Experts' Choice Award Sweet Basil
What the experts agree on
A longstanding Vail institution known for refined, seasonally rotating menus built on local ingredients, polished service, and a deep wine cellar—consistently fresh despite decades in business.
“The freshest seasonal ingredients available are used here, so the menu changes about once a month.”
– Fodor's
Afar Magazine "A recent winter menu featured dishes such as crispy veal sweetbreads with roasted brussels sprouts, basil, and truffle vinaigrette and quail a la plancha with date puree, pomegranate, chestnuts, sage." Full review
Travel + Leisure "A mountain favorite for decades, this white-tablecloth spot manages to keep things fresh and interesting at every visit." Full review
Gayot15.0
"A Colorado-casual Vail institution combining creative contemporary cuisine, professional service and a large wine cellar." Full review
Frommer's "Sweet Basil is not only reliable but reliably terrific. Serving in a refined dining room...the kitchen plates up a regularly changing menu using a high proportion of local ingredients" Full review
Eater "Sweet Basil is a fine dining institution that’s endured Vail’s evolution for a reason. Lunch and dinner focus on refined regional ingredients"
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Reservations are required for evenings and are often booked out a month in advance, but you can always try to score a seat at the bar, which is first-come, first-serve.
Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand
"Opened in 1977, this legendary local establishment has a long and storied history, and it remains as popular now as ever, whether for lunch, après-ski drinks at the bar or dinner. The..." Full review
The Infatuation "It’s rare when something continues to improve after being around for almost 50 years (we’re looking at you, Bradley Cooper), but Sweet Basil is doing just that in Vail Village. Continuous..." Full review
