Casual Eats

5 of the Best Vermont Restaurants to Visit

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Eating out in Vermont is something I always look forward to… There are so many talented chefs hiding out in the Green Mountain State who are creating phenomenal dishes that rival the best of the best in New York City or San Francisco. To celebrate the new year and the ever-evolving food scene in Vermont, I’m compiled a list of my favorite Vermont restaurants that you should try if you haven’t already, from casual eats to farm-to-table, fine-dining experiences. I’ve also included Vermont restaurants that are on my personal bucket list for the year. Bon appetite!

5 of the Best Restaurants in Vermont to Try

1. The Mad Taco, Waitsfield, Vermont

The original Mad Taco—located in a “strip mall” in Waitsfield—is hands down the best Mexican food restaurant in Vermont. The Carnitas Tostada is absolute perfection, and I’m not even exaggerating. The interior of Mad Taco may be a bit dirty dingy but that’s part of what makes it a popular choice among locals, along with the stellar roasted meats, large portions and array of homemade hot sauces. Plus, the Mad Taco carries some of the best hard-to-find Vermont beers (think Heady, Lawson’s and Hill Farmstead) and recently expanded next door to include a full bar. The sister locations in Montpelier and Essex are also worth a visit for your next Mexican food fix, although I’m partial to the Mad River Valley myself.

2. Michael’s on the Hill, Waterbury Center, Vermont

In the fall, we were fortunate to dine at four of the most well-regarded, high-end restaurants in Vermont, and Michael’s on the Hill blew away its competition. Although a quick glimpse at the menu will reveal it’s seriously pricey, you can’t beat Michael’s on the Hill for a romantic date night or special occasion. If you’re budget-conscious, try their Gold Tasting Menu, which is $45 for three courses. The polished servers, Parisian-inspired farmhouse decor and impressive farm-to-table cuisine will make the splurge seem worth every penny. Request a table on the porch for beautiful views in any season overlooking rolling hills, and prepare to literally “break bread” with your dining companions.

3. The Common Man Restaurant, Warren, Vermont

Located near the base of Sugarbush between Lincoln Peak and Mount Ellen, the Common Man has reinvented itself in the past few years under new ownership. The renovated 19th-century barn bespeaks Vermont with a large stone hearth acting as a focal point, local raku pottery from the Naked Potter dressing up the space and a casual ambiance that welcomes skiers after a day on the slopes. Once a week, the Chef Adam Longworth offers his locally famous pasta dishes. In case you can’t try his meatballs at the restaurant, the Common Man Restaurant recently launched the Common Kitchen Meatball Company, a food truck and takeout service with meatballs ranging from vegetarian meatballs to bacon balls. The Common Man was also just named Vermont’s most iconic restaurant by Thrillist, giving you another reason to stop by for a visit.

4. Hen of the Wood, Waterbury, Vermont

Hen of the Wood is a rite of passage for anyone visiting Vermont. The 40-seat restaurant in an old grist mill in Waterbury has topped my list of the very best places to eat in Vermont for years. Chef Eric Warnstedt turns simple ingredients into masterpieces, showcasing the vibrancy of fresh and local produce, meats and cheeses. The service at Hen of the Wood matches the upscale, yet comfortable decor. Servers are professional, warm and knowledgable; the very best I’ve encountered in Vermont. Make reservations well in advance, as the restaurant is popular among locals and tourists alike. If you’re in Burlington, try Hen of the Wood’s new location next to Hotel Vermont. It’s a much different experience but the food quality matches that of the original location. Peek into the kitchen and walk-in on the way to the bathroom (you might just spot a full pig ready to be butchered… not that’s seriously fresh.)

5. Worthy Burger, South Royalton, Vermont

The sleepy town of South Royalton can be absolutely happening on a random weekday afternoon at the Worthy Burger, a top burger and craft beer destination in the Upper Valley. Visiting the restaurant, which is located on the train tracks in town, always makes me happy. The bartenders are seriously nice, the beer is always fresh and there’s nothing as good as a local beef burger cooked over an open flame and topped with a farm-fresh egg and local brie (well, maybe their special: a Jersey Burger, topped with Taylor Ham or pork roll.). Order at the counter, seat yourself and bus your own dishes. This approach keeps Worthy Burger’s prices wallet-friendly. Don’t miss the Veg Out veggie burger, which changes every day, the beef tallow fries or the selection of four homemade condiments for dipping. (The pesto mayo is my fave.)

The Carnitas Tostada, with a Hill Farmstead Edward and hot sauces galore.
Love me some rustic old Vermont architecture.

10 Vermont Restaurants on My Personal List to Try:

1. SoLo Farm and Table, South Londonderry, Vermont

Although I’ve been warned the portions are small, I hear Chef Wesley’s flavor combinations at SoLo Farm and Table are magical. I can’t wait to try their Smoky Nor’easter (Maker’s Mark, smoked maple syrup and fresh lime juice), Housemade Burrata (with old smoked Sablefish, citrus and scallion pesto) and the Hand Cut Tagliatelle (with lamb bolognese). I hear it’s the perfect datenight spot, where it’s appropriate to get more dressed up than normal, which I consider a rare treat in Vermont.

2. Misery Loves Company, Winooski, Vermont

If you’re not following Misery Loves Company on Facebook, you should be. The lunch and dinner hotspot publishes some serious #foodporn. I’m looking forward to trying their signature fried chicken alongside some creamed greens and malted beets, or maybe their Vonnegut sandwich for lunch (pork belly, American cheese and fried egg).

3. Silver Fork, Manchester, Vermont

One of my goals for 2015 is exploring more of southern Vermont, including the Manchester area. Silk Fork on Main Street in Manchester is family-owned and quite tiny with six tables and five bar stools. The couple specializes in international recipes—specifically Puerto Rican and German. I hear the service is exceptional, taking ample time with each table to make sure you choose a dish you’ll love. Rumor has it it’s the best food in Manchester!

4. Junction, Essex, Vermont

The Chefs at Junction are certainly keeping things interesting at the Essex, Vermont’s Culinary Resort and Spa. We’re looking forward to the quirky decor, nightly-evolving menu and an open kitchen at Junction, which is the Essex’s newest restaurant, where we can watch their head Chef whip up a serious five-course tasting meal for us.

5. Peasant, Waitsfield, Vermont

Peasant comes highly recommended from friends who live in Waitsfield. The food is simple and rustic, matching the restaurant’s decor. Although the menu isn’t extensive, Peasant’s specialties—Tuscan Meatballs and Cassoulet of White Beans, Chicken, Sausage and Pork—are just a few of their hearty offerings. Plus, we’re always looking for another reason to visit the Mad River Valley.

6. Istanbul Kebab House, Burlington, Vermont

You know Vermont is a small place when you sell a bedroom set to a sweet couple on Craigslist who happen to be opening a new kebab shop in Essex. Istanbul Kebab House comes highly recommended to me and will soon move to occupy the former Das Bierhouse location in downtown Burlington. I can’t wait to dig into some authentic falafel and mezze platters!

7. Red Clover Inn and Restaurant, Mendon, Vermont

The Red Clover Inn and Restaurant has been on my list to try for years now. I would describe the menu as traditional fine-dining, with choices like Braised Short Ribs, Pan-Seared Trout and Pork Osso Buco, rather than inventive preparations. Sometimes a straight-forward, well-prepared dish is just what you need.

8. Pho Nguyen, Burlington, Vermont

I’m embarrassed to say I first discovered pho—and Vietnamese food at large—at Pho Hong in Winooski this summer. I’m on a quest to try even more pho and bun, and a visit to Pho Nguyen, the newest Vietnamese restaurant to open in Burlington, will need to live up to the flavor and budget-friendliness of Pho Hong.

9. Waterworks Food + Drink, Winooski, Vermont

Waterworks Food + Drink is the newest addition to the ever-expanding Winooski food scene and located in the Champlain Mill built in 1912 as part of American Woolen Company’s expansion. With ample vegetarian and gluten-free options, as well as dishes including Smoked Fondue, Date & Duck Flatbread and Lobster Mac & Cheese, Waterworks is definitely on our date-night to-do list.

10. Pizzeria Verità, Burlington, Vermont

We’ve tried a few times now to branch out from American Flatbread – Burlington and try hip new pizza place. Sadly every time, it’s been packed. A sure sign of goodness to come! I’ve heard the Mais pizza (fire-roasted sweet corn, crème fraîche, speck, fior di latte, fresh basil, parmigiano reggiano, evoo) is one of their best offerings. Not only do they offer vegan-cheese, they also offer gluten-free crusts.

What would you add to the list? Comment below and share your favorite Vermont restaurants to spread the love!

Categories: Casual Eats, Fine Dining, Food

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51 replies »

  1. Go a little further afield…. Black Krim Tavern in Randolph. They actually really do shape the menu around what’s available locally and the menu changes every week, check the facebook page.

    • The Black Krim Tavern is one I haven’t heard of just yet… I’m eager to try it! Thanks for sharing, Jim. Cheers.

  2. Blue Paddle Bistro in South Hero, awesome food and the folks there are awesome as well. My favorite restaurant close by!

    • Thanks for sharing, Chris! I’ve heard great things about the Blue Paddle Bistro. I’ll have to put it on my personal restaurant list for the year.

  6. Hey you are missing the best restaurant in Vermont! The Downtown Grocery in Ludlow. It’s just been open a year or two but Chef Rogan and his wife Abbie are cooking up some serious southern food with a New England twist. Locally sourced he cures his own meats and buitchers them too. Abbie runs the front of the house like the Mississippi southern farm girl she is. Thsi place rivals any NYC eatery. The pork belly with cillantro drizzle was unbelievable. Fried trout bones??! Yes fried trout bones. Tell em’ I sent you

    • Djs is our standby here in ludlow, large portions, good prices and never disappointed! Bar menu for week days when we don’t want to cook…. Also Mojos is a new restaraunt opened this summer… My mom own the cooks cupboard gift shop at 211 Main Street ludlow stop by and say hi.

      • Hi Christa – I wish I had seen this sooner! We tried Mojos tonight… sadly, we were really disappointed and wanted to love it. Will look for DJs next time if Downtown Grocery is booked solid. Thanks for sharing!

  7. The tip top in white river junction is awesome lots of variety in menu caters to all diets veg, gf and carnivore. Lots of local goodness. In addition to amazing art in and out of the restaurant. This is a great hidden gem.
    In the rutland region choices in killington and roots in rutland are also chef owned with a local conscience

  8. Donr forget Table 24 in Rutland, VT. Best burger I’ve had in VT and I’ve been to Worthy which is a close second. Most of the appetizers are great and so is the Prime Rib.

    • Thanks for chiming in, Brian! I’ll have to give Table 24 another try. I had a poor meal there a year or so ago. Could have been an off-day!

    • We love Table 24. Definitely give it another try. We take all our out of town guests there.

  9. I also love Black Krim and Worthy Burger. However, the best restaurant by far in VT is Ariel’s in Braintree. The owners are a NY chef and her husband, a somellier. Insane food and wine.

  10. The Pitcher Inn, Warren and The Downtown Grocery, Ludlow should absolutely be on the list!!

  11. Although you mention American Flatbread -Burlington-… The original at Lareau Farm in Waitsfield is the place to be-Chef Ethan is a sublime charcuterie master-his specials rock!

  13. I highly suggest Sugar and Spice in Mendon. They make everything themselves, even the maple syrup! Would you have any more suggestions in the central Vermont area? I’m looking to try new places myself.
    Another good spot is Birdseye Diner in Castleton. It’s your typical diner type place you can seat yourself, the food is pretty much comfort food. Pancakes, waffles, burgers, etc. (with maple syrup of course) Very reasonable prices.

  14. If you’re heading to central VT, the previously mentioned Downtown Grocery is a place to check out…also make sure to visit the Kedron Valley Inn in S Woodstock. The Kedron has a terrific chef, Jon Cox, who left the Stowe Mtn Resort to return to a smaller, more flexible venue. Excellent contemporary American food, features lots of local products, a beautiful wood-lined Tavern room dating from the 1800’s. And VT Farmstead Cheese Co is right up the street so they always have great cheese offerings….

  17. You should try Pulcinellas in S. Burlington. Excellent Italian food. You won’t be disappointed.

  19. The INN in Montgomery Center has inventive food and cocktails in a posh styled ambiance that shouldn’t be missed

  22. The Wildflower Inn, Lyndonville, VT Fantastic Food with some of the prettiest views and they make many dishes that are designed to be food allergy friendly… super nice and accommodating staff.

  23. Not many southern vt restaurants mentioned. Brattleboro has 2 worth mentioning: Peter Havens hands down best food in town nice wine list. Go early and Sit at the bar and enjoy.
    Also try Duo for brunch lovely atmosphere and farm to table fare.

  24. Misery Lives company is beyond words. They have the best fries and sauce. The started with a food truck then into the restaurant in Winooski. All the food is fresh. The roast beef sandwich with homemade onion jam and a horseradish sauce is phenomenal.

  25. The new Phantom restaurant in Waitsfield is another great place to try in the Valley! Chef owner Matt Sargent’s menu changes weekly…recent dishes include a farro salad with fennel, sweet potato and creme fraiche; local lamb bolongese; and an outstanding pan-fried chicken with prosciutto, parmesan and pesto.
    (full disclaimer: I’m a prep cook there!)

  28. Leslie’s Tavern in Rockingham …chef owned since 1986… Uniquely interesting food …somewhat off the beaten track..but well worth the trip …

  29. If you haven’t tried Tiny Thai in Winooski, you’re truly missing some of the best Thai in the Country… I’ve eaten Thai at some of the best places in San Francisco and Tiny Thai beats them all. GO.

  32. You should definitely try the new Parkside Kitchen and the Kitchen Table restaurants in Richmond. Awesome food Awesome employees and Owners.

  34. The Lincoln inn & restaurant at the covered bridge , in woodstock VT , the best !!!!!! Have to be on your list for sure.

  36. I can’t believe no one has mentioned TJ Buckley’s in Brattleboro. One of the best restaurants in the northeast.