In Vail and Beaver Creek, fine dining is as much a part of the mountain experience as skiing the legendary Back Bowls or conquering the Birds of Prey runs. With top culinary talent, the Valley’s restaurants pair world-class cuisine with alpine elegance. pushing boundaries while honoring tradition. With coveted recognition from Wine Spectator and the Michelin Guide, here are a few reasons why the Vail Valley remains one of Colorado’s premier destinations for food and wine.
The Vail Valley continues to be a standout on Colorado’s culinary stage with a blend of celebrated institutions and exciting newcomers. Four beloved restaurants, Sweet Basil and Osaki’s in Vail, along with Mirabelle and Splendido in Beaver Creek, retained their place on the prestigious Michelin Guide Colorado Recommended List for 2025. Recognized globally for excellence, these dining rooms continue to set the standard for world-class food and hospitality in the mountains.
Complementing that recognition, several local favorites were honored with Wine Spectator Awards, including Tavernetta, Swiss Chalet, and Makoto in Vail, Fattoria in Avon, Hooked in Beaver Creek, and Wyld in Bachelor Gulch.
Adding fresh flavor to the scene, there are a couple of new restaurants that tantalized our taste buds this past year. In Avon, chef Riley Romanin of Hooked has transformed the former Columbine Café into R Farmers’ Market & Kitchen, a dynamic space that’s a et butcher, market, patisserie, and cafe all rolled into one. In Vail, chef Jesús Del Toro has opened Del Toro, showcasing bold, seafood-forward dishes inspired by his Mazatlán roots alongside hearty Mexican classics.
With exciting newcomers, fresh concepts in familiar spaces, and award-winning wine lists, the Vail Valley's dining scene has something for all tastes. Whether you’re looking for a lively night out, a cozy spot for comfort food, or a refined culinary experience, the town’s tables are ready to welcome you this season.
For more recommendations, check out these Staff Picks: