Vail staple has been offering Bridge Street’s best pizza for 40 years

Celebrating 40 years as a family-owned and operated establishment, Vendetta’s is a local favorite while also offering a welcoming family atmosphere. For those looking for a slice of their famous pizza for lunch, or the ultimate Vail après experience, Vendetta’s double-sided bar has the Rocky Mountain views the world travels to Colorado to see for themselves.  

As for the menu — it is extensive but thoughtful. Enjoy a wide variety of pizza such as Popeye’s Passion, The Boneyard, Jack Attack, Snow Pig, Knight Moves and Ray Jay’s Wave, among many others. (Yes, there’s a story behind every name.) But while pizza is synonymous with Vendetta’s, the rest of the menu is extensive, focusing on quintessential Italian favorites across a wide spectrum.  

Take a seat in the main dining room — right in the heart of Vail Village. Start off with an antipasto platter, such as the Italian Salumi Board. Piled high with thinly sliced meats, olives, grapes and pickled veggies, it’s fun to share and gets the party started. Pair it with a caprese salad, which Vendetta’s puts its own spin on: a lovely ball of burrata alongside tomatoes, greens and a sea of basil pesto. Accompanied by little toasts, it’s both filling and delicious. 

The pasta selection is stocked with favorites such as Pappardelle Bolognese, Pasta alla Zozzona (Sicilian sausage and guanciale), and a plate-sized portion of Lasagna al Forno. The Pollo Parmigiana is a fan favorite, a tender chicken breast in a parmesan crust, topped with melting mozzarella and served with a side of well-sauced noodles.  

The Maiale Arrosto is a hearty dish: a grilled pork chop served with fried polenta, grilled zucchini and a pear-mustard sauce. On the lighter side is a seared bronzini filet with roasted cauliflower puree and sauteed spinach with a meuniere caper sauce. But the showstopper is the Osso Buco, a slowly braised bone-in veal shank in an incredibly flavorful sauce created by the low, slow cooking process. Served with saffron risotto, it’s a decadent treat. 

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In addition to the cuisine, the Vendetta’s casual fine dining experience is an excellent choice for group events. Their spacious downstairs dining room accommodates large parties while offering a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere to enjoy delicious Italian food and wine.