There are a handful of Vermont restaurants where the setting is just as memorable as the food, and Simon Pearce in Quechee is one of them.
Perched above the Ottauquechee River, overlooking the Quechee Covered Bridge and the rushing falls below, the Simon Pearce Restaurant has long been one of my favorite places to recommend for a special occasion. The dining room is beautiful, the food is consistently interesting, and every table is set with the company’s handblown glassware and pottery.
But there’s much more to visiting Simon Pearce than sitting down for a meal.
You can browse the flagship store, watch glassblowers at work and learn a little about the craftsmanship behind one of Vermont’s most recognizable brands. I’d recommend allowing time for all three. Don’t miss the seconds!
I still remember watching the glassblowers for the first time and being amazed by how much skill goes into creating something as seemingly simple as a wineglass. The process requires remarkable precision, with molten glass being shaped by hand into pieces that look nearly identical.
It also gave me a better understanding of the price tags.
Years ago, I received a set of Simon Pearce Woodstock Balloon wineglasses as a gift, and I’ve been spoiled ever since. There’s a substantial feel to the glass without it being heavy or clunky, and the craftsmanship is evident every time I use one.
Even when I’m drinking cheap wine.
The History of Simon Pearce in Vermont
Simon Pearce began his glassmaking career in Ireland before moving his business to Quechee in 1981.
He established his Vermont operation in a historic woolen mill along the Ottauquechee River, using the building’s industrial character and waterpower to help shape the company’s identity.
Today, Simon Pearce is one of Vermont’s most recognizable luxury home brands, known for handblown glassware, pottery and beautifully designed tableware.
The Quechee flagship remains a destination in its own right, with a retail showroom, glassblowing demonstrations and a restaurant overlooking the river.
And I love that you can experience the craftsmanship firsthand rather than simply browsing finished products on a shelf.
Watch the Glassblowers at Work
Before sitting down for lunch or dinner, I’d recommend spending some time watching the glassblowers.
The workshop is located inside the historic mill, and visitors can observe artisans shaping molten glass using traditional techniques.
It’s fascinating to watch the process, particularly when you realize how much precision goes into creating a piece that looks effortless.
The glass is gathered from a furnace, blown and shaped by hand, then carefully finished before being cooled.
I could easily stand there for half an hour watching the different stages.
And if you’ve ever wondered why a handblown wineglass costs considerably more than something you’d pick up at a department store, watching the artisans work will answer that question pretty quickly.
The demonstrations are free to watch, making this a wonderful stop even if you’re not planning to purchase anything.
Shopping at the Simon Pearce Flagship Store
The showroom is filled with handblown glassware, pottery, serving pieces and home accessories.
I love browsing the different collections, particularly the glass vases and bowls that show off the subtle variations of handmade work.
Simon Pearce pieces make beautiful wedding and housewarming gifts, and I think they’re wonderful for anyone who enjoys entertaining. My Woodstock Balloon wineglasses remain some of my favorite pieces to use at home.
There’s a balance between durability and elegance that makes them practical for everyday use while still feeling special.
And if you’re looking for a gift but don’t want to spend quite as much, consider a smaller vase, votive holder or ornament. Many of the vases are quite affordable as well.
Dining at the Simon Pearce Restaurant
The restaurant is located on the upper level of the mill, with large windows overlooking the Ottauquechee River and Quechee Covered Bridge.
The setting is spectacular, particularly during foliage season when the surrounding hills turn brilliant shades of orange, red and yellow.
Even in winter, I love the views of the river and falls below.
Inside, the dining room has exposed wood, beautiful lighting and tables set with Simon Pearce glassware and pottery. It’s refined without feeling overly formal, and I’ve always found the service attentive and friendly.
If you’re making a reservation, I’d request a table near the windows overlooking the river. The views are a big part of the experience.
What to Order at Simon Pearce
The menu changes seasonally, with an emphasis on Vermont and New England ingredients.
One of Simon Pearce’s longstanding signature dishes is its horseradish-crusted cod, which I ordered during an earlier visit. The fish was tender and flaky, served over rosemary mashed potatoes and topped with crispy leeks. A rich shallot and balsamic reduction brought everything together.
During that same visit, we also ordered a cauliflower steak gratin with lentils, roasted peppers and brown butter. It was one of the more interesting vegetarian entrées I’d encountered at the time.
Don’t Skip Dessert
One of the most memorable desserts I’ve had at Simon Pearce was a walnut meringue served with whipped cream and strawberry sauce.
We’d been debating between crème brûlée, a carrot cake whoopie pie and the meringue when our server recommended the latter. I’m glad we listened.
The meringue was light and delicate, with just enough nuttiness from the walnuts. The whipped cream wasn’t overly sweet, and the strawberry sauce added a little tartness. It was the perfect ending to a substantial meal.
Desserts change with the seasons, but I’d recommend saving room for something sweet, particularly if you’re visiting for a special occasion.
Make a Day of Visiting Quechee
One of the reasons I recommend Simon Pearce so often is that there’s plenty to explore nearby. Quechee is a beautiful little village, and the covered bridge and falls are right outside the restaurant.
You can also visit Quechee Gorge Local favorite: Branbury State Park, one of Vermont’s most recognizable natural landmarks, or spend some time exploring the surrounding shops and galleries.
Woodstock is only a short drive away, making it easy to combine lunch at Simon Pearce with an afternoon exploring Woodstock Village.
And if you’re visiting during foliage season, I’d recommend taking the back roads between Quechee and Woodstock. The countryside is beautiful, particularly when the leaves are at their peak.
What to Know Before You Go
- Location
- Simon Pearce is located at 1760 Quechee Main Street in Quechee, Vermont, inside a historic mill overlooking the Ottauquechee River.
- Restaurant Hours
- The restaurant currently serves lunch daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner Thursday through Sunday from 5:30 to 9 p.m.
- Reservations
- Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekends and foliage season. Request a window table for the best views of the river and covered bridge.
- Glassblowing Demonstrations
- Visitors can watch glassblowers at work during posted demonstration hours. The experience is free, and no reservation is required.
- Shopping
- The flagship store features handblown glassware, pottery, serving pieces and home accessories.
- What to Order
- The horseradish-crusted cod has been a longstanding signature dish. Check the current seasonal menu for other entrées and desserts.
- Dress Code
- Smart casual is appropriate. The atmosphere is elegant but relaxed.
- Parking
- On-site parking is available.
- Nearby Attractions
- Quechee Covered Bridge, Quechee Gorge, Woodstock Village and the surrounding Upper Valley.
- Phone
- 802-295-1470
Simon Pearce has long been one of my favorite Vermont destinations for a special meal, but I’d encourage you to visit even if you’re not planning to dine.
Watching the glassblowers, browsing the showroom and taking in the views of the river are all reasons to stop.
And if you do make a reservation, give yourself plenty of time before or after your meal to explore the mill.
Just don’t be surprised if you leave wanting to upgrade every wineglass in your kitchen.
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