When it comes to dining in Vail there are an abundance of delicious options ranging from casual pub and Après ski hangouts to the most sophisticated of dining establishments. Vail and Lionshead provides visitors with a sumptuous abundance of seafood, steak, Mexican, Japanese, and French dining opportunities. Considered the most beautiful of all North American ski resorts, Vail dining establishments have the added bonus of providing its visitors with gourmet experiences set within majestic mountain side settings.
Restaurant Kelly Liken
You may remember popular Kelly Liken from the TV show Top Chef, now widely considered to be one of the country’s best female chefs. Restaurant Kelly Liken, considered by many to be the “best restaurant” in Vail, provides exceptional seasonal American cuisine, Chef Kelly goes out of her way to ensure that the menu is frequently changed in order to offer her guests the highest quality ingredients of the season. With a wine list of over 250 selections as well over 60 by the glass options, this restaurant is hard to beat.
12 Vail Rd, Suite 100 | Vail, CO 81657
For reservations: call 970.479.0175
Emerald Kite Quality Rating *****
Emerald Kite ambiance Rating Posh/Romantic
Emerald Kite Price rating moderately high
Bart and Yetis
When in town the President of Emerald Kite and her sons never miss a visit to Bart and Yeti’s to sample a steaming bowl of their world famous green chili. Quietly tucked away in Lionsheads Lifthouse Lodge this tiny Après Ski bar offers an all-day casual fun dining experience. Many of the regulars ski down to Lionshead Village for a quick lunch taking the gondola back up afterwards. The restaurant is used as a regular Après Ski place for families with children in close by Lionshead Ski School. What to order? Hands down the green chili of course!
553 E Lionshead Circle, Vail, CO 81657
Reservations (970) 476-2754
Emerald Kite Quality Rating ***
Emerald Kite ambiance Rating Casual Après Ski Style
Emerald Kite Price rating moderate
The Tenth
While Emerald Kite has not had an opportunity to visit The Tenth we are looking forward to doing so in the near future. Paul Wade, formerly of Aspens, Little Nell and Maui’s Four Seasons is now captaining Vails latest on-mountain Gourmet restaurant located at the base of Look Ma run. For those looking at incorporating an on mountain more upscale style dining experience, then the Tenth is a must. Even beginners can Ski, Hike, or take the gondola to this beautiful mountain lodge.
(970) 754-1010
Emerald Kite Quality Rating (not yet had a chance to visit)
Emerald Kite ambiance Rating (not yet had a chance to visit)
Emerald Kite Price (not yet had a chance to visit)
The Larkspur
Well we just love the Larkspur. Located right next to Manor Vail Ski School and a short stroll from Vail village this “cool” restaurant offers the perfect vantage point for people watching as well as keeping an eye on the tiny tikes enjoying the magic carpet and the beginner’s magic mountain. This chic, yet casual Larkspur is part of a large open lodge with a huge fireplace which allows for family’s to come and warm up during the ski day. Lots of fun all day long but can get crowded at Après Ski time. What to eat? Larkspur burger and truffle fries with a great glass of wine, hands down the best!
Address: 458 Vail Valley Drive, Vail, CO 81657
Reservations (970) 754-8050
Emerald Kite Quality Rating ****
Emerald Kite ambiance Rating Posh/Casual
Emerald Kite Price rating moderately high