy in Vail, but securing a table can be a bit more challenging at our top romantic places to eat around town. To make the most of your night out, we recommend making reservations at these romantic restaurants.
• Find a full list of Vail restaurants.