Chris Dillmann/Vail Daily
If you are like us, you need a go to Italian restaurant. Il Mago stands out for its dedication to quality, creativity, and hospitality. The main attraction is thin crust pizza, made with organic ingredients. The menu showcases thoughtful Italian-inspired dishes, from antipasti to pastas and desserts, ensuring every item is crafted with care.
The cocktail program is a highlight, with well-crafted drinks and a deep, Italian-focused wine list. Craft beers from Il Mago’s sister restaurant, The Craftsman, round out the beverage options, and the bar staff, led by Matt Logan, is stellar.
Menu highlights
Il Mago’s menu is concise but diverse, offering:
- Antipasti: Favorites include grilled asparagus with preserved lemon tonnato, hazelnut, and togarashi, as well as burrata with peas. The veal and ricotta meatballs are a hit among meat lovers.
- Pastas: Typically, there are generally two pasta options, such as tagliatelle with broken meatball ragu and pork belly carbonara with bucatini, guanciale, spring peas, pecorino, and egg yolk. The carbonara is especially delicious.
- Pizza: The star attraction. There are both red and white pizzas including: Margherita and sausage & pepperoni, Rossa (vegetarian) with basil, garlic, kalamata olives, red onion, Calabrian chili, and parmesan, Elliot’s Jam (white pizza) with arugula, prosciutto, and fig preserves—our current favorite. War Pigs is made with three types of pork sausage, bacon, and guanciale. Gluten-free crusts are also available.
- Dessert: The tiramisu is a standout finish to any meal.
Drinks
The beverage program is robust, featuring:
- Well-crafted, generous cocktails
- A deep wine list emphasizing Italian reds
- Fresh craft beer from The Craftsman
Vibe
Il Mago has a casual, stylish vibe, with plenty of natural light and an open kitchen near the bar. The space, formerly home to The Craftsman, retains a familiar clean and neat layout. The staff, led by Chris Schmidt — an experienced restaurateur — ensures the food and service are consistently excellent.
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Bottom line
Il Mago is a go-to Italian spot in Edwards for locals and visitors alike. Regulars return for the outstanding food, friendly and knowledgeable staff and inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re craving top-tier thin crust pizza, creative antipasti or a perfectly mixed cocktail, Il Mago delivers a consistently excellent experience that keeps guests coming back.
Meg and Rick Sudekum are enthusiastic food and wine lovers who have made Avon their full-time home. Their weekly column, “Good Food Vibrations,” highlights the culinary experiences our valley has to offer.
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