It’s time to stop pretending that Vail isn’t a place worth paying attention to for Italian food, and start eating your way through it. From handmade pastas that’ll make you reconsider everything you know about the genre to cozy spots serving up flavors you didn’t expect to find in the mountains, the town’s Italian scene is in a whole new league.
Vendettas Restaurant
$$ | (970) 476-5070 | WEBSITE
Vendettas knows the way to our hearts: pizza, pasta, fried ravioli, and late-night espresso martinis. The atmosphere here feels familiar—think more homey living room than dining room, with warm lighting and a family-friendly downstairs area. The Vail Village spot puts Italian comfort food at the center of every dish, and we particularly love the dinner spread: the Italian sub and the Cajun chicken pasta special are some of our favorites.
Vail Blue Moose Pizza
$ | (970) 476-8666 | WEBSITE
Vail Blue Moose Pizza is a great family-friendly spot that’s swapped the fancy dining routine for casual, crowd-pleasing Italian. Think creamy spinach and artichoke dip that’s a must-order, and fuller pies like the house margarita with that amazing crust that’s got a buttery rosemary kick. And they keep it simple with the drinks—it’s effortlessly approachable and features local Colorado beers and on-point cocktails.
That means you can spend time wrangling the kids’ menus and figuring out if your toddler will actually eat the pizza crust this time.
La Nonna Ristorante Vail
$$$ | (970) 393-5959 | WEBSITE
The move at La Nonna is to go with a bunch of people and order practically one of everything. Start with the snappy tuna tartar and pillowy gnocchi before going all-in on the tender veal or flaky halibut. Add a round of drinks for the table and take advantage of that rustic, cozy ambiance, perfect for sharing plates and stories. If you can snag a table by the window, you can watch the Vail evening settle in while you savor that unforgettable tiramisu.
Ristorante Ti Amo
$$ | (970) 845-8153 | WEBSITE
Ristorante Ti Amo is your best bet for authentic Italian in Vail, and honestly, maybe all of Colorado. The cozy restaurant specializes in traditional dishes, and every entrée (which includes a complimentary salad or soup) is just $28. Mix-and-match your meal with wine and why not go all out: try every standout—calamari, tiramisu, and their own limoncello. If you’re looking for a relaxed dinner that feels like a treat, and not just a last resort, this is the place.
Sauce on the Creek
$$ | (970) 949-3291 | WEBSITE
Sauce on the Creek is like the Italian dinner you want to get an invite to—the atmosphere is relaxed, the food keeps impressing, and the service is turned up to a level that has you feeling like family from the moment you walk in. Like any good Italian spot, Sauce on the Creek hits the spot with a lineup of satisfying dishes like the shrimp scampi and the chicken parm sandwich which features well-grilled bread and a nice-sized portion that includes tasty green beans.
The arancini is a solid, and flavorful, appetizer option. And the Penne alla Vodka with shrimp and scallops is exactly what you’ll want to order after sipping-through a couple perfect cocktails at the bar.
Blue Moose Pizza Beaver Creek
$$ | (970) 845-8666 | WEBSITE
This Beaver Creek pizza joint has a family-friendly vibe that makes it feel like you’re stepping into the perfect après-ski spot after a day on the slopes. Sure, Blue Moose does casual mountain eats. The spacious outdoor area is a solid spot for watching kids play while parents enjoy a local draft. And there’s a sports bar atmosphere inside. But it’s not your average ski-town restaurant.
Blue Moose’s appeal is in its well-run, hospitable operation—there’s efficient seating management even during busy times, Cam provides top-notch service making everyone feel valued, and the pizza arrives hot and quickly. And there’s a menu to match the family-friendly atmosphere. The Caesar salad with great dressing and the various pizza sizes, each will set you back about fifteen bucks, are about as fancy as it gets here.
There’s also the satisfying wings, Winter Salad, and soup—all delivering good value in Beaver Creek.
La Bottega
$$$ | (970) 476-0280 | WEBSITE
You know that Italian spot you’ve been hoping would transport you straight to a trattoria in Rome? La Bottega, with its warm ambiance and authentic dishes, is exactly that kind of place. Gather some friends and order the grilled octopus with chimichurri alongside the linguine with clams. Dining inside is always delightful—the lighting is soft and inviting, with rustic wooden tables that make you feel right at home.
They also have a great wine list, thoughtfully curated to complement the rich flavors on their menu. For a quick espresso and a sweet finish, try their espresso macchiato. The overall experience makes it one of the best Italian restaurants in Vail.
Pazzo’s Pizzeria
$ | (970) 476-9026 | WEBSITE
When we’re hosting friends from out of state, they’ll sometimes joke that ‘we’re as hungry as a mountain after a day of skiing.’ That’s our cue to bring them to Pazzo’s Pizzeria for generous pies loaded with toppings and flavor. The cozy Alpine spot delivers satisfaction with pizzas, shareable salads, classic spaghetti, vegetarian options, and supreme pies baked to perfection.
Save room for the well-done crust and fresh ingredients—and, yes, just like the Rockies, these pizzas are something everyone should try at least once.
The Restaurant at Chasing Rabbits Vail
$$$$ | (970) 444-4677 | WEBSITE
The Restaurant at Chasing Rabbits Vail is tucked away with a cozy, fun atmosphere that makes it one of the most entertaining spots for a night out. You won’t even mind waiting for your table because one of their fantastic cocktails can keep you company. The arcade bar’s signature drinks or the speakeasy’s lively presentations both go down easy while you’re surrounded by games and a photo booth.
Once your party is settled and has had a chance to look at the menu, dig into dishes like the smashed fingerlings, rabbit Bolognese, and house sourdough with creamed cheese. The attentive staff knows the menu well, and though a bit more training could smooth things out, they make sure you’re having a great time. After dinner, stick around for the DJ and arcade games—it’s the perfect upbeat ending to a romantic evening.
Citrea
$$$ | (970) 754-5590 | WEBSITE
Dining at this anything-but-stuffy Italian restaurant feels a bit like getting a warm embrace from a friend who’s just returned from a trip to the Mediterranean. There’s a lot to love about this charming hideaway in Beaver Creek, like all the perfectly executed pasta dishes, unpretentious takes on classic Italian fare, and the chef’s surprise complimentary desserts.
Start with the burrata or goat cheese ravioli before moving on to the lobster cavatelli bathed in rich sauce or the grilled salmon with its crispy skin. The porcuitto pizza with its blistered crust and the halibut with its delicate preparation are equally compelling reasons to visit. And don’t skip the warm cookies that arrive at the end—they’re the kind of simple, perfect finish that makes you want to linger just a little longer.
With friendly service that feels genuinely helpful rather than rehearsed, and dishes that consistently hit the mark, Citrea has become a regular stop for an unforgettable dining experience where the focus remains squarely on the joy of eating well.