There is no shortage of excellent restaurants in Vermont. I’m not talking just farm-to-table, splurge-worthy restaurants either. From divey taco shops (looking at you, Mad Taco) to wood-fired burger joints (hello, Worthy Burger) to beer bars with the best nachos you’ll ever eat (I’m coming for you, Blackback Pub), Vermont boasts a wide selection of kick-ass eateries.

Vermont’s restaurants are just one of the reasons why Vermont really is the best place to live (and visit). Vermont has attracted many talented chefs who traded the hustle and bustle of city life in New York, Montreal or other foodie destinations around the world to embrace the eat-local, grow-your-own mentality that defines Vermont restaurants and Vermont as a whole. (Learn more about Vermont’s top chefs here.)

Hen of the Wood. Michael’s on the Hill. SoLo Farm to Table. These are three of the Vermont’s best restaurants and for good reason; they really are outstanding and always deliver inventive, high-quality meals. But, they’re also the restaurants that always top the lists of best Vermont restaurants. So for those Vermonters and visitors alike who are looking for new Vermont restaurants to try, here are some of Vermont’s best restaurants you’ve never heard of… What best Vermont restaurants would you add to the list? Share in the comments below.

The Best Vermont Restaurants You’ve Never Heard Of

275 Main, Warren, Vermont: You might be scratching your head right now thinking, where in the heck is there a restaurant in Warren that would top a list of best Vermont restaurants? Located in The Pitcher Inn, 275 Main is by far Vermont’s best hidden dining treasure. The crisp white linens and candlelight in the romantic setting, paired with the very best service of any restaurant in Vermont, complements the cuisine coming from the kitchen of Chef Sue Schickler. Her dishes are unique, playful and thoroughly toothsome. The quail appetizer, currently marinated in sumac and paired with minted barley, braised radishes and cucumbers in a tahini sauce, will make you rethink your disdain for quail and their tiny bones. Chef Sue’s homemade pasta will make you feel as if you’ve landed in a mom-and-pop, hole-in-the-wall in Sicily. In case you’re looking for a more laid-back dining experience with high-end pub fare, Tracks just downstairs from 275 Main is a must. Don’t miss the sinfully delicious homemade potato chip nachos.

The Backroom, Pittsfield, Vermont: A communal dining experience unlike any other in Vermont, The Backroom is literally located out back of the Pittsfield General Store. Chef Kevin Lasko and partner Katie Haines-Stiles are dishing up secret menus two nights a week (when they’re not catering weddings for Riverside Farm and Amee Farm Lodge in the summer months) featuring local meats and veggies in inventive preparations. My meal at The Backroom included Tarentaise Fondue, a BLT Bibb Lettuce Salad, Smoked Salmon and Wasabi Tobiko Chitarra Pasta, followed by a main course of Porcini-Braised Vermont Short Ribs. To-die-for. It was a stellar meal and a fun restaurant experience with a group of foodie friends. The Backroom is also a nice way to meet others with a passion for eclectic ingredients and beautifully prepared food; the open seating encourages mingling.

Himitsu Sushi, Pop-up Locations Throughout Vermont: Vermont can’t be known for a sushi restaurant? Or can it be? Himitsu Sushi offers pop-up dinners at popular restaurants throughout Vermont, including The Bees Knees in Morrisville, American Flatbread at Lareau Farm in Waitsfield, Kismet in Montpelier, The Green Goddess Cafe in Stowe and Stowe Street Cafe in Waterbury. It’s by far the best sushi in Vermont—and the freshest. With a long list of maki, nigiri and sashimi, there are many options to choose from that’s freshly prepared by owners Nate and Megan. Try the Bumble Bee—Tempura Fried Eel and Avocado Roll topped with Tamago and Teriyaki—or the KB$13—Spicy Salmon and Tempura Fried Cilantro, Topped with Mango, Jalapeño and Ponzu. Prefer to have a sushi date-night at home? Himitsu is available as take-out as well. Follow them on Facebook to see where they’ll be next.

Juniper, Burlington, Vermont: Tucked into Hotel Vermont, Juniper is often overshadowed by Hen of the Wood-Burlington, just next door, without good cause. Chef Doug Paine, who is also the Executive Chef for Hotel Vermont and Bleu Northeast Seafood, recently won Restauranteur of the Year during the Vermont Chamber of Commerce’s Hospitality Awards. Chef Doug’s cuisine is some of the most beautifully plated food I’ve had in Vermont—and seriously delicious. The menu focuses on farm-to-plate small plates with a hyper-local focus, served on blue-and-white checkered “picnic” linens to create a rustic, inviting vibe. Each week, there is a special entree on the menu called, “A Dish for Hope,” from which all of the proceeds above cost benefit the Hope Lodge in Burlington to fight cancer. Be sure to stop in for a drink at the bar as well, which features the best offering of Vermont-made spirits I’ve seen in the state.

Black Krim Tavern, Randolph, Vermont: With a menu that changes weekly, the Black Krim, which is the name of a meaty and sweet heirloom tomato, is all about simplicity. Creating simple dishes with sound techniques allows the local ingredients to shine through in every dish. Most produce comes from the family-run Pebble Brook Farm in West Brookfield, where the chef and owner Sarah will walk the fields to choose inspiration for Black Krim’s weekly menu. Another benefit besides the food? Most dishes are created to be highly adaptable to dietary preferences and restrictions. Vegan? Gluten-free? It’s not a problem at Black Krim. All dishes are artfully and tastefully crafted with complex, eclectic flavors. As an added bonus, Black Krim’s presentation is one of the best in Vermont.

Junction, The Essex Resort and Spa, Essex, Vermont: Part of “Vermont’s Culinary Resort,” The Essex Resort and Spa, Junction is one of few restaurants in Vermont that offers a classic chef’s table, as well as a variety of cooking classes. The funky decor, featuring place settings scattered around the room and ceiling, complements the open-kitchen design, where you can watch a chef meticulously craft an amuse bouche and observe all that goes into a night of dinner service at a fine-dining Vermont restaurant. I’ve worked in countless restaurant environments and got a kick out of just how professionally run the kitchen as Junction is—with hardly a drop of sweat or a momentary panic. (Do skip The Tavern at the Essex though; it’s amazing the difference in quality between the high-end Junction and the plain-Jane pub-fare of The Tavern.)

Jessica’s, Middlebury, Vermont: Living in Middlebury, I am always amazed when friends and colleagues don’t know about Jessica’s, located in the Swift House Inn. Named after Jessica Swift, a prominent Middlebury resident who lived in the property and donated it to be used as an inn and restaurant in 1943, Jessica’s is arguably the best restaurant in Middlebury. I’ve eaten at Jessica’s many, many times for special occasions and have never had a sub-par or mediocre meal. The duck breast and confit leg entree, topped with a sauce made with seasonal fruit, is the best I’ve had in Vermont. The Jumbo Crab Cakes are another favorite. Although Jessica’s doesn’t offer overly inventive dishes, the quality is always consistently delicious. The extensive wine list overshadows the three local beers on tap, and bartender Tom, makes a mean mixed drink.

And an added bonus… The Best Vermont Restaurants You’ve Never Heard Of (Specifically for Brunch)

3 Squares Cafe, Vergennes, Vermont: Vergennes Laundry isn’t the only spot in Vergennes that deserves rave reviews for breakfast. 3 Squares, which recently moved down the block from its original location on Main Street, is a family-friendly restaurant for breakfast and brunch until 3pm daily that has been “pumping nourishment into the heart of the Vergennes community” since 2007. Every time I visit 3 Squares, I can never make up my mind with so many tasty options with over-sized portions. Lucky for me, their staff is super flexible. My go to? A half portion of the Banana and Maple-Walnut Buttermilk Pancakes, paired with a half of the Challah French Toast, with fresh fruit and cinnamon whipped cream. Who said you can’t have dessert for breakfast? 3 Squares also recently launched a Taqueria, which serves Mexican fare on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. By far, 3 Squares offers the best brunch in Addison County for miles in each direction.

Jericho Cafe and Tavern, Jericho, Vermont: Affectionately nicknamed JCaT, the Jericho Cafe and Tavern, located a few miles outside of Essex Junction, is a hot spot for locals for brunch, dinner and everything in between. With al fresco dining overlooking farm fields, JCaT is a family-friendly Vermont restaurant cranking out classic pub fare with quality ingredients. I would make a point of going for a leisurely brunch; it’s right up there with Penny Cluse and Sneakers. Don’t miss their Mocha Bentley coffee creation and homemade corned beef hash. Otherwise, visit for their comfort foods like Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf, Beef on ‘Weck or Vermont Turkey Club.

What best Vermont restaurants would you add to the list? Share in the comments below.