4. Restaurants

Sweet Basil

193 E Gore Creek Dr, Vail, CO, 81657
  • (970) 476-0125
  • Store is closed

Sweet Basil Menu

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  • Antaash U.

    We had lunch at Sweet Basil because it seemed like the popular vote. The menu was seasonal, with organic products and had quite a few options that caught my eye. The ambiance my nice, but nothing memorable. Everyone enjoyed their meal, but the only complaint was the very small portions. My enchiladas weren't even appetizer portioned. For what they charge, I expected a little more. How about adding a side or a salad to the entree if it's so small? That would be an easy and cost-effective way to give the customers a better bang for their buck. Though the food was good, I am not sure if I will return to Sweet Basil upon my next trip to the area.

    (3)

  • Tanya A.

    My friend who visited Vail in March recommended this place so I made a reservation about a month in advance. Good thing I did, because when I checked availability a week out, there were all booked until 9pm+! Upon arriving to Vail, practically every person we met (mostly locals) said that Sweet Basil was the place to go. For the past 25 years, it has been one of the best restaurants in Vail. Since we were only in the city for one night, I'm glad we picked this place for dinner. Upon arriving, we checked in with the hostess and did not have to wait more than two minutes to be seated at our table. We wanted to order wine, but we had to show IDs as that is state policy. Note, you will not be served alcohol if you don't have your ID, so don't forget it! We got one of the Oregon Chardonnays -- it was AMAZING. I highly recommend it. We got a tomato salad to start. It was an heirloom mix soaked in a balsamic vinaigrette, along with burrata. I love burrata. The puffed farro was interesting. Never thought of it in a salad, but the crunchiness was a different texture in the salad. Not too sure if it worked or if I liked it, but good thought. For dinner we got the salmon and the pasta. My friend loved his salmon. The friend oysters on his plate looked delicious, and he devoured them. The pasta was also amazing. I love that it came with a soft-boiled egg. I love eggs and I think they enhance any dish. The roasted corn was excellent, along with the queso fresco. It was a light pasta dish, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The most unique part to it, which I didn't expect, were the lime pieces. They were surprising, maybe too large of pieces, but definitely lightened the dish and made it quite refreshing. For dessert, our new Vail friends recommended the sticky toffee pudding, so we had to get it. Next to us, a couple got the pavlova and sticky toffee pudding. I love pavlova, so we had to get it! The pavlova was a ricotta pavlova, so not your typical egg white meringue. Nonetheless, it was wonderful. Very light for a dessert, which is maybe why it was still called a pavlova, with blackberries, hazelnut wafers, salted caramel ice cream, and blackberry coulis. All parts of the dessert were amazing and plated well. The sticky toffee pudding was wonderful as well, but more heavy. While we could not finish it, we enjoyed every bite. Only downfall was that service was slightly slow. Overall, loved it; I'll have to be back.

    (5)

  • Evan A.

    Came here for my birthday dinner in Vail and I can say that I had a wonderful experience here. We started off with the tomato salad which was a great summer treat. Nice and light, perfect start to the meal. I had the ahi for dinner which again was light and fresh, perfect for a warm summer nice. Service was great as well, no complaints. I'll be back. Only downside is I wish we got to sit on the patio, but that will be requested next time.

    (4)

  • Marios D.

    Nice lunch spot with friends. We shared the calamari and shrimp as a started and it was really nicely done - some tempura style vegies accompanied the dish and the dipping sauce was soy based with some sweetness. Good combination. The pasta dish was my lunch choice. Pasta in a light white sauce with lamb chunks (torn) on top. Worked very well. Some salads were also enjoyed and the burger was given high marks. Will return.

    (4)

  • Trinh T.

    Sweet Basil is a New American restaurant located in Vail Village. You can find some modern dishes in a very warm inviting space. The restaurant name is misleading, as this is NOT a Thai or Asian Fusion restaurant. In fact, I didn't even see the basil used in any of the ingredients. My Overall Rating - 3 Stars (Atmosphere, Food, Return) Atmosphere - Upon entering and taking a few steps up, you'll be greeted to a nice, modern, well-lit bar. Definitely a welcome site for weary skiers looking for that après ski cocktail. The restaurant itself is quite small, with main dining in the back and a few tables in the front. The tables are pretty close, and have a unique look that there are no table cloth. But the contemporary look & feel certainly match the menu. 1 Star. Service - If you plan to dine here, make sure you make reservations. It's small so it can get busy. Luckily the bar is a nice stop for walk-ins willing to wait. Our service was unfortunately rushed & slow at the same time. I know this statement contradicts itself, but when we arrived, our server rushed to get our drink menu, then disappeared for a long time. When she returned, she then rushed us to place our order, then again disappeared for a long time. Not sure if it was because they were busy, but this is a nice restaurant so I expected better. No Star. Food - As I stated before, this is NOT an Asian Restaurant. That being said, it is an excellent New American restaurant. The lobster & crab sopes were a home run to start. Chunks of lobster, crab, onion, & cream over a sope (corn patty) was delicious. The Seafood Fritto was a great appetizer to share as well. Then again, it's hard not to like fried food. The Parmesan Truffle fries were light & crispy with a hint of truffle oil, and the burgers were massive with excellent bread. The Duck Confit Cassoulet was good but not great. The duck and ham hock complimented each other well, but the beans seemed a little undercooked for my tastes. But hey, you're getting some incredible dishes here. 1 1/2 Star. Will I Return? - Probably. Despite the super slow/rushed service, the menu is progressive and the dishes are quality. Now, it is a little pricey but we ARE in Vail. Yes, Sweet Basil may be worth a return visit. 1/2 Star. My Yelp Rating Scale (Sum of all parts): 1 Star - Atmosphere - Is it a cool dive? Perhaps an upscale place? No matter the type, atmosphere plays a big part and I'll give a star if I like it or thinks it has great charm. 1 Star - Service - You can have a great meal with bad service. But that's also what can make a five star joint drop to four. It's important to the dining experience that service is great and on point. 2 Stars - Food - I'll award up to two stars for the food, since this is the main reason we dine out. Sometimes the extra star is given for value, but it's really all about the food. 1 Star - Will I come back? - If I know for a fact I'll return, I'll give this a star. A place has to make an impression for me to return. Each Category can be given up to 1 star except food (2 stars) because I consider all these categories important to the overall dining experience. I will sum them up to provide my final Yelp score.

    (3)

  • oanh p.

    Honestly, anything less than five stars for this restaurant is absurd. Their food is phenomenal. I absolutely loved our service. She was pleasant, and scarce. I don't require the staff of the restaurant to be invasively at my beck and call like some of the other reviewers. She was there when I needed her, and was respectful of our space when I didn't need her. - the laffa flatbread was a very pleasant surprise. The menu wording was not appetizing but the server's "bright with a kick" description caught me instantly. It was a delicate flavor palate, I'd say the kick was rather mild. But the lemon ricotta, lemon zest, spicy sausage and jalapeños rounded out nicely. - the butter poached new potatoes was DIVINE. Oh my goodness. How is that deliciousness even a thing?!????! WOW. What an incredibly well developed dish!!! Complex, full, well balanced, complimentary flavors of heaven. WOW. - the flatiron steak with green garlic chimichurri and Colorado lamb with Parisienne gnocchi were both fantastic. I love meat so this part of the review is really based on how much you love good steak. I love it more than my own soul. So take that for what it is. - THE STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING IS THE BEST IVE EVER HAD. MY MOUTH HAS NEVER BEEN SO HAPPY. It's creamy, salty, buttery, smooth, sweet, glory. With ice cream. JUST EAT THE DANG PUDDING. DONT ARGUE ME. IVE OBVIOUSLY PROVEN MY WORTH, JUST EAT THE PUDDING... you're welcome.

    (5)

  • Amanda B.

    This was the best meal I've had in a very, very long time. We had a 3-course meal that was part of the spring (off-season) special. The waiter told us that, cliche though it might sound, literally everything on the menu was great, and he spoke the truth. All three courses were fantastic. Our table of 4 shared all 3 courses, but of all 12 dishes, our favorite appetizer was the beed carpaccio, favorite entrees were the lamb and the haddock, and favorite dessert was the mud pie. However, trust me, choosing favorites was not easy. Our waiter was so friendly and knowledgable. He was able to, not only tell us which dishes were good, but a little about the process behind designing and preparing each dish. We would highly recommend!

    (5)

  • Yarin M.

    Came here for lunch. Food was average. Service was extremely slow! We ordered a wine bottle, food arrived and still no wine... Meanwhile we finished our lunch and then a guy came saying oh we actually don't have this wine .. We are so sorry, he asked if we would want a different wine, we said yes. We picked one and asked if they can compensate us in anyway ...guess what they said ? Nope. So rude!! food is average.service is bad and it seems they got attitude = don't come here!!

    (1)

  • Brent W.

    Overpriced and overrated. Had to wait for an hour to get a table and it was hard to get a drink while waiting. The meal started great with our wonderful waitress and a fresh tomato salad that was truly amazing. Then we had steak and halibut. The halibut was dry and boring and the steak was chewy and boring. The cost was outrageous.

    (3)

  • Kathleen B.

    We returned to Sweet Basil this year for another fabulous meal. I felt like I was eating the meal on Top Chef! All of the dishes were really fantastic. We started with the Buffalo Carpaccio, which was a good portion for 2 to split. I ordered the lamb and my husband ordered the steak. I usually substitute everything out for all veggies but I ate this as the chef prepared it and it was delicious. The presentation was beautiful and the combination of the flavors just wonderful. My husband ordered the Steak and it was over the top. I tasted his and it was even better than the lamb. The was your typical steak. The presentation and flavor combination was yummy. We then finished with the chocolate dessert and I was not disappointed. This was a 5 star meal from start to finish. Service was fantastic. It's well worth it to make sure you eat here when visiting Vail. Get reservations early.

    (5)

  • Anthony L.

    Fantastic meal. Had the pork cheek apitizer, very flavorful and had a fun cross of creamy and crunchy textures. Fantastic apetizer. Next we had the rack of lamb and new york steak both were perfectly cooked. I didn't expect the steak to be surf and turf but they snuck some lobster in there. Great dish.

    (5)

  • Aditya N.

    One of the best dinners I've ever had, had the 3 course meal which included the beef carpaccio as an appetizer, lamb sirloin as an entrée, and panna cotta as the dessert. All 3 were beautifully prepared and full of flavors.

    (5)

  • Meredith C.

    We jumped at the chance to take advantage of some off-season deals at Sweet Basil. We spent $45 for a 3 course meal. Between 4 of us, we ordered all different appetizers and shared them. I am not exaggerating when I say they were all delicious, but the beef carpaccio was phenomenal. As with the apps, the entrees were all amazing...the east coast haddock was my personal favorite. And as for desserts, the deconstructed mud pie took the cake, pun intended. The cocktails also deserve an honorable mention! The service was impeccable...they were very knowledgable of everything on the menu.

    (5)

  • Dwetri A.

    The stars are for excellent service after an ok experience. We started with the pea soup (tasty, but not mind-blowing) and beef carpaccio which my husband LOVED. Then we waited for an hour for our entrees to come. The server and manager were extremely apologetic and offered us comped cocktails which was a nice touch. Our food came out after a long time (there was a large party in the restaurant which seemed to fluster the kitchen). My haddock was good, but again, not amazing and my husband's flat iron steak was a bit above room temperature by the time it got to him. All in all, we could have been more impressed by the food at such a highly rated restaurant. BUT, at the end of the meal, the manager took care of our check which was extremely gracious and demonstrated the restaurant's commitment to excellent service. Thanks, Sweet Basil, we will definitely be back the next time we're in Vail!

    (4)

  • Tad D.

    We enjoyed this establishment recently. The food, wine, service, and ambience were all quite good. We enjoyed the pork tenderloin - quite good - and the hanger steak was good, too. The setting on Gore Creek is enjoyable. Don't forget to order desert. The sticky toffee pudding was excellent. Try the oxtail risotto or tartare as an appetizer, but skip the fried crisp if you get the tartare. Only drawback: Caesar dressing was too garlicky.

    (5)

  • Melissa B.

    We loved Sweet Basil!!! The cod was so good we ordered another and the lamb t bones were so delicious! Also had the colorado tomato salad that was so fresh and the salmon crudo which my husband loved! The drinks were great too! Although it's expensive it's worth every penny!

    (5)

  • Eric W.

    Sweet Basil is still a must stop for lunch or dinner every time I come to vail. Just avoid dinner at the peak time and you will be fine. The menu tends to be the same but if it ain't broke... All the dishes are excellent and I think they have the. best seafood in town. Nice cocktail list and an incredible wine list. Service has always been excellent.

    (5)

  • Wendy Y.

    I went here with 2 girl friends last night and we all thought the food was fantastic, but it ended there. We had 2 apps (foie gras and yellowtail, both awesome), sweet potato tortellini, an $80 bottle of Austrian Riesling (so so good), 2 desserts (donuts and toffee pudding cake), a 20 year tawny port wine and a glass of Malbec. The bill was 220 which I think is reasonable for the quality of the food.. People upset about portion size should know that this is upscale dining. Service was atrocious. We felt like we were being IGNORED on purpose because we were younger (23,25,30... Really?). We waited on 3-4 separate occasions for the waiter where he walked past us several times while we tried to wave him down to no avail. He messed up on our dessert orders, where we had ordered drinks to go with the dessert. We ended up waiting so long for the dessert wine that we finished the desserts. I tell him we ordered the drinks, he sees our finished desserts, and says "oh yes, those are only suggested pairings" ....."Yes, I know, but I ordered that and my friend ordered a glass of wine that still hasn't shown up." No sorry for forgetting our drink orders and compromising the dining experience.. That was the last straw. I think his service could've been redeemed up until then.

    (2)

  • Milkey S.

    Has to be our best dinner in Vail. I had the ribeye special which was great. Starters to recommend were the prawns, lobster bisque and squash. All were delicious. Also enjoyed a taste of the Niman pork loin which someone else at the table had, it was almost better than the rib eye. The staff was friendly and attentive even with the crush of the crowd. They took great care of the two kids at our table which is not always the case at "nicer" spots.

    (5)

  • Denise M.

    Excellent ambience and service. Went with a group of 6 and was seated at a fabulous table up front. Cod and lamb entrees were amazing. Chris provided remarkable service!

    (5)

  • Vikas A.

    This restaurant has a great atmosphere, good service and food. They have a good sized menu and all the items on the menu looked unique and appealing. One of the folks in our group asked for a small variation in her order, and the chef was very accomodating and followed up to make sure she liked her entree. Reservations recommended.

    (5)

  • Mary O.

    The burger and the tempura appetizer are both amazing! Some of the dishes are a little too pricey but we love going to Sweet Basil for lunch.

    (4)

  • Mile High H.

    Idk the steak was so so, it was over cooked and smaller than it should have been for a porterhouse. The waiter was not pleasant. It was as if we were beneath him. And the space was not even half filled. Compared to other choices, no.

    (1)

  • Frank S.

    Food way very good, but price for food is not very good. For example 12$ gets you 3 chicken nuggets and a a few fries

    (3)

  • Karma K.

    It was fancy but not as great. Too little plates but pretty ones.

    (4)

  • Julie F.

    Nice ambiance and menu. Be sure to ask your wait staff if you can't decide what to have. Super helpful. Food was very good. Nice drink menu too.

    (4)

  • Frank W.

    Overpriced but excellent service. I did enjoy the kale salad followed by the Lamb T-bone steak Great cocktails, margarita's are their signature items. Next time I will come back for the cocktails only. (-:

    (4)

  • David R.

    We've been going to Sweet Basil infrequently for 30 years (Yes, 30 years) and have never been disappointed.

    (4)

  • Robert S.

    Food was quite good but service was cold and aloof. Two bartenders could barely care. With a glass of wine in front of me one asked if I wanted another IPA. They were very nice to the locals. But to anyone not local they could not be bothered. I would come back for the food. The service. Up yours.

    (2)

  • John G.

    Sweet Basil is one of the top three restaurants in Vail. Great atmosphere and service. The food was exceptional. Some of our highlights were the Roasted Winter Squash, Colorado Lamb T-Bones, Creekstone Prime NY Steak, and the Toffee Pudding Cake. You can't go wrong at Sweet Basil.

    (5)

  • Chris S.

    I agree with others about service. The staff at this place needs to learn not to judge a book by its cover. We went in and are younger early 30s. Staff was extremely stuck up and rude. Additionally, don't take your kids there or you probably won't get any service. FYI If u don't want kids here then do away with kids menu.

    (1)

  • Steph W.

    Delicious Delicious! Very refined food with high quality. We loved the agnolotti, lamb, and fish. Definitely top spot in Vail.

    (5)

  • Niki D.

    The bartenders have a horrible attitude. They kept ignoring the very polite couple next to us several times... She was a classy lady and asked for drink menu first and got ignored until another man at the bar gave it to her. Then she tried asking for water and the bartender walked away for several minutes and when he came back and saw the couple fed up and leaving he said "you said you wanted water?" Totally rude. They left (good for them) the bartender basically did the same to my bf and I too! He started talking crap about the situation to the other bartender right in front of everyone at the bar. I don't like cocky bartenders neither do other paying customers. Either way the 3 stars is only for the taste and quality of our food once we sat at our table. My overall feeling: skip the bar go straight to your table.

    (3)

  • David P.

    One of the best restaurants in the country. Innovative and delicious. Always a winner.

    (5)

  • Mark T.

    These restaurant is a jewel in Vail. By the name I thought it would be an oriental fusion or something, but it's not. We started out with risotto and white truffles-winner. Quail was an amazing! We had an urge to order another one:) Kale salat was not only healthy, but also so yummy! We had a a Bedford Snapper for a main dish and loved it! Overall great service and food-awesome wine selection makes me think I will be back!

    (5)

  • Osha G.

    Yelp is killing it for me. Sweet Basil is worth every penny. I've had a chance to eat at a lot of overpriced places in Vail. Everything we are was amazing, specifically the squash app.

    (5)

  • Julie B.

    OMG. Everything was excellent. The service, the main course, the dessert, the view over Gore Creek. The buttermilk pana cotte was outstanding.

    (5)

  • pochini m.

    I was there yesterday on a business trip and had lunch here. The squash soup was excellent, the beet salad was very good and the avocado sandwich was excellent. We sat by the window and watched the water in the creek, overall just a lovely lunch, kudos to Sweet Basil

    (5)

  • Wendy F.

    When we visited, the hostess at the front door was so miserably rude we chose not to eat there and went somewhere else.

    (1)

  • Jessica B.

    This was such an amazing place all of our food was absolutely amazing. It's definitely not one of those expensive restaurants that you end up spending a ton of money and think the food is just mediocre.it's definitely a place that I would recommend making a reservation. we went on a Tuesday and the reservations were limited.surprisingly the entrees were a big size as well. my boyfriend and I got oysters as an appetizer, we each got our own entree without any sides, shared a dessert, and it was still too much food. our waiter was fantastic as well. He was extremely knowledgeable on all of the food and gave us the perfect amount of attention. This is definitely a restaurant that I would want to go to again when I go back up to Vail.

    (5)

  • Jamie B.

    We came during the off-season to get lunch and I was lucky enough to taste the: Gold Canyon Tenderloin Tartare $13 Black Truffle Aioli + Micro Herbs Confit Duck Tacos Plum Sauce + Pickled Jicama + Fresno Chile Chinese Black Bean Crema + Garlic Soy Edamame

    (5)

  • Malia N.

    The food and service was amazing as always! I have grown up in the Vail Valley and am now a luxury real estate broker here in Vail and no matter how many times I go to Sweet Basil I am always thrilled with the food, service and atmosphere. It is always a hit to bring clients, friends and family to this great restaurant and it never gets old due to the constantly changing menu. I always feel a little sad when a favorite is gone but that is quickly wiped away when I get my order and a new favorite inevitably emerges. You seriously must go if you can get a reservation when you are visiting. After that you will be hooked.

    (5)

  • Melissa H.

    Sat at the bar. Our bartender did not acknowledge us. He instead gossiped and lossy-faced with his "regulars". We had to ask for water. He never asked what we wanted or offered menus. I think he wanted us to leave so his regulars could have our seats. So rude. We left and went to the Mountain Standard where the bartenders are cute, polite and professional. Food is great as well.

    (1)

  • Anita C.

    This is what we ordered: Blue crab cakes Pork cheeks Carrot cake Pork belly Duck breast Sticky pudding with caramel rum sauce I'm not a big fan of sweets but the carrot cake was very different and not that sweet. So I think it was good. The BEST apps were the blue crab cakes and pork cheeks. Pork cheeks just melted in your mouth. Pork belly was AMAZING. Duck breast was a bit weird because they put berries in it and I felt like there was too much going on. But it was still tasty. All in all, this restaurant was pretty amazing and I would definitely go again if we take another trip to Vail.

    (5)

  • Tara B.

    Let's start with the good: Nice atmosphere Good Food Bad: The Service was so awful. My husband and I thought at one point we were on a you got punked show. The server was basically non-existent. When he was there, we had to repeat our order numerous times. We would literally tell him it and he would be looking the other way. It was as if he couldn't be bothered with a two top.

    (3)

  • J S.

    We ate here for the first time! I had the lamb and my husband had the ribeye. Both entrees were amazing!! We had the crab salad as an appetizer. I probably wouldn't get it again, but I was glad we tried it. Are the sticky toffee pudding cake for dessert. It was a great finish to a wonderful meal! The service was excellent. Nice atmosphere, but not stuffy. I'm so glad we tried this place. I can't wait to come back!! My favorite restaurant in Vail!!

    (5)

  • Lizzy L.

    For a nice meal when you are in Vail, every local will tell you that this is the best place to visit. We at at Sweet Basil and it did not disappoint at all. I had the NY Strip steak dish and it also had a mix of potatos and lump crab meat. It was EXCELLENT! My husband had the pork roast and said it was excellent as well too. The service was very attentive. They constantly were filing up our water glasses and checking if we needed anything. Bottom line, this is a high class restaurant that you should give a try!

    (4)

  • Armando D.

    The restaurant is in a lovely space overlooking the stream in downtown Vail. While the food here was delicious, and some of the best we tried in Vail, the real gem here was the service. Our server (who was Peter, or John, or Mike, I've forgotten his name) was one of the absolute best servers I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. His recommendations were spot on, his knowledge of the dinner and wine menus were superb. Eat here. If the other servers at this establishment are only half as good as our server, you will have one of the best meals of your life.

    (5)

  • Rkd K.

    Very pleasant and relaxing atmosphere, nice decor. Excellent food, from appetizers to dessert, everything we ordered was outstanding. I specially liked rack of lamb and mini ricotta doughnuts. Our server was a little snobby, but over all service was very good.

    (4)

  • Kristi M.

    Oh, Sweet Basil. You never disappoint! I have been to this restaurant a handful of times and have always had a consistent, great experience. Their cocktail menu is fun and creative and their dinner menu off the charts. It's limited in choices, but you can't go wrong. This time, I had the halibut which was served over potato puree with squash and greens. It was fresh, light, and delicious. My 9 year old daughter ordered the Caesar salad without the egg in the dressing, and it was the best Caesar either of us have ever had. I highly recommend trying this restaurant to complete your stay in Vail.

    (5)

  • Anna B.

    Unfortunately, I had to take off 3 stars for service. My fiancé and I were spending our vacation in Vail and decided to come here based on yelp reviews. We had a reservation and that was not a problem, we were seated right away. It was all downhill after we decided against ordering a $20 appetizer and going right for dinner because we weren't that hungry. "Well actually the menu is meant for 3 courses so if you're okay with waiting 20 minutes for dinner..." Are you kidding me?? Then to top that off...we came to the table with our two beers because we ordered drinks at the bar before we sat down anticipating a potential extended wait for our table. After being seated, our waiter said to us would you like something to drink with dinner or are you JUST going to have beer?? It sounds silly typing it out but the way he said it was so pompous. Like it's clearly so low class if we decide just to have beer with dinner!! We sat with empty beer and water glasses for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, the table next to us who had ordered a bottle of wine had seen the waiter probably 3 times. Is that a mere coincidence? Or was it a server spending more time with the table who by default will provide him with the bigger tip? We'll never know. If you're just coming here for some good food and didn't need the $20 app and the $60 upgrade to the rack of lamb instead of the lamb t-bone and you don't want a $100 bottle of wine with dinner you may leave disappointed.

    (2)

  • Jim M.

    Food outstanding but service TERRIBLE. Guest ordered medium-well on lamb and it was served blood rare. Was taken back to kitchen and returned 45 minutes later after all other guests had eaten... and waiter was nowhere to be found. Then ordered peppermint ice cream and was served chocolate chip.

    (3)

  • Kelley B.

    Truffle fries and salmon are great. Very classy but casual atmosphere. Nice dinner and staff was great. If I ever get back to Vail will come here again. Liked the list of organics too. Overall great experience.

    (5)

  • Jeff M.

    Our friend got us a gift certificate for this restaurant, however I would certainly go back on my own dime. I started with the Caesar and the lady had the truffle bisque. Bisque was good, the salad had a bit too much cheese on it for my taste. I had the pork tenderloin and she had the lamb. Both dishes were delish and presented beautifully. Do not leave without trying the sticky toffee pudding.

    (5)

  • P C.

    Went in to have a few cocktails with my friends and the bartender Carl would not shut his mouth. Carl continued to ease drop in our conversations and give us his opinion. I wasn't there with Carl! Will probably go back but won't drink at the bar!

    (2)

  • Marnie S.

    First week of December 2013. We had dinner on a Friday night, around 6pm (we're parents to a 2-year-old). Food was fantastic. Great flavors. Service was so-so. Actually, it was a let down, considering how great the food and how nice the restaurant was. We tried the Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake (thanks to a fellow yelper) and was very pleased with the dessert. I'm sure we'll be back when we're looking for something better than pizza and burgers for apres-ski. Hopefully we'll have friendlier service next time.

    (4)

  • Anthony C.

    I have to rate this place just a 3, I think it was just too overpriced given the quality of the food. It's priced more based on the location. Don't get me wrong, the food was good. We had flat iron tartar and Ahi Tuna Crudo as apps - both great and better in my view than the main. We had the monkfish and cod as mains - both good, although I'd say the Monkfish was better than expected the and cod didn't really wow as much as I'd hoped. For dessert we had the pudding cake and ice cream. I was so full I could hardly eat it but I did! The drink menu was fun, but pretty standard fair in my view given all the creativity out there at the moment. They also did what was one of my biggest pet peeves. After a $200 meal, they charged us $3.50 each for drip coffee. Drip coffee after a big order should ALWAYS be free, just like water. The cost to the restaurant is basically free, throw it in because people remember that. In fact after a big dollar meal they should be looking to throw in something else for free too, like a mini unique dessert. Any restaurant that does this increases repeat business quite a bit. Anyway there you go. The interior of Sweet Basil was boring which also led to a lower rating. Perhaps living in Toronto and having access to so many amazing restaurants I'm just spoiled, but this place is a marginal 3 for me. Hopefully you'll like it better.

    (3)

  • Isabelle L.

    Sweet basil topped all my dining experiences in Vail and I'll definitely be back if I have a chance. The decor is really "zen" like with clean lines. Service was top notch. The highlight was the quality of the goods where you can really tell the chef is using top quality organic ingredients and is making a sincere effort to come up with a perfect balance of flavors, colors and texture. All dishes we ordered were perfectly executed: nice salad, perfect corn bisque, awesome sea scallop, amazing halibut. Sweet basil is a must when in Vail. Make sure you plan ahead and have reservations.

    (5)

  • Kim R.

    GREAT SERVICE, quickly found us a table that would accomodate kids. delicious steaks. kids menu was delicious too - the fries and fried shrimp and chicken strips were fabulous! the breading was light and crispy. great meal

    (5)

  • Danny D.

    I know this place is revered as Vails hottest and best place to eat these days but I gotta say I don't think it's all that. The scene is certainly present and the decore is retro with a plush & polished diner look towards the front and stand alone tables towards the back. The service was also very good and fairly laid back. We had drinks - wine and beer - (no draft beer) and some light dishes to eat including Caesar salads, a side of potatoes and Brussels sprouts. All were good, but nothing unique about them except the inflated price ....but we kind of expected that. More specifically this is why we were dissapointed: The potatoes were described as having some unique egg sauce over them. All you could taste is that they were deep fried. The Brussels sprouts were roasted and a teriyaki sauce of sorts was poured over them and were even sitting in a pool of the sauce. Hardly amazing. And the salads were appealing to the eye but had more than what was needed of the stalks present to have them hold the eye appealing arrangement. All in all not worth the bang for the buck.

    (3)

  • Bryan F.

    THe food was very good. The menu is very different and small. Not my favorite style, but that is personal taste. I would reccomend trying. Eveyone i was with fell in love.

    (4)

  • John D.

    Oooh I love Sweet Basil! I eat here every time I'm in Vail - one of the best restaurants in the village. I have only eaten lunch at Sweet Basil, but I suspect their dinner food and service is even better. For soups, the Lobster Bisque and Squash soup are very good. For entrees, the Grilled Verlasso Salmon Salad, burger and crab cake are very good, although the crab cake is small, so don't order it alone if you are very hungry.

    (5)

  • Jeffrey K.

    Only the best restaurant in Vail. NBD. Their Caesar salad is to die for. Seriously, I'm not a salad person, and I will come here just to have a desert salad with a glass of wine!

    (5)

  • A B.

    OFF NIGHT ? We have been going to Vail for 29 years and always include a visit to Sweet Basil. Last night was not up to the usual standards. My wife's salmon was medium rare instead of medium well, and when it finally returned it was over cooked . I had their highly recommended pork medallions and pork belly dish. The meat was chewy and the medallions were bland. To make things worse there was a table of very loud guests in our area prompting one couple to move and two others to complain . The maitre d' finally intervened, but a little too late. Our waitress did the best she could and comped our dessert, hence two stars. Let's hope this was an aberration.

    (2)

  • Amy P.

    I should start by saying one of my best friends is the head pastry chef so I'm might be a little bias. It was by far one of the most memorable meals of my life. Their menu changes frequently so I don't want to get you excited about a dish they may or may not have but their really wasn't anything that we had that even fell below average. It all was great or amazing. I really don't think you could go wrong with any selection you make. The only complaint I could come up with is the location of the bar right by the front door. It creates a traffic jam of people that you have to navigate through not only to leave but to go to the restrooms as well.

    (5)

  • Mike G.

    Dinner at Sweet Basil was great...quail and truffle risotto starters were excellent, duck, salmon and steak was delicious and had great sides (didn't need to order extra sides), followed by the sticky toffee pudding and mud pie! Right size portions so don't worry about taking food home to your condo or hotel room. Only drawback is this should be a 4$$$$ restaurant instead of 3$$$ if you have 2 starters, 4 entrees and 3 desserts and 2 cocktails; ~$75pp before tip.

    (4)

  • Rose V.

    Very expensive for the portions they serve. Food is good, but a bit complicated at times, I got out of the restaurant with friends we were all not very happy about the place. They should give normal portions for how much they charge!!! We will not go back..

    (2)

  • Corey G.

    Went here for dinner last Tuesday with another couple. We ordered: Hawaiian Yellowtail Sashimi - delicious Crispy Veal Sweetbreads- very good And the white truffle pasta special of the day- NOT GOOD. Plus my hubby told me it was $65 for a little bowl appetizer portion. I didn't even eat it. It was just buttered linguini without a hint of truffle anywhere. For entree: Salmon- very well cooked. Simple preparation, but great! I wanted the monkfish but they couldn't make it without cilantro. Hot Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake- pretty good. A lime tart- GREAT. everyone voted it the best. Some S'more dessert- highlight was the ice cream. The rest was not memorable.

    (4)

  • Lovestospend C.

    Rob recommended the lamb and oysters. Fantastic. Definitely will go back.

    (5)

  • Kristen W.

    I still love Sweet Basil after all these years. On a recent trip we dined there again and it still has a warm and inviting ambiance as well as an incredible wine list. The menu is everything I enjoy when having a nice dinner out with friends. In other words, my teens might not choose Sweet Basil as their first choice for dinner but my husband and I love the cuisine and the vibe. I usually order the lamb because it is perfectly done and my husband generally explores the menu to try specials in season. You never feel rushed by the staff at Sweet Basil so you can sit back and enjoy a fine meal in beautiful surroundings. If you can't sit down for a three or four course dinner then consider appetizers and a glass of wine at the bar because this spot should not be missed.

    (5)

  • Julia H.

    I had the Spring Special which was $39 for a spring mix salad, sea scallop entree, and a pineapple upsidedown cake for dessert. That was a very good deal and the food was delectable. Everyone else on our table had the seared ahi with lobster rice roll....which was perfectly made too. We were seated next to the large front window which was really nice for me since I was visiting. I got to see people walk by in their crazy costumes (for the last day vail was open) and see snow falling as we ate. It was just perfect.

    (4)

  • Dean Z.

    Have had mixed experiences here. Some great, some not so much. They are consistent with their prices however expensive place. They get an extra star from me for the quality of their old fashioned cocktails.

    (3)

  • S. Paul L.

    Excellent restaurant. Apparently it's considered one of the top 100 places to eat in America? I loved the bourbon selection. It's rare that you see a place offer Buffalo Trace small batch bourbon, but they did and their old fashioned was very tasty. This was one of the many places my wife and I stopped on our honeymoon in Colorado and I'd recommend this place to anyone interested in creative and innovative dishes. I would also recommend hitting this place in the off-season as we got a 3-course meal for $45 dollars per person. Normally, when places offer deals like that they skimp on the food or cut back on the quality, but I'm happy to say that neither happened at Sweet Basil. It really says a lot about their character and flexibility to work within budgets.

    (4)

  • Lisa A.

    The Lamb Chops are what it's all about for me at Sweet Basil! Professional wait staff makes it a special night out with friends!

    (5)

  • Aleksandra K.

    I went here for dinner with my boyfriend. We did not have a reservation so we had to wait at the bar for a while to get a table, so I recommend reservations. They had a good selection of wine and a decent selection of food. The lamb was so delicious. I had the ahi tuna dish it was so-so. Overall, we had a lovely time and would absolutely recommend it to our friends.

    (4)

  • Andrew W.

    Excellent value for lunch. Mains around $15 - $20. Well prepared tasty, and most options innovative. I met the wife for lunch in ski boots, which was apparently OK - plenty of other people had also come off the slopes. The other half of the restaurant was full of well dressed Vail residents/vacationers. About half the mains meal options seemed designed for easy eating - tuna burger, chicken salad, hamburger. The other half were fine dining and interesting - thats what we chose - and loved it.

    (4)

  • Ivy K.

    The boy and I decided to splurge on a night out at Sweet Basil, hoping for a positive dining experience in Vail. I did my Yelp research and ordered everything that came so highly recommended by others: - Warm apple & beet salad: 2/5. Mild flavors, nothing too impressive. I was disappointed that they only used red beets, no yellow beets, as described in a different review. - Pork raviolo: 2/5 Everyone raved about this dish but neither my boyfriend or I were impressed with it. It was a little cold in the middle and the flavors didn't complement each other well. - Cauliflower bisque: 3.5/5. This was actually pretty tasty! I liked the tiny lump of crab that they poured the soup around. Not sure if I'd order it again because it was so rich, but I'm glad I tried it. - Lamb chops: 5/5. WINNING! The lamb chops were definitely the star of the dinner. Perfectly cooked (medium), flavorful, tender, and tasty. Yay for yummy lamb chops! - Pork chop: 3/5. Less impressive. Okay, but not as good as the lamb chops. - Sticky hot toffee dessert: 4/5. The first bite was DELICIOUS! Warm, sticky, and sweet, just as advertised. The dessert decreased in enjoyment with each bite, and I would have been happy with just one or two. The boy said it was too sweet for him but I like sweet so that was fine with me. - 3 glasses of red wine Dinner for 2: $260 including tip. Yikes. For that kind of money, I was really hoping for a 5-star dining experience across the board. Service was lackluster, our table was very wobbly, the overall vibe was snooty, and I felt kinda out of place being the only female in the restaurant without a giant, puffy fur coat. Overall a mediocre dining experience. Would've been made more sense had the price been half of what it was, but it is what it is.

    (3)

  • Greg T.

    Vail institution tucked away in Vail Village. decided to check out their lunch service during our last day at Vail (after we heard Michelle Obama and the girls were there the night before for dinner)...happy we did. super friendly and attentive staff (1 star..thanks for your help, Rita from Hungary) was a great start to our experience. went with a handful of starters...calamari, charcuterie plate (homemade), truffle fries and grilled baby octopus..all done very well (1 star). especially enjoyed the homemade duck pate which was part of the charcuterie plate (1 star). Went with the angus burger which was decent but not amazing. wished the burger had a little more fat to it. other peeps went w/the duck confit pot pie which they said was delicious....next time.... Prices were fair for Vail standards. Started run from $10-15 on the average and entrees $15-25 (1 star). Lunch service was great for kids. Def. will visit again the next time we're in Vail....

    (4)

  • Ebby V.

    My group was in Vail skiing over a three day weekend. We made reservations here. Based on the reviews this place is considered the best restaurant in Vail. It is in Vail Village. Please know that you cannot pull up and park at this restaurant. Unless you are staying in the village then you have to park in the parking garage and walk to it. Parking is over 20 dollars is you are in the village for more than 2 hours. Sweet Basil on a Sunday night was very busy. The atmosphere was warm and classy. The bar was full and seemed like a fun place to hang out even if you were not interested in eating at the restaurant. Our waitress's name was Sarah. She was very accommodating and friendly. She was well versed regarding the menu and helpful in deciding what to choose. Appetizers ordered were the charcuterie sampling, the salmon tartare, the crab agnolotti, and yellow fin tuna carpaccio. I wanted to try the pork cheek raviolo but they were out. The portions were perfect for sharing. I would recommend the charcuterie because there were some interesting flavors on that dish. The other dishes were ok in my opinion. Entrees ordered were the Colorado lamb, sea scallops and salmon. I picked the lamb because it is local and the restaurant is big on local preparation. I have to say that this is some of the best lamb I have had. The lamb was served bone in. Two portions were given and the meat was about 8 oz total. It was served with panna cotta which gave the lamb a sweet flavor I was surprised by. I cannot comment on the salmon or sea scallops because I did not try them but my friends finished their plates with no complaints. The sides chosen were the bok choy which I did not try and wild mushrooms. The mushrooms paired well with the lamb. The sides are served family style. Our table shared dessert. We ordered the hot sticky toffee pudding cake. This dessert has been on their menu for twenty years so Sarah says. It was fantastic. it tasted like bread pudding, I thought, and I asked if it was made as such but it is not. Sarah gave me the recipe. I was surprised by this because I didn't ask for it but apparently many people do and they give the recipe out readily. Reservations here are a must. If you don't mind spending the money Sweet Basil is a terrific place for dinner while in Vail.

    (4)

  • Randall M.

    A Vail favorite. The shrimp and calamari appetizer is fantastic! Everytime there is something new and delicious on the menu. When in Colorado, Sweet Basil is on my list to dine at.

    (5)

  • Emily J.

    Fantastic restaurant! My boyfriend and I were lucky enough to get one of the few coveted window tables and we had a truly first class experience. Our server was attentive and very friendly and made us feel at home throughout our dinner. Their wine list is expansive with something for everyone on it. I went for a old vine Zinfandel, which proved to be just the right choice for my meal. I would highly recommend the lemon gnocchi and the crab cakes for appetizers. Both are light and refreshing, perfect for a summer's eve in the mountains. The whole trout entree was intimidating to look at, you are indeed presented with an entire fish coated in a crispy, lightly fried casing, stuffed with rosemary and garlic, but it was so delicious and surprisingly not that messy. The seared scallops are equally tasty, served with a roasted corn salsa of sorts, very filling for a smallish portion. Save room for the toffee cake, you won't regret it. And besides, we all know that calories don't count above 10,000 feet!

    (5)

  • Petra N.

    Just went here this weekend with the boyfriend while visiting from SF (so maybe I'm spoiled when it comes to food). Our socks weren't blown off, but would definitely go back. Atmosphere: Everything you want from a higher-end dining experience...not stuffy/snobby, cozy, nicely decorated, nice clean washrooms, complimentary coat check. Bar area looked nice though we didn't hang out there as we were seated super-promptly for our reservation. Service: Great from front door to sommelier to departure. Helpful and present, but not overbearing. BF wanted to send some dessert wine to my mom & aunts at another table...waiters handled it seamlessly...found out what they were ordering and reported back with recommendation and price point... A+ on service. Food & wine: Nice wine selection and a friendly sommelier should you want some coaching, but again great service-- wasn't pushy/snobby. Nice half bottles of champagne and by the glass options of wines...in addition to the other 10+ pages of bottles. Delicious fresh bread. Lobster app was exactly what the bf wanted. I had the lobster sherry bisque...yummy and rich with bonus little bits of fresh lobster in the bottom of the bowl...would order again, but it wasn't something I'll remember for years to come. BF ordered the lamb on recommendation from my aunt seated at another table for an earlier ressie than ours...said it was good...but found it a little too salty and more blue than medium rare (as had been recommended). I had the pear and pecorino tortellini with meyer lemon marmalade (spread on its own in a line on the side), kale with shaved walnut, and sunchokes. Was yummy enough, but would probably go with a more carnivorous option next time...it is CO afterall. The pear was a bit overwhelmed in the tortellini and I didn't really notice it. Pecorino was shaved on top. Now I'm a huge fan of Meyer lemon marmalade and make my own from time to time, so I was ready for it...but it kind of stuck out on its own and didn't meld with the other flavors in a great way. Didn't taste like a quality of marm I'd enjoy on my toast alone. The kale...was a disappointment. I love kale, let me repeat, I love kale. It's always surprising to me how much I like it, cause it's a veggie that seems like your mom should have to force you to eat. And unfortunately this nearly fell into that category...it was just SO SALTY. All I tasted was salt. :( For dessert we split the toffee pudding cake...DELICIOUS and DECADENT! ORDER IT! Do it! Nice little dollop of unsweetened whipped cream to cut the sweetness of the cake and sauce. Again, A+ for service here, given we politely commented on the over-saltiness of things for our taste, our dessert was comped. Perfect cappuccino with nice little complimentary biscotti. And bf had grappa (I think?) for a digestif...nice looking dessert/after dinner wine/cocktail selection. All in all, great place I'd recommend, esp after doing our homework and looking through all the other places beforehand...Larkspur was the other resto on the higher-end we looked at, and Up the Creek Bar & Grill on the very slightly less fancy side. Enjoy!

    (4)

  • Gertrude T.

    Consistent and always pleasing. In the last 10 years I've eaten here dozens of times.(family dinners, girls night out, first dates, anniversaries ) It's one of the "must do" restaurants in Vail. I recommend sitting at the bar, especially on busier nights. If thats not your thing make a reservation well in advance. The "sticky toffee" dessert = my weakness in life. Worth ruining any diet for

    (4)

  • Patti N.

    I don't usually take the time to review places unless I have a strong opinion and this was unfortunately one of those times. Meal was great until the end as the waiter Ben was clearing all the plates at once spilled red wine all over my shirt. The shirt was obviously ruined but I was more upset about how the situation was handled. He cracked jokes and did not even clear off the tablecloth which was covered in wine. He became snarky when I expressed my disappointment and it took the manager five minutes to come out and when he did he defended his waiter. To top it off the waiter did not comp us the glass of wine on the bill. I understand mistakes happen but when I am spending a large amount of money at your establishment I expect to be treated kindly. Very disappointing.

    (2)

  • Olive S.

    It's just O.K. Loud, Crowded, Lack of attention to detail. Menus were crusty and our server was a bumbling dunce. The food really wasn't bad. Overrated overall.

    (3)

  • Vera R.

    Great service and even better quality in food. 100% recomend lunch special

    (5)

  • Leilani S.

    Brian - best bartender ever. Gave us the best recommendations for a delicious lunch. Highlights: Spaghetti de Mare (omg!), the biscotti that came with my cappucino. The ambience was perfect. Itd be a shame to visit Vail without a stop or two here.

    (5)

  • Kelley M.

    Food is average, way overpriced for the quality. They arranged all of the food orders directly behind our booth and it was very disruptive. Just eh. Save your money and go somewhere else.

    (3)

  • John K.

    Had one of the best meals of my life at Sweet Basils. At our table we had lamb chops, monkfish, ahi tuna and duck. They were all so good we tried each other's dinners. The dishes were each fantastic. Great service and excellent wine list also. Dessert was a great ending to the meal. The toffee cake was unbelievable. We also had the ice wine sampler that completely complimented dessert. If you want a great meal in Vail this is the place.

    (5)

  • Bacong F.

    Great place to dine for lunch. It was packed for off season. The price was reasonable for Vail. Pasta, salad, and appetizers was all very good.

    (5)

  • John T.

    Good food. A bit overpriced for portions but the worst part was our dickhead waiter. He looked like James mercer from the shins and was a complete douchebag. Didn't catch his name and couldn't care less. There are MANY BETTER RESTAURANTS IN THE AREA with people that are glad to serve you and welcome you to the area. I hope this shithead gets fired for the way he treats people.

    (2)

  • Meg C.

    BEST OLD FASHIONED EVER. The bartender from Louisiana got it right! I knew we had picked the right place when the drinks and service were so great to begin with. The food was fantastic too. Located right in the village, perfect place for apres or dinner. Reservations are a must during high season.

    (4)

  • Brian S.

    I was very impressed with Sweet Basil. I was told by many to go there and wasn't disappointed. The cocktails are very good with a very nice menu of unique drinks. The bartender can make many old style drinks such as a Sazerac or an Old Fashion which is always impressive to me. For starters, the Pork Raviolo is delicious. A lot of ingredients for a small dish, but it works. The Barramundi was well cooked and garnished well. You'll need to make reservations well ahead of your arrival or you may not get in. I'll go back, definitely.

    (5)

  • Jen C.

    A family favorite in the mountains. Everything on the menu is exceptional. Service is good and ambiance is lively depending on he time of year you eat there. One of the best restaurants in Vail. Need reservations way in advance during Christmas and New Years.

    (5)

  • Eric J.

    Just about as good as it gets in terms of ambiance, service and the outstanding food. Was really impressed with Sweet Basil with our first trip and we will be going back as often as we can. Dinner is, of course, pricey...but I think in this case it is justified based on the food and the excellent service.

    (5)

  • Angela D.

    Aimlessly walking around Vail Village, we walked pass this restaurant and decided to have dinner. We had a drink at the bar while waiting approximately 20 minutes before a table was available. Notable dishes: Crab and lemongrass bisque - this was really light and unique; one of my favorites! Monkfish - this is good but not one of my favorites here Muscovy duck - this was excellent. It was served with charred berries and a walnut paste Pork Ribeye - this was cooked perfectly at medium with a smokey taste Lamb chops - this was good but personally, I've eaten better. Brownie with goat cheese ice cream and sweet beet chips - this was so unique and I loved the goat cheese cream! Really light in flavor and paired well all together This is probably one of the better restaurants at the Village and definitely worth the visit!

    (4)

  • Andrea H.

    Out of all the restaurants we dined at in Vail, this was my least favorite...as far as food goes. The salmon belly appetizer special was delicious. Our sweetbreads were pretty good, and my venison was A-OK. I wanted to give this place 3 stars but the service just wouldn't let me. Yes, the dinner was leisurely but after a week of 16 hour days, that was just what I needed. And when my drink didn't match my dinner, our server said, "I got you" and quickly produced his suggested glass of white. And when I didn't like that, he brought me something awesome that I did like. Along with the great service, the dessert course made this place for me. The sticky toffee pudding is unreal. Paired with the brandy tasting, it was incredible. Actually, the fact that they have a brandy tasting is pretty great in itself. But with that toffee pudding...mmmm, so good! I'm not so sure I'd be running back for dinner but I'd be back for dessert and a nice evening out in a heartbeat.

    (4)

  • Andrian S.

    My Freand reconnect me this place Was very disappointed !!!! Fogras was over cooked Shrimps and calamari was dry and not testy Waiter David was not friendly and did a favor with any request A lot of good restaurants in the area !!!

    (2)

  • Keith M.

    Wonderful dinner with friends, perfect atmosphere, spot on service, excellent super Tuscan wine, delicious dinner followed by a great desert Good as it gets anywhere

    (5)

  • Kent P.

    Other than our super hot Swedish server, I didn't like a lot about this place. It was overpriced and the food was so-so. I had the Veal porterhouse cooked medium and it came out like an overdone pork-chop. Not the greatest. But boy, was our server hot.

    (2)

  • Adam G.

    We were expecting much more given all the hype around town and strong reviews. We sat at 8:45 on a Sat. It wasn't too busy, but service was particularly slow. We had the Bibb salad, the stuffed quail, the pacific cod, and the pork ribeye. The pork was the highlight and perfectly cooked. The cod didn't have a lot of flavor and the quail was quite dry. Maybe it was just an off night... If you want to go, make reservations a few weeks in advance for a weekend table.

    (3)

  • Jesse C.

    Weather your in Vail on business or pleasure Sweet Basil should be your go to spot. This is my families favorite place to eat. Its not to pricey and there is nothing on the menu that isn't delicious. I highly recommend you stop by for lunch or dinner.

    (5)

  • CJ C.

    I couldn't let the evening pass without giving a 5-star review to Sweet Basil for our excellent dinner tonight. We have been eating at some great restaurants here--laTour, the Tenth, and mountain Standard, but Sweet Basil rises to the top above these fine places. First, the decor is modern and fresh, but not stuffy. Second, the menu is broad enough and imaginative. The service--from being welcomed in, to table side waitstaff, was professional and loaded with helpful recommendations. Oh, and did I mention they offered a $45 prix fixe 3 course menu? So, on to the food--my dining companion started with the venison carpaccio...now I don't eat a lot of any kind of raw meat, but this carpaccio was fresh, well-seasoned and not gamey. I started with the crab and lemongrass bisque. This bisque was lightly creamy, with generous portions of crab and with a light Thai-spicy flavor. The taste was rich and delicate at the same time. Yum! Second course-my dining companion had beef cheeks that melted in your mouth. I had the beautifully cooked lamb shank. The portions were generous and delicious. I gave up part of my lamb shank to my date so I could save room for dessert. He had the sticky toffee pudding with rum sauce that our waiter suggested. Now my date doesn't like cake desserts very much, but he scraped the dish and probably would have licked the plate if he could. And yes, it was epic. I opted for the lighter, but equally as tasty coconut Panna cotta flavored with dollops of passion fruit and bits of kiwi and other delightful favors. He had a glass of Cabernet franc and I had a glass of zin. (This high altitude really killed my ability to drink more than a glass!) Total damage-$150, including tax and a generous well-earned tip. I would come back to Vail just to eat here!

    (5)

  • Ben J.

    You HAVE TO eat here. This is tied with another restaurant in Vail as my #1 restaurant in the US. The service is beyond great. The servers are extremely professional yet so easy to talk to, and very casual/friendly when discussing skiing and non-menu things. The food is perfect. I was in awe at how much better than expected it was. I had the duck breast entree, sweetbreads app (EXCELLENT!!!) and basil ice cream with cake, graham crackers, and pomegranate. We also had a red wine that I can't remember (Malbec, maybe?). The crowd here is great, the atmosphere is very comfortable. Highly recommended! I've eaten here two years in a row when visiting Vail and will absolutely eat here again when I head back next year.

    (5)

  • Susan F.

    Excellent creative food in a fun, friendly atmosphere. Upscale, intriguing food with a chef who knows what s/he's doing! Our server Ben could not have been more friendly or fun, although the did forget our mushroom side - he apologized, said he should have been more on top of it, but... Everyone told us that this is one of the best restaurants in Vail - we agree. Pricing for what you get seems in line. The Ahi Tuna Crudo and the Seared Salmon Tataki were artfully designed and substantial plates. We followed that with the Ahi Tuna (we love tuna) and the Pacific Cod. Again, we found substantial plates with inspired combinations of ingredients, although the bok choi with the Cod was slightly overcooked. We shared the chocolate fudge dessert - it was really great - creamy and thick. I don't usually order dessert but my friend does, and I was glad that I had the extra spoon. If you appreciate good food, this is a place to go. Not inexpensive, but the prices match the offerings.

    (4)

  • V K.

    Did anyone else expect a Thai restaurant from the name? I really enjoyed my meal here and so did the group I came with. The decor is nothing special but the service, food, and area are great. Among the 4 of us we had/shared: White Bean soup Soup D'Jour (I think it was a red pepper soup?) Truffle Fries Deviled Eggs Trout Scallops (but prepared the way the trout was prepared) Scallops (prepared the way it said it would be prepared on the menu) Strip steak? Some time of red meat dish We literally scraped our plates clean, everything was fantastic! Pros: Lovely hostess Coat check Location Ability to customize an order (scallops prepared the way the trout was prepared) Cons: We asked for bread service but we didn't get any. It took them 15 minutes to come take our order but otherwise, service was great. I highly recommend dining here. It was also a very pretty area to walk around and browse the shops.

    (4)

  • Cynthia N.

    I felt like I couldn't visit Colorado without having lamb. For some reason, I have always associated lamb with Colorado, like beef with Texas. Anyhow...Sweet Basil received consistent positive remarks regarding its lamb and so that's where I went to get it. I definitely recommend making a reservation early for this restaurant, and I mean a week or so early. My friends and I got lucky with a 6:30 drop out which is how we got seated. Two of us had the lamb and it was so good that I didn't want to speak while I was eating it. Mine was cooked medium toward well and my friend's was cooked medium toward rare. Both were beautifully cooked (pink and red) and wonderfully seasoned. So it's decided, I do like lamb - when it's cooked well. Along with the lamb was a polenta and green beans, and both were very tasty, but really, I was only interested in the lamb. One of my other friends had the filet mignon, and she loved it as much as we loved the lamb. Another friend had the sea bass which she didn't enjoy very much, but she didn't explain why. It looked delicious to me, and I noted that she ate the fish, but not the sides, so maybe keep that in mind. Two of us had the sticky toffee pudding cake, which was very sweet. I liked the cake and the rum sauce that came along with it, but it was so sweet that I wouldn't order it again. The restaurant itself is very pretty, and I bet it's great in the summertime with the wide windows open. Our server was great, not particularly outstanding, but we were all okay with the automatic 18% gratuity for our large group. There is also a huge wine menu, which I would have loved to have sipped from, but this trip involved a lot of liquor, so I didn't indulge during this meal. I'm pretty sure I was in saturated fat and sugar overload after this meal, but it was worth it. Every entree on the menu looked worth a try, and when I visit Vail again (which I definitely will), I'll be visiting Sweet Basil to try something else.

    (4)

  • Garth B.

    Amazing dinner. Fantastic service. Started off with foie gras. My wife said it was the best she has ever tasted! My lamb was delicious and so was my wife's ahi-tuna. Desert was decadent. Toffe pudding cake. Waiter had recommended the fennal as a side and we didn't like it so he took it off the bill. Don't come to vail and not eat here!

    (5)

  • Candice W.

    I was so excited to try this restaurant for our Anniversary because of all the great reviews. I have never been so disappointed in a restaurant. We make reservations and sit down right away. Our waiter greeted us kindly and gave us a wine menu and dinner menu. Everything looked great. We ordered a decent $50 bottle of Cab. While we were waiting on the wine, he came back to us so we decided to order dinner. About 10 minutes from initially ordering the wine, the waiter comes back and says they are out of stock with that wine, so he recommends another similar wine that is $60. No big deal, so we agree. Another 10 minutes goes by and no wine. We see the staff running around and figured it was about our wine. The waiter comes back again with bad news. So the wine the waiter recommended was ALSO out of stock. For a top restaurant that specializes in wine is out of 2 wines we order on the menu, not cool. So he says the manager is going to give us a great deal on a $80 bottle. Fine, that's great, we just want wine by now. After everything said and done, food was decent but not worth the money. And the bill never had "the great deal" bottle of wine, it was full price. We were disgusted and didn't bother to even complain.

    (2)

  • Steven E.

    First time here came here because of yelp review. We were not disappointed The food was excellent such wonderful tastes of every course. The service was perfect and the decor very pretty. When returning to vail we will come back

    (5)

  • Tara D.

    Very nice atmosphere and good food. I started with the crab and lemongrass bisque which was amazing. I wished it had a bit more crab, but I always wish for more crab :) The ceaser salad was exceptional as well. (Let's face it; it's not often you can call a caeser salad exceptional) Our only downside was the portion size for my boyfriend's monkfish. A word to the manly men who come with appetites: This is a delicious dish, but a bit dainty. The amount of actual fish on the plate was about that of my trout appetizer, so he left feeling less than satisfied after his $33 plate of fish pieces. I on the other hand, being a bit dainty myself, left with a happy belly.

    (4)

  • Chloe T.

    We ate here Saturday night. I highly recommend the toffee pudding cake-I found it to be sweet and decadent, and it hit the spot after walking around Vail for two hours in the freezing cold. We ordered oysters as an appetizer and they were delicious. On the waiter's suggestion (he was very helpful and friendly) I ordered the pork. Though he was right about it being tasty, as I got halfway through there were huge veins of fat and ligament that I had to cut around. So I paid $37 for a half edible piece of meat. The coat check woman was sullen and wasn't friendly but we tipped her because she was very pregnant and still working.... Overall, good food, good service, but do not get the pork!

    (4)

  • A C.

    Great restaurant in vail. Had a reservation made before we even arrived and it lived up to expectations with delicious food and wonderful service. Crab bisque was flavorful with lots of crab meat along with a tangy key lime "air" (foam) brightening up the dish. Chilean salmon was done well and was a solid dish but did not blow me away. However, the scallops were amazing. Yay for the Maillard reaction achieved without overcooking! Given the quality of the rest of the meal I would recommend being adventurous here! Service was excellent. Our waiter checked in multiple times but was not intrusive, and deftly and politely handled our many questions. Happened to leave our credit card but we received a call from the restaurant less than and hour later. A solid recommendation from me, for the food and the service.

    (4)

  • Victoria H.

    I visited Sweet Basil with my husband 2 years ago and we both LOVED it - the food, the location, the service. A few weeks ago when we were back in Vail with another couple, a return visit to SB was at the top of our "must do" list. This time around we ordered specialty cocktails and took a recommendation for red wine from the waiter. They were delicious. The various breads they serve while waiting for your meal-yum. Their salads-not your average salad. They all have an interesting twist. Between the four if us, the entrees we ordered were the scallops, lamb shanks, filet mignon and the duck. We all tried little bites of each meal. None of us would agree that any except our own meal was the best! Sweet Basil stays in my top 5 list-highly recommend it.

    (5)

  • Tyler S.

    Sweet Basil. Oh how I love thee! Every time we go up to the Ritz over in Beaver Creek, Sweet Basil is a given must stop! Everything has always been over-the-top crazy delicious and always super fresh and made to order. This past weekend, we were fortunate enough to make it up to Vail and pop in for some tasty fare. I almost always order the scallops of some sort and my partner usually gets the lamb shank. I'm not the biggest fan of lamb; however, Sweet Basil knows exactly how to cook it. This past weekend was also part of Vail restaurant week or something where we could order three courses for $45! I started with the cauliflower and truffle bisque which was REALLY good, while my partner ordered the tortellini. For dessert, we both ordered the toffee cake! (It is that good that you will want one all to yourself!). If you get the chance to experience this place, definitely don't hesitate. It has got to be one of my favorite restaurants out there!

    (5)

  • J D.

    Everyone told us that Sweet Basil is a must in Vail and they were right. AMAZING service, delicious and creative cuisine and a fantastic ambiance. I can't wait to visit Vail again so I can go back to Sweet Basil.

    (5)

  • Ashley W.

    My Mom and I stumbled upon Sweet Basil as we made a pit stop in vail on our journey cross-country and wow, were we impressed with this restaurant! Our server Thomas was friendly, knowledgeable and didn't steer us wrong with the top favorites. We tried the black truffle deviled eggs (awesome!), the Middle East Mezze plate (devils on horseback were so worth it), and shared the Snap Pea cannelloni entree which had so many complex flavors. The chili oil gave the dish a little heat while the ricotta melded the flavors together wonderfully. Next time we come to Vail we're going to Sweet Basil!

    (5)

  • Norman G.

    Consistently outstanding food and service make Sweet Basil one of our favorite Vail eateries. During a weeklong stay we usually dine upscale two or three times, Sweet Basil is always one of our top options. On our most recent visit we were greeted immediately by the manager Sam. Crab Bisque with Lemon grass and Sweet breads were exceptional, pork ribeye, roasted mushrooms, Brussels sprouts and both desserts were also excellent. Appetizers: All were very good, Sweetbreads were exceptional. Crab and Lemongrass Bisque Bib Lettuce Salad The Caesar Crispy Veal Sweetbreads Slow Cooked Duck Egg Pan Roasted Foie Gras Entrees: 1 adult had 2 appetizers Monkfish Pork Ribeye Lamb T-bones Brussels sprouts + country ham Roasted Mushrooms Kid's pasta filet mignon Dessert: We were all stuffed so shared 2 desserts. Cinnamon Carrot Cake Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake Always happy to patronize Sweet Basil and never afraid to invite friends.

    (5)

  • Mark G.

    Had lunch here during the "shoulder season" so I'm not sure if I'm grading on a curve or not.. For all the great reviews we just felt like the dishes we had struggled to be average. For starters we had the Wild Gulf Shrimp Spring Rolls and Black Truffle deviled eggs. The deviled eggs were good - about as good as you could make deviled eggs, and the springs rolls had good flavors, but were cut too small and difficult to handle - with the stuffing falling out of every bite. From there we waited almost an hour for our lunch to come out. We were in the first group of guests for lunch, but still. Tried the Leg of Lamb salad and the lobster and shrimp tostada. The lamb salad had couscous and obviously salad as a base. Had assumed the lamb would be sliced on the bias similar to a steak, but came out as long pounded out strips that looked like slices of steak'ums on top of the salad. Tough, kind of chewy and the presentation of the long stringy grey strips of meat on top of the salad didn't help with making us want to dive in to the meal. The lobster and Shrimp salad was heavy on shrimp on light on the lobster. My wife at two pieces of the lobster and left me struggling to find much more throughout the entire salad. Flavors were okay, my biggest compliant was that the Gulf Shrimp that dominated the salad were slightly bigger than "brine shrimp" you find at a bad salad bar. Desert was a flour-less cake that was okay, but even for a flour-less cake tasted really dense and more like fudge than cake. Not sure if the off season is the reason for the mediocrity - might give it another try some day, but definitely not on my immediate return list.

    (3)

  • Jessica H.

    Food is special and decent portion sizes for the quality and type of cuisine. Presentation was beautiful. Service was pretty shameful. The waiter was rude despite knowing that my party of 6 was celebrating our birthdays. He wouldn't let us take our time ordering. He pulled plates as we are. He made stupid sexist jokes and was just pretty awful in general. I probably wouldn't go back because of that experience. You can find good food in vail elsewhere. Getting mistreated by the wait staff is never worth it.

    (3)

  • Andy G.

    Pros: Good food and nice atmosphere Cons: Service is really off Had dinner here during summer and while the food is good, service is totally disconnected. Our server was aloof, and acted like he was just too cool to be working here. On top of his nonchalant attitude, he managed to forget all of my side orders and the bartender screwed up my drink, but "fixed it" by sending some simple syrup to the table so I can re-mix his drink... very classy. Just what you expect when paying $$$$ for food and drinks. I am not sure how hard it is to hire quality service professionals in Vail during 4th of July and the summer season, but the service I experienced at Sweet Basil was really bad. I am surprised the owner(s) are not on top of what is happening on the other side of the kitchen. I give the food 4 stars and the service a big nice round zero, hence the two stars. Just for reference, I found the service at Pazzo's Pizza to be 10x better.

    (2)

  • Chase M.

    Excellent in every way possible. The duck was very good.

    (5)

  • D L.

    Had specials Halibut and Duck, outstanding meal and service. The atmosphere is great fun.

    (5)

  • Stephanie M.

    Walked in early to a packed restaurant. No one to greet us and people walking around without an acknowledging smile or saying so much as a "someone will be with you shortly". Walked back in closer to our reservation and got seated. Waited a while for water, at least 10-15 minutes before someone took our order, then got bread shortly after. Lump blue crab and yellowfin tuna tartare appetizers: both clumsily put together. Lump blue crab had three inconsistent looking piles, and crisps varying in size kinda thrown around the plate. Taste of celery was overpowering, and I lost the crab in it. The tartare was better but presentation again wasn't aesthetically pleasing but the flavors melded together a bit better while still keeping each ingredient distinct. Entrees were haddock and streak. My steak was cooked on point, I loved the spoon bread and arugula purée. I personally don't care for creamed corn so I left that alone. Good portion, not too small or too much. As for the black risotto that came with the haddock, my boyfriend spit it out. The sourness to it turned him off, I'm not sure where it came from exactly. I thought it was ok. Personally didn't care for the whole fried scallions. The haddock was pleasant though. For dessert, we had sticky toffee pudding cake. Very sweet and rich, I couldn't finish the whole dessert. But still a great option. Overall felt like there were hiccups with service and with food, ultimately felt a little disappointed. Especially after we kept hearing people passing by speaking so highly of it. If we're ever back in Vail we might give it another try but we're not dying to go back or recommend it. Perhaps the cutting edge vision of the menu was a bit too far out for us. Every restaurant deserves a second chance though.

    (3)

  • M T.

    We have been to this restaurant for the past fifteen years, so it pains me to write a review that I hope they will read and change their game. Others have spoken about the service, and we would generally agree that their level of attention has waned considerably. You used to feel that they were happy that you were joining them, now it is more like an inconvenience. Also, please don't ask how the food is four one thousands after it is placed in front of the guests. But really this review is about the food. Their trademark shrimp and calamari with the spicy dipping sauce has been replaced with a fritta mista. No more shrimp, jalapenos, string beans, etc. and the sauce has been replaced with a simple terrible aioli. I spoke with other diners and I am confident that I am not alone in my dissatisfaction. The salmon salad was singular in its taste: sweet. The salmon itself had a sweet glaze, the pumpkin brittle: sweet, the roasted beets: sweet, the frisee: acidic. There was nothing to balance the dish. The lamb tacos showed up cold, the sauce too rich. On the plus side, the tea cups showed pre warmed. We have seen the process to tweak the menu before, in this restaurant and others. This should not serve as a warning to other diners as a plea to Sweet Basil to righten the ship.

    (3)

  • Mindy M.

    Can't go wrong here. Food is special, service is great. If you cant take another place that looks like the inside of a rustic cabin, you'll be refreshed by the clean decor. Shrimp and calamari appetizer is not the pedestrian dish everyone else is serving, so try it. Be warned- it's huge and will cut into your appetite for dinner if you have trouble resisting. Wines by the glass seem kind of expensive but maybe that's just the Vail factor. Top choice in Vail for me so far.

    (4)

  • Jen S.

    Enjoyed a three course meal with party of four over the weekend. Delicious apps: I enjoyed the crab and lemongrass bisque while others in my party ordered the venison, lump crab, and salad. The entrees were beautiful and delicious. We all shared a taste and our favorite was the lamb. So flavorful and tender-the best lamb I have had. We added a bottle of Malbec to our dinner as well, which was excellent. The dessert course presentation was fun, again ordered several to share. Our favorites were the coconut dessert, and rum cake plate. The chocolate dessert was less chocolate and more bland, not our favorite, but interesting textures. Overall excellent meal with creative chef well versed in cuisine pairings.

    (5)

  • Jorge S.

    Great spot for Lunch in Vail

    (4)

  • Chris M.

    Lunch was fantastic. Deviled eggs app great starter . Sweet basil chicken salad tasty and lite. Service at the bar super good!

    (4)

  • Justin F.

    To start with this place has lots of hype to live up to and think it delivers on most fronts. If its in the budget then definitely worth a try. I had the Tuna nicoise which was perfect and hit the spot. However the appetizers and desserts were good but not 5 stars. The overall service and vibe of the place keeps the experience a 5 Star. The wine list is very extensive and found some great bottles to choose from.

    (5)

  • Christopher S.

    Went here on a recommendation of a local friend in the Denver area while I was skiing at Vail with friends. First off, this is NOT a Thai restaurant, and I'm not sure if any dish on the menu contains basil so there must be a story involved regarding the restaurant's namesake. Having initially made reservations but then deciding to cancel due to post-ski fatigue (#first world problems), it was gastronomical destiny/reverse karma that another last minute cancellation allowed our party of 7 to dine here after randomly stumbling across the restaurant by complete chance searching for food options later that evening. Upon entering Sweet Basil, the bar is positioned in front of the main dining area with extremely wide and comfortable bar stools perfect for intimate conversation and the experienced bar staff had a nice selection of classic cocktails with modern twists as well as a comprehensive array of scotch, bourbon, and brandy ideal for warming the belly on a chilly evening. I would characterize the ambience as casual sophistication (one would feel right at home whether they were wearing jeans and a blazer on a first date or dressed to the nines having a wedding rehearsal dinner) and the food as illusively modern (seasonal ingredients prepared using modern techniques by a subtle expert hand). Always a good sign when one is conflicted by what to order due to the indecision of every dish sounding like a winner. For the appetizer, I went with the organic salmon belly "teriyaki" at the server's recommendation, although I could have just as easily gone for the lobster bisque with fresh lobster and lobster roe "dust", crisp veal sweetbreads with wild rice risotto, chestnut stuffed quail a la plancha, or saffron gnocchi "paella" (see what I mean?) The salmon belly was cooked into that blissful textural juxtaposition between raw and cooked coated with a caramel-like tamari glaze with compressed cucumber and shishito peppers cutting through the fatty richness of the fish and the surprise element of intermittent clumps of sesame powder that I initially confused as feta cheese which our delightful server pointed out as 100% pure crack cocaine. I would have gladly snorted it in rows off my plate if it was supposed to make the dish any tastier. I was able to sample two main courses with my lady friend 1)Golden Canyon Filet mignon served at a perfect medium rare atop mildly creamed arugula and accompanied by roasted Jerusalem artichoke, ciopollini onions and a large raviolo (single ravioli) stuffed with short rib and bone marrow and 2) Pear and pecorino tortellini served with braised kale and shaved walnut sunchoke accompanied by meyer lemon marmelade, brown butter, and a sherry vinegar foam. I would stack either of these dishes against those of any number of destination restaurants in Manhattan. Probably what impressed me the most was how each dish was beautifully plated to create the illusion of being lighter than they actually were and the fact that I enjoyed the secondary components as much as the primary ones. For the ultimate local experience, the Colorado lamb T-bones and Rocky mountain trout are not to be missed. i would be remiss if I didn't provide a wholehearted endorsement of their signature dessert: the sticky toffee pudding. Warm bite stradding between cake and pudding with notes of dates and vanilla soaked in a hot buttery sauce of brown sugar and brandy counterbalanced by cool whipped cream and a crispy nutty tuile, this is perfection exemplified of the British response to the American apple pie a la mode. I customarily do not have a sweet tooth, but I would get my double-O license to kill for a bite of this dessert. Definitely place this on your list of must-eats when skiing/boarding in Vail.

    (5)

  • Ashely W.

    Everything from drinks to appetizers, main course and dessert I was impressed! We had oysters which were extremely fresh and delicious. I had the lamb, which is one of their signature dishes and it did not disappoint at all! (Forgot what the BF had because mine was so good!) The Brussels Sprouts were the best I've ever had and I would buy the cook book for that recipe alone! And we of course had to try the toffee pudding cake....AMAZING!!!! Next time we are in Vail, we will definitely be eating here again! Well worth the bill in the end! Do not go if you are not willing to spend some $$!!

    (5)

  • Ed B.

    Food: everything was great. Lamb, tuna, monkfish and duck. Wine: you can spend as much as you would like on wine. Sommelier was helpful in sorting through the list but why do they always up sell you on the wine you thought you were going to buy? Dessert: also great Value: This is where it loses a star. Be prepared for the bill. Of course, this is Vail and with $139 lift tickets, what else would you expect. Definitely worth a visit.

    (5)

  • Jeremy R.

    Exquisite meal, I especially enjoyed the veal sweetbread and the lamb t-bone. There were 7 of us in our party and each ordered a different thing and no one was unhappy. The scallop a la plancha also stood out. The sommelier wade was a very knowledgable man who knew his wines I will definitely return.

    (5)

  • Rebecca U.

    My husband surprised me with reservations here during our visit to Vail. The ambience is great and our table had a nice view. Our waiter recommended we start with the crab and lemongrass bisque. It was by far the best bisque I have ever had! For dinner we ordered the pork rib eye and the ahi tuna. This was my first time eating ahi and it was delicious. My husband's pork was very tender and flavorful as well. Overall, it's on the pricey side but well worth it.

    (5)

  • Andrew R.

    Excellent meal, with smooth, professional service. Nice space, if a little table-crowded. Extraordinarily expensive, even for Vail

    (4)

  • Amy B.

    Great food but very small portions and pricy. I have been here many times for lunch but I wish they still had more salads and sandwiches for lunch options. Their truffle fries are always very good. Butternut squash ravioli is excellent but will definitely not fill you for lunch. Their saving grace is the great bread and butter.

    (4)

  • Daniel K.

    Food is boring and uninspired. The shrimp appetizer is disgusting to look at or eat. I assume they are coasting on a reputation earned some time ago. Food presentation is dated.

    (2)

  • Rachel N.

    Having avoided a Sweet Basil trip for the last 22 years I've been coming, I felt that it was time--I went twice this winter season, and although the food was good, I'm still not sure why it gets such raves. The presentation was nice, the restaurant is cozy, but the food is just upscale contemporary--you could find it anywhere. Had the hamachi app the first time, which was solid, but the salmon entree was simply standard--and I left hungry. The second time I don't remember which fish I had, but it was again good, but nothing that put me in raptures. If you want to spend a bit of money in Vail, I would do Terra Bistro instead.

    (3)

  • Sarah G.

    Sweet Basil was probably at the top of my 'must go to' places when we were planning our trip to Vail. But now I'd probably rank it as third, or maybe even fourth when it comes to my favorite meals we had on our trip. I might have firmer feelings along that regard if I'd been paying for dinner also... because yeah, it's pricey here. The weirdest thing too, in my opinion, was the service. I understand with fine dining comes a certain professionalism and expectation when it comes to service, but we're more of what I'd call 'fun loving casual diners' and I didn't get the feeling that our server was willing to match that comfort level. It just felt like there was a wall of 'properness' between us... to me... I also - for the first time in a long time - saw little blips of the 'do you have enough money to be in here?' style of service. That could just be paranoia, but it was the feeling I got a little. For example, at one instance our server stopped talking to us to shake hands and thank other diners... just a little out of the ordinary. Okay on to the food. Because that's what really counts after all. And while I had originally planned to write a 5-star review of this place, when those plans were made I was sufficiently plied with food and booze. Now with over a week of hindsight, I had to review the menu to remember specifically what I had (also because "USDA Prime New York Strip" sounds like a much better description than "some kind of steak".) So, going in order, the meal began with three appetizers. Lump Blue Crab Agnolotti, Oysters on the Half Shell and Truffle Scented Cauliflower Bisque. Now that I look back, all three of these had a seafood theme, so apparently we were in a surf and turf mood. My favorite item overall was definitely the bisque, which included blue crab and black garlic. Magnificent! As for entrees, while the menu looks like you'd need to order sides, with appetizers it really wasn't necessary. Really. The NY Strip was served with Pommes Puree, Hen of the Woods Mushrooms, Confit Onion, Kobe Marrow Butter and Arugula Salsa Verde. Honestly while the plate was tasty, I can't say that the individual items noted here were recognizable in the flavor profile which was pretty heavily dominated by the mushrooms. But you don't hear me complaining since those were actually the biggest selling point for me. And dessert... by this time I was pretty stuffed, so opted to drink my dessert via a Fernet Branca digestif. I did try a bite of the 'Warm Jelly Donuts' though (Cranberry Jam + Piloncillo Sugar Crème, Tahitian Vanilla + Candied Meyer Lemon). And those were pretty tasty stuff.

    (4)

  • Mary B.

    Loved this wonderful spot in the Vail Village. We all had excellent lunches and the service was exceptional. A must try spot for anyone looking for an exceptional dining experience. !

    (5)

  • Craig R.

    Probably the best dinner I had in Vail. Attentive service, fast drinks, good wine list. Its kinda a fish place which is a little weird for the mountains. I had the duck and it was great.

    (4)

  • Kara K.

    The food was superb all the way down to the desert. I was surprised at the lack of wine list if you didn't want to buy it by the bottle. The beer came out of a can and they did not have a hard cider, we have been in Vail for a week and this is the first time they have not had a cider option. Our waiter was OK....I had to call him on quite a few occasions but he did get us what we wanted. Overall not as good as I had heard about but great tasting food

    (3)

  • Erin L.

    Highly recommend!!! My husband was dead set on our party of seven making the trek to Vail from Copper during our trip last weekend. He had been before, and was doing everything in his power to rally our troop to make a second appearance. First off, they were very accommodating to our increase in party size from six to seven on the spot. May not seem like a big deal (one person) but they did have to do some shifting, and it was a Saturday night. We then were seated shortly thereafter in a very spacious table, with a great location near the front of the restaurant. It was nice to be a part of the dining room, while feeling the buzz of the bar. We ordered some red wine, and it took a little while to be served, but not enough for any one to get angry. We were too tired haha. We were just getting antsy because we saw it sitting on the wait station for a good ten minutes before they presented it - and everyone was salivating staring at it after a long day on the slopes! For appetizers we got the ceviche, the tuna and the duck confit. The ceviche was nice, but it got a lot better once we starting dipping bread in the sauce! So much flavor. They could have served it with spoons - would have made it easier to divvy up between all of us. The tuna was actually very tasty - had a zesty green sauce that gave it a really nice flavor. I think my husband said it was the best tuna he had ever had. The duck confit was also very good, super tender. The spring salad I got was huge, and came with a shallot vinaigrette. The dressing was a perfect flavor. The salad itself was so crisp, really no other way to describe it. It was like each piece of lettuce was singlehandedly rinsed and dropped onto the plate. For entrees, I know I got the cod with carrots, carrot juice and jalapeños. The server highly recommended it. While I liked everything that went along with it, I was semi-impressed with the cod itself. Maybe I am not rehearsed enough in what cod should taste like. I was initially eyeing a pasta dish, so maybe I was kinda disappointed that I didn't choose that. My husband got the lamb, and it was delicious. What were standouts of the night were the Filet that my friend got, and its accompanying bone marrow ravioli. She was so gracious to even consider sharing them with all of us! I believe hands down that was the BEST filet I had ever tasted, and I only had a bite. She almost didn't get it! She actually ordered something else and then changed her order. Thank goodness she did. The filet was so tender, bold and flavorful. Now, the ravioli, I again, only had a bite - but that bite was something to be remembered. We even tried to have them make an entree of them for the entire table, but they didn't have enough to make it through the night :(. Honestly - the consistency and the taste were just so savory that it melted away any small reservations, if any, I had of the place. All in all - the place was pretty much perfect. The company was great, the vibe on point, and the food was outstanding. Cool decor and nice bathroom accommodations. It was definitely a popular hot spot as people were constantly coming and going. Quite the scene at the bar I might add. This is on our list to check out again next time we are out there :).

    (4)

  • D O.

    We were there during the restaurant week so we were lucky to try the entree for $20.14 so from my normal value based scoring system score was off the chart. But, even at their normal full price, my review would not have wavered. First, my favorite cut of steak, Flat Iron was done perfectly. And the desserts, oh boy hot chocolate and tart were both amazing. Unfortunately, I heard that the desert chef is moving on to put up a new restaurant, I will be making a special trip for that one.

    (5)

  • Crystal C.

    Please be mindful that I went during the off season so the prices for food were significantly discounted. I don't really know the regular prices... but for dinner, it was $42 for a three course meal then for lunch, it was $11.95 lunch entrees. Great deal... and great food. Short Version: During off season, just amazing food at a great price. Service was attentive. Good recommendations. And most importantly, the food was unique and tasted GREAT! Highly recommend this place... especially since there is really not much to do at Vail during off season. Long Version: *Dinner* Appetizer - Sweet Potato Ravioli - yummy, fresh, and different. Entree - Braised Beef Cheek - It was so delicious and the meat was almost velvety in texture because it was just so tender and rich. Definitely good portion. I couldn't finish my Beef Cheek (even though it was so delicious) because I wanted to save room for dessert. My boyfriend has the rabbit two ways which was also great. He said that there is a distinct Asian flavor to it. Same with the scallop dumplings appetizer that he got for appetizer. *Dessert* Dessert deserves a separate section because of my personal attachment to sugar. Toffee Pudding Cake... delicious (not as rich as Duo in Highland - Denver metro area). Boyfriend had the dessert of the day... three fried donuts holes filled with jellie, a fudge-sicle, and white custard dip. The toffee wins hands down. He kept eating my toffee bread pudding instead his donuts holes. *Lunch* -Delicious small bites -- we ordered the devil eggs with pickled mustard seeds on top. So yummy! - Braised pork tacos -- again, just great quality food with fresh ingredients. Even the accompanying black beans were good... They put some sliced pork in the beans and really gives it a great flavor. The portion was a bit smaller than I anticipated but I am full. They are two small/medium size tacos with coleslaw and beans on the side. - Chile Relleno -- definitely a star lunch entree. There is a great crunchy texture without feeling like it was just drenched in oil. Great, bold flavor. *Dessert* - Chocolate Brioche Bread Pudding and coffee -- it was heavenly. I am glad that even though I was so full already that I ordered dessert. This dessert ranks up there with toffee sticky pudding from Duo. I think it was a great balance of difference textures between the chocolate paper, nougat, and the bread pudding.

    (5)

  • E C.

    We've eaten here a number of times and have always had a great experience. Their service is always on key as is their food. I've enjoyed oysters, lamb shank, and pasta dishes here. My children appreciate their somewhat more sophisticated kids' meal menu. Sweet Basil is a reliable place to dine in Vail. Reservations are a must during the high season.

    (4)

  • Jen G.

    This is one of my all time favorite restaurants. Many, many years of eating here and nothing to complain about. Everything is always delicious. You really can't go wrong. You also have to save room for dessert -- the dessert sampler is awesome!

    (5)

  • L Z.

    I don't know if it was the good company or the restaurant, but this place met all my expectations. I wanted a nice evening with my bf in Vail with nice wine and a creative dinner. We were fortunate to catch the tail end of the 3 course for $45 menu so we got to try many different items. We had the salmon belly teriyaki and it was hearty and flavorful. The entrees were the pork tenderloin and flat iron steak. Although these are common staples in many restaurants, Sweet Basil found a way to make their dishes stand out. There were many flavors and was creative enough to satiate my appetite. The portions were smaller, but for a later dinner, it was perfect! The desserts were yummy as well. The toffee pudding cake was sweet but wonderful with coffee to balance it out! Try it! You will not be disappointed! Reservations are definitely needed as we went during off season and the restaurant was totally booked! Last note, some previous reviewers stated the waitstaff was pretentious, but ours was not. Hopefully that was an anomaly and does not ruin anyone's evening or deter people from trying this place.

    (5)

  • Jerry H.

    One of the best restaurants in Vail. Great food, atmosphere and service. A must stop if you visit Vail.

    (5)

  • Alden G.

    Top marks. Staff is friendly and professional, dining room is pleasant and well-designed. Gazpacho is very tasty. We had three types of fish: Ahi Tuna, Hawaiian sea bass, and salmon, accompanied by Landmark Chardonnay. Made for a great evening!

    (5)

  • Jeff C.

    Came here for lunch while up in Vail over the 4th of July. I lived in Vail for a while and have been coming here for 14 years and for some reason I have just never had the chance to visit Sweet Basil. I have heard wonderful things about this establishment and finally go the chance to visit. We started off with the calamari and shrimp appetizer. Wow, the calamari was so tender! The breading on the shrimp & calamari was a very light tempura style breading. I also liked that there were a few veggies (raw and tempura) such as red bell peppers, carrots, green beans and jalapenos. The asian style dipping sauce was super tasty too! We all got a cocktail--my "perfect margarita" was pretty good and I would order it again. I opted for the black angus hamburger and it was a really really good burger. Mine was super juicy so I think it had plenty of fat in it (responding to another reviewer comment). I would definitely order it again. The mayonnaise was to die for (if you like mayo). It was definitely home made and had a really fresh flavor to it. All in all Sweet Basil did not disappoint! I am anxious to come back and try their dinner menu.

    (5)

  • Rebecca V.

    Nice place! The food was really good. Not really great, but really good. I'm gluten-free, which seems to be easier in Colorado than any other place I've been. When I saw the great reviews on here, I had my hopes up a little too high. Great service, beautiful presentation, interesting flavors-- just lacked that WOW I was hoping for.

    (3)

  • Marlene S.

    If I could give Sweet Basil 10 stars I would...service and food are always excellent. Many memorable meals here on par or above many NYC restaurants. We went last night to celebrate our wedding anniversary and our menu came out personalized with "Happy Anniversary to You Both" on it...the wine list is excellent and the somm is very knowledgeable. Service from the entire staff was superior to 99% of the restaurants I've been to. We will continue to keep Sweet Basil as our number one choice in Vail. The sister restaurant, Mountain Standard, also is excellent and shares many of the details that make Sweet Basil amazing...you can't go wrong with either. Food is fantastic at both places and drink lists are great as well.

    (5)

  • Alex C.

    They try too hard and charge WAY too much. Good food but there are definitely better places to go in Vail. They do however make a hell of an Old Fashioned!

    (2)

  • Nicole P.

    The very best restaurant I've experienced in a long while. Drinks: The bartenders make everything from scratch, they even squeezed several lemons to get bitters for our drinks. My dirty vodka martini was excellent. Four drinks was about $42. Dinner, we got lucky and were seated in the front of the restaurant near a large window. The server was more than nice (Nicholas, I think) Those in our party ordered the Lamb, Pork chops, and Tenderloin. My lamb was cooked perfectly, and sat atop a pure with cubes of celeriac root. The Lamb chops came with some hint of apple in or around them, not sure from what. To put it shortly it was the best food I've had in a long while and I will remember my experience at Sweet Basil. The price tag may seem high, but for the area it is actually average, we ate here our first night in town, that ment that every other meal the whole trip didnt hold a candle to this one, and they cost about the same. I wish we would have gone back to try more of their dishes. Also get dessert, it is well worth it. All the food here is very unique and you can tell they put a lot of time and effort into what they create. If on the off chance that you dont finish your plate they send home your remainders in a reusable tote bag! The restaurant uses sustainable goods and practices.

    (5)

  • Kris L.

    In my experience Sweet Basil is the best white tablecloth dining restuarant in Vail. The restaurant looks small from the front but goes way back and then to both sides once you are in. Nomatter how big it is this place is one of the hottest spots in town so you definitely need a reservation which I booked a few weeks out to get in at prime time. We were seated almost right away and our waiter was very friendly. If this restaurant were in a more urban city it could easily give off some attitude but in Colorado the people and overall atmosphere are very casual and friendly. The wine list is large and offers bottles in the reasonable and unreasonable price range that will go with anything you care to order. Appetizers including oysters and the beef carparccio are standouts. My wife had the lamb t-bones which she loved and I had the grilled heritage double cut pork chop which was tender and perfectly cooked in a smokey sauce. Of the fine dining places in town this is the best I've been to and recommend it for a special occasion or as a fling for your last night in town.

    (4)

  • Michael L.

    Pleasantly surprised at how good this place was. The staff was friendly, the food was good, and the atmosphere was cozy. We had a party of 5, and everyone loved their food ranging from sea bass, short ribs, lamb shank, chicken. Also they sometimes have specials as well, today's was the filet with truffle tater tots. Desserts were pretty good as well, we got the funnel cake, others had the rich toffee cake. The price is as expected from Vail restaurants, on the higher side. They also offer a variety of mixed drinks hot and cold that are pretty good. Another plus is that they give you the option of anchovies with your caesar salad. This was one of the better places in our trip. Would consider going back.

    (4)

  • Ryan J.

    One word: Appalled. That's it. That is how I feel right now in reading through Yelp reviews for Sweet Basil. I have officially lost some of my faith in Yelp. I'm sorry to admit it, but 3 1/2 stars??? Come on people, really. Every year for the past 20+ years, my family has taken a family ski (or in my case, snowboard) trip to Vail. And every year, we make at least one reservation at Sweet Basil (although oftentimes we eat there twice during our stay). This restaurant is an obsession, and is one of my favorite restaurants anywhere and at any price point. Period. We have spoken with the owner about opening up a location in either Los Angeles or New York, but each time he has said no, he is not interested in profit, he is interested in keeping his one location in Vail. Fair enough, I can completely respect that. So back to the story. Make a reservation, and make it considerably in advance (preferably months in advance), or else chances are you will only be able to attend this gem of a restaurant for lunch. Lunch is okay, don't get me wrong... but dinner is better. True to form, this past weekend, we ate at Sweet Basil twice. Between the two trips, here is what we ordered: Appetizers: -Spinach and endive salad with green apples, sultana raisins, warm Colorado camembert, pecan streusel, sherry maple vinaigrette ($13) -- The camembert was so fresh, and the pecan streusel added a perfectly sweet element to the salad. -Marcona almond dusted sea scallops with green apple, spinach and bacon slaw, sunchoke apple puree, tarragon oil ($17) -- while there were a host of flavors in the dish, they all complimented and maintained the focus of the dish on these beautiful scallops. -Jumbo lump crab "mac and cheese" with house-made ricotta agnolotti, parmesan brodo, orange, and black truffle ($20) -- this was an interesting take on mac and cheese, especially since it didn't in the least bit resemble mac and cheese. The crab was delicious, however, and come on, it has truffle! Great Northern Cattle Co. steak tartare with brioche, one hour egg, cornichon, capers and bagna cauda ($17) -- first off, the beef was fantastic. It was so fresh and tasty and perfectly textured, wow! The brioche and egg yolk that seeped through the whole dish really rounded things out. Entrees: -Colorado rack of lamb crusted with mustard seed and herbs de Provence ($44) -- I don't remember the entire contents of this dish due to the fact that my gf inhaled it, but the few bites that I did manage to steal were unbelievable. The lamb was so tender and fresh, I can't begin to describe. This was a special, but it should become a regular option, because (as a lover of lamb) these were without a doubt the best lamb chops I have ever had in my life. -Parmesan-crusted veal chop with fingerling potatoes, vegetables, mushrooms and foie gras "hash" ($48) -- Again, this was another special. The foie gras hash was interesting and had a very unique (and enjoyable) flavor. While it wasn't in need of the crust, the veal chop itself was a fantastic piece of meat; this was unlike any piece of veal that I've ever had. -Filet mignon with truffle scented potato puree, creamed spinach with parmesan and pernod, Paul's 58 Sauce, violet mustard ($42) -- For those of you who know me, you know that I am a beef enthusiast (understatement). This was one of the finer cuts of filet that I've had of late. While filet mignon is not my go-to steak, as I prefer a fattier cut with more marbling, this meat simply melted in my mouth. All hail Great Northern Cattle Co.!!! -Pan seared duck breast with foie gras ravioli, medjool dates, dried pumpkin, wild mushrooms, squash puree ($38) -- Did you read what I just typed? FOIE GRAS RAVIOLI... need I say more? I enjoyed this dish so much that I actually ordered it two out of three nights in a row. The duck was perfectly pan seared, with slightly crispy skin and a beautifully medium-rare interior. The foie gras ravioli was otherworldly, and the dates and pumpkin gave the appropriate sweetness to this savory dish. Yes, it might be a heart attack on a plate, but this was an unbelievable dish. I understand why it's Sweet Basil's top seller. This is an absolute must order. Desserts: Let me break this down for you. Sweet Basil has unbelievably amazing desserts. But no matter how tempted you are by the other offerings, YOU MUST order the hot sticky toffee pudding cake ($10). In fact, order two. This ties with my gf's dobos torte as my favorite dessert IN THE WORLD. The cake is sweet but not too sweet, with a tender consistency and the most amazing caramel sauce. Topped with whipped cream, this is the ultimate must order. Okay, running out of space. Won't gush further. 5 stars without a question. Friendly service, nice ambiance, and unbelievable food with unique preparations and top-notch ingredients. And for all of the naysayers... go eat at McDonalds, and give your Big Mac a 5 star rating!

    (5)

  • Sasha H.

    One of the best meals I've had in a long time. We ordered the scallops and halibut entrees along with a side of the most delicious mushrooms. Great service in a top notch location in Vail. Even with the prices being a bit steep it was all worth it.

    (5)

  • Scott S.

    After having a debacle at Kelly Liken, we were looking for a great place. We found one! Awesome dining room with a view of the creek. Great waiter. Quail app was outstanding as was venison entree. Delicious deserts. Great wine selection. Just a fun place with amazing food.

    (5)

  • David S.

    Severly overrated food. Service is good and the wine and beer list was good, but the food just doesn't deliver. Regardless of money.

    (4)

  • Donielle M.

    took my husband here for his birthday and we are STILL talking about how delicious it was. holy goodness! highlights: apps - parmesan reggiano malfatti entree - heritage pork loin milanese dessert - strawberries and cream we haven't raved about food like this since dining at le jules verne...and these prices were a fraction of the cost. nicely done sweet, sweet basil. BTW we went during the off season so three courses were $45. well worth it.

    (5)

  • John K.

    Stellar! Rivals Vesta as one of my favorite meals in Colorado. Service is outstanding! they really took an interest in us and were outgoing and polite and friendly. The waiter was funny and knew his stuff. From the appetizer to the wine to the giant Pork Chop I had to the great desert. We took our time and enjoyed every bit of it. If you are ever in Vail and want a great meal, don't miss Sweet basil!

    (5)

  • James S.

    Sweet Basil is sweet. Loved the heirloom tomato salad. Salmon is recommended medium rare. Scallops were a bit salty though. Wine selection was excellent. WillaKensie Pinot Noir woks well with everything.

    (4)

  • Kristin W.

    I recently had a delicious lunch here with my sister in law and we both were happy. The sleek, upscale decor doesn't mean you can't dine in your ski attire, and I love that about Vail. I started with a bowl of the roasted red pepper bisque which was served with a dollop of goat cheese. It was perfectly creamy and delicious when paired with a crisp savignon blanc. My sister in law had the crab and lemon grass bisque and while I didn't taste it, the presentation was lovely. She raved about it. We both had salads. I had the grilled chicken salad with baby kale, pancetta, pecorino, dried cherries and a perfectly spicy mustard vinaigrette. I have hopes of recreating it in my own kitchen. The ahi tuna and root vegetable salad my sister in law ordered was my second choice and also a good one. I wanted to take home the rest of the kalamata olive bread that was the star of the basket. Service was impeccable too. It's pricey by Midwest standards ($19 for a salad), but so worth the splurge.

    (5)

  • Crista M.

    Enjoyed a great dinner with nice ambiance. I liked it so much I went back for lunch a couple days later. My favorite dish was the Black Pepper Stracciatella which they serve only at dinner. There is a lovely back patio that overlooks the Gore Creek. At both meals, the service was friendly and helpful.

    (5)

  • C R.

    Very creative menu, well prepared. Very good to be sure, but room for improvement.

    (4)

  • Barry M.

    What everyone else is saying is true. Go here, order much food and leave happy. Oh and have a Pimm's Cup to drink, they make an exceptional version.

    (5)

  • Andrew R.

    42 dollars for a 3 course meal. Good food but the best part was the bread pudding and toffee cake! Wowsa!

    (4)

  • John D.

    We went for my husband's 50th birthday which we informed them of when booking. They did not acknowledge which is OK. We had an early reservation. Despite not being crowded, they sat us by the waiters prep stand which is OK. Not feeling any love. Cut to the chase: The food was good but not great. The service was good but not great. The food and wine were very expensive for what you got. The restaurant is like an old actor. Great for so long but now just phoning it in. Do not waste your time and money. .

    (3)

  • Kathleen A.

    My last meal on earth would be here, and it would be the buffalo kansas city strip. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Came here for my boyfriend's work outing. The service was top notch and didn't seem to mind that we had taken up several tables on a Saturday night. The drinks are superb, my absolute favorite being the Cherry Bomb. If I could afford this meal on my own, I will definitely be back!

    (5)

  • Jim M.

    An excellent restaurant in a beautiful setting right on the river in the heart of Vail. My wife and I went there for our wedding anniversary and had noted that occasion when making our online reservation. When we arrived, we noted, after being seated, that our menus had personalized with our names and best wishes for the occasion. Very classy! The food was terrific and we had a wonderful evening.

    (5)

  • Charoline D.

    Sweet Basil was designated for our one $$ meal during our vacation. Not only is it difficult to get a reservation for 10 in a resort town, but trying to accommodate the likes of each person is not something I could ever attempt. We made a reservation for 7 @ 5:30. It was fairly packed for such an early meal on a Monday night and for whatever reason it smelt like airplane coffee. Which was a turnoff. I digress. I started with a rum cocktail which was sort of forgettable and moved onto some olive loaf. I'm unsure as to why anyone would complain about the bread not being warm. It's not Olive Garden. For dinner I indulged in the poached Maine lobster atop lobster coral housemade tagliatelle with pearl onions and wild mushrooms. I died. So tasty. Almost everyone else at the table ordered the Colorado Lamb served with roasted beets which was equally excellent. Desert varied. I tried the pear almond crème brûlée which was decent, but not mindblowing. They got the caramelization right on the top, but maybe I'm more inclined to the traditional brûlée. The bacon banana bread pudding was odd, mostly due to the bacon making it too smokey and overpowering. A drink, entree, and dessert will run you about $70-80 with tip/pp. Overall, a decent departure from buffalo wings and pizza.

    (4)

  • Jackie W.

    Ryan J., while I appreciate your fondness for Sweet Basil, you have to admit it is not the BEST place to eat in Vail. How can you be so appalled?! I like Sweet Basil but I don't love it. They can never serve the bread warm. Why?! Because the kitchen is on a separate floor from the main dining room and apparently it's impossible to serve bread warm. I am a firm believer that the bread is kind of... an introduction to the meal. And their bread... well... sucks. The night we were there in February, they ran out of cod by 8pm! But the soup and salads were nice. Grits and chicken were great. I prefer other places in Vail for dinner but I love their lunch. The truffle fries are great. I had a wonderful sweet potato ravioli dish there in previous years. The staff are very accommodating, but I've lost my faith in this Vail "standard."

    (3)

  • Yin L.

    good place, ahi tuna crudo was delicious. my boyfriend's lobster and sherry bisque was delicious and I kind of wish I had ordered it. We both got the lamb t-bones, which were really good. the sauce was of the sweet and tart variety, which is not my favorite but the crispy fatty crust bits were irresistible. i had the the sticky date pudding - really good.

    (4)

  • Jennifer F.

    LOVE it - this was our second time there - after an amazing experience in the spring. Started with one of the best dirty martinis I have ever had. Our server was fun and definitely knew his stuff - recommended a delicious bottle of wine. The scallop risotto and pan roasted chicken were to die for. And the sticky toffee bread pudding - soooo yummy. Not a cheap date but totally worth it... Can't wait to go back.

    (5)

  • Kellie A.

    My husband and I went to Vail to celebrate our first wedding anniversary. I did extensive research on the different restaurants there, and opted to dine at Sweet Basil on Saturday night of our weekend getaway. Firstly, I must say that this is the best meal I've had since I moved to Colorado six months ago. Because it was off season in Vail, we were each able to get a three course meal for a very decreased price. I started with a shrimp and grits appetizer which was amazing while my husband opted for a cold artichoke soup which he proclaimed was delicious. I had the Caesar salad as my second course and it was very tasty, especially with the addition of anchovies. For my main course, I had the Colorado lamb shank which was the best piece of lamb I have ever had. It was so tender and fell off the bone. It had garnishes that complimented perfectly with the taste of the lamb. I dream about going back to Sweet Basil again just so I can order this dish. My husband ordered the sea scallops for his main course which came with mussels on top as well as many different tasty garnishes. At this point, I couldn't eat another bite, but my husband had this third course which was a s'mores dessert that I was told was delectable. Kudos to the chef of this restaurant as they obviously know what they are doing in the kitchen! I hope to return to Sweet Basil again sometime soon.

    (5)

  • Allison C.

    Overpriced for ok food. I had the wagyu marrow butter which just tasted only like butter, calamari and shrimp app which was bland, and lemon butter sole which had far too much butter on it couldn't taste the fish. Go somewhere else!

    (1)

  • Alexandra A.

    Very nice food, great food pairings. some exceptional others ok. Overall services was excellent and cheery, even when we sent food back. All around great experience and great Hendricks Haze martinis.

    (4)

  • Anna T.

    Great food, loved the salmon tartar!!! I'm not a huge sushi fan but that salmon tar tar was amazing. My husband had the warm apple and beet salad (nowhere near the tartar but still very good) and we had the ahi tuna and NY steak as entrees. The ahi was yummy but the steak had too much BBQ sauce on it that it was a bit overwhelming. If I had had the BBQ sauce on the side it would have been great! The toffee sticky cake w vanilla ice cream on the side as a dessert was awesome. All in all, if you are in Vail you should check this place out

    (4)

  • Rebecca J.

    I took my boyfriend to Sweet Basil for his birthday after finding the restaurant on Yelp. It was a perfect choice. Our waiter was very knowledgeable and very personable. The food was great - we had apps, salads, entrees and dessert. They decorated the dessert plate for my boyfriend by writing Happy Birthday in chocolate. All-in-all, a wonderful, relaxing, enjoyable evening.

    (5)

  • Dutch B.

    Snobville, manager/host chunky guy was a total jerk when we asked to sit at bar. Attitude vail tool. Bartender was a good dude. Food below average , taste like they get their supplies from sysco.

    (2)

  • Ave H.

    when we are here, we are regulars, and it is sometimes hard to please my entire family. i have to say that if you get the chance the service at the bar WAY super-cedes the table service, but even so, the experience is always a blend of delicious eats, drinks and an overall wonderful experience. all of their drinks are yummy! the margarita i would say is one of vail's best, though the mojitos and bloody marys are also contenders. lunches are by far my favorite, but dinner here (though you spend a pretty penny) is well worth it! the caesar salad... won't find better. and the soups... yum! we always also get a basket of their fries... truffle oil? yes please!!! whether you are wanting light or heavy fare, you really cannot go wrong. i split the fish tacos the other day with my brother! we were both impressed... there aren't many places that can compete with mangos, but for the moment, they're in the running. the black beans with fresh queso were a hit alone! and we all had a bite of the rueben too. delish! uhm... and the gazpacho... that's all i am going to say. the bartenders always remember us no matter how long it has been. it is always nice to be welcomed back. vail fav for sure!

    (5)

  • Bill W.

    ++The food. Although a tad too 'fine dining' (small portions) for me, was delish. The pudding cake was probabaly the highlight. +the ambiance and decor was nice, but i felt it was a tad sterile. -Service was prompt, but rushed. Server acted a bit too much

    (3)

  • Jessie H.

    For a nicer restaurant, it was really loud. Or maybe it was just the table next to ours. I called them boisterous, my friend just called them loud. No, it was the entire restaurant - it was loud. The service was also really slow, our entire meal took about 3 hours. I've enjoyed 3 hour meals before, but it's usually b/c I'm doing a tasting menu. No tasting menu here, just ordered a soup and entree. And it still took 3 hours. And I don't eat slowly. The food was also just okay. I guess it's hit and miss. I started with the seafood tomato bisque, which was quite tasty. The seafood was not overcooked and presentation was also nice (it's one of those where they have the solids in the bowl and they bring a pot over and pour in the liquid). I then had the duck breast with foie gras raviolis, mushroom ragout and winter squash puree. The duck was perfect - just perfectly crispy and warm. Unfortunately, the raviolis were a disappointment. That's saying a lot from me b/c I love foie gras. I probably would smuggle foie gras if it were ever banned. (Can I bootleg foie gras?). Anyway, they were cold (yuck) and actually very bland (sad... b/c foie gras is usually so tasty). The mushroom ragout was nothing fancy - just mushrooms. I could have made it - that's also saying a lot b/c I can't cook to save my life. On a positive note, they are extremely accommodating. We have two vegetarians in the group and the chef made them each a special vegetable plate. The waiter also made sure to ask them what they liked, didn't like, so the chef would know. Apparently the sommelier was also very knowledgeable. Another plus. I would come back again for a nicer meal - sometimes you just have to stop eating stuff like pizza and whatever is fast when you're on vacation.

    (3)

  • Eugene P.

    We ate here based on rec's from a few different friends. A very pleasant surprise. Since we came during the shoulder season it was pretty quiet. Overall, very good restaurant. Would eat here if it was in SF. So, here's what we ate: Ricotta and Parmesan Malfatti: cheese dumplings, like oversized gnocchi. Nicely browned on the outside, fluffy inside and the cheese was not overpowering. nice texture Roasted Sweet Potato Ravioli: one of our favorites of the night. Nice sized dumpling shaped ravioli. Filling was mild but flavorful. The balsamic sauce along with the pork belly cracklins was the perfect accompaniment. Get this dish :) Pan Seared Barramundi: I'm not a fan of raisins but they were only an accent and the lemon cauliflower emulsion was tasty Heritage Breed Double Cut Pork Chop: a bit mixed on this one. perfectly brined heritage pork chop with a nice sear on the outside and med rare in the middle. poached figs were a great touch with the rich pork taste. Roasted chestnut puree reminded us of poi and ricotta cheese dumplings were a bit strong. Vanilla Yogurt Panna Cotta: a nice creative take on the traditional panna cotta. Unlike traditional cream based panna cotta, they used vanilla yogurt which provided a nice slight tart taste which balanced well with the ginger granita. Hot Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake: signature house dessert, so had to order it :) It is as rich as it sounds, but worth it. Great with a cup of coffee/cappuccino.

    (4)

  • David S.

    The soup of the day was parmesan cream. Wonderful and I could have stopped right there but was glad I didn't. Four stars for great food. Two stars for the server who appeared to have a job below her "station" in life. Pity. Be proud to work there and leave the arrogance where it belongs, at home...

    (4)

  • Bill E.

    Sweet Basil lived up to its expectations in many regards. The ambience of the restaurant is more refined than its peers in Vail, making it a great special occasion restaurant. The service that we had at every stage with excellent, as well. In addition to being friendly and attentive, they were also extremely gracious about special requests for dietary reasons. Overall, the food was outstanding. In particular, the duck breast was a hit. The only reason this did not receive a perfect rating for me was that there were a couple misses on the menu. First, the pork tenderloin, we all agreed, was somewhat bland. Also, the dessert menu wasn't overwhelming. With a bill that averaged well over $100/person (includes a bottle of nice wine, one of many you can order from the outstanding wine menu), everything needs to be outstanding, and it felt just a bit short. Be sure to get a reservation -- they were booked solid even on a Monday! That said, I would absolutely return to sweet basil anytime I am in Vail and have a special occasion to celebrate -- and for this place, I would make up a reason to have a special occasion!

    (4)

  • Marilyn T.

    This place gets very packed, even on a weekday, especially during ski season. It's been around for a while, and I guess it's gotten a lot of awards. We had no problem getting a reservation and being seated on time with a party of 8. Service was a bit slow - it took a while to get the drinks and bread. Bread offerings were a cold ciabatta, sliced thinly, and a tough, cold olive bread roll - nothing spectacular, but you can't help but munch on bread as you wait for food. The wine director was pretty knowledgeable, though they were out of our first choice for wine. The food was worth waiting for, though. We started with a Cesar salad, which was pretty standard. The tomato bisque with seafood was hearty but not too creamy, and there was a generous mound of sweet crab meat in the center, along with two mussels. The only downside was that the seafood was cold, and it cooled down the temperature of the soup, but overall, it was very enjoyable. We had 2 vegetarians in the group, and the chef created a plate based on their preferences, which was nice - it ended up being a sampling of side dishes. The chanterelle mushrooms weren't too flavorful, but the sweet potato tortellini (available as an appetizer) was nice if you like a combination of sweet and salty, along with the crunch of the fried shell. The braised cauliflower with grapes was also a very unique approach to the vegetable, and I loved the combination - it also serves as the base of the scallop dish. The scallops were humongous and seared perfectly. They were seasoned well and a bit too buttery. As I mentioned earlier, the cauliflower and parsnip puree it rested on was a perfect combination of savory and sweet. I know I shouldn't order seafood in the middle of Colorado, but I can't handle huge chunks of meat.. and I was so happy with my dish. The pork was flavored perfectly with a nice sear on the outside, perfectly tender inside. The lamb was also very good. The only letdown was the tagliatelle with rabbit - it was too oily and very reminiscent of Chinese hand cut noodles, texture-wise. The dessert of pineapple upside down cake was an innovative play on the traditional dish. The cake had a pineapple in the center, and there was fried ice cream on top, with candied thinly sliced pineapple. There was also crushed pineapple on the side, and if you combined everything into one bite, it was a fragrant, subtly sweet combination of textures. Dinner took about 3 hours, but it was nice and leisurely paced. The atmosphere is pretty lively, and though it's a nice restaurant, it's noisy inside. There are so many great places in Vail, but you're willing to wait, I think the food is worth it.

    (4)

  • matt b.

    Solid food. Eat at the bar if there's a problem getting a reservation. Great wine selection. The guy next to me kept filling my glass from his bottle after mine was gone... not bad! Couple things I wasn't crazy about: The menu is a little awkward, as far as my preferred ordering of a handful of starters and an entree, as a lot of the ingredients are the same in both groups. The waitstaff, at the bar at least, was a little too "informal", but maybe that's just Vail.

    (4)

  • W. O.

    Hands down my favorite restaurant in Vail. Excellent food, atmosphere, and service. A must to eat at when in Vail for either lunch or dinner.

    (5)

  • Troy B.

    Had the special - venison with beets, pickled cherries, and walnut butter. Fantastic. Staff was pleasantly relaxed, yet very attentive. It was everything I wanted.

    (5)

  • Kate W.

    After a morning on the mountain, my boyfriend and I stumbled into Sweet Basil for lunch. We sat at the bar, although there were tables available. The bartender was super nice, and our food was great. I got the Waldorf salad which was fine. (I didn't notice that there were raisins when I read the menu description, and I hate raisins so the salad was only fine.) My boyfriend got chicken noodle soup and a burger - both of which were fantastic. I would recommend either. We might go back for dinner, and if so I'll let you know how it was. *Update* We went there again for lunch today, and it was better than our first meal. We both got caesars (bf added grilled chicken) and split an order of the truffle fries. It was a perfect lunch (for those who love garlic.) This will be our lunch spot when we're in Vail fo sho.

    (4)

  • Tammy M.

    I had not been here for a few years but I was not disappointed. Our lunch for 5 was $170 and each plate was excellent. The salads were fresh and interesting with items like roasted parsnips and fennel. Our waiter was attentive and very accommodating when one order got messed up. I recommend it highly.

    (4)

  • Matt P.

    Went here for lunch, had a great meal and a pretty descent view. The waitstaff was very friendly and I felt bad because a few tables away were a man with his mother on vacation from Florida who ordered at least 5 appetizers and sent most of them back, then for entrees decided they were allergic to the main ingredient?! It was a little outrageous after we watched them send plate after plate back for no reason. Besides the Guido from Florida it was overall great. The truffle fries could've contained maybe some truffle aioli or some sort of sauce, but the short ribs were so tender.Good food.

    (4)

  • Julie S.

    We were so disappointed to have a terrible dining experience at Sweet Basil on Saturday night. We anticipated having the "meal of the weekend" with great food, ambience, and company. Instead we were met with good food, and a sub par wait staff leaving us with a terrible taste in our mouth. We heard the servers dropping profanities, talking about their sexcapades and debating how they should serve the food only to then screw it up when they got to the table. Don't plan on returning or recommending the place.

    (1)

  • Gabriella K.

    Shared the fried calamari and shrimp, which came with some veggies as well-- it was very good, not gummy or chewy at all, as dishes of this nature can be. Then had mozzarella and tomato salad which came with a touch of balsamic and a touch of pesto, was an excellent caprese salad, just ask them not to add the sprinkle of salt on top. My friend had the BLT, which I didn't try, but the meat and bread both looked just right for the gourmet version of this typical sandwich. Only downside is that the restaurant was sort of corporate/impersonal, not charming at all...

    (3)

  • Sherri L.

    What a treat! The food and service was amazing. My husband started with the corn soup while I had the heirloom tomato salad. For entrees my husband chose the filet and I had the whole trout. Oh my goodness, the lemon sauce was so good. We also shared a nice pinot noir to sip on. We still can't stop talking about how good it was. I would highly recommend Sweet Basil if you're looking for an amazing dining experience while in Vail.

    (5)

  • Brad F.

    We dined at Sweet Basil last week. What a beautiful setting out on the patio. The food was delicious, though a bit pricey (probably average for Vail though). Laurie had the ravioli appetizer and it was creative and delicious - even the duck egg. I had the lamb t-bones that were awesome - melted in my mouth. For dessert we had the bread pudding and toffee cake. Quite enjoyable! We had a great experience and look forward to returning.

    (4)

  • Lauren S.

    My Fiance and I double-dated here last Valentine's day. Definitely get the Duck Fois Grais raviolis. After sampling all 4 dishes that the table had ordered - hands down, we all agreed that the Duck Ravis was the best. You can pass on the mac & cheese... though. I was disappointed that it's this weird broth soup with floating m&c filled won tons. If you're a Zin fan, a bottle of Robert Biale Black Chicken is a must order!!

    (5)

  • Joseph M.

    This is another quality Vail restaurant. We went last weekend during the Teva games, not only was the food great but the personality of the host and wait staff was impeccable. Our waiter not only gave us great suggestions on food and wine, but he also was very social while focusing on his other tables. The food here is great and you can't beet the three course meal for $45. I would suggest the Shrimp and white corn grits appetizer, the lamb shank or beef cheek entree, and for dessert I would suggest the Smores or the Carrot Cake. The bourbon sauce on the carrot cake is one of a kind.

    (5)

  • Christianne E.

    Had a wonderful dinner here while in Vail. I had the venison and the grilled peach salad starter. In the end, I couldn't resist the pound cake for dessert. Everything was perfect!

    (5)

  • Amy Z.

    Yum! I had the tenderloin prepared rare plus of course, and it was perfection! We also ordered a side of the mushrooms which were absolutely delish! Our serve was accommodating and polite. This was my second time to Sweet Basil and fo sho won't be my last! Rezzies are a necessity during season.

    (4)

  • Liam W.

    Great! The food wasn't phenomenal but the desserts are where this place shines. I would actually really like to meet their pastry chef and give him/her a hug after every meal there.

    (5)

  • Peter B.

    One of the few place in Vail that makes an attempt to stay open most of the year. We were pleasantly surprised that they were open in the middle of a ghosttown Vail (early May). Good salads, great service, pretty reasonable prices. Will return again.

    (4)

  • Michael E.

    5 stars for Sweet Basil, because when you're in Vail, you're probably not traveling very far for dinner, and this is by far the best place I ate while there. It looks brand new, though it's apparently been around for decades. The bar has a very good selection of interesting drinks, and the service is prompt, polite and attentive. Of a much higher caliber than any other restaurant I've been to at Vail. I ate at the bar, late. Ordered the Colorado Striped Bass and a side of the bacon brussels sprouts. Both were excellent - cooked perfectly, interesting, well presented and delicious. It has a clean, modern feel and a professional but somewhat laid back attitude. I liked it.

    (5)

  • Dan G.

    This is very nice place to have a meal in Vail. We went here for lunch. the atmosphere is very sophisticated, and the service was very good, although a little stuffy. I had the onion soup and lamb skewers. The onion soup is not traditional with baked cheese on top, but it did have a cheese filled onion ring they pour the soup over. It has some very nice well integrated flavors. The basil, olive oil, and garlic covered lamb skewers came with humus, and pita bread. These were very tasty, but they could have been a bit warmer. My wife had the duck confit over Pappardelle pasta, with slices of Parmesan cheese. This dish was excellent. The duck confit had a bit of cinnamon, and with some soft of spicy kick. Pricing on lunch was very reasonable for the area. I believe the prices go up quite a bit for dinner. A very nice lunch.

    (4)

  • Christine A.

    Food was inconsistent. Duck excellent, lobster pasta mediocre, whiskey cake for dessert a real loser. Restaurant noisy, server has a "who cares attitude, we're the best" Matre'd was verbally concerned but on the whole I don't think they care. Would go elsewhere next time.

    (2)

  • Tanya P.

    American fusion cuisine in an elegant atmosphere. Everything from beet salad to duck confit. Kids menu as well, so don't feel bashful about bringing the little ones - although dinner is better suited for a quiet date. Bustling place with many well-dressed older women and their unattractive but obviously well off husbands.. Open 7 days a week. Lunch, brunch, dinner. Small plates served between lunch and dinner hours. The manager mentioned extending the bar area and some slight remodeling will take place after the season. It's a fantastic restaurant with an impressive wine and menu selection. Considering you're not supposed to bring your own wine into anywhere (plan ahead to have any special wines sent to target restaurants), the wine list is impressive. No wonder it's been around for over 25 years.

    (5)

  • Archer D.

    In my opinion, Sweet Basil is by far the best restaurant Vail has to offer. Excellent food, great menu, fun atmosphere, and good service.

    (5)

  • JJ Scholl s.

    Sweet Basil offers its hip clientele a sleek ambience and fabulous food and cocktails. We started with the lump crab mac and cheese - a light, nuanced take on a comfort classic. I chose the striped bass as an entree and a side of bacon pomegranate brussel sprouts. pics and blog mention of Sweet Basil: jjscholl.wordpress.com/2…

    (4)

  • wildcat g.

    Holy Moly! If you didn't give this 5*s I think you must be retarded. This was some of the most amazing food I've ever had. The service was perfect - not too fast or slow, lots of bread and drinks, friendly and helpful servers and somalier, great atmosphere.... I could go on. BUT THE FOOD! It's amazing! Truffle-liquid filled ravioli? OMG... and the Duck dish is out of this world. Didn't taste a bad thing here. Rib Eye with truffle mashed potatoes were delish, as was the yellowtail. If you can swing the price tag - go for a special night.

    (5)

  • Mike M.

    Had an amazing dinner here. The crab and corn chowder was phenomenal and the pork chops may have been the best i have ever had. I would have given it five stars except my sisters salmon was just average.

    (4)

  • John D.

    I hate to write this review. First, because I've dined here several times and each time has been great, and second, because in the end the restaurant manager gave us our meals for free. But I'm still going to write it, if only to warn people it's possible to experience the perfect storm no matter how good a restaurant is reputed to be. We ordered several apps. The crab salad was excellent but we had to send our oysters back. They were awful. Yes, Colorado is landlocked but that's no excuse for poor seafood. And there should be at least 2-3 choices of oysters, not one. Our bread had hair in it. Lots of it. First my friend found a piece in his. Thinking it was just a fluke, I bit into mine and suddenly pulled a long blonde strand out of my mouth. Disgusting. Minutes later my wife was examining hers and yep, another hair. We spoke to the manager who explained he had just switched bread suppliers. Apparently SuperCuts now supplies his bread. Two of us ordered lamb T-bones. Last time I had it there it was excellent. In this case my friend's lamb was practically still alive while mine was so cooked it couldn't have been more dead. We both sent ours back. My friend's lamb came back correct, mine was rare this time. How difficult can medium be? I sent it back again and told them not to bring anything back. Near the end our coffee was forgotten twice. Third time's a charm, but by then it was too late. Not even free dessert could save things. (Free dessert is a cop-out in my opinion so that you'll still pay for your expensive meal.) The bill came - and it certainly wasn't cheap - and they had taken off the lamb and the oysters. But nothing else. My friends, who were in town from San Francisco and who we told wouldn't be disappointed, were shocked. An experience like that in the Bay Area would be made up for by a heavily discounted bill or more likely, a free meal. My wife and I had to agree. We called for the manager, probably for the 5th time, and I gave him a drubbing. He offered to take all our wine off and we agreed. And then five minutes later he came back and said he reconsidered: we'd get the meal for free. Kudos to him for making the right decision. I might go back. Needless to say we provided an outsized tip because we wanted to pay something, but it was really really disappointing. And unfortunately Vail doesn't have much more to offer in the way of fine dining, at least until the Ritz and Four Seasons are finished.

    (2)

  • Erin M.

    Perfect place to grab some lunch - wouldn't recommend dinner. Their truffle fries are to die for, and their bloody mary is my favorite!! (They put a cherry pepper in it, and it gives it so much flavor and a little spice, YUM). And you cant leave without trying the pudding cake. Always have had great service.

    (5)

  • Amanda B.

    Good service and atmosphere. The scallops did not disappoint and the duck with foie gras ravioli was amazing.

    (4)

  • Sam B.

    Went with the padre and the uncle (padre as in dad, not priest) for drinks and din. We didn't have a reservation, nor were we dressed for anything classier than a strip joint, but they still seated us immediately. Kinda surprising now that I think about it - I guess it was just our roguishly good looks that opened their doors for us. I opted for the Scottish salmon and we shared a bottle of Pinot. Food was excellent, waiter was attentive, and wine was Delicious. I noticed some cute girls by the bar but did not approach as I was with the old geezers (kidding). Solid little joint.

    (4)

  • Mary Jo S.

    If Yelp would have been around when I ate at this resturant, I would have given its review that night. However, I have been carrying around a cranky attitude about Sweet Basil and need to get this off my chest. You know it is bad when you carry it for about 5 years. We had dinner with friends who adore the resturant. I got off to the wrong start when I found an inch and a half staple in my salad (from the produce box); it set the fillings in my teeth screaming. The waiter came over and acted like it was no big deal and brought another salad. The rest of the meal was so-so and did not make up for the staple. Then to add salt to the wound, when I started to pay with my Discover card,the waiter laughed and said, "Have you discovered where you can use that card". I wanted to reply, "Have you discovered where your tip is coming from." Anyway, this place is too snooty and rude for me. They could have comped the bottle of wine or my meal for the staple incident but all they did is took the price of the salad off. Obviously, I cannot give this place a second chance.

    (1)

  • Brian D.

    Nice place, good food, but the atmosphere was entirely too loud, especially for a place that markets itself as upscale. Also, the waitstaff was a little bit rude at times.

    (3)

  • Shari L.

    The food was inventive, tasty, and reasonably priced. My full review here: assaultnpepper.com/2011/…

    (5)

  • Jessica P.

    I love Vail and I love this restaurant! If nothing else you must try the truffle French fries they are pretty much life changing. I also had a delicious peach and gorgonzola salad and ravioli that was exceptional. They also have a fantastic selection of wines and desserts so try those too! This treasure is definitely pricey and the service can be extremely slow but it is still a definite must try when your in Vail village.

    (4)

  • Vanessa C.

    This restaurant is great. We had a table in the back with the beautiful view of the creek. The food is very good. I had the Salmon and it was cooked to perfection. Would go back again.

    (4)

  • Riley S.

    We just came back from a visit to Vail. We ate in all of the top places including La Tour, Kelly Liken etc., but Sweet Basil was by far our favorite. We ate dinner here once, and lunch twice. All meals were fantastic. Highly recommend!

    (5)

  • Zip Z.

    We were not planning to stop in Vail but a sudden snowstorm closed Vail Pass and while waiting for the Pass to reopen we decided to look for a place to eat. We struck gold. The food was delicious - we enjoyed every last bit of the duck pot pie and our waiter was very well informed about food allergies. In fact he knew how to administer the Epipen as he had, on two previous occasions, administered the Epipen to customers. One to a lady who did not realize she was allergic to seafood and started swelling up (throat). Another to a 14 year-old whose parents were too distraught to react quickly. We felt welcome, extremely well cared for and the food was delicious. We look forward to returning - closed Pass or not.

    (5)

  • Anne H.

    We just moved from Vail and the #1thing I miss is Sweet Basil! We have been regular diners there for years. sure, they have off nights, but this restaurant is the most consistent top notch place for food, libation and service. There is always something on the menu that is a delight to the eye and palate. Lunch is an amazing value. You can get world class food for what you'd pay for a hamburger and fries up on the mountain. Oh, please open a restaurant in Park City!

    (5)

  • Gregory K.

    great place. Had dinner there the other night. The food was original and very good. Try foie gras ravioly. Make sure to make reservations at least a day ahead.

    (5)

  • Mark E.

    We had an excellent dinner at Sweet Basil on 1/30/08. We went last year and felt this visit was as good or better than last year. We were promptly greeted and seated for our 8PM reservation. While the restaurant was full and a bit loud, our cosy table in the corner kept us out of the noise. We had their "Bacon and Eggs" and a Crab Bisque as starters. Both were excellent. The Bisque was hearty and just right for mountain food. For entrees we chose the Niman Ranch pork chop and the Hawaiian Snapper. Again, both were outstanding. Perfectly cooked and presented. Dinner was topped off with their Toffee Pudding and Apple Gratin. Our waiter Brad provided outstanding service throughout the meal. He provided recommendations for both wine and menu choices. Just enough conversation, but also gave us our space. We didn't see any of the service problems mentioned below and highly recommend Sweet Basil.

    (5)

  • amy m.

    Ugh. This place is SOOOO overrated. I'm sooo over Vail restaurants resting on their laurels! Last Wednesday was the last time I will ever set foot in this place!

    (1)

  • Deidre H.

    wow! throw me down, tie me up, lock the door and throw away da muther f'en. key. words can not describe. it's not often I get biblical about brunch . . .but sweet basil made me do it. for years i've gone to vail, for years nobody cared, that poor little didi wanted to go to sb. year after year we ate at larkspur. so this year I decided, I don't care. don't care what it takes to take this fine piece of ass for some of Vail's finest food. so, I ditch my friends for the am skiing (feigning the irish flu - which actually was true) and head straight to brunch! sweet jesus and mother mary. crab benny - beautiful toasted brioche, mounds of fresh crab, a perfectly poached egg with a delectable chipotle Bearnaise . . . jesus died. he just made me his mommy. I'm going straight to heaven. an avocado, all whipped up, next to perfectly turned potatoes (i went to culinary school - I always give 5 stars for turning). oh shizel? is this real? I really don't think I can ski at all today!

    (5)

  • David H.

    Since 1987 we have been going to Sweet Basil on Christmas Eve. It's a tradition for our family. The winter menu and summer menu are completely different. I prefer the summer menu. It's lighter and fresher, much more fun. Last night we arrived at the appointed time and were seated in a great round table; perfect. But the experience that followed? We were disappointed. It wasn't bad, but our expectations are high as we recall previous years' excellence. The menu has lost it's uniqueness. My dinner, lamb two ways, really missed. The braised shank in Morrocan spices was compeletly overwhelmed by Morrocan spice and the lamb disappeared. The chop arrived medium when it was ordered medium rare. There's no easier way ruin lamb than to overcook it. My better half's artic char was fresh and properly prepared but not memorable. The roast half organic chicken could be described the same way. Something that maintains its's excellence is the Caesar Salad - best I've ever had in a restaurant, though I can do it better at home. The restaurant is famous for its sticky toffee pudding desert and it's pretty good, but it's so sweet that it should be illegal for people over 40. I used to like it but now, too much, too rich, too sugary. The service is great once you get by the cold fish (plural) working the front desk. That's also a historical tradition at Sweet Basil. It's been that way for many years. One other gripe - they take your credit card when you make a reservation. How tacky! Unfortunately, this remains one of the best restaurants in Vail and one of the prettiest. We'll try it one more time, next December 24 and hope we find the old Sweet Basil.

    (3)

  • Alvin S.

    I have probably eaten at Sweet Basil a half dozen times over the past 25 years and I have never been disappointed. The food is creative, fun and of course delicious. I am definitely a foodie and I would have to say that although there are better restaurants in the country, for the price and consistency, SB delivers. I had the duck breast with foie gras raviolis, mushroom ragout and winter squash puree and unlike the previous reviewer, I enjoyed everything on the plate. We had a great waiter (Mike), who always kept my ice tea glass full and when I expressed my appreciation for the house tea, he brought me the name and phone number of the local supplier (Vail Mountain Coffee and Tea). The tea was Mango infused Ceylon. The sauce on the bread pudding was so good that I was tempted to lick the bowl. Whenever I have the chance to return to Vail, I will definitely return to Sweet Basil. By the way, I did not find the noise level to be high and the music set the right mood. I was in the new addition with my college age daughter.

    (5)

  • Nestlee M.

    great food, great waiter

    (5)

  • Tariq A.

    Amazing toffee cake & good steak

    (5)

  • Ingrid I.

    The food was excellent! However the first impression was worth 2 stars. The front desk ladies/girls were dismissive, short and just unfriendly. We did not feel welcomed despite the good things we've heard. The waiter was rather disappointing too. The customer service was amateur. Things improved once food started to arrive. The place will be amazing once they fix their shortage of greeting customers with a smile and kindness.

    (3)

  • Alicia U.

    Really fresh and seasonal fare. If you are in Vail, you must give this restaurant a try.

    (5)

  • Lynn W.

    Love love love! Sweet Basil has the finest ingredients and their chef clearly knows what to do with them. I had an incredible Rocky Mountain trout and my fiance had a delicious chicken salad. The app was very good too - black truffle deviled eggs. Definitely one of our favorite restaurants in Colorado!

    (5)

  • Diana M.

    Our expectations were not met. Service was good. I think the chef was having a bad day. The pan-roasted chicken was dry and the brussel sprouts were so extremely salty and fatty that the next morning my mouth still had that cloying feeling of fat and excessive thirst from the salt. The salmon was perfectly cooked but the potatoes were hard and undercooked. I will wait a long time before going back..

    (2)

  • Alexander D.

    I do not have anything bad to say... so I will keep it short, ha! Food was great, staff was nice. Done

    (5)

  • Foodrunner F.

    "This was an awesome restaurant in March 2013. Everyone in Vail kept telling us to go here. The food was delicious and the service was excellent. It had a very nice atmosphere too. I ate the Striped Bass and my wife ate the Sea Scallops. She said it was the best scallops she has every had. Our waiter was very friendly and informative. I would go back here in a heart beat. If you are in Vail, check out this restaurant.

    (5)

  • Julia A.

    Every time I am in Vail, I try to find excuses to go to Sweet Basil. Usually if it's a special occasion, it's our go-to place for dinner. Their dishes are beautifully crafted, the flavors are perfectly balanced, and the atmosphere is intimate and calming. Depending on the time of year, the menu shifts with the seasons, and the chefs adjust their menu accordingly. Most recently we popped into Sweet Basil for lunch a couple weeks ago. What a relaxing escape from the bustling walking mall outside. The windows were open in the back, you could hear the creak down below, and a cool delicious glass of white wine was the perfect addition to the afternoon. Now I'm a 'splitter' at restaurants. As much as my boyfriend doesn't like to sometimes, we typically end up splitting everything. We started with a delicious mushroom appetizer with crispy kale flakes on top. It was salty, had a dense texture, and a rich cheesy finish. Next we had a crisp and cool Caesar salad - and I always appreciate when they forewarn you about anchovies! And we finished it off with a burger and truffle fries. The burger was perfectly cooked, had a big melted piece of Gruyere on top (YUM!) and the fries were hot, crisp, and quickly devoured. I'm kind of a fry snob, and these ones get an A+! Overall, a wonderful restaurant, and I'm looking forward to visiting again.

    (5)

  • Jack R.

    We tromped in off the mountain for lunch. It was not exactly worth the walk. The truffle fries were the highlight of lunch. That is both the good news and the bad news. The other dishes were about par, not what I would have expected given the billing and the bill. By far the worst aspect of lunch was the service. We were a party of eight which I would have thought would have warranted the attention of at least one person in the wait staff. They were slow to take our order, bring the food and we had to get up and flag them down to find the bill. Over all, it did not live up to my hopes.

    (2)

  • Soyoung P.

    Outside terrace on the riverside in the Summer night is very romantic! Ordered Heirloom Tomato Salad, Yellowfin Crudo, and Colorado Lamb T-bone. Salad was good, yellowfin is a rock! Lamb was so yummy, I took the all the meat from the bone.

    (4)

  • Marianne C.

    An amazing three course menu at dinner (even my 6 years old daughter had it!). Everything is delicious and the beet salad is divine.

    (5)

  • Karen M.

    Sweet Basil never disappoints. The food is incredibly fresh and the chef delights with clean crisp flavors that showcase the main ingredients. The service was superior every time I've dined here. Every time I'm in Vail, I make it a point to go to Sweet Basil. Thank you!!

    (5)

  • Michael C.

    I love this place, a real hidden gem with a great chef.

    (4)

  • Brian K.

    Wow Fantastic... Had the roasted chicken and others had the pork chops... All were fantastic and cooked to perfection.. Service was great as well... Just don't ask about price... Trust me it's worth it

    (5)

  • Charles T.

    Going there 30+ years .... and continue to love taking groups of friends there even in the height of ski season. The menu evolves and some of our old favorites have gone, but we still love the sticky toffee and can't go back up the mountain after lunch without it.

    (4)

  • Chris M.

    Considering this is off season... This place was crazy busy. Loved the vibe. Food and service were both excellent. Really enjoyed the Blue Crab appetizer. Fabulous!!!

    (5)

  • Hoover C.

    When I boarded Vail earlier this season, I came here for dinner a few of the nights. What surprised me was how good the food was. Considering Vail is not easy to get to, how did they get their hands on so many unique ingredients. They also have a pretty good selection of bourbon, so I didn't remember what I had. But I remember going a few nights in a row and enjoying the meal. The bartender was very knowledgeable. Be ready to spend some dough.

    (4)

  • Jocelyn M.

    I hosted 5 ladies on a Friday for my bridal luncheon in August and it was picture-perfect. We were sat at a lovely round table with a great view of Gore Creek and the tall windows were all open to provide an incredibly enjoyable breeze. The server, while cheesy as heck, was funny and entertaining and hammed it up for our group of ladies. I was aiming for a light lunch, with a bit of flair, and received just that. We began with the Black Truffle Deviled Eggs. The mustard seed and hint of truffle flavor really complemented this otherwise traditional appetizer. I decided on the Wild Alaskan Salmon Ceviche and split a caesar salad with a BM. They split the salad on to two plates, which I expect from a restaurant of its caliber, but don't always receive; and its size was perfect. The presentation of the ceviche was gorgeous--the meat, basil and pineapple were so summery in appearance and the ginger played right into the translucency of this dish. Satisfying, but not an overload. My only complaint was I was only offered one cocktail (lush) and my champagne glass remained empty for the larger part of the meal. Otherwise, perfect!

    (4)

  • Tad D.

    We enjoyed this establishment recently. The food, wine, service, and ambience were all quite good. We enjoyed the pork tenderloin - quite good - and the hanger steak was good, too. The setting on Gore Creek is enjoyable. Don't forget to order desert. The sticky toffee pudding was excellent. Try the oxtail risotto or tartare as an appetizer, but skip the fried crisp if you get the tartare. Only drawback: Caesar dressing was too garlicky.

    (5)

  • Melissa B.

    We loved Sweet Basil!!! The cod was so good we ordered another and the lamb t bones were so delicious! Also had the colorado tomato salad that was so fresh and the salmon crudo which my husband loved! The drinks were great too! Although it's expensive it's worth every penny!

    (5)

  • Antaash U.

    We had lunch at Sweet Basil because it seemed like the popular vote. The menu was seasonal, with organic products and had quite a few options that caught my eye. The ambiance my nice, but nothing memorable. Everyone enjoyed their meal, but the only complaint was the very small portions. My enchiladas weren't even appetizer portioned. For what they charge, I expected a little more. How about adding a side or a salad to the entree if it's so small? That would be an easy and cost-effective way to give the customers a better bang for their buck. Though the food was good, I am not sure if I will return to Sweet Basil upon my next trip to the area.

    (3)

  • Eric W.

    Sweet Basil is still a must stop for lunch or dinner every time I come to vail. Just avoid dinner at the peak time and you will be fine. The menu tends to be the same but if it ain't broke... All the dishes are excellent and I think they have the. best seafood in town. Nice cocktail list and an incredible wine list. Service has always been excellent.

    (5)

  • Tanya A.

    My friend who visited Vail in March recommended this place so I made a reservation about a month in advance. Good thing I did, because when I checked availability a week out, there were all booked until 9pm+! Upon arriving to Vail, practically every person we met (mostly locals) said that Sweet Basil was the place to go. For the past 25 years, it has been one of the best restaurants in Vail. Since we were only in the city for one night, I'm glad we picked this place for dinner. Upon arriving, we checked in with the hostess and did not have to wait more than two minutes to be seated at our table. We wanted to order wine, but we had to show IDs as that is state policy. Note, you will not be served alcohol if you don't have your ID, so don't forget it! We got one of the Oregon Chardonnays -- it was AMAZING. I highly recommend it. We got a tomato salad to start. It was an heirloom mix soaked in a balsamic vinaigrette, along with burrata. I love burrata. The puffed farro was interesting. Never thought of it in a salad, but the crunchiness was a different texture in the salad. Not too sure if it worked or if I liked it, but good thought. For dinner we got the salmon and the pasta. My friend loved his salmon. The friend oysters on his plate looked delicious, and he devoured them. The pasta was also amazing. I love that it came with a soft-boiled egg. I love eggs and I think they enhance any dish. The roasted corn was excellent, along with the queso fresco. It was a light pasta dish, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The most unique part to it, which I didn't expect, were the lime pieces. They were surprising, maybe too large of pieces, but definitely lightened the dish and made it quite refreshing. For dessert, our new Vail friends recommended the sticky toffee pudding, so we had to get it. Next to us, a couple got the pavlova and sticky toffee pudding. I love pavlova, so we had to get it! The pavlova was a ricotta pavlova, so not your typical egg white meringue. Nonetheless, it was wonderful. Very light for a dessert, which is maybe why it was still called a pavlova, with blackberries, hazelnut wafers, salted caramel ice cream, and blackberry coulis. All parts of the dessert were amazing and plated well. The sticky toffee pudding was wonderful as well, but more heavy. While we could not finish it, we enjoyed every bite. Only downfall was that service was slightly slow. Overall, loved it; I'll have to be back.

    (5)

  • Evan A.

    Came here for my birthday dinner in Vail and I can say that I had a wonderful experience here. We started off with the tomato salad which was a great summer treat. Nice and light, perfect start to the meal. I had the ahi for dinner which again was light and fresh, perfect for a warm summer nice. Service was great as well, no complaints. I'll be back. Only downside is I wish we got to sit on the patio, but that will be requested next time.

    (4)

  • Marios D.

    Nice lunch spot with friends. We shared the calamari and shrimp as a started and it was really nicely done - some tempura style vegies accompanied the dish and the dipping sauce was soy based with some sweetness. Good combination. The pasta dish was my lunch choice. Pasta in a light white sauce with lamb chunks (torn) on top. Worked very well. Some salads were also enjoyed and the burger was given high marks. Will return.

    (4)

  • Trinh T.

    Sweet Basil is a New American restaurant located in Vail Village. You can find some modern dishes in a very warm inviting space. The restaurant name is misleading, as this is NOT a Thai or Asian Fusion restaurant. In fact, I didn't even see the basil used in any of the ingredients. My Overall Rating - 3 Stars (Atmosphere, Food, Return) Atmosphere - Upon entering and taking a few steps up, you'll be greeted to a nice, modern, well-lit bar. Definitely a welcome site for weary skiers looking for that après ski cocktail. The restaurant itself is quite small, with main dining in the back and a few tables in the front. The tables are pretty close, and have a unique look that there are no table cloth. But the contemporary look & feel certainly match the menu. 1 Star. Service - If you plan to dine here, make sure you make reservations. It's small so it can get busy. Luckily the bar is a nice stop for walk-ins willing to wait. Our service was unfortunately rushed & slow at the same time. I know this statement contradicts itself, but when we arrived, our server rushed to get our drink menu, then disappeared for a long time. When she returned, she then rushed us to place our order, then again disappeared for a long time. Not sure if it was because they were busy, but this is a nice restaurant so I expected better. No Star. Food - As I stated before, this is NOT an Asian Restaurant. That being said, it is an excellent New American restaurant. The lobster & crab sopes were a home run to start. Chunks of lobster, crab, onion, & cream over a sope (corn patty) was delicious. The Seafood Fritto was a great appetizer to share as well. Then again, it's hard not to like fried food. The Parmesan Truffle fries were light & crispy with a hint of truffle oil, and the burgers were massive with excellent bread. The Duck Confit Cassoulet was good but not great. The duck and ham hock complimented each other well, but the beans seemed a little undercooked for my tastes. But hey, you're getting some incredible dishes here. 1 1/2 Star. Will I Return? - Probably. Despite the super slow/rushed service, the menu is progressive and the dishes are quality. Now, it is a little pricey but we ARE in Vail. Yes, Sweet Basil may be worth a return visit. 1/2 Star. My Yelp Rating Scale (Sum of all parts): 1 Star - Atmosphere - Is it a cool dive? Perhaps an upscale place? No matter the type, atmosphere plays a big part and I'll give a star if I like it or thinks it has great charm. 1 Star - Service - You can have a great meal with bad service. But that's also what can make a five star joint drop to four. It's important to the dining experience that service is great and on point. 2 Stars - Food - I'll award up to two stars for the food, since this is the main reason we dine out. Sometimes the extra star is given for value, but it's really all about the food. 1 Star - Will I come back? - If I know for a fact I'll return, I'll give this a star. A place has to make an impression for me to return. Each Category can be given up to 1 star except food (2 stars) because I consider all these categories important to the overall dining experience. I will sum them up to provide my final Yelp score.

    (3)

  • oanh p.

    Honestly, anything less than five stars for this restaurant is absurd. Their food is phenomenal. I absolutely loved our service. She was pleasant, and scarce. I don't require the staff of the restaurant to be invasively at my beck and call like some of the other reviewers. She was there when I needed her, and was respectful of our space when I didn't need her. - the laffa flatbread was a very pleasant surprise. The menu wording was not appetizing but the server's "bright with a kick" description caught me instantly. It was a delicate flavor palate, I'd say the kick was rather mild. But the lemon ricotta, lemon zest, spicy sausage and jalapeños rounded out nicely. - the butter poached new potatoes was DIVINE. Oh my goodness. How is that deliciousness even a thing?!????! WOW. What an incredibly well developed dish!!! Complex, full, well balanced, complimentary flavors of heaven. WOW. - the flatiron steak with green garlic chimichurri and Colorado lamb with Parisienne gnocchi were both fantastic. I love meat so this part of the review is really based on how much you love good steak. I love it more than my own soul. So take that for what it is. - THE STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING IS THE BEST IVE EVER HAD. MY MOUTH HAS NEVER BEEN SO HAPPY. It's creamy, salty, buttery, smooth, sweet, glory. With ice cream. JUST EAT THE DANG PUDDING. DONT ARGUE ME. IVE OBVIOUSLY PROVEN MY WORTH, JUST EAT THE PUDDING... you're welcome.

    (5)

  • Amanda B.

    This was the best meal I've had in a very, very long time. We had a 3-course meal that was part of the spring (off-season) special. The waiter told us that, cliche though it might sound, literally everything on the menu was great, and he spoke the truth. All three courses were fantastic. Our table of 4 shared all 3 courses, but of all 12 dishes, our favorite appetizer was the beed carpaccio, favorite entrees were the lamb and the haddock, and favorite dessert was the mud pie. However, trust me, choosing favorites was not easy. Our waiter was so friendly and knowledgable. He was able to, not only tell us which dishes were good, but a little about the process behind designing and preparing each dish. We would highly recommend!

    (5)

  • Yarin M.

    Came here for lunch. Food was average. Service was extremely slow! We ordered a wine bottle, food arrived and still no wine... Meanwhile we finished our lunch and then a guy came saying oh we actually don't have this wine .. We are so sorry, he asked if we would want a different wine, we said yes. We picked one and asked if they can compensate us in anyway ...guess what they said ? Nope. So rude!! food is average.service is bad and it seems they got attitude = don't come here!!

    (1)

  • Brent W.

    Overpriced and overrated. Had to wait for an hour to get a table and it was hard to get a drink while waiting. The meal started great with our wonderful waitress and a fresh tomato salad that was truly amazing. Then we had steak and halibut. The halibut was dry and boring and the steak was chewy and boring. The cost was outrageous.

    (3)

  • Kathleen B.

    We returned to Sweet Basil this year for another fabulous meal. I felt like I was eating the meal on Top Chef! All of the dishes were really fantastic. We started with the Buffalo Carpaccio, which was a good portion for 2 to split. I ordered the lamb and my husband ordered the steak. I usually substitute everything out for all veggies but I ate this as the chef prepared it and it was delicious. The presentation was beautiful and the combination of the flavors just wonderful. My husband ordered the Steak and it was over the top. I tasted his and it was even better than the lamb. The was your typical steak. The presentation and flavor combination was yummy. We then finished with the chocolate dessert and I was not disappointed. This was a 5 star meal from start to finish. Service was fantastic. It's well worth it to make sure you eat here when visiting Vail. Get reservations early.

    (5)

  • Anthony L.

    Fantastic meal. Had the pork cheek apitizer, very flavorful and had a fun cross of creamy and crunchy textures. Fantastic apetizer. Next we had the rack of lamb and new york steak both were perfectly cooked. I didn't expect the steak to be surf and turf but they snuck some lobster in there. Great dish.

    (5)

  • Aditya N.

    One of the best dinners I've ever had, had the 3 course meal which included the beef carpaccio as an appetizer, lamb sirloin as an entrée, and panna cotta as the dessert. All 3 were beautifully prepared and full of flavors.

    (5)

  • Meredith C.

    We jumped at the chance to take advantage of some off-season deals at Sweet Basil. We spent $45 for a 3 course meal. Between 4 of us, we ordered all different appetizers and shared them. I am not exaggerating when I say they were all delicious, but the beef carpaccio was phenomenal. As with the apps, the entrees were all amazing...the east coast haddock was my personal favorite. And as for desserts, the deconstructed mud pie took the cake, pun intended. The cocktails also deserve an honorable mention! The service was impeccable...they were very knowledgable of everything on the menu.

    (5)

  • Dwetri A.

    The stars are for excellent service after an ok experience. We started with the pea soup (tasty, but not mind-blowing) and beef carpaccio which my husband LOVED. Then we waited for an hour for our entrees to come. The server and manager were extremely apologetic and offered us comped cocktails which was a nice touch. Our food came out after a long time (there was a large party in the restaurant which seemed to fluster the kitchen). My haddock was good, but again, not amazing and my husband's flat iron steak was a bit above room temperature by the time it got to him. All in all, we could have been more impressed by the food at such a highly rated restaurant. BUT, at the end of the meal, the manager took care of our check which was extremely gracious and demonstrated the restaurant's commitment to excellent service. Thanks, Sweet Basil, we will definitely be back the next time we're in Vail!

    (4)

  • Wendy Y.

    I went here with 2 girl friends last night and we all thought the food was fantastic, but it ended there. We had 2 apps (foie gras and yellowtail, both awesome), sweet potato tortellini, an $80 bottle of Austrian Riesling (so so good), 2 desserts (donuts and toffee pudding cake), a 20 year tawny port wine and a glass of Malbec. The bill was 220 which I think is reasonable for the quality of the food.. People upset about portion size should know that this is upscale dining. Service was atrocious. We felt like we were being IGNORED on purpose because we were younger (23,25,30... Really?). We waited on 3-4 separate occasions for the waiter where he walked past us several times while we tried to wave him down to no avail. He messed up on our dessert orders, where we had ordered drinks to go with the dessert. We ended up waiting so long for the dessert wine that we finished the desserts. I tell him we ordered the drinks, he sees our finished desserts, and says "oh yes, those are only suggested pairings" ....."Yes, I know, but I ordered that and my friend ordered a glass of wine that still hasn't shown up." No sorry for forgetting our drink orders and compromising the dining experience.. That was the last straw. I think his service could've been redeemed up until then.

    (2)

  • Milkey S.

    Has to be our best dinner in Vail. I had the ribeye special which was great. Starters to recommend were the prawns, lobster bisque and squash. All were delicious. Also enjoyed a taste of the Niman pork loin which someone else at the table had, it was almost better than the rib eye. The staff was friendly and attentive even with the crush of the crowd. They took great care of the two kids at our table which is not always the case at "nicer" spots.

    (5)

  • Denise M.

    Excellent ambience and service. Went with a group of 6 and was seated at a fabulous table up front. Cod and lamb entrees were amazing. Chris provided remarkable service!

    (5)

  • Vikas A.

    This restaurant has a great atmosphere, good service and food. They have a good sized menu and all the items on the menu looked unique and appealing. One of the folks in our group asked for a small variation in her order, and the chef was very accomodating and followed up to make sure she liked her entree. Reservations recommended.

    (5)

  • Mary O.

    The burger and the tempura appetizer are both amazing! Some of the dishes are a little too pricey but we love going to Sweet Basil for lunch.

    (4)

  • Mile High H.

    Idk the steak was so so, it was over cooked and smaller than it should have been for a porterhouse. The waiter was not pleasant. It was as if we were beneath him. And the space was not even half filled. Compared to other choices, no.

    (1)

  • Kate W.

    After a morning on the mountain, my boyfriend and I stumbled into Sweet Basil for lunch. We sat at the bar, although there were tables available. The bartender was super nice, and our food was great. I got the Waldorf salad which was fine. (I didn't notice that there were raisins when I read the menu description, and I hate raisins so the salad was only fine.) My boyfriend got chicken noodle soup and a burger - both of which were fantastic. I would recommend either. We might go back for dinner, and if so I'll let you know how it was. *Update* We went there again for lunch today, and it was better than our first meal. We both got caesars (bf added grilled chicken) and split an order of the truffle fries. It was a perfect lunch (for those who love garlic.) This will be our lunch spot when we're in Vail fo sho.

    (4)

  • Tammy M.

    I had not been here for a few years but I was not disappointed. Our lunch for 5 was $170 and each plate was excellent. The salads were fresh and interesting with items like roasted parsnips and fennel. Our waiter was attentive and very accommodating when one order got messed up. I recommend it highly.

    (4)

  • Matt P.

    Went here for lunch, had a great meal and a pretty descent view. The waitstaff was very friendly and I felt bad because a few tables away were a man with his mother on vacation from Florida who ordered at least 5 appetizers and sent most of them back, then for entrees decided they were allergic to the main ingredient?! It was a little outrageous after we watched them send plate after plate back for no reason. Besides the Guido from Florida it was overall great. The truffle fries could've contained maybe some truffle aioli or some sort of sauce, but the short ribs were so tender.Good food.

    (4)

  • Julie S.

    We were so disappointed to have a terrible dining experience at Sweet Basil on Saturday night. We anticipated having the "meal of the weekend" with great food, ambience, and company. Instead we were met with good food, and a sub par wait staff leaving us with a terrible taste in our mouth. We heard the servers dropping profanities, talking about their sexcapades and debating how they should serve the food only to then screw it up when they got to the table. Don't plan on returning or recommending the place.

    (1)

  • Gabriella K.

    Shared the fried calamari and shrimp, which came with some veggies as well-- it was very good, not gummy or chewy at all, as dishes of this nature can be. Then had mozzarella and tomato salad which came with a touch of balsamic and a touch of pesto, was an excellent caprese salad, just ask them not to add the sprinkle of salt on top. My friend had the BLT, which I didn't try, but the meat and bread both looked just right for the gourmet version of this typical sandwich. Only downside is that the restaurant was sort of corporate/impersonal, not charming at all...

    (3)

  • Sherri L.

    What a treat! The food and service was amazing. My husband started with the corn soup while I had the heirloom tomato salad. For entrees my husband chose the filet and I had the whole trout. Oh my goodness, the lemon sauce was so good. We also shared a nice pinot noir to sip on. We still can't stop talking about how good it was. I would highly recommend Sweet Basil if you're looking for an amazing dining experience while in Vail.

    (5)

  • Kathleen A.

    My last meal on earth would be here, and it would be the buffalo kansas city strip. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Came here for my boyfriend's work outing. The service was top notch and didn't seem to mind that we had taken up several tables on a Saturday night. The drinks are superb, my absolute favorite being the Cherry Bomb. If I could afford this meal on my own, I will definitely be back!

    (5)

  • Jim M.

    An excellent restaurant in a beautiful setting right on the river in the heart of Vail. My wife and I went there for our wedding anniversary and had noted that occasion when making our online reservation. When we arrived, we noted, after being seated, that our menus had personalized with our names and best wishes for the occasion. Very classy! The food was terrific and we had a wonderful evening.

    (5)

  • Brad F.

    We dined at Sweet Basil last week. What a beautiful setting out on the patio. The food was delicious, though a bit pricey (probably average for Vail though). Laurie had the ravioli appetizer and it was creative and delicious - even the duck egg. I had the lamb t-bones that were awesome - melted in my mouth. For dessert we had the bread pudding and toffee cake. Quite enjoyable! We had a great experience and look forward to returning.

    (4)

  • Lauren S.

    My Fiance and I double-dated here last Valentine's day. Definitely get the Duck Fois Grais raviolis. After sampling all 4 dishes that the table had ordered - hands down, we all agreed that the Duck Ravis was the best. You can pass on the mac & cheese... though. I was disappointed that it's this weird broth soup with floating m&c filled won tons. If you're a Zin fan, a bottle of Robert Biale Black Chicken is a must order!!

    (5)

  • Joseph M.

    This is another quality Vail restaurant. We went last weekend during the Teva games, not only was the food great but the personality of the host and wait staff was impeccable. Our waiter not only gave us great suggestions on food and wine, but he also was very social while focusing on his other tables. The food here is great and you can't beet the three course meal for $45. I would suggest the Shrimp and white corn grits appetizer, the lamb shank or beef cheek entree, and for dessert I would suggest the Smores or the Carrot Cake. The bourbon sauce on the carrot cake is one of a kind.

    (5)

  • Christianne E.

    Had a wonderful dinner here while in Vail. I had the venison and the grilled peach salad starter. In the end, I couldn't resist the pound cake for dessert. Everything was perfect!

    (5)

  • Amy Z.

    Yum! I had the tenderloin prepared rare plus of course, and it was perfection! We also ordered a side of the mushrooms which were absolutely delish! Our serve was accommodating and polite. This was my second time to Sweet Basil and fo sho won't be my last! Rezzies are a necessity during season.

    (4)

  • Liam W.

    Great! The food wasn't phenomenal but the desserts are where this place shines. I would actually really like to meet their pastry chef and give him/her a hug after every meal there.

    (5)

  • Peter B.

    One of the few place in Vail that makes an attempt to stay open most of the year. We were pleasantly surprised that they were open in the middle of a ghosttown Vail (early May). Good salads, great service, pretty reasonable prices. Will return again.

    (4)

  • Michael E.

    5 stars for Sweet Basil, because when you're in Vail, you're probably not traveling very far for dinner, and this is by far the best place I ate while there. It looks brand new, though it's apparently been around for decades. The bar has a very good selection of interesting drinks, and the service is prompt, polite and attentive. Of a much higher caliber than any other restaurant I've been to at Vail. I ate at the bar, late. Ordered the Colorado Striped Bass and a side of the bacon brussels sprouts. Both were excellent - cooked perfectly, interesting, well presented and delicious. It has a clean, modern feel and a professional but somewhat laid back attitude. I liked it.

    (5)

  • Dan G.

    This is very nice place to have a meal in Vail. We went here for lunch. the atmosphere is very sophisticated, and the service was very good, although a little stuffy. I had the onion soup and lamb skewers. The onion soup is not traditional with baked cheese on top, but it did have a cheese filled onion ring they pour the soup over. It has some very nice well integrated flavors. The basil, olive oil, and garlic covered lamb skewers came with humus, and pita bread. These were very tasty, but they could have been a bit warmer. My wife had the duck confit over Pappardelle pasta, with slices of Parmesan cheese. This dish was excellent. The duck confit had a bit of cinnamon, and with some soft of spicy kick. Pricing on lunch was very reasonable for the area. I believe the prices go up quite a bit for dinner. A very nice lunch.

    (4)

  • Christine A.

    Food was inconsistent. Duck excellent, lobster pasta mediocre, whiskey cake for dessert a real loser. Restaurant noisy, server has a "who cares attitude, we're the best" Matre'd was verbally concerned but on the whole I don't think they care. Would go elsewhere next time.

    (2)

  • Tanya P.

    American fusion cuisine in an elegant atmosphere. Everything from beet salad to duck confit. Kids menu as well, so don't feel bashful about bringing the little ones - although dinner is better suited for a quiet date. Bustling place with many well-dressed older women and their unattractive but obviously well off husbands.. Open 7 days a week. Lunch, brunch, dinner. Small plates served between lunch and dinner hours. The manager mentioned extending the bar area and some slight remodeling will take place after the season. It's a fantastic restaurant with an impressive wine and menu selection. Considering you're not supposed to bring your own wine into anywhere (plan ahead to have any special wines sent to target restaurants), the wine list is impressive. No wonder it's been around for over 25 years.

    (5)

  • Archer D.

    In my opinion, Sweet Basil is by far the best restaurant Vail has to offer. Excellent food, great menu, fun atmosphere, and good service.

    (5)

  • JJ Scholl s.

    Sweet Basil offers its hip clientele a sleek ambience and fabulous food and cocktails. We started with the lump crab mac and cheese - a light, nuanced take on a comfort classic. I chose the striped bass as an entree and a side of bacon pomegranate brussel sprouts. pics and blog mention of Sweet Basil: jjscholl.wordpress.com/2…

    (4)

  • John D.

    I hate to write this review. First, because I've dined here several times and each time has been great, and second, because in the end the restaurant manager gave us our meals for free. But I'm still going to write it, if only to warn people it's possible to experience the perfect storm no matter how good a restaurant is reputed to be. We ordered several apps. The crab salad was excellent but we had to send our oysters back. They were awful. Yes, Colorado is landlocked but that's no excuse for poor seafood. And there should be at least 2-3 choices of oysters, not one. Our bread had hair in it. Lots of it. First my friend found a piece in his. Thinking it was just a fluke, I bit into mine and suddenly pulled a long blonde strand out of my mouth. Disgusting. Minutes later my wife was examining hers and yep, another hair. We spoke to the manager who explained he had just switched bread suppliers. Apparently SuperCuts now supplies his bread. Two of us ordered lamb T-bones. Last time I had it there it was excellent. In this case my friend's lamb was practically still alive while mine was so cooked it couldn't have been more dead. We both sent ours back. My friend's lamb came back correct, mine was rare this time. How difficult can medium be? I sent it back again and told them not to bring anything back. Near the end our coffee was forgotten twice. Third time's a charm, but by then it was too late. Not even free dessert could save things. (Free dessert is a cop-out in my opinion so that you'll still pay for your expensive meal.) The bill came - and it certainly wasn't cheap - and they had taken off the lamb and the oysters. But nothing else. My friends, who were in town from San Francisco and who we told wouldn't be disappointed, were shocked. An experience like that in the Bay Area would be made up for by a heavily discounted bill or more likely, a free meal. My wife and I had to agree. We called for the manager, probably for the 5th time, and I gave him a drubbing. He offered to take all our wine off and we agreed. And then five minutes later he came back and said he reconsidered: we'd get the meal for free. Kudos to him for making the right decision. I might go back. Needless to say we provided an outsized tip because we wanted to pay something, but it was really really disappointing. And unfortunately Vail doesn't have much more to offer in the way of fine dining, at least until the Ritz and Four Seasons are finished.

    (2)

  • Erin M.

    Perfect place to grab some lunch - wouldn't recommend dinner. Their truffle fries are to die for, and their bloody mary is my favorite!! (They put a cherry pepper in it, and it gives it so much flavor and a little spice, YUM). And you cant leave without trying the pudding cake. Always have had great service.

    (5)

  • Amanda B.

    Good service and atmosphere. The scallops did not disappoint and the duck with foie gras ravioli was amazing.

    (4)

  • Sam B.

    Went with the padre and the uncle (padre as in dad, not priest) for drinks and din. We didn't have a reservation, nor were we dressed for anything classier than a strip joint, but they still seated us immediately. Kinda surprising now that I think about it - I guess it was just our roguishly good looks that opened their doors for us. I opted for the Scottish salmon and we shared a bottle of Pinot. Food was excellent, waiter was attentive, and wine was Delicious. I noticed some cute girls by the bar but did not approach as I was with the old geezers (kidding). Solid little joint.

    (4)

  • wildcat g.

    Holy Moly! If you didn't give this 5*s I think you must be retarded. This was some of the most amazing food I've ever had. The service was perfect - not too fast or slow, lots of bread and drinks, friendly and helpful servers and somalier, great atmosphere.... I could go on. BUT THE FOOD! It's amazing! Truffle-liquid filled ravioli? OMG... and the Duck dish is out of this world. Didn't taste a bad thing here. Rib Eye with truffle mashed potatoes were delish, as was the yellowtail. If you can swing the price tag - go for a special night.

    (5)

  • Mike M.

    Had an amazing dinner here. The crab and corn chowder was phenomenal and the pork chops may have been the best i have ever had. I would have given it five stars except my sisters salmon was just average.

    (4)

  • Mary Jo S.

    If Yelp would have been around when I ate at this resturant, I would have given its review that night. However, I have been carrying around a cranky attitude about Sweet Basil and need to get this off my chest. You know it is bad when you carry it for about 5 years. We had dinner with friends who adore the resturant. I got off to the wrong start when I found an inch and a half staple in my salad (from the produce box); it set the fillings in my teeth screaming. The waiter came over and acted like it was no big deal and brought another salad. The rest of the meal was so-so and did not make up for the staple. Then to add salt to the wound, when I started to pay with my Discover card,the waiter laughed and said, "Have you discovered where you can use that card". I wanted to reply, "Have you discovered where your tip is coming from." Anyway, this place is too snooty and rude for me. They could have comped the bottle of wine or my meal for the staple incident but all they did is took the price of the salad off. Obviously, I cannot give this place a second chance.

    (1)

  • Brian D.

    Nice place, good food, but the atmosphere was entirely too loud, especially for a place that markets itself as upscale. Also, the waitstaff was a little bit rude at times.

    (3)

  • Shari L.

    The food was inventive, tasty, and reasonably priced. My full review here: assaultnpepper.com/2011/…

    (5)

  • Jessica P.

    I love Vail and I love this restaurant! If nothing else you must try the truffle French fries they are pretty much life changing. I also had a delicious peach and gorgonzola salad and ravioli that was exceptional. They also have a fantastic selection of wines and desserts so try those too! This treasure is definitely pricey and the service can be extremely slow but it is still a definite must try when your in Vail village.

    (4)

  • Vanessa C.

    This restaurant is great. We had a table in the back with the beautiful view of the creek. The food is very good. I had the Salmon and it was cooked to perfection. Would go back again.

    (4)

  • Riley S.

    We just came back from a visit to Vail. We ate in all of the top places including La Tour, Kelly Liken etc., but Sweet Basil was by far our favorite. We ate dinner here once, and lunch twice. All meals were fantastic. Highly recommend!

    (5)

  • Zip Z.

    We were not planning to stop in Vail but a sudden snowstorm closed Vail Pass and while waiting for the Pass to reopen we decided to look for a place to eat. We struck gold. The food was delicious - we enjoyed every last bit of the duck pot pie and our waiter was very well informed about food allergies. In fact he knew how to administer the Epipen as he had, on two previous occasions, administered the Epipen to customers. One to a lady who did not realize she was allergic to seafood and started swelling up (throat). Another to a 14 year-old whose parents were too distraught to react quickly. We felt welcome, extremely well cared for and the food was delicious. We look forward to returning - closed Pass or not.

    (5)

  • Anne H.

    We just moved from Vail and the #1thing I miss is Sweet Basil! We have been regular diners there for years. sure, they have off nights, but this restaurant is the most consistent top notch place for food, libation and service. There is always something on the menu that is a delight to the eye and palate. Lunch is an amazing value. You can get world class food for what you'd pay for a hamburger and fries up on the mountain. Oh, please open a restaurant in Park City!

    (5)

  • Gregory K.

    great place. Had dinner there the other night. The food was original and very good. Try foie gras ravioly. Make sure to make reservations at least a day ahead.

    (5)

  • Mark E.

    We had an excellent dinner at Sweet Basil on 1/30/08. We went last year and felt this visit was as good or better than last year. We were promptly greeted and seated for our 8PM reservation. While the restaurant was full and a bit loud, our cosy table in the corner kept us out of the noise. We had their "Bacon and Eggs" and a Crab Bisque as starters. Both were excellent. The Bisque was hearty and just right for mountain food. For entrees we chose the Niman Ranch pork chop and the Hawaiian Snapper. Again, both were outstanding. Perfectly cooked and presented. Dinner was topped off with their Toffee Pudding and Apple Gratin. Our waiter Brad provided outstanding service throughout the meal. He provided recommendations for both wine and menu choices. Just enough conversation, but also gave us our space. We didn't see any of the service problems mentioned below and highly recommend Sweet Basil.

    (5)

  • amy m.

    Ugh. This place is SOOOO overrated. I'm sooo over Vail restaurants resting on their laurels! Last Wednesday was the last time I will ever set foot in this place!

    (1)

  • Deidre H.

    wow! throw me down, tie me up, lock the door and throw away da muther f'en. key. words can not describe. it's not often I get biblical about brunch . . .but sweet basil made me do it. for years i've gone to vail, for years nobody cared, that poor little didi wanted to go to sb. year after year we ate at larkspur. so this year I decided, I don't care. don't care what it takes to take this fine piece of ass for some of Vail's finest food. so, I ditch my friends for the am skiing (feigning the irish flu - which actually was true) and head straight to brunch! sweet jesus and mother mary. crab benny - beautiful toasted brioche, mounds of fresh crab, a perfectly poached egg with a delectable chipotle Bearnaise . . . jesus died. he just made me his mommy. I'm going straight to heaven. an avocado, all whipped up, next to perfectly turned potatoes (i went to culinary school - I always give 5 stars for turning). oh shizel? is this real? I really don't think I can ski at all today!

    (5)

  • David H.

    Since 1987 we have been going to Sweet Basil on Christmas Eve. It's a tradition for our family. The winter menu and summer menu are completely different. I prefer the summer menu. It's lighter and fresher, much more fun. Last night we arrived at the appointed time and were seated in a great round table; perfect. But the experience that followed? We were disappointed. It wasn't bad, but our expectations are high as we recall previous years' excellence. The menu has lost it's uniqueness. My dinner, lamb two ways, really missed. The braised shank in Morrocan spices was compeletly overwhelmed by Morrocan spice and the lamb disappeared. The chop arrived medium when it was ordered medium rare. There's no easier way ruin lamb than to overcook it. My better half's artic char was fresh and properly prepared but not memorable. The roast half organic chicken could be described the same way. Something that maintains its's excellence is the Caesar Salad - best I've ever had in a restaurant, though I can do it better at home. The restaurant is famous for its sticky toffee pudding desert and it's pretty good, but it's so sweet that it should be illegal for people over 40. I used to like it but now, too much, too rich, too sugary. The service is great once you get by the cold fish (plural) working the front desk. That's also a historical tradition at Sweet Basil. It's been that way for many years. One other gripe - they take your credit card when you make a reservation. How tacky! Unfortunately, this remains one of the best restaurants in Vail and one of the prettiest. We'll try it one more time, next December 24 and hope we find the old Sweet Basil.

    (3)

  • Charles T.

    Going there 30+ years .... and continue to love taking groups of friends there even in the height of ski season. The menu evolves and some of our old favorites have gone, but we still love the sticky toffee and can't go back up the mountain after lunch without it.

    (4)

  • Chris M.

    Considering this is off season... This place was crazy busy. Loved the vibe. Food and service were both excellent. Really enjoyed the Blue Crab appetizer. Fabulous!!!

    (5)

  • Alvin S.

    I have probably eaten at Sweet Basil a half dozen times over the past 25 years and I have never been disappointed. The food is creative, fun and of course delicious. I am definitely a foodie and I would have to say that although there are better restaurants in the country, for the price and consistency, SB delivers. I had the duck breast with foie gras raviolis, mushroom ragout and winter squash puree and unlike the previous reviewer, I enjoyed everything on the plate. We had a great waiter (Mike), who always kept my ice tea glass full and when I expressed my appreciation for the house tea, he brought me the name and phone number of the local supplier (Vail Mountain Coffee and Tea). The tea was Mango infused Ceylon. The sauce on the bread pudding was so good that I was tempted to lick the bowl. Whenever I have the chance to return to Vail, I will definitely return to Sweet Basil. By the way, I did not find the noise level to be high and the music set the right mood. I was in the new addition with my college age daughter.

    (5)

  • Nestlee M.

    great food, great waiter

    (5)

  • Tariq A.

    Amazing toffee cake & good steak

    (5)

  • Ingrid I.

    The food was excellent! However the first impression was worth 2 stars. The front desk ladies/girls were dismissive, short and just unfriendly. We did not feel welcomed despite the good things we've heard. The waiter was rather disappointing too. The customer service was amateur. Things improved once food started to arrive. The place will be amazing once they fix their shortage of greeting customers with a smile and kindness.

    (3)

  • Alicia U.

    Really fresh and seasonal fare. If you are in Vail, you must give this restaurant a try.

    (5)

  • Lynn W.

    Love love love! Sweet Basil has the finest ingredients and their chef clearly knows what to do with them. I had an incredible Rocky Mountain trout and my fiance had a delicious chicken salad. The app was very good too - black truffle deviled eggs. Definitely one of our favorite restaurants in Colorado!

    (5)

  • Diana M.

    Our expectations were not met. Service was good. I think the chef was having a bad day. The pan-roasted chicken was dry and the brussel sprouts were so extremely salty and fatty that the next morning my mouth still had that cloying feeling of fat and excessive thirst from the salt. The salmon was perfectly cooked but the potatoes were hard and undercooked. I will wait a long time before going back..

    (2)

  • Alexander D.

    I do not have anything bad to say... so I will keep it short, ha! Food was great, staff was nice. Done

    (5)

  • Foodrunner F.

    "This was an awesome restaurant in March 2013. Everyone in Vail kept telling us to go here. The food was delicious and the service was excellent. It had a very nice atmosphere too. I ate the Striped Bass and my wife ate the Sea Scallops. She said it was the best scallops she has every had. Our waiter was very friendly and informative. I would go back here in a heart beat. If you are in Vail, check out this restaurant.

    (5)

  • Julia A.

    Every time I am in Vail, I try to find excuses to go to Sweet Basil. Usually if it's a special occasion, it's our go-to place for dinner. Their dishes are beautifully crafted, the flavors are perfectly balanced, and the atmosphere is intimate and calming. Depending on the time of year, the menu shifts with the seasons, and the chefs adjust their menu accordingly. Most recently we popped into Sweet Basil for lunch a couple weeks ago. What a relaxing escape from the bustling walking mall outside. The windows were open in the back, you could hear the creak down below, and a cool delicious glass of white wine was the perfect addition to the afternoon. Now I'm a 'splitter' at restaurants. As much as my boyfriend doesn't like to sometimes, we typically end up splitting everything. We started with a delicious mushroom appetizer with crispy kale flakes on top. It was salty, had a dense texture, and a rich cheesy finish. Next we had a crisp and cool Caesar salad - and I always appreciate when they forewarn you about anchovies! And we finished it off with a burger and truffle fries. The burger was perfectly cooked, had a big melted piece of Gruyere on top (YUM!) and the fries were hot, crisp, and quickly devoured. I'm kind of a fry snob, and these ones get an A+! Overall, a wonderful restaurant, and I'm looking forward to visiting again.

    (5)

  • Jack R.

    We tromped in off the mountain for lunch. It was not exactly worth the walk. The truffle fries were the highlight of lunch. That is both the good news and the bad news. The other dishes were about par, not what I would have expected given the billing and the bill. By far the worst aspect of lunch was the service. We were a party of eight which I would have thought would have warranted the attention of at least one person in the wait staff. They were slow to take our order, bring the food and we had to get up and flag them down to find the bill. Over all, it did not live up to my hopes.

    (2)

  • Soyoung P.

    Outside terrace on the riverside in the Summer night is very romantic! Ordered Heirloom Tomato Salad, Yellowfin Crudo, and Colorado Lamb T-bone. Salad was good, yellowfin is a rock! Lamb was so yummy, I took the all the meat from the bone.

    (4)

  • Marianne C.

    An amazing three course menu at dinner (even my 6 years old daughter had it!). Everything is delicious and the beet salad is divine.

    (5)

  • Karen M.

    Sweet Basil never disappoints. The food is incredibly fresh and the chef delights with clean crisp flavors that showcase the main ingredients. The service was superior every time I've dined here. Every time I'm in Vail, I make it a point to go to Sweet Basil. Thank you!!

    (5)

  • Michael C.

    I love this place, a real hidden gem with a great chef.

    (4)

  • Brian K.

    Wow Fantastic... Had the roasted chicken and others had the pork chops... All were fantastic and cooked to perfection.. Service was great as well... Just don't ask about price... Trust me it's worth it

    (5)

  • Hoover C.

    When I boarded Vail earlier this season, I came here for dinner a few of the nights. What surprised me was how good the food was. Considering Vail is not easy to get to, how did they get their hands on so many unique ingredients. They also have a pretty good selection of bourbon, so I didn't remember what I had. But I remember going a few nights in a row and enjoying the meal. The bartender was very knowledgeable. Be ready to spend some dough.

    (4)

  • Jocelyn M.

    I hosted 5 ladies on a Friday for my bridal luncheon in August and it was picture-perfect. We were sat at a lovely round table with a great view of Gore Creek and the tall windows were all open to provide an incredibly enjoyable breeze. The server, while cheesy as heck, was funny and entertaining and hammed it up for our group of ladies. I was aiming for a light lunch, with a bit of flair, and received just that. We began with the Black Truffle Deviled Eggs. The mustard seed and hint of truffle flavor really complemented this otherwise traditional appetizer. I decided on the Wild Alaskan Salmon Ceviche and split a caesar salad with a BM. They split the salad on to two plates, which I expect from a restaurant of its caliber, but don't always receive; and its size was perfect. The presentation of the ceviche was gorgeous--the meat, basil and pineapple were so summery in appearance and the ginger played right into the translucency of this dish. Satisfying, but not an overload. My only complaint was I was only offered one cocktail (lush) and my champagne glass remained empty for the larger part of the meal. Otherwise, perfect!

    (4)

  • Kristen W.

    I still love Sweet Basil after all these years. On a recent trip we dined there again and it still has a warm and inviting ambiance as well as an incredible wine list. The menu is everything I enjoy when having a nice dinner out with friends. In other words, my teens might not choose Sweet Basil as their first choice for dinner but my husband and I love the cuisine and the vibe. I usually order the lamb because it is perfectly done and my husband generally explores the menu to try specials in season. You never feel rushed by the staff at Sweet Basil so you can sit back and enjoy a fine meal in beautiful surroundings. If you can't sit down for a three or four course dinner then consider appetizers and a glass of wine at the bar because this spot should not be missed.

    (5)

  • Julia H.

    I had the Spring Special which was $39 for a spring mix salad, sea scallop entree, and a pineapple upsidedown cake for dessert. That was a very good deal and the food was delectable. Everyone else on our table had the seared ahi with lobster rice roll....which was perfectly made too. We were seated next to the large front window which was really nice for me since I was visiting. I got to see people walk by in their crazy costumes (for the last day vail was open) and see snow falling as we ate. It was just perfect.

    (4)

  • Dean Z.

    Have had mixed experiences here. Some great, some not so much. They are consistent with their prices however expensive place. They get an extra star from me for the quality of their old fashioned cocktails.

    (3)

  • S. Paul L.

    Excellent restaurant. Apparently it's considered one of the top 100 places to eat in America? I loved the bourbon selection. It's rare that you see a place offer Buffalo Trace small batch bourbon, but they did and their old fashioned was very tasty. This was one of the many places my wife and I stopped on our honeymoon in Colorado and I'd recommend this place to anyone interested in creative and innovative dishes. I would also recommend hitting this place in the off-season as we got a 3-course meal for $45 dollars per person. Normally, when places offer deals like that they skimp on the food or cut back on the quality, but I'm happy to say that neither happened at Sweet Basil. It really says a lot about their character and flexibility to work within budgets.

    (4)

  • Lisa A.

    The Lamb Chops are what it's all about for me at Sweet Basil! Professional wait staff makes it a special night out with friends!

    (5)

  • Steven E.

    First time here came here because of yelp review. We were not disappointed The food was excellent such wonderful tastes of every course. The service was perfect and the decor very pretty. When returning to vail we will come back

    (5)

  • Tara D.

    Very nice atmosphere and good food. I started with the crab and lemongrass bisque which was amazing. I wished it had a bit more crab, but I always wish for more crab :) The ceaser salad was exceptional as well. (Let's face it; it's not often you can call a caeser salad exceptional) Our only downside was the portion size for my boyfriend's monkfish. A word to the manly men who come with appetites: This is a delicious dish, but a bit dainty. The amount of actual fish on the plate was about that of my trout appetizer, so he left feeling less than satisfied after his $33 plate of fish pieces. I on the other hand, being a bit dainty myself, left with a happy belly.

    (4)

  • Chloe T.

    We ate here Saturday night. I highly recommend the toffee pudding cake-I found it to be sweet and decadent, and it hit the spot after walking around Vail for two hours in the freezing cold. We ordered oysters as an appetizer and they were delicious. On the waiter's suggestion (he was very helpful and friendly) I ordered the pork. Though he was right about it being tasty, as I got halfway through there were huge veins of fat and ligament that I had to cut around. So I paid $37 for a half edible piece of meat. The coat check woman was sullen and wasn't friendly but we tipped her because she was very pregnant and still working.... Overall, good food, good service, but do not get the pork!

    (4)

  • A C.

    Great restaurant in vail. Had a reservation made before we even arrived and it lived up to expectations with delicious food and wonderful service. Crab bisque was flavorful with lots of crab meat along with a tangy key lime "air" (foam) brightening up the dish. Chilean salmon was done well and was a solid dish but did not blow me away. However, the scallops were amazing. Yay for the Maillard reaction achieved without overcooking! Given the quality of the rest of the meal I would recommend being adventurous here! Service was excellent. Our waiter checked in multiple times but was not intrusive, and deftly and politely handled our many questions. Happened to leave our credit card but we received a call from the restaurant less than and hour later. A solid recommendation from me, for the food and the service.

    (4)

  • Victoria H.

    I visited Sweet Basil with my husband 2 years ago and we both LOVED it - the food, the location, the service. A few weeks ago when we were back in Vail with another couple, a return visit to SB was at the top of our "must do" list. This time around we ordered specialty cocktails and took a recommendation for red wine from the waiter. They were delicious. The various breads they serve while waiting for your meal-yum. Their salads-not your average salad. They all have an interesting twist. Between the four if us, the entrees we ordered were the scallops, lamb shanks, filet mignon and the duck. We all tried little bites of each meal. None of us would agree that any except our own meal was the best! Sweet Basil stays in my top 5 list-highly recommend it.

    (5)

  • Tyler S.

    Sweet Basil. Oh how I love thee! Every time we go up to the Ritz over in Beaver Creek, Sweet Basil is a given must stop! Everything has always been over-the-top crazy delicious and always super fresh and made to order. This past weekend, we were fortunate enough to make it up to Vail and pop in for some tasty fare. I almost always order the scallops of some sort and my partner usually gets the lamb shank. I'm not the biggest fan of lamb; however, Sweet Basil knows exactly how to cook it. This past weekend was also part of Vail restaurant week or something where we could order three courses for $45! I started with the cauliflower and truffle bisque which was REALLY good, while my partner ordered the tortellini. For dessert, we both ordered the toffee cake! (It is that good that you will want one all to yourself!). If you get the chance to experience this place, definitely don't hesitate. It has got to be one of my favorite restaurants out there!

    (5)

  • J D.

    Everyone told us that Sweet Basil is a must in Vail and they were right. AMAZING service, delicious and creative cuisine and a fantastic ambiance. I can't wait to visit Vail again so I can go back to Sweet Basil.

    (5)

  • Ashley W.

    My Mom and I stumbled upon Sweet Basil as we made a pit stop in vail on our journey cross-country and wow, were we impressed with this restaurant! Our server Thomas was friendly, knowledgeable and didn't steer us wrong with the top favorites. We tried the black truffle deviled eggs (awesome!), the Middle East Mezze plate (devils on horseback were so worth it), and shared the Snap Pea cannelloni entree which had so many complex flavors. The chili oil gave the dish a little heat while the ricotta melded the flavors together wonderfully. Next time we come to Vail we're going to Sweet Basil!

    (5)

  • Garth B.

    Amazing dinner. Fantastic service. Started off with foie gras. My wife said it was the best she has ever tasted! My lamb was delicious and so was my wife's ahi-tuna. Desert was decadent. Toffe pudding cake. Waiter had recommended the fennal as a side and we didn't like it so he took it off the bill. Don't come to vail and not eat here!

    (5)

  • Norman G.

    Consistently outstanding food and service make Sweet Basil one of our favorite Vail eateries. During a weeklong stay we usually dine upscale two or three times, Sweet Basil is always one of our top options. On our most recent visit we were greeted immediately by the manager Sam. Crab Bisque with Lemon grass and Sweet breads were exceptional, pork ribeye, roasted mushrooms, Brussels sprouts and both desserts were also excellent. Appetizers: All were very good, Sweetbreads were exceptional. Crab and Lemongrass Bisque Bib Lettuce Salad The Caesar Crispy Veal Sweetbreads Slow Cooked Duck Egg Pan Roasted Foie Gras Entrees: 1 adult had 2 appetizers Monkfish Pork Ribeye Lamb T-bones Brussels sprouts + country ham Roasted Mushrooms Kid's pasta filet mignon Dessert: We were all stuffed so shared 2 desserts. Cinnamon Carrot Cake Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake Always happy to patronize Sweet Basil and never afraid to invite friends.

    (5)

  • Mark G.

    Had lunch here during the "shoulder season" so I'm not sure if I'm grading on a curve or not.. For all the great reviews we just felt like the dishes we had struggled to be average. For starters we had the Wild Gulf Shrimp Spring Rolls and Black Truffle deviled eggs. The deviled eggs were good - about as good as you could make deviled eggs, and the springs rolls had good flavors, but were cut too small and difficult to handle - with the stuffing falling out of every bite. From there we waited almost an hour for our lunch to come out. We were in the first group of guests for lunch, but still. Tried the Leg of Lamb salad and the lobster and shrimp tostada. The lamb salad had couscous and obviously salad as a base. Had assumed the lamb would be sliced on the bias similar to a steak, but came out as long pounded out strips that looked like slices of steak'ums on top of the salad. Tough, kind of chewy and the presentation of the long stringy grey strips of meat on top of the salad didn't help with making us want to dive in to the meal. The lobster and Shrimp salad was heavy on shrimp on light on the lobster. My wife at two pieces of the lobster and left me struggling to find much more throughout the entire salad. Flavors were okay, my biggest compliant was that the Gulf Shrimp that dominated the salad were slightly bigger than "brine shrimp" you find at a bad salad bar. Desert was a flour-less cake that was okay, but even for a flour-less cake tasted really dense and more like fudge than cake. Not sure if the off season is the reason for the mediocrity - might give it another try some day, but definitely not on my immediate return list.

    (3)

  • Jessica H.

    Food is special and decent portion sizes for the quality and type of cuisine. Presentation was beautiful. Service was pretty shameful. The waiter was rude despite knowing that my party of 6 was celebrating our birthdays. He wouldn't let us take our time ordering. He pulled plates as we are. He made stupid sexist jokes and was just pretty awful in general. I probably wouldn't go back because of that experience. You can find good food in vail elsewhere. Getting mistreated by the wait staff is never worth it.

    (3)

  • Andy G.

    Pros: Good food and nice atmosphere Cons: Service is really off Had dinner here during summer and while the food is good, service is totally disconnected. Our server was aloof, and acted like he was just too cool to be working here. On top of his nonchalant attitude, he managed to forget all of my side orders and the bartender screwed up my drink, but "fixed it" by sending some simple syrup to the table so I can re-mix his drink... very classy. Just what you expect when paying $$$$ for food and drinks. I am not sure how hard it is to hire quality service professionals in Vail during 4th of July and the summer season, but the service I experienced at Sweet Basil was really bad. I am surprised the owner(s) are not on top of what is happening on the other side of the kitchen. I give the food 4 stars and the service a big nice round zero, hence the two stars. Just for reference, I found the service at Pazzo's Pizza to be 10x better.

    (2)

  • Chase M.

    Excellent in every way possible. The duck was very good.

    (5)

  • D L.

    Had specials Halibut and Duck, outstanding meal and service. The atmosphere is great fun.

    (5)

  • Stephanie M.

    Walked in early to a packed restaurant. No one to greet us and people walking around without an acknowledging smile or saying so much as a "someone will be with you shortly". Walked back in closer to our reservation and got seated. Waited a while for water, at least 10-15 minutes before someone took our order, then got bread shortly after. Lump blue crab and yellowfin tuna tartare appetizers: both clumsily put together. Lump blue crab had three inconsistent looking piles, and crisps varying in size kinda thrown around the plate. Taste of celery was overpowering, and I lost the crab in it. The tartare was better but presentation again wasn't aesthetically pleasing but the flavors melded together a bit better while still keeping each ingredient distinct. Entrees were haddock and streak. My steak was cooked on point, I loved the spoon bread and arugula purée. I personally don't care for creamed corn so I left that alone. Good portion, not too small or too much. As for the black risotto that came with the haddock, my boyfriend spit it out. The sourness to it turned him off, I'm not sure where it came from exactly. I thought it was ok. Personally didn't care for the whole fried scallions. The haddock was pleasant though. For dessert, we had sticky toffee pudding cake. Very sweet and rich, I couldn't finish the whole dessert. But still a great option. Overall felt like there were hiccups with service and with food, ultimately felt a little disappointed. Especially after we kept hearing people passing by speaking so highly of it. If we're ever back in Vail we might give it another try but we're not dying to go back or recommend it. Perhaps the cutting edge vision of the menu was a bit too far out for us. Every restaurant deserves a second chance though.

    (3)

  • M T.

    We have been to this restaurant for the past fifteen years, so it pains me to write a review that I hope they will read and change their game. Others have spoken about the service, and we would generally agree that their level of attention has waned considerably. You used to feel that they were happy that you were joining them, now it is more like an inconvenience. Also, please don't ask how the food is four one thousands after it is placed in front of the guests. But really this review is about the food. Their trademark shrimp and calamari with the spicy dipping sauce has been replaced with a fritta mista. No more shrimp, jalapenos, string beans, etc. and the sauce has been replaced with a simple terrible aioli. I spoke with other diners and I am confident that I am not alone in my dissatisfaction. The salmon salad was singular in its taste: sweet. The salmon itself had a sweet glaze, the pumpkin brittle: sweet, the roasted beets: sweet, the frisee: acidic. There was nothing to balance the dish. The lamb tacos showed up cold, the sauce too rich. On the plus side, the tea cups showed pre warmed. We have seen the process to tweak the menu before, in this restaurant and others. This should not serve as a warning to other diners as a plea to Sweet Basil to righten the ship.

    (3)

  • Mindy M.

    Can't go wrong here. Food is special, service is great. If you cant take another place that looks like the inside of a rustic cabin, you'll be refreshed by the clean decor. Shrimp and calamari appetizer is not the pedestrian dish everyone else is serving, so try it. Be warned- it's huge and will cut into your appetite for dinner if you have trouble resisting. Wines by the glass seem kind of expensive but maybe that's just the Vail factor. Top choice in Vail for me so far.

    (4)

  • Jen S.

    Enjoyed a three course meal with party of four over the weekend. Delicious apps: I enjoyed the crab and lemongrass bisque while others in my party ordered the venison, lump crab, and salad. The entrees were beautiful and delicious. We all shared a taste and our favorite was the lamb. So flavorful and tender-the best lamb I have had. We added a bottle of Malbec to our dinner as well, which was excellent. The dessert course presentation was fun, again ordered several to share. Our favorites were the coconut dessert, and rum cake plate. The chocolate dessert was less chocolate and more bland, not our favorite, but interesting textures. Overall excellent meal with creative chef well versed in cuisine pairings.

    (5)

  • Jorge S.

    Great spot for Lunch in Vail

    (4)

  • Chris M.

    Lunch was fantastic. Deviled eggs app great starter . Sweet basil chicken salad tasty and lite. Service at the bar super good!

    (4)

  • Justin F.

    To start with this place has lots of hype to live up to and think it delivers on most fronts. If its in the budget then definitely worth a try. I had the Tuna nicoise which was perfect and hit the spot. However the appetizers and desserts were good but not 5 stars. The overall service and vibe of the place keeps the experience a 5 Star. The wine list is very extensive and found some great bottles to choose from.

    (5)

  • Adam G.

    We were expecting much more given all the hype around town and strong reviews. We sat at 8:45 on a Sat. It wasn't too busy, but service was particularly slow. We had the Bibb salad, the stuffed quail, the pacific cod, and the pork ribeye. The pork was the highlight and perfectly cooked. The cod didn't have a lot of flavor and the quail was quite dry. Maybe it was just an off night... If you want to go, make reservations a few weeks in advance for a weekend table.

    (3)

  • Jesse C.

    Weather your in Vail on business or pleasure Sweet Basil should be your go to spot. This is my families favorite place to eat. Its not to pricey and there is nothing on the menu that isn't delicious. I highly recommend you stop by for lunch or dinner.

    (5)

  • Ashely W.

    Everything from drinks to appetizers, main course and dessert I was impressed! We had oysters which were extremely fresh and delicious. I had the lamb, which is one of their signature dishes and it did not disappoint at all! (Forgot what the BF had because mine was so good!) The Brussels Sprouts were the best I've ever had and I would buy the cook book for that recipe alone! And we of course had to try the toffee pudding cake....AMAZING!!!! Next time we are in Vail, we will definitely be eating here again! Well worth the bill in the end! Do not go if you are not willing to spend some $$!!

    (5)

  • Ed B.

    Food: everything was great. Lamb, tuna, monkfish and duck. Wine: you can spend as much as you would like on wine. Sommelier was helpful in sorting through the list but why do they always up sell you on the wine you thought you were going to buy? Dessert: also great Value: This is where it loses a star. Be prepared for the bill. Of course, this is Vail and with $139 lift tickets, what else would you expect. Definitely worth a visit.

    (5)

  • Jeremy R.

    Exquisite meal, I especially enjoyed the veal sweetbread and the lamb t-bone. There were 7 of us in our party and each ordered a different thing and no one was unhappy. The scallop a la plancha also stood out. The sommelier wade was a very knowledgable man who knew his wines I will definitely return.

    (5)

  • Rebecca U.

    My husband surprised me with reservations here during our visit to Vail. The ambience is great and our table had a nice view. Our waiter recommended we start with the crab and lemongrass bisque. It was by far the best bisque I have ever had! For dinner we ordered the pork rib eye and the ahi tuna. This was my first time eating ahi and it was delicious. My husband's pork was very tender and flavorful as well. Overall, it's on the pricey side but well worth it.

    (5)

  • Christopher S.

    Went here on a recommendation of a local friend in the Denver area while I was skiing at Vail with friends. First off, this is NOT a Thai restaurant, and I'm not sure if any dish on the menu contains basil so there must be a story involved regarding the restaurant's namesake. Having initially made reservations but then deciding to cancel due to post-ski fatigue (#first world problems), it was gastronomical destiny/reverse karma that another last minute cancellation allowed our party of 7 to dine here after randomly stumbling across the restaurant by complete chance searching for food options later that evening. Upon entering Sweet Basil, the bar is positioned in front of the main dining area with extremely wide and comfortable bar stools perfect for intimate conversation and the experienced bar staff had a nice selection of classic cocktails with modern twists as well as a comprehensive array of scotch, bourbon, and brandy ideal for warming the belly on a chilly evening. I would characterize the ambience as casual sophistication (one would feel right at home whether they were wearing jeans and a blazer on a first date or dressed to the nines having a wedding rehearsal dinner) and the food as illusively modern (seasonal ingredients prepared using modern techniques by a subtle expert hand). Always a good sign when one is conflicted by what to order due to the indecision of every dish sounding like a winner. For the appetizer, I went with the organic salmon belly "teriyaki" at the server's recommendation, although I could have just as easily gone for the lobster bisque with fresh lobster and lobster roe "dust", crisp veal sweetbreads with wild rice risotto, chestnut stuffed quail a la plancha, or saffron gnocchi "paella" (see what I mean?) The salmon belly was cooked into that blissful textural juxtaposition between raw and cooked coated with a caramel-like tamari glaze with compressed cucumber and shishito peppers cutting through the fatty richness of the fish and the surprise element of intermittent clumps of sesame powder that I initially confused as feta cheese which our delightful server pointed out as 100% pure crack cocaine. I would have gladly snorted it in rows off my plate if it was supposed to make the dish any tastier. I was able to sample two main courses with my lady friend 1)Golden Canyon Filet mignon served at a perfect medium rare atop mildly creamed arugula and accompanied by roasted Jerusalem artichoke, ciopollini onions and a large raviolo (single ravioli) stuffed with short rib and bone marrow and 2) Pear and pecorino tortellini served with braised kale and shaved walnut sunchoke accompanied by meyer lemon marmelade, brown butter, and a sherry vinegar foam. I would stack either of these dishes against those of any number of destination restaurants in Manhattan. Probably what impressed me the most was how each dish was beautifully plated to create the illusion of being lighter than they actually were and the fact that I enjoyed the secondary components as much as the primary ones. For the ultimate local experience, the Colorado lamb T-bones and Rocky mountain trout are not to be missed. i would be remiss if I didn't provide a wholehearted endorsement of their signature dessert: the sticky toffee pudding. Warm bite stradding between cake and pudding with notes of dates and vanilla soaked in a hot buttery sauce of brown sugar and brandy counterbalanced by cool whipped cream and a crispy nutty tuile, this is perfection exemplified of the British response to the American apple pie a la mode. I customarily do not have a sweet tooth, but I would get my double-O license to kill for a bite of this dessert. Definitely place this on your list of must-eats when skiing/boarding in Vail.

    (5)

  • Sarah G.

    Sweet Basil was probably at the top of my 'must go to' places when we were planning our trip to Vail. But now I'd probably rank it as third, or maybe even fourth when it comes to my favorite meals we had on our trip. I might have firmer feelings along that regard if I'd been paying for dinner also... because yeah, it's pricey here. The weirdest thing too, in my opinion, was the service. I understand with fine dining comes a certain professionalism and expectation when it comes to service, but we're more of what I'd call 'fun loving casual diners' and I didn't get the feeling that our server was willing to match that comfort level. It just felt like there was a wall of 'properness' between us... to me... I also - for the first time in a long time - saw little blips of the 'do you have enough money to be in here?' style of service. That could just be paranoia, but it was the feeling I got a little. For example, at one instance our server stopped talking to us to shake hands and thank other diners... just a little out of the ordinary. Okay on to the food. Because that's what really counts after all. And while I had originally planned to write a 5-star review of this place, when those plans were made I was sufficiently plied with food and booze. Now with over a week of hindsight, I had to review the menu to remember specifically what I had (also because "USDA Prime New York Strip" sounds like a much better description than "some kind of steak".) So, going in order, the meal began with three appetizers. Lump Blue Crab Agnolotti, Oysters on the Half Shell and Truffle Scented Cauliflower Bisque. Now that I look back, all three of these had a seafood theme, so apparently we were in a surf and turf mood. My favorite item overall was definitely the bisque, which included blue crab and black garlic. Magnificent! As for entrees, while the menu looks like you'd need to order sides, with appetizers it really wasn't necessary. Really. The NY Strip was served with Pommes Puree, Hen of the Woods Mushrooms, Confit Onion, Kobe Marrow Butter and Arugula Salsa Verde. Honestly while the plate was tasty, I can't say that the individual items noted here were recognizable in the flavor profile which was pretty heavily dominated by the mushrooms. But you don't hear me complaining since those were actually the biggest selling point for me. And dessert... by this time I was pretty stuffed, so opted to drink my dessert via a Fernet Branca digestif. I did try a bite of the 'Warm Jelly Donuts' though (Cranberry Jam + Piloncillo Sugar Crème, Tahitian Vanilla + Candied Meyer Lemon). And those were pretty tasty stuff.

    (4)

  • Mary B.

    Loved this wonderful spot in the Vail Village. We all had excellent lunches and the service was exceptional. A must try spot for anyone looking for an exceptional dining experience. !

    (5)

  • Craig R.

    Probably the best dinner I had in Vail. Attentive service, fast drinks, good wine list. Its kinda a fish place which is a little weird for the mountains. I had the duck and it was great.

    (4)

  • Kara K.

    The food was superb all the way down to the desert. I was surprised at the lack of wine list if you didn't want to buy it by the bottle. The beer came out of a can and they did not have a hard cider, we have been in Vail for a week and this is the first time they have not had a cider option. Our waiter was OK....I had to call him on quite a few occasions but he did get us what we wanted. Overall not as good as I had heard about but great tasting food

    (3)

  • Erin L.

    Highly recommend!!! My husband was dead set on our party of seven making the trek to Vail from Copper during our trip last weekend. He had been before, and was doing everything in his power to rally our troop to make a second appearance. First off, they were very accommodating to our increase in party size from six to seven on the spot. May not seem like a big deal (one person) but they did have to do some shifting, and it was a Saturday night. We then were seated shortly thereafter in a very spacious table, with a great location near the front of the restaurant. It was nice to be a part of the dining room, while feeling the buzz of the bar. We ordered some red wine, and it took a little while to be served, but not enough for any one to get angry. We were too tired haha. We were just getting antsy because we saw it sitting on the wait station for a good ten minutes before they presented it - and everyone was salivating staring at it after a long day on the slopes! For appetizers we got the ceviche, the tuna and the duck confit. The ceviche was nice, but it got a lot better once we starting dipping bread in the sauce! So much flavor. They could have served it with spoons - would have made it easier to divvy up between all of us. The tuna was actually very tasty - had a zesty green sauce that gave it a really nice flavor. I think my husband said it was the best tuna he had ever had. The duck confit was also very good, super tender. The spring salad I got was huge, and came with a shallot vinaigrette. The dressing was a perfect flavor. The salad itself was so crisp, really no other way to describe it. It was like each piece of lettuce was singlehandedly rinsed and dropped onto the plate. For entrees, I know I got the cod with carrots, carrot juice and jalapeños. The server highly recommended it. While I liked everything that went along with it, I was semi-impressed with the cod itself. Maybe I am not rehearsed enough in what cod should taste like. I was initially eyeing a pasta dish, so maybe I was kinda disappointed that I didn't choose that. My husband got the lamb, and it was delicious. What were standouts of the night were the Filet that my friend got, and its accompanying bone marrow ravioli. She was so gracious to even consider sharing them with all of us! I believe hands down that was the BEST filet I had ever tasted, and I only had a bite. She almost didn't get it! She actually ordered something else and then changed her order. Thank goodness she did. The filet was so tender, bold and flavorful. Now, the ravioli, I again, only had a bite - but that bite was something to be remembered. We even tried to have them make an entree of them for the entire table, but they didn't have enough to make it through the night :(. Honestly - the consistency and the taste were just so savory that it melted away any small reservations, if any, I had of the place. All in all - the place was pretty much perfect. The company was great, the vibe on point, and the food was outstanding. Cool decor and nice bathroom accommodations. It was definitely a popular hot spot as people were constantly coming and going. Quite the scene at the bar I might add. This is on our list to check out again next time we are out there :).

    (4)

  • D O.

    We were there during the restaurant week so we were lucky to try the entree for $20.14 so from my normal value based scoring system score was off the chart. But, even at their normal full price, my review would not have wavered. First, my favorite cut of steak, Flat Iron was done perfectly. And the desserts, oh boy hot chocolate and tart were both amazing. Unfortunately, I heard that the desert chef is moving on to put up a new restaurant, I will be making a special trip for that one.

    (5)

  • Frank S.

    Food way very good, but price for food is not very good. For example 12$ gets you 3 chicken nuggets and a a few fries

    (3)

  • Karma K.

    It was fancy but not as great. Too little plates but pretty ones.

    (4)

  • Julie F.

    Nice ambiance and menu. Be sure to ask your wait staff if you can't decide what to have. Super helpful. Food was very good. Nice drink menu too.

    (4)

  • Frank W.

    Overpriced but excellent service. I did enjoy the kale salad followed by the Lamb T-bone steak Great cocktails, margarita's are their signature items. Next time I will come back for the cocktails only. (-:

    (4)

  • David R.

    We've been going to Sweet Basil infrequently for 30 years (Yes, 30 years) and have never been disappointed.

    (4)

  • Robert S.

    Food was quite good but service was cold and aloof. Two bartenders could barely care. With a glass of wine in front of me one asked if I wanted another IPA. They were very nice to the locals. But to anyone not local they could not be bothered. I would come back for the food. The service. Up yours.

    (2)

  • John G.

    Sweet Basil is one of the top three restaurants in Vail. Great atmosphere and service. The food was exceptional. Some of our highlights were the Roasted Winter Squash, Colorado Lamb T-Bones, Creekstone Prime NY Steak, and the Toffee Pudding Cake. You can't go wrong at Sweet Basil.

    (5)

  • Niki D.

    The bartenders have a horrible attitude. They kept ignoring the very polite couple next to us several times... She was a classy lady and asked for drink menu first and got ignored until another man at the bar gave it to her. Then she tried asking for water and the bartender walked away for several minutes and when he came back and saw the couple fed up and leaving he said "you said you wanted water?" Totally rude. They left (good for them) the bartender basically did the same to my bf and I too! He started talking crap about the situation to the other bartender right in front of everyone at the bar. I don't like cocky bartenders neither do other paying customers. Either way the 3 stars is only for the taste and quality of our food once we sat at our table. My overall feeling: skip the bar go straight to your table.

    (3)

  • David P.

    One of the best restaurants in the country. Innovative and delicious. Always a winner.

    (5)

  • Mark T.

    These restaurant is a jewel in Vail. By the name I thought it would be an oriental fusion or something, but it's not. We started out with risotto and white truffles-winner. Quail was an amazing! We had an urge to order another one:) Kale salat was not only healthy, but also so yummy! We had a a Bedford Snapper for a main dish and loved it! Overall great service and food-awesome wine selection makes me think I will be back!

    (5)

  • Osha G.

    Yelp is killing it for me. Sweet Basil is worth every penny. I've had a chance to eat at a lot of overpriced places in Vail. Everything we are was amazing, specifically the squash app.

    (5)

  • Julie B.

    OMG. Everything was excellent. The service, the main course, the dessert, the view over Gore Creek. The buttermilk pana cotte was outstanding.

    (5)

  • pochini m.

    I was there yesterday on a business trip and had lunch here. The squash soup was excellent, the beet salad was very good and the avocado sandwich was excellent. We sat by the window and watched the water in the creek, overall just a lovely lunch, kudos to Sweet Basil

    (5)

  • Wendy F.

    When we visited, the hostess at the front door was so miserably rude we chose not to eat there and went somewhere else.

    (1)

  • Jessica B.

    This was such an amazing place all of our food was absolutely amazing. It's definitely not one of those expensive restaurants that you end up spending a ton of money and think the food is just mediocre.it's definitely a place that I would recommend making a reservation. we went on a Tuesday and the reservations were limited.surprisingly the entrees were a big size as well. my boyfriend and I got oysters as an appetizer, we each got our own entree without any sides, shared a dessert, and it was still too much food. our waiter was fantastic as well. He was extremely knowledgeable on all of the food and gave us the perfect amount of attention. This is definitely a restaurant that I would want to go to again when I go back up to Vail.

    (5)

  • Chris S.

    I agree with others about service. The staff at this place needs to learn not to judge a book by its cover. We went in and are younger early 30s. Staff was extremely stuck up and rude. Additionally, don't take your kids there or you probably won't get any service. FYI If u don't want kids here then do away with kids menu.

    (1)

  • Steph W.

    Delicious Delicious! Very refined food with high quality. We loved the agnolotti, lamb, and fish. Definitely top spot in Vail.

    (5)

  • Jamie B.

    We came during the off-season to get lunch and I was lucky enough to taste the: Gold Canyon Tenderloin Tartare $13 Black Truffle Aioli + Micro Herbs Confit Duck Tacos Plum Sauce + Pickled Jicama + Fresno Chile Chinese Black Bean Crema + Garlic Soy Edamame

    (5)

  • Malia N.

    The food and service was amazing as always! I have grown up in the Vail Valley and am now a luxury real estate broker here in Vail and no matter how many times I go to Sweet Basil I am always thrilled with the food, service and atmosphere. It is always a hit to bring clients, friends and family to this great restaurant and it never gets old due to the constantly changing menu. I always feel a little sad when a favorite is gone but that is quickly wiped away when I get my order and a new favorite inevitably emerges. You seriously must go if you can get a reservation when you are visiting. After that you will be hooked.

    (5)

  • Melissa H.

    Sat at the bar. Our bartender did not acknowledge us. He instead gossiped and lossy-faced with his "regulars". We had to ask for water. He never asked what we wanted or offered menus. I think he wanted us to leave so his regulars could have our seats. So rude. We left and went to the Mountain Standard where the bartenders are cute, polite and professional. Food is great as well.

    (1)

  • Anita C.

    This is what we ordered: Blue crab cakes Pork cheeks Carrot cake Pork belly Duck breast Sticky pudding with caramel rum sauce I'm not a big fan of sweets but the carrot cake was very different and not that sweet. So I think it was good. The BEST apps were the blue crab cakes and pork cheeks. Pork cheeks just melted in your mouth. Pork belly was AMAZING. Duck breast was a bit weird because they put berries in it and I felt like there was too much going on. But it was still tasty. All in all, this restaurant was pretty amazing and I would definitely go again if we take another trip to Vail.

    (5)

  • Tara B.

    Let's start with the good: Nice atmosphere Good Food Bad: The Service was so awful. My husband and I thought at one point we were on a you got punked show. The server was basically non-existent. When he was there, we had to repeat our order numerous times. We would literally tell him it and he would be looking the other way. It was as if he couldn't be bothered with a two top.

    (3)

  • J S.

    We ate here for the first time! I had the lamb and my husband had the ribeye. Both entrees were amazing!! We had the crab salad as an appetizer. I probably wouldn't get it again, but I was glad we tried it. Are the sticky toffee pudding cake for dessert. It was a great finish to a wonderful meal! The service was excellent. Nice atmosphere, but not stuffy. I'm so glad we tried this place. I can't wait to come back!! My favorite restaurant in Vail!!

    (5)

  • Lizzy L.

    For a nice meal when you are in Vail, every local will tell you that this is the best place to visit. We at at Sweet Basil and it did not disappoint at all. I had the NY Strip steak dish and it also had a mix of potatos and lump crab meat. It was EXCELLENT! My husband had the pork roast and said it was excellent as well too. The service was very attentive. They constantly were filing up our water glasses and checking if we needed anything. Bottom line, this is a high class restaurant that you should give a try!

    (4)

  • Armando D.

    The restaurant is in a lovely space overlooking the stream in downtown Vail. While the food here was delicious, and some of the best we tried in Vail, the real gem here was the service. Our server (who was Peter, or John, or Mike, I've forgotten his name) was one of the absolute best servers I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. His recommendations were spot on, his knowledge of the dinner and wine menus were superb. Eat here. If the other servers at this establishment are only half as good as our server, you will have one of the best meals of your life.

    (5)

  • Rkd K.

    Very pleasant and relaxing atmosphere, nice decor. Excellent food, from appetizers to dessert, everything we ordered was outstanding. I specially liked rack of lamb and mini ricotta doughnuts. Our server was a little snobby, but over all service was very good.

    (4)

  • Kristi M.

    Oh, Sweet Basil. You never disappoint! I have been to this restaurant a handful of times and have always had a consistent, great experience. Their cocktail menu is fun and creative and their dinner menu off the charts. It's limited in choices, but you can't go wrong. This time, I had the halibut which was served over potato puree with squash and greens. It was fresh, light, and delicious. My 9 year old daughter ordered the Caesar salad without the egg in the dressing, and it was the best Caesar either of us have ever had. I highly recommend trying this restaurant to complete your stay in Vail.

    (5)

  • Anna B.

    Unfortunately, I had to take off 3 stars for service. My fiancé and I were spending our vacation in Vail and decided to come here based on yelp reviews. We had a reservation and that was not a problem, we were seated right away. It was all downhill after we decided against ordering a $20 appetizer and going right for dinner because we weren't that hungry. "Well actually the menu is meant for 3 courses so if you're okay with waiting 20 minutes for dinner..." Are you kidding me?? Then to top that off...we came to the table with our two beers because we ordered drinks at the bar before we sat down anticipating a potential extended wait for our table. After being seated, our waiter said to us would you like something to drink with dinner or are you JUST going to have beer?? It sounds silly typing it out but the way he said it was so pompous. Like it's clearly so low class if we decide just to have beer with dinner!! We sat with empty beer and water glasses for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, the table next to us who had ordered a bottle of wine had seen the waiter probably 3 times. Is that a mere coincidence? Or was it a server spending more time with the table who by default will provide him with the bigger tip? We'll never know. If you're just coming here for some good food and didn't need the $20 app and the $60 upgrade to the rack of lamb instead of the lamb t-bone and you don't want a $100 bottle of wine with dinner you may leave disappointed.

    (2)

  • Jim M.

    Food outstanding but service TERRIBLE. Guest ordered medium-well on lamb and it was served blood rare. Was taken back to kitchen and returned 45 minutes later after all other guests had eaten... and waiter was nowhere to be found. Then ordered peppermint ice cream and was served chocolate chip.

    (3)

  • Kelley B.

    Truffle fries and salmon are great. Very classy but casual atmosphere. Nice dinner and staff was great. If I ever get back to Vail will come here again. Liked the list of organics too. Overall great experience.

    (5)

  • Jeff M.

    Our friend got us a gift certificate for this restaurant, however I would certainly go back on my own dime. I started with the Caesar and the lady had the truffle bisque. Bisque was good, the salad had a bit too much cheese on it for my taste. I had the pork tenderloin and she had the lamb. Both dishes were delish and presented beautifully. Do not leave without trying the sticky toffee pudding.

    (5)

  • P C.

    Went in to have a few cocktails with my friends and the bartender Carl would not shut his mouth. Carl continued to ease drop in our conversations and give us his opinion. I wasn't there with Carl! Will probably go back but won't drink at the bar!

    (2)

  • Marnie S.

    First week of December 2013. We had dinner on a Friday night, around 6pm (we're parents to a 2-year-old). Food was fantastic. Great flavors. Service was so-so. Actually, it was a let down, considering how great the food and how nice the restaurant was. We tried the Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake (thanks to a fellow yelper) and was very pleased with the dessert. I'm sure we'll be back when we're looking for something better than pizza and burgers for apres-ski. Hopefully we'll have friendlier service next time.

    (4)

  • Anthony C.

    I have to rate this place just a 3, I think it was just too overpriced given the quality of the food. It's priced more based on the location. Don't get me wrong, the food was good. We had flat iron tartar and Ahi Tuna Crudo as apps - both great and better in my view than the main. We had the monkfish and cod as mains - both good, although I'd say the Monkfish was better than expected the and cod didn't really wow as much as I'd hoped. For dessert we had the pudding cake and ice cream. I was so full I could hardly eat it but I did! The drink menu was fun, but pretty standard fair in my view given all the creativity out there at the moment. They also did what was one of my biggest pet peeves. After a $200 meal, they charged us $3.50 each for drip coffee. Drip coffee after a big order should ALWAYS be free, just like water. The cost to the restaurant is basically free, throw it in because people remember that. In fact after a big dollar meal they should be looking to throw in something else for free too, like a mini unique dessert. Any restaurant that does this increases repeat business quite a bit. Anyway there you go. The interior of Sweet Basil was boring which also led to a lower rating. Perhaps living in Toronto and having access to so many amazing restaurants I'm just spoiled, but this place is a marginal 3 for me. Hopefully you'll like it better.

    (3)

  • Isabelle L.

    Sweet basil topped all my dining experiences in Vail and I'll definitely be back if I have a chance. The decor is really "zen" like with clean lines. Service was top notch. The highlight was the quality of the goods where you can really tell the chef is using top quality organic ingredients and is making a sincere effort to come up with a perfect balance of flavors, colors and texture. All dishes we ordered were perfectly executed: nice salad, perfect corn bisque, awesome sea scallop, amazing halibut. Sweet basil is a must when in Vail. Make sure you plan ahead and have reservations.

    (5)

  • Kim R.

    GREAT SERVICE, quickly found us a table that would accomodate kids. delicious steaks. kids menu was delicious too - the fries and fried shrimp and chicken strips were fabulous! the breading was light and crispy. great meal

    (5)

  • Mike G.

    Dinner at Sweet Basil was great...quail and truffle risotto starters were excellent, duck, salmon and steak was delicious and had great sides (didn't need to order extra sides), followed by the sticky toffee pudding and mud pie! Right size portions so don't worry about taking food home to your condo or hotel room. Only drawback is this should be a 4$$$$ restaurant instead of 3$$$ if you have 2 starters, 4 entrees and 3 desserts and 2 cocktails; ~$75pp before tip.

    (4)

  • Danny D.

    I know this place is revered as Vails hottest and best place to eat these days but I gotta say I don't think it's all that. The scene is certainly present and the decore is retro with a plush & polished diner look towards the front and stand alone tables towards the back. The service was also very good and fairly laid back. We had drinks - wine and beer - (no draft beer) and some light dishes to eat including Caesar salads, a side of potatoes and Brussels sprouts. All were good, but nothing unique about them except the inflated price ....but we kind of expected that. More specifically this is why we were dissapointed: The potatoes were described as having some unique egg sauce over them. All you could taste is that they were deep fried. The Brussels sprouts were roasted and a teriyaki sauce of sorts was poured over them and were even sitting in a pool of the sauce. Hardly amazing. And the salads were appealing to the eye but had more than what was needed of the stalks present to have them hold the eye appealing arrangement. All in all not worth the bang for the buck.

    (3)

  • Bryan F.

    THe food was very good. The menu is very different and small. Not my favorite style, but that is personal taste. I would reccomend trying. Eveyone i was with fell in love.

    (4)

  • John D.

    Oooh I love Sweet Basil! I eat here every time I'm in Vail - one of the best restaurants in the village. I have only eaten lunch at Sweet Basil, but I suspect their dinner food and service is even better. For soups, the Lobster Bisque and Squash soup are very good. For entrees, the Grilled Verlasso Salmon Salad, burger and crab cake are very good, although the crab cake is small, so don't order it alone if you are very hungry.

    (5)

  • Jeffrey K.

    Only the best restaurant in Vail. NBD. Their Caesar salad is to die for. Seriously, I'm not a salad person, and I will come here just to have a desert salad with a glass of wine!

    (5)

  • A B.

    OFF NIGHT ? We have been going to Vail for 29 years and always include a visit to Sweet Basil. Last night was not up to the usual standards. My wife's salmon was medium rare instead of medium well, and when it finally returned it was over cooked . I had their highly recommended pork medallions and pork belly dish. The meat was chewy and the medallions were bland. To make things worse there was a table of very loud guests in our area prompting one couple to move and two others to complain . The maitre d' finally intervened, but a little too late. Our waitress did the best she could and comped our dessert, hence two stars. Let's hope this was an aberration.

    (2)

  • Amy P.

    I should start by saying one of my best friends is the head pastry chef so I'm might be a little bias. It was by far one of the most memorable meals of my life. Their menu changes frequently so I don't want to get you excited about a dish they may or may not have but their really wasn't anything that we had that even fell below average. It all was great or amazing. I really don't think you could go wrong with any selection you make. The only complaint I could come up with is the location of the bar right by the front door. It creates a traffic jam of people that you have to navigate through not only to leave but to go to the restrooms as well.

    (5)

  • Rose V.

    Very expensive for the portions they serve. Food is good, but a bit complicated at times, I got out of the restaurant with friends we were all not very happy about the place. They should give normal portions for how much they charge!!! We will not go back..

    (2)

  • Corey G.

    Went here for dinner last Tuesday with another couple. We ordered: Hawaiian Yellowtail Sashimi - delicious Crispy Veal Sweetbreads- very good And the white truffle pasta special of the day- NOT GOOD. Plus my hubby told me it was $65 for a little bowl appetizer portion. I didn't even eat it. It was just buttered linguini without a hint of truffle anywhere. For entree: Salmon- very well cooked. Simple preparation, but great! I wanted the monkfish but they couldn't make it without cilantro. Hot Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake- pretty good. A lime tart- GREAT. everyone voted it the best. Some S'more dessert- highlight was the ice cream. The rest was not memorable.

    (4)

  • Lovestospend C.

    Rob recommended the lamb and oysters. Fantastic. Definitely will go back.

    (5)

  • Angela D.

    Aimlessly walking around Vail Village, we walked pass this restaurant and decided to have dinner. We had a drink at the bar while waiting approximately 20 minutes before a table was available. Notable dishes: Crab and lemongrass bisque - this was really light and unique; one of my favorites! Monkfish - this is good but not one of my favorites here Muscovy duck - this was excellent. It was served with charred berries and a walnut paste Pork Ribeye - this was cooked perfectly at medium with a smokey taste Lamb chops - this was good but personally, I've eaten better. Brownie with goat cheese ice cream and sweet beet chips - this was so unique and I loved the goat cheese cream! Really light in flavor and paired well all together This is probably one of the better restaurants at the Village and definitely worth the visit!

    (4)

  • Andrea H.

    Out of all the restaurants we dined at in Vail, this was my least favorite...as far as food goes. The salmon belly appetizer special was delicious. Our sweetbreads were pretty good, and my venison was A-OK. I wanted to give this place 3 stars but the service just wouldn't let me. Yes, the dinner was leisurely but after a week of 16 hour days, that was just what I needed. And when my drink didn't match my dinner, our server said, "I got you" and quickly produced his suggested glass of white. And when I didn't like that, he brought me something awesome that I did like. Along with the great service, the dessert course made this place for me. The sticky toffee pudding is unreal. Paired with the brandy tasting, it was incredible. Actually, the fact that they have a brandy tasting is pretty great in itself. But with that toffee pudding...mmmm, so good! I'm not so sure I'd be running back for dinner but I'd be back for dessert and a nice evening out in a heartbeat.

    (4)

  • Andrian S.

    My Freand reconnect me this place Was very disappointed !!!! Fogras was over cooked Shrimps and calamari was dry and not testy Waiter David was not friendly and did a favor with any request A lot of good restaurants in the area !!!

    (2)

  • Keith M.

    Wonderful dinner with friends, perfect atmosphere, spot on service, excellent super Tuscan wine, delicious dinner followed by a great desert Good as it gets anywhere

    (5)

  • CJ C.

    I couldn't let the evening pass without giving a 5-star review to Sweet Basil for our excellent dinner tonight. We have been eating at some great restaurants here--laTour, the Tenth, and mountain Standard, but Sweet Basil rises to the top above these fine places. First, the decor is modern and fresh, but not stuffy. Second, the menu is broad enough and imaginative. The service--from being welcomed in, to table side waitstaff, was professional and loaded with helpful recommendations. Oh, and did I mention they offered a $45 prix fixe 3 course menu? So, on to the food--my dining companion started with the venison carpaccio...now I don't eat a lot of any kind of raw meat, but this carpaccio was fresh, well-seasoned and not gamey. I started with the crab and lemongrass bisque. This bisque was lightly creamy, with generous portions of crab and with a light Thai-spicy flavor. The taste was rich and delicate at the same time. Yum! Second course-my dining companion had beef cheeks that melted in your mouth. I had the beautifully cooked lamb shank. The portions were generous and delicious. I gave up part of my lamb shank to my date so I could save room for dessert. He had the sticky toffee pudding with rum sauce that our waiter suggested. Now my date doesn't like cake desserts very much, but he scraped the dish and probably would have licked the plate if he could. And yes, it was epic. I opted for the lighter, but equally as tasty coconut Panna cotta flavored with dollops of passion fruit and bits of kiwi and other delightful favors. He had a glass of Cabernet franc and I had a glass of zin. (This high altitude really killed my ability to drink more than a glass!) Total damage-$150, including tax and a generous well-earned tip. I would come back to Vail just to eat here!

    (5)

  • Ben J.

    You HAVE TO eat here. This is tied with another restaurant in Vail as my #1 restaurant in the US. The service is beyond great. The servers are extremely professional yet so easy to talk to, and very casual/friendly when discussing skiing and non-menu things. The food is perfect. I was in awe at how much better than expected it was. I had the duck breast entree, sweetbreads app (EXCELLENT!!!) and basil ice cream with cake, graham crackers, and pomegranate. We also had a red wine that I can't remember (Malbec, maybe?). The crowd here is great, the atmosphere is very comfortable. Highly recommended! I've eaten here two years in a row when visiting Vail and will absolutely eat here again when I head back next year.

    (5)

  • Amy B.

    Great food but very small portions and pricy. I have been here many times for lunch but I wish they still had more salads and sandwiches for lunch options. Their truffle fries are always very good. Butternut squash ravioli is excellent but will definitely not fill you for lunch. Their saving grace is the great bread and butter.

    (4)

  • Daniel K.

    Food is boring and uninspired. The shrimp appetizer is disgusting to look at or eat. I assume they are coasting on a reputation earned some time ago. Food presentation is dated.

    (2)

  • Susan F.

    Excellent creative food in a fun, friendly atmosphere. Upscale, intriguing food with a chef who knows what s/he's doing! Our server Ben could not have been more friendly or fun, although the did forget our mushroom side - he apologized, said he should have been more on top of it, but... Everyone told us that this is one of the best restaurants in Vail - we agree. Pricing for what you get seems in line. The Ahi Tuna Crudo and the Seared Salmon Tataki were artfully designed and substantial plates. We followed that with the Ahi Tuna (we love tuna) and the Pacific Cod. Again, we found substantial plates with inspired combinations of ingredients, although the bok choi with the Cod was slightly overcooked. We shared the chocolate fudge dessert - it was really great - creamy and thick. I don't usually order dessert but my friend does, and I was glad that I had the extra spoon. If you appreciate good food, this is a place to go. Not inexpensive, but the prices match the offerings.

    (4)

  • Kent P.

    Other than our super hot Swedish server, I didn't like a lot about this place. It was overpriced and the food was so-so. I had the Veal porterhouse cooked medium and it came out like an overdone pork-chop. Not the greatest. But boy, was our server hot.

    (2)

  • V K.

    Did anyone else expect a Thai restaurant from the name? I really enjoyed my meal here and so did the group I came with. The decor is nothing special but the service, food, and area are great. Among the 4 of us we had/shared: White Bean soup Soup D'Jour (I think it was a red pepper soup?) Truffle Fries Deviled Eggs Trout Scallops (but prepared the way the trout was prepared) Scallops (prepared the way it said it would be prepared on the menu) Strip steak? Some time of red meat dish We literally scraped our plates clean, everything was fantastic! Pros: Lovely hostess Coat check Location Ability to customize an order (scallops prepared the way the trout was prepared) Cons: We asked for bread service but we didn't get any. It took them 15 minutes to come take our order but otherwise, service was great. I highly recommend dining here. It was also a very pretty area to walk around and browse the shops.

    (4)

  • Rachel N.

    Having avoided a Sweet Basil trip for the last 22 years I've been coming, I felt that it was time--I went twice this winter season, and although the food was good, I'm still not sure why it gets such raves. The presentation was nice, the restaurant is cozy, but the food is just upscale contemporary--you could find it anywhere. Had the hamachi app the first time, which was solid, but the salmon entree was simply standard--and I left hungry. The second time I don't remember which fish I had, but it was again good, but nothing that put me in raptures. If you want to spend a bit of money in Vail, I would do Terra Bistro instead.

    (3)

  • Cynthia N.

    I felt like I couldn't visit Colorado without having lamb. For some reason, I have always associated lamb with Colorado, like beef with Texas. Anyhow...Sweet Basil received consistent positive remarks regarding its lamb and so that's where I went to get it. I definitely recommend making a reservation early for this restaurant, and I mean a week or so early. My friends and I got lucky with a 6:30 drop out which is how we got seated. Two of us had the lamb and it was so good that I didn't want to speak while I was eating it. Mine was cooked medium toward well and my friend's was cooked medium toward rare. Both were beautifully cooked (pink and red) and wonderfully seasoned. So it's decided, I do like lamb - when it's cooked well. Along with the lamb was a polenta and green beans, and both were very tasty, but really, I was only interested in the lamb. One of my other friends had the filet mignon, and she loved it as much as we loved the lamb. Another friend had the sea bass which she didn't enjoy very much, but she didn't explain why. It looked delicious to me, and I noted that she ate the fish, but not the sides, so maybe keep that in mind. Two of us had the sticky toffee pudding cake, which was very sweet. I liked the cake and the rum sauce that came along with it, but it was so sweet that I wouldn't order it again. The restaurant itself is very pretty, and I bet it's great in the summertime with the wide windows open. Our server was great, not particularly outstanding, but we were all okay with the automatic 18% gratuity for our large group. There is also a huge wine menu, which I would have loved to have sipped from, but this trip involved a lot of liquor, so I didn't indulge during this meal. I'm pretty sure I was in saturated fat and sugar overload after this meal, but it was worth it. Every entree on the menu looked worth a try, and when I visit Vail again (which I definitely will), I'll be visiting Sweet Basil to try something else.

    (4)

  • Candice W.

    I was so excited to try this restaurant for our Anniversary because of all the great reviews. I have never been so disappointed in a restaurant. We make reservations and sit down right away. Our waiter greeted us kindly and gave us a wine menu and dinner menu. Everything looked great. We ordered a decent $50 bottle of Cab. While we were waiting on the wine, he came back to us so we decided to order dinner. About 10 minutes from initially ordering the wine, the waiter comes back and says they are out of stock with that wine, so he recommends another similar wine that is $60. No big deal, so we agree. Another 10 minutes goes by and no wine. We see the staff running around and figured it was about our wine. The waiter comes back again with bad news. So the wine the waiter recommended was ALSO out of stock. For a top restaurant that specializes in wine is out of 2 wines we order on the menu, not cool. So he says the manager is going to give us a great deal on a $80 bottle. Fine, that's great, we just want wine by now. After everything said and done, food was decent but not worth the money. And the bill never had "the great deal" bottle of wine, it was full price. We were disgusted and didn't bother to even complain.

    (2)

  • Andrew R.

    Excellent meal, with smooth, professional service. Nice space, if a little table-crowded. Extraordinarily expensive, even for Vail

    (4)

  • Crystal C.

    Please be mindful that I went during the off season so the prices for food were significantly discounted. I don't really know the regular prices... but for dinner, it was $42 for a three course meal then for lunch, it was $11.95 lunch entrees. Great deal... and great food. Short Version: During off season, just amazing food at a great price. Service was attentive. Good recommendations. And most importantly, the food was unique and tasted GREAT! Highly recommend this place... especially since there is really not much to do at Vail during off season. Long Version: *Dinner* Appetizer - Sweet Potato Ravioli - yummy, fresh, and different. Entree - Braised Beef Cheek - It was so delicious and the meat was almost velvety in texture because it was just so tender and rich. Definitely good portion. I couldn't finish my Beef Cheek (even though it was so delicious) because I wanted to save room for dessert. My boyfriend has the rabbit two ways which was also great. He said that there is a distinct Asian flavor to it. Same with the scallop dumplings appetizer that he got for appetizer. *Dessert* Dessert deserves a separate section because of my personal attachment to sugar. Toffee Pudding Cake... delicious (not as rich as Duo in Highland - Denver metro area). Boyfriend had the dessert of the day... three fried donuts holes filled with jellie, a fudge-sicle, and white custard dip. The toffee wins hands down. He kept eating my toffee bread pudding instead his donuts holes. *Lunch* -Delicious small bites -- we ordered the devil eggs with pickled mustard seeds on top. So yummy! - Braised pork tacos -- again, just great quality food with fresh ingredients. Even the accompanying black beans were good... They put some sliced pork in the beans and really gives it a great flavor. The portion was a bit smaller than I anticipated but I am full. They are two small/medium size tacos with coleslaw and beans on the side. - Chile Relleno -- definitely a star lunch entree. There is a great crunchy texture without feeling like it was just drenched in oil. Great, bold flavor. *Dessert* - Chocolate Brioche Bread Pudding and coffee -- it was heavenly. I am glad that even though I was so full already that I ordered dessert. This dessert ranks up there with toffee sticky pudding from Duo. I think it was a great balance of difference textures between the chocolate paper, nougat, and the bread pudding.

    (5)

  • E C.

    We've eaten here a number of times and have always had a great experience. Their service is always on key as is their food. I've enjoyed oysters, lamb shank, and pasta dishes here. My children appreciate their somewhat more sophisticated kids' meal menu. Sweet Basil is a reliable place to dine in Vail. Reservations are a must during the high season.

    (4)

  • Jen G.

    This is one of my all time favorite restaurants. Many, many years of eating here and nothing to complain about. Everything is always delicious. You really can't go wrong. You also have to save room for dessert -- the dessert sampler is awesome!

    (5)

  • L Z.

    I don't know if it was the good company or the restaurant, but this place met all my expectations. I wanted a nice evening with my bf in Vail with nice wine and a creative dinner. We were fortunate to catch the tail end of the 3 course for $45 menu so we got to try many different items. We had the salmon belly teriyaki and it was hearty and flavorful. The entrees were the pork tenderloin and flat iron steak. Although these are common staples in many restaurants, Sweet Basil found a way to make their dishes stand out. There were many flavors and was creative enough to satiate my appetite. The portions were smaller, but for a later dinner, it was perfect! The desserts were yummy as well. The toffee pudding cake was sweet but wonderful with coffee to balance it out! Try it! You will not be disappointed! Reservations are definitely needed as we went during off season and the restaurant was totally booked! Last note, some previous reviewers stated the waitstaff was pretentious, but ours was not. Hopefully that was an anomaly and does not ruin anyone's evening or deter people from trying this place.

    (5)

  • Jerry H.

    One of the best restaurants in Vail. Great food, atmosphere and service. A must stop if you visit Vail.

    (5)

  • Alden G.

    Top marks. Staff is friendly and professional, dining room is pleasant and well-designed. Gazpacho is very tasty. We had three types of fish: Ahi Tuna, Hawaiian sea bass, and salmon, accompanied by Landmark Chardonnay. Made for a great evening!

    (5)

  • Jeff C.

    Came here for lunch while up in Vail over the 4th of July. I lived in Vail for a while and have been coming here for 14 years and for some reason I have just never had the chance to visit Sweet Basil. I have heard wonderful things about this establishment and finally go the chance to visit. We started off with the calamari and shrimp appetizer. Wow, the calamari was so tender! The breading on the shrimp & calamari was a very light tempura style breading. I also liked that there were a few veggies (raw and tempura) such as red bell peppers, carrots, green beans and jalapenos. The asian style dipping sauce was super tasty too! We all got a cocktail--my "perfect margarita" was pretty good and I would order it again. I opted for the black angus hamburger and it was a really really good burger. Mine was super juicy so I think it had plenty of fat in it (responding to another reviewer comment). I would definitely order it again. The mayonnaise was to die for (if you like mayo). It was definitely home made and had a really fresh flavor to it. All in all Sweet Basil did not disappoint! I am anxious to come back and try their dinner menu.

    (5)

  • Rebecca V.

    Nice place! The food was really good. Not really great, but really good. I'm gluten-free, which seems to be easier in Colorado than any other place I've been. When I saw the great reviews on here, I had my hopes up a little too high. Great service, beautiful presentation, interesting flavors-- just lacked that WOW I was hoping for.

    (3)

  • Marlene S.

    If I could give Sweet Basil 10 stars I would...service and food are always excellent. Many memorable meals here on par or above many NYC restaurants. We went last night to celebrate our wedding anniversary and our menu came out personalized with "Happy Anniversary to You Both" on it...the wine list is excellent and the somm is very knowledgeable. Service from the entire staff was superior to 99% of the restaurants I've been to. We will continue to keep Sweet Basil as our number one choice in Vail. The sister restaurant, Mountain Standard, also is excellent and shares many of the details that make Sweet Basil amazing...you can't go wrong with either. Food is fantastic at both places and drink lists are great as well.

    (5)

  • Alex C.

    They try too hard and charge WAY too much. Good food but there are definitely better places to go in Vail. They do however make a hell of an Old Fashioned!

    (2)

  • Nicole P.

    The very best restaurant I've experienced in a long while. Drinks: The bartenders make everything from scratch, they even squeezed several lemons to get bitters for our drinks. My dirty vodka martini was excellent. Four drinks was about $42. Dinner, we got lucky and were seated in the front of the restaurant near a large window. The server was more than nice (Nicholas, I think) Those in our party ordered the Lamb, Pork chops, and Tenderloin. My lamb was cooked perfectly, and sat atop a pure with cubes of celeriac root. The Lamb chops came with some hint of apple in or around them, not sure from what. To put it shortly it was the best food I've had in a long while and I will remember my experience at Sweet Basil. The price tag may seem high, but for the area it is actually average, we ate here our first night in town, that ment that every other meal the whole trip didnt hold a candle to this one, and they cost about the same. I wish we would have gone back to try more of their dishes. Also get dessert, it is well worth it. All the food here is very unique and you can tell they put a lot of time and effort into what they create. If on the off chance that you dont finish your plate they send home your remainders in a reusable tote bag! The restaurant uses sustainable goods and practices.

    (5)

  • Kris L.

    In my experience Sweet Basil is the best white tablecloth dining restuarant in Vail. The restaurant looks small from the front but goes way back and then to both sides once you are in. Nomatter how big it is this place is one of the hottest spots in town so you definitely need a reservation which I booked a few weeks out to get in at prime time. We were seated almost right away and our waiter was very friendly. If this restaurant were in a more urban city it could easily give off some attitude but in Colorado the people and overall atmosphere are very casual and friendly. The wine list is large and offers bottles in the reasonable and unreasonable price range that will go with anything you care to order. Appetizers including oysters and the beef carparccio are standouts. My wife had the lamb t-bones which she loved and I had the grilled heritage double cut pork chop which was tender and perfectly cooked in a smokey sauce. Of the fine dining places in town this is the best I've been to and recommend it for a special occasion or as a fling for your last night in town.

    (4)

  • Michael L.

    Pleasantly surprised at how good this place was. The staff was friendly, the food was good, and the atmosphere was cozy. We had a party of 5, and everyone loved their food ranging from sea bass, short ribs, lamb shank, chicken. Also they sometimes have specials as well, today's was the filet with truffle tater tots. Desserts were pretty good as well, we got the funnel cake, others had the rich toffee cake. The price is as expected from Vail restaurants, on the higher side. They also offer a variety of mixed drinks hot and cold that are pretty good. Another plus is that they give you the option of anchovies with your caesar salad. This was one of the better places in our trip. Would consider going back.

    (4)

  • Ryan J.

    One word: Appalled. That's it. That is how I feel right now in reading through Yelp reviews for Sweet Basil. I have officially lost some of my faith in Yelp. I'm sorry to admit it, but 3 1/2 stars??? Come on people, really. Every year for the past 20+ years, my family has taken a family ski (or in my case, snowboard) trip to Vail. And every year, we make at least one reservation at Sweet Basil (although oftentimes we eat there twice during our stay). This restaurant is an obsession, and is one of my favorite restaurants anywhere and at any price point. Period. We have spoken with the owner about opening up a location in either Los Angeles or New York, but each time he has said no, he is not interested in profit, he is interested in keeping his one location in Vail. Fair enough, I can completely respect that. So back to the story. Make a reservation, and make it considerably in advance (preferably months in advance), or else chances are you will only be able to attend this gem of a restaurant for lunch. Lunch is okay, don't get me wrong... but dinner is better. True to form, this past weekend, we ate at Sweet Basil twice. Between the two trips, here is what we ordered: Appetizers: -Spinach and endive salad with green apples, sultana raisins, warm Colorado camembert, pecan streusel, sherry maple vinaigrette ($13) -- The camembert was so fresh, and the pecan streusel added a perfectly sweet element to the salad. -Marcona almond dusted sea scallops with green apple, spinach and bacon slaw, sunchoke apple puree, tarragon oil ($17) -- while there were a host of flavors in the dish, they all complimented and maintained the focus of the dish on these beautiful scallops. -Jumbo lump crab "mac and cheese" with house-made ricotta agnolotti, parmesan brodo, orange, and black truffle ($20) -- this was an interesting take on mac and cheese, especially since it didn't in the least bit resemble mac and cheese. The crab was delicious, however, and come on, it has truffle! Great Northern Cattle Co. steak tartare with brioche, one hour egg, cornichon, capers and bagna cauda ($17) -- first off, the beef was fantastic. It was so fresh and tasty and perfectly textured, wow! The brioche and egg yolk that seeped through the whole dish really rounded things out. Entrees: -Colorado rack of lamb crusted with mustard seed and herbs de Provence ($44) -- I don't remember the entire contents of this dish due to the fact that my gf inhaled it, but the few bites that I did manage to steal were unbelievable. The lamb was so tender and fresh, I can't begin to describe. This was a special, but it should become a regular option, because (as a lover of lamb) these were without a doubt the best lamb chops I have ever had in my life. -Parmesan-crusted veal chop with fingerling potatoes, vegetables, mushrooms and foie gras "hash" ($48) -- Again, this was another special. The foie gras hash was interesting and had a very unique (and enjoyable) flavor. While it wasn't in need of the crust, the veal chop itself was a fantastic piece of meat; this was unlike any piece of veal that I've ever had. -Filet mignon with truffle scented potato puree, creamed spinach with parmesan and pernod, Paul's 58 Sauce, violet mustard ($42) -- For those of you who know me, you know that I am a beef enthusiast (understatement). This was one of the finer cuts of filet that I've had of late. While filet mignon is not my go-to steak, as I prefer a fattier cut with more marbling, this meat simply melted in my mouth. All hail Great Northern Cattle Co.!!! -Pan seared duck breast with foie gras ravioli, medjool dates, dried pumpkin, wild mushrooms, squash puree ($38) -- Did you read what I just typed? FOIE GRAS RAVIOLI... need I say more? I enjoyed this dish so much that I actually ordered it two out of three nights in a row. The duck was perfectly pan seared, with slightly crispy skin and a beautifully medium-rare interior. The foie gras ravioli was otherworldly, and the dates and pumpkin gave the appropriate sweetness to this savory dish. Yes, it might be a heart attack on a plate, but this was an unbelievable dish. I understand why it's Sweet Basil's top seller. This is an absolute must order. Desserts: Let me break this down for you. Sweet Basil has unbelievably amazing desserts. But no matter how tempted you are by the other offerings, YOU MUST order the hot sticky toffee pudding cake ($10). In fact, order two. This ties with my gf's dobos torte as my favorite dessert IN THE WORLD. The cake is sweet but not too sweet, with a tender consistency and the most amazing caramel sauce. Topped with whipped cream, this is the ultimate must order. Okay, running out of space. Won't gush further. 5 stars without a question. Friendly service, nice ambiance, and unbelievable food with unique preparations and top-notch ingredients. And for all of the naysayers... go eat at McDonalds, and give your Big Mac a 5 star rating!

    (5)

  • Sasha H.

    One of the best meals I've had in a long time. We ordered the scallops and halibut entrees along with a side of the most delicious mushrooms. Great service in a top notch location in Vail. Even with the prices being a bit steep it was all worth it.

    (5)

  • Scott S.

    After having a debacle at Kelly Liken, we were looking for a great place. We found one! Awesome dining room with a view of the creek. Great waiter. Quail app was outstanding as was venison entree. Delicious deserts. Great wine selection. Just a fun place with amazing food.

    (5)

  • David S.

    Severly overrated food. Service is good and the wine and beer list was good, but the food just doesn't deliver. Regardless of money.

    (4)

  • Donielle M.

    took my husband here for his birthday and we are STILL talking about how delicious it was. holy goodness! highlights: apps - parmesan reggiano malfatti entree - heritage pork loin milanese dessert - strawberries and cream we haven't raved about food like this since dining at le jules verne...and these prices were a fraction of the cost. nicely done sweet, sweet basil. BTW we went during the off season so three courses were $45. well worth it.

    (5)

  • John K.

    Stellar! Rivals Vesta as one of my favorite meals in Colorado. Service is outstanding! they really took an interest in us and were outgoing and polite and friendly. The waiter was funny and knew his stuff. From the appetizer to the wine to the giant Pork Chop I had to the great desert. We took our time and enjoyed every bit of it. If you are ever in Vail and want a great meal, don't miss Sweet basil!

    (5)

  • James S.

    Sweet Basil is sweet. Loved the heirloom tomato salad. Salmon is recommended medium rare. Scallops were a bit salty though. Wine selection was excellent. WillaKensie Pinot Noir woks well with everything.

    (4)

  • Kristin W.

    I recently had a delicious lunch here with my sister in law and we both were happy. The sleek, upscale decor doesn't mean you can't dine in your ski attire, and I love that about Vail. I started with a bowl of the roasted red pepper bisque which was served with a dollop of goat cheese. It was perfectly creamy and delicious when paired with a crisp savignon blanc. My sister in law had the crab and lemon grass bisque and while I didn't taste it, the presentation was lovely. She raved about it. We both had salads. I had the grilled chicken salad with baby kale, pancetta, pecorino, dried cherries and a perfectly spicy mustard vinaigrette. I have hopes of recreating it in my own kitchen. The ahi tuna and root vegetable salad my sister in law ordered was my second choice and also a good one. I wanted to take home the rest of the kalamata olive bread that was the star of the basket. Service was impeccable too. It's pricey by Midwest standards ($19 for a salad), but so worth the splurge.

    (5)

  • Crista M.

    Enjoyed a great dinner with nice ambiance. I liked it so much I went back for lunch a couple days later. My favorite dish was the Black Pepper Stracciatella which they serve only at dinner. There is a lovely back patio that overlooks the Gore Creek. At both meals, the service was friendly and helpful.

    (5)

  • C R.

    Very creative menu, well prepared. Very good to be sure, but room for improvement.

    (4)

  • Barry M.

    What everyone else is saying is true. Go here, order much food and leave happy. Oh and have a Pimm's Cup to drink, they make an exceptional version.

    (5)

  • Andrew R.

    42 dollars for a 3 course meal. Good food but the best part was the bread pudding and toffee cake! Wowsa!

    (4)

  • John D.

    We went for my husband's 50th birthday which we informed them of when booking. They did not acknowledge which is OK. We had an early reservation. Despite not being crowded, they sat us by the waiters prep stand which is OK. Not feeling any love. Cut to the chase: The food was good but not great. The service was good but not great. The food and wine were very expensive for what you got. The restaurant is like an old actor. Great for so long but now just phoning it in. Do not waste your time and money. .

    (3)

  • Aleksandra K.

    I went here for dinner with my boyfriend. We did not have a reservation so we had to wait at the bar for a while to get a table, so I recommend reservations. They had a good selection of wine and a decent selection of food. The lamb was so delicious. I had the ahi tuna dish it was so-so. Overall, we had a lovely time and would absolutely recommend it to our friends.

    (4)

  • Andrew W.

    Excellent value for lunch. Mains around $15 - $20. Well prepared tasty, and most options innovative. I met the wife for lunch in ski boots, which was apparently OK - plenty of other people had also come off the slopes. The other half of the restaurant was full of well dressed Vail residents/vacationers. About half the mains meal options seemed designed for easy eating - tuna burger, chicken salad, hamburger. The other half were fine dining and interesting - thats what we chose - and loved it.

    (4)

  • Charoline D.

    Sweet Basil was designated for our one $$ meal during our vacation. Not only is it difficult to get a reservation for 10 in a resort town, but trying to accommodate the likes of each person is not something I could ever attempt. We made a reservation for 7 @ 5:30. It was fairly packed for such an early meal on a Monday night and for whatever reason it smelt like airplane coffee. Which was a turnoff. I digress. I started with a rum cocktail which was sort of forgettable and moved onto some olive loaf. I'm unsure as to why anyone would complain about the bread not being warm. It's not Olive Garden. For dinner I indulged in the poached Maine lobster atop lobster coral housemade tagliatelle with pearl onions and wild mushrooms. I died. So tasty. Almost everyone else at the table ordered the Colorado Lamb served with roasted beets which was equally excellent. Desert varied. I tried the pear almond crème brûlée which was decent, but not mindblowing. They got the caramelization right on the top, but maybe I'm more inclined to the traditional brûlée. The bacon banana bread pudding was odd, mostly due to the bacon making it too smokey and overpowering. A drink, entree, and dessert will run you about $70-80 with tip/pp. Overall, a decent departure from buffalo wings and pizza.

    (4)

  • Jackie W.

    Ryan J., while I appreciate your fondness for Sweet Basil, you have to admit it is not the BEST place to eat in Vail. How can you be so appalled?! I like Sweet Basil but I don't love it. They can never serve the bread warm. Why?! Because the kitchen is on a separate floor from the main dining room and apparently it's impossible to serve bread warm. I am a firm believer that the bread is kind of... an introduction to the meal. And their bread... well... sucks. The night we were there in February, they ran out of cod by 8pm! But the soup and salads were nice. Grits and chicken were great. I prefer other places in Vail for dinner but I love their lunch. The truffle fries are great. I had a wonderful sweet potato ravioli dish there in previous years. The staff are very accommodating, but I've lost my faith in this Vail "standard."

    (3)

  • Yin L.

    good place, ahi tuna crudo was delicious. my boyfriend's lobster and sherry bisque was delicious and I kind of wish I had ordered it. We both got the lamb t-bones, which were really good. the sauce was of the sweet and tart variety, which is not my favorite but the crispy fatty crust bits were irresistible. i had the the sticky date pudding - really good.

    (4)

  • Jennifer F.

    LOVE it - this was our second time there - after an amazing experience in the spring. Started with one of the best dirty martinis I have ever had. Our server was fun and definitely knew his stuff - recommended a delicious bottle of wine. The scallop risotto and pan roasted chicken were to die for. And the sticky toffee bread pudding - soooo yummy. Not a cheap date but totally worth it... Can't wait to go back.

    (5)

  • Kellie A.

    My husband and I went to Vail to celebrate our first wedding anniversary. I did extensive research on the different restaurants there, and opted to dine at Sweet Basil on Saturday night of our weekend getaway. Firstly, I must say that this is the best meal I've had since I moved to Colorado six months ago. Because it was off season in Vail, we were each able to get a three course meal for a very decreased price. I started with a shrimp and grits appetizer which was amazing while my husband opted for a cold artichoke soup which he proclaimed was delicious. I had the Caesar salad as my second course and it was very tasty, especially with the addition of anchovies. For my main course, I had the Colorado lamb shank which was the best piece of lamb I have ever had. It was so tender and fell off the bone. It had garnishes that complimented perfectly with the taste of the lamb. I dream about going back to Sweet Basil again just so I can order this dish. My husband ordered the sea scallops for his main course which came with mussels on top as well as many different tasty garnishes. At this point, I couldn't eat another bite, but my husband had this third course which was a s'mores dessert that I was told was delectable. Kudos to the chef of this restaurant as they obviously know what they are doing in the kitchen! I hope to return to Sweet Basil again sometime soon.

    (5)

  • Allison C.

    Overpriced for ok food. I had the wagyu marrow butter which just tasted only like butter, calamari and shrimp app which was bland, and lemon butter sole which had far too much butter on it couldn't taste the fish. Go somewhere else!

    (1)

  • Alexandra A.

    Very nice food, great food pairings. some exceptional others ok. Overall services was excellent and cheery, even when we sent food back. All around great experience and great Hendricks Haze martinis.

    (4)

  • Anna T.

    Great food, loved the salmon tartar!!! I'm not a huge sushi fan but that salmon tar tar was amazing. My husband had the warm apple and beet salad (nowhere near the tartar but still very good) and we had the ahi tuna and NY steak as entrees. The ahi was yummy but the steak had too much BBQ sauce on it that it was a bit overwhelming. If I had had the BBQ sauce on the side it would have been great! The toffee sticky cake w vanilla ice cream on the side as a dessert was awesome. All in all, if you are in Vail you should check this place out

    (4)

  • Rebecca J.

    I took my boyfriend to Sweet Basil for his birthday after finding the restaurant on Yelp. It was a perfect choice. Our waiter was very knowledgeable and very personable. The food was great - we had apps, salads, entrees and dessert. They decorated the dessert plate for my boyfriend by writing Happy Birthday in chocolate. All-in-all, a wonderful, relaxing, enjoyable evening.

    (5)

  • Dutch B.

    Snobville, manager/host chunky guy was a total jerk when we asked to sit at bar. Attitude vail tool. Bartender was a good dude. Food below average , taste like they get their supplies from sysco.

    (2)

  • Ivy K.

    The boy and I decided to splurge on a night out at Sweet Basil, hoping for a positive dining experience in Vail. I did my Yelp research and ordered everything that came so highly recommended by others: - Warm apple & beet salad: 2/5. Mild flavors, nothing too impressive. I was disappointed that they only used red beets, no yellow beets, as described in a different review. - Pork raviolo: 2/5 Everyone raved about this dish but neither my boyfriend or I were impressed with it. It was a little cold in the middle and the flavors didn't complement each other well. - Cauliflower bisque: 3.5/5. This was actually pretty tasty! I liked the tiny lump of crab that they poured the soup around. Not sure if I'd order it again because it was so rich, but I'm glad I tried it. - Lamb chops: 5/5. WINNING! The lamb chops were definitely the star of the dinner. Perfectly cooked (medium), flavorful, tender, and tasty. Yay for yummy lamb chops! - Pork chop: 3/5. Less impressive. Okay, but not as good as the lamb chops. - Sticky hot toffee dessert: 4/5. The first bite was DELICIOUS! Warm, sticky, and sweet, just as advertised. The dessert decreased in enjoyment with each bite, and I would have been happy with just one or two. The boy said it was too sweet for him but I like sweet so that was fine with me. - 3 glasses of red wine Dinner for 2: $260 including tip. Yikes. For that kind of money, I was really hoping for a 5-star dining experience across the board. Service was lackluster, our table was very wobbly, the overall vibe was snooty, and I felt kinda out of place being the only female in the restaurant without a giant, puffy fur coat. Overall a mediocre dining experience. Would've been made more sense had the price been half of what it was, but it is what it is.

    (3)

  • Greg T.

    Vail institution tucked away in Vail Village. decided to check out their lunch service during our last day at Vail (after we heard Michelle Obama and the girls were there the night before for dinner)...happy we did. super friendly and attentive staff (1 star..thanks for your help, Rita from Hungary) was a great start to our experience. went with a handful of starters...calamari, charcuterie plate (homemade), truffle fries and grilled baby octopus..all done very well (1 star). especially enjoyed the homemade duck pate which was part of the charcuterie plate (1 star). Went with the angus burger which was decent but not amazing. wished the burger had a little more fat to it. other peeps went w/the duck confit pot pie which they said was delicious....next time.... Prices were fair for Vail standards. Started run from $10-15 on the average and entrees $15-25 (1 star). Lunch service was great for kids. Def. will visit again the next time we're in Vail....

    (4)

  • Brian S.

    I was very impressed with Sweet Basil. I was told by many to go there and wasn't disappointed. The cocktails are very good with a very nice menu of unique drinks. The bartender can make many old style drinks such as a Sazerac or an Old Fashion which is always impressive to me. For starters, the Pork Raviolo is delicious. A lot of ingredients for a small dish, but it works. The Barramundi was well cooked and garnished well. You'll need to make reservations well ahead of your arrival or you may not get in. I'll go back, definitely.

    (5)

  • Jen C.

    A family favorite in the mountains. Everything on the menu is exceptional. Service is good and ambiance is lively depending on he time of year you eat there. One of the best restaurants in Vail. Need reservations way in advance during Christmas and New Years.

    (5)

  • Ebby V.

    My group was in Vail skiing over a three day weekend. We made reservations here. Based on the reviews this place is considered the best restaurant in Vail. It is in Vail Village. Please know that you cannot pull up and park at this restaurant. Unless you are staying in the village then you have to park in the parking garage and walk to it. Parking is over 20 dollars is you are in the village for more than 2 hours. Sweet Basil on a Sunday night was very busy. The atmosphere was warm and classy. The bar was full and seemed like a fun place to hang out even if you were not interested in eating at the restaurant. Our waitress's name was Sarah. She was very accommodating and friendly. She was well versed regarding the menu and helpful in deciding what to choose. Appetizers ordered were the charcuterie sampling, the salmon tartare, the crab agnolotti, and yellow fin tuna carpaccio. I wanted to try the pork cheek raviolo but they were out. The portions were perfect for sharing. I would recommend the charcuterie because there were some interesting flavors on that dish. The other dishes were ok in my opinion. Entrees ordered were the Colorado lamb, sea scallops and salmon. I picked the lamb because it is local and the restaurant is big on local preparation. I have to say that this is some of the best lamb I have had. The lamb was served bone in. Two portions were given and the meat was about 8 oz total. It was served with panna cotta which gave the lamb a sweet flavor I was surprised by. I cannot comment on the salmon or sea scallops because I did not try them but my friends finished their plates with no complaints. The sides chosen were the bok choy which I did not try and wild mushrooms. The mushrooms paired well with the lamb. The sides are served family style. Our table shared dessert. We ordered the hot sticky toffee pudding cake. This dessert has been on their menu for twenty years so Sarah says. It was fantastic. it tasted like bread pudding, I thought, and I asked if it was made as such but it is not. Sarah gave me the recipe. I was surprised by this because I didn't ask for it but apparently many people do and they give the recipe out readily. Reservations here are a must. If you don't mind spending the money Sweet Basil is a terrific place for dinner while in Vail.

    (4)

  • Randall M.

    A Vail favorite. The shrimp and calamari appetizer is fantastic! Everytime there is something new and delicious on the menu. When in Colorado, Sweet Basil is on my list to dine at.

    (5)

  • Emily J.

    Fantastic restaurant! My boyfriend and I were lucky enough to get one of the few coveted window tables and we had a truly first class experience. Our server was attentive and very friendly and made us feel at home throughout our dinner. Their wine list is expansive with something for everyone on it. I went for a old vine Zinfandel, which proved to be just the right choice for my meal. I would highly recommend the lemon gnocchi and the crab cakes for appetizers. Both are light and refreshing, perfect for a summer's eve in the mountains. The whole trout entree was intimidating to look at, you are indeed presented with an entire fish coated in a crispy, lightly fried casing, stuffed with rosemary and garlic, but it was so delicious and surprisingly not that messy. The seared scallops are equally tasty, served with a roasted corn salsa of sorts, very filling for a smallish portion. Save room for the toffee cake, you won't regret it. And besides, we all know that calories don't count above 10,000 feet!

    (5)

  • Petra N.

    Just went here this weekend with the boyfriend while visiting from SF (so maybe I'm spoiled when it comes to food). Our socks weren't blown off, but would definitely go back. Atmosphere: Everything you want from a higher-end dining experience...not stuffy/snobby, cozy, nicely decorated, nice clean washrooms, complimentary coat check. Bar area looked nice though we didn't hang out there as we were seated super-promptly for our reservation. Service: Great from front door to sommelier to departure. Helpful and present, but not overbearing. BF wanted to send some dessert wine to my mom & aunts at another table...waiters handled it seamlessly...found out what they were ordering and reported back with recommendation and price point... A+ on service. Food & wine: Nice wine selection and a friendly sommelier should you want some coaching, but again great service-- wasn't pushy/snobby. Nice half bottles of champagne and by the glass options of wines...in addition to the other 10+ pages of bottles. Delicious fresh bread. Lobster app was exactly what the bf wanted. I had the lobster sherry bisque...yummy and rich with bonus little bits of fresh lobster in the bottom of the bowl...would order again, but it wasn't something I'll remember for years to come. BF ordered the lamb on recommendation from my aunt seated at another table for an earlier ressie than ours...said it was good...but found it a little too salty and more blue than medium rare (as had been recommended). I had the pear and pecorino tortellini with meyer lemon marmalade (spread on its own in a line on the side), kale with shaved walnut, and sunchokes. Was yummy enough, but would probably go with a more carnivorous option next time...it is CO afterall. The pear was a bit overwhelmed in the tortellini and I didn't really notice it. Pecorino was shaved on top. Now I'm a huge fan of Meyer lemon marmalade and make my own from time to time, so I was ready for it...but it kind of stuck out on its own and didn't meld with the other flavors in a great way. Didn't taste like a quality of marm I'd enjoy on my toast alone. The kale...was a disappointment. I love kale, let me repeat, I love kale. It's always surprising to me how much I like it, cause it's a veggie that seems like your mom should have to force you to eat. And unfortunately this nearly fell into that category...it was just SO SALTY. All I tasted was salt. :( For dessert we split the toffee pudding cake...DELICIOUS and DECADENT! ORDER IT! Do it! Nice little dollop of unsweetened whipped cream to cut the sweetness of the cake and sauce. Again, A+ for service here, given we politely commented on the over-saltiness of things for our taste, our dessert was comped. Perfect cappuccino with nice little complimentary biscotti. And bf had grappa (I think?) for a digestif...nice looking dessert/after dinner wine/cocktail selection. All in all, great place I'd recommend, esp after doing our homework and looking through all the other places beforehand...Larkspur was the other resto on the higher-end we looked at, and Up the Creek Bar & Grill on the very slightly less fancy side. Enjoy!

    (4)

  • Gertrude T.

    Consistent and always pleasing. In the last 10 years I've eaten here dozens of times.(family dinners, girls night out, first dates, anniversaries ) It's one of the "must do" restaurants in Vail. I recommend sitting at the bar, especially on busier nights. If thats not your thing make a reservation well in advance. The "sticky toffee" dessert = my weakness in life. Worth ruining any diet for

    (4)

  • Patti N.

    I don't usually take the time to review places unless I have a strong opinion and this was unfortunately one of those times. Meal was great until the end as the waiter Ben was clearing all the plates at once spilled red wine all over my shirt. The shirt was obviously ruined but I was more upset about how the situation was handled. He cracked jokes and did not even clear off the tablecloth which was covered in wine. He became snarky when I expressed my disappointment and it took the manager five minutes to come out and when he did he defended his waiter. To top it off the waiter did not comp us the glass of wine on the bill. I understand mistakes happen but when I am spending a large amount of money at your establishment I expect to be treated kindly. Very disappointing.

    (2)

  • Olive S.

    It's just O.K. Loud, Crowded, Lack of attention to detail. Menus were crusty and our server was a bumbling dunce. The food really wasn't bad. Overrated overall.

    (3)

  • Vera R.

    Great service and even better quality in food. 100% recomend lunch special

    (5)

  • Leilani S.

    Brian - best bartender ever. Gave us the best recommendations for a delicious lunch. Highlights: Spaghetti de Mare (omg!), the biscotti that came with my cappucino. The ambience was perfect. Itd be a shame to visit Vail without a stop or two here.

    (5)

  • Kelley M.

    Food is average, way overpriced for the quality. They arranged all of the food orders directly behind our booth and it was very disruptive. Just eh. Save your money and go somewhere else.

    (3)

  • John K.

    Had one of the best meals of my life at Sweet Basils. At our table we had lamb chops, monkfish, ahi tuna and duck. They were all so good we tried each other's dinners. The dishes were each fantastic. Great service and excellent wine list also. Dessert was a great ending to the meal. The toffee cake was unbelievable. We also had the ice wine sampler that completely complimented dessert. If you want a great meal in Vail this is the place.

    (5)

  • Bacong F.

    Great place to dine for lunch. It was packed for off season. The price was reasonable for Vail. Pasta, salad, and appetizers was all very good.

    (5)

  • John T.

    Good food. A bit overpriced for portions but the worst part was our dickhead waiter. He looked like James mercer from the shins and was a complete douchebag. Didn't catch his name and couldn't care less. There are MANY BETTER RESTAURANTS IN THE AREA with people that are glad to serve you and welcome you to the area. I hope this shithead gets fired for the way he treats people.

    (2)

  • Meg C.

    BEST OLD FASHIONED EVER. The bartender from Louisiana got it right! I knew we had picked the right place when the drinks and service were so great to begin with. The food was fantastic too. Located right in the village, perfect place for apres or dinner. Reservations are a must during high season.

    (4)

  • Eric J.

    Just about as good as it gets in terms of ambiance, service and the outstanding food. Was really impressed with Sweet Basil with our first trip and we will be going back as often as we can. Dinner is, of course, pricey...but I think in this case it is justified based on the food and the excellent service.

    (5)

  • Ave H.

    when we are here, we are regulars, and it is sometimes hard to please my entire family. i have to say that if you get the chance the service at the bar WAY super-cedes the table service, but even so, the experience is always a blend of delicious eats, drinks and an overall wonderful experience. all of their drinks are yummy! the margarita i would say is one of vail's best, though the mojitos and bloody marys are also contenders. lunches are by far my favorite, but dinner here (though you spend a pretty penny) is well worth it! the caesar salad... won't find better. and the soups... yum! we always also get a basket of their fries... truffle oil? yes please!!! whether you are wanting light or heavy fare, you really cannot go wrong. i split the fish tacos the other day with my brother! we were both impressed... there aren't many places that can compete with mangos, but for the moment, they're in the running. the black beans with fresh queso were a hit alone! and we all had a bite of the rueben too. delish! uhm... and the gazpacho... that's all i am going to say. the bartenders always remember us no matter how long it has been. it is always nice to be welcomed back. vail fav for sure!

    (5)

  • Bill W.

    ++The food. Although a tad too 'fine dining' (small portions) for me, was delish. The pudding cake was probabaly the highlight. +the ambiance and decor was nice, but i felt it was a tad sterile. -Service was prompt, but rushed. Server acted a bit too much

    (3)

  • Jessie H.

    For a nicer restaurant, it was really loud. Or maybe it was just the table next to ours. I called them boisterous, my friend just called them loud. No, it was the entire restaurant - it was loud. The service was also really slow, our entire meal took about 3 hours. I've enjoyed 3 hour meals before, but it's usually b/c I'm doing a tasting menu. No tasting menu here, just ordered a soup and entree. And it still took 3 hours. And I don't eat slowly. The food was also just okay. I guess it's hit and miss. I started with the seafood tomato bisque, which was quite tasty. The seafood was not overcooked and presentation was also nice (it's one of those where they have the solids in the bowl and they bring a pot over and pour in the liquid). I then had the duck breast with foie gras raviolis, mushroom ragout and winter squash puree. The duck was perfect - just perfectly crispy and warm. Unfortunately, the raviolis were a disappointment. That's saying a lot from me b/c I love foie gras. I probably would smuggle foie gras if it were ever banned. (Can I bootleg foie gras?). Anyway, they were cold (yuck) and actually very bland (sad... b/c foie gras is usually so tasty). The mushroom ragout was nothing fancy - just mushrooms. I could have made it - that's also saying a lot b/c I can't cook to save my life. On a positive note, they are extremely accommodating. We have two vegetarians in the group and the chef made them each a special vegetable plate. The waiter also made sure to ask them what they liked, didn't like, so the chef would know. Apparently the sommelier was also very knowledgeable. Another plus. I would come back again for a nicer meal - sometimes you just have to stop eating stuff like pizza and whatever is fast when you're on vacation.

    (3)

  • Eugene P.

    We ate here based on rec's from a few different friends. A very pleasant surprise. Since we came during the shoulder season it was pretty quiet. Overall, very good restaurant. Would eat here if it was in SF. So, here's what we ate: Ricotta and Parmesan Malfatti: cheese dumplings, like oversized gnocchi. Nicely browned on the outside, fluffy inside and the cheese was not overpowering. nice texture Roasted Sweet Potato Ravioli: one of our favorites of the night. Nice sized dumpling shaped ravioli. Filling was mild but flavorful. The balsamic sauce along with the pork belly cracklins was the perfect accompaniment. Get this dish :) Pan Seared Barramundi: I'm not a fan of raisins but they were only an accent and the lemon cauliflower emulsion was tasty Heritage Breed Double Cut Pork Chop: a bit mixed on this one. perfectly brined heritage pork chop with a nice sear on the outside and med rare in the middle. poached figs were a great touch with the rich pork taste. Roasted chestnut puree reminded us of poi and ricotta cheese dumplings were a bit strong. Vanilla Yogurt Panna Cotta: a nice creative take on the traditional panna cotta. Unlike traditional cream based panna cotta, they used vanilla yogurt which provided a nice slight tart taste which balanced well with the ginger granita. Hot Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake: signature house dessert, so had to order it :) It is as rich as it sounds, but worth it. Great with a cup of coffee/cappuccino.

    (4)

  • David S.

    The soup of the day was parmesan cream. Wonderful and I could have stopped right there but was glad I didn't. Four stars for great food. Two stars for the server who appeared to have a job below her "station" in life. Pity. Be proud to work there and leave the arrogance where it belongs, at home...

    (4)

  • Bill E.

    Sweet Basil lived up to its expectations in many regards. The ambience of the restaurant is more refined than its peers in Vail, making it a great special occasion restaurant. The service that we had at every stage with excellent, as well. In addition to being friendly and attentive, they were also extremely gracious about special requests for dietary reasons. Overall, the food was outstanding. In particular, the duck breast was a hit. The only reason this did not receive a perfect rating for me was that there were a couple misses on the menu. First, the pork tenderloin, we all agreed, was somewhat bland. Also, the dessert menu wasn't overwhelming. With a bill that averaged well over $100/person (includes a bottle of nice wine, one of many you can order from the outstanding wine menu), everything needs to be outstanding, and it felt just a bit short. Be sure to get a reservation -- they were booked solid even on a Monday! That said, I would absolutely return to sweet basil anytime I am in Vail and have a special occasion to celebrate -- and for this place, I would make up a reason to have a special occasion!

    (4)

  • Marilyn T.

    This place gets very packed, even on a weekday, especially during ski season. It's been around for a while, and I guess it's gotten a lot of awards. We had no problem getting a reservation and being seated on time with a party of 8. Service was a bit slow - it took a while to get the drinks and bread. Bread offerings were a cold ciabatta, sliced thinly, and a tough, cold olive bread roll - nothing spectacular, but you can't help but munch on bread as you wait for food. The wine director was pretty knowledgeable, though they were out of our first choice for wine. The food was worth waiting for, though. We started with a Cesar salad, which was pretty standard. The tomato bisque with seafood was hearty but not too creamy, and there was a generous mound of sweet crab meat in the center, along with two mussels. The only downside was that the seafood was cold, and it cooled down the temperature of the soup, but overall, it was very enjoyable. We had 2 vegetarians in the group, and the chef created a plate based on their preferences, which was nice - it ended up being a sampling of side dishes. The chanterelle mushrooms weren't too flavorful, but the sweet potato tortellini (available as an appetizer) was nice if you like a combination of sweet and salty, along with the crunch of the fried shell. The braised cauliflower with grapes was also a very unique approach to the vegetable, and I loved the combination - it also serves as the base of the scallop dish. The scallops were humongous and seared perfectly. They were seasoned well and a bit too buttery. As I mentioned earlier, the cauliflower and parsnip puree it rested on was a perfect combination of savory and sweet. I know I shouldn't order seafood in the middle of Colorado, but I can't handle huge chunks of meat.. and I was so happy with my dish. The pork was flavored perfectly with a nice sear on the outside, perfectly tender inside. The lamb was also very good. The only letdown was the tagliatelle with rabbit - it was too oily and very reminiscent of Chinese hand cut noodles, texture-wise. The dessert of pineapple upside down cake was an innovative play on the traditional dish. The cake had a pineapple in the center, and there was fried ice cream on top, with candied thinly sliced pineapple. There was also crushed pineapple on the side, and if you combined everything into one bite, it was a fragrant, subtly sweet combination of textures. Dinner took about 3 hours, but it was nice and leisurely paced. The atmosphere is pretty lively, and though it's a nice restaurant, it's noisy inside. There are so many great places in Vail, but you're willing to wait, I think the food is worth it.

    (4)

  • matt b.

    Solid food. Eat at the bar if there's a problem getting a reservation. Great wine selection. The guy next to me kept filling my glass from his bottle after mine was gone... not bad! Couple things I wasn't crazy about: The menu is a little awkward, as far as my preferred ordering of a handful of starters and an entree, as a lot of the ingredients are the same in both groups. The waitstaff, at the bar at least, was a little too "informal", but maybe that's just Vail.

    (4)

  • W. O.

    Hands down my favorite restaurant in Vail. Excellent food, atmosphere, and service. A must to eat at when in Vail for either lunch or dinner.

    (5)

  • Troy B.

    Had the special - venison with beets, pickled cherries, and walnut butter. Fantastic. Staff was pleasantly relaxed, yet very attentive. It was everything I wanted.

    (5)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :11:30 am - 2:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : Yes
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Dinner
    Parking : Garage
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : No
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Classy
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : No
    Dogs Allowed : No
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : No

Sweet Basil

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