MomSkoop
Vermont offers some of the most memorable dining experiences in New England, from cozy farm-to-table restaurants to creative bistros tucked away in charming towns. Food lovers will discover amazing flavors using fresh, local ingredients that showcase the state’s rich agricultural heritage. Whether you’re craving comfort food or gourmet cuisine, these exceptional restaurants will leave you planning your next visit before you’ve even finished your meal.
1. The Dining Room at the Inn at Shelburne Farms
Elegance meets Vermont charm at this stunning lakefront restaurant where every meal feels like a special occasion. Located on a historic 1,400-acre estate, diners enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Champlain while savoring dishes crafted from ingredients grown right on the property.
Executive chefs create seasonal menus featuring vegetables from the inn’s gardens and cheese from their own dairy. The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability shines through every carefully prepared plate.
Reservations fill up quickly during peak seasons, so plan ahead for this unforgettable dining experience that perfectly captures Vermont’s farm-to-table philosophy.
2. Black Krim Tavern
Tucked away in Randolph, this gastropub surprises visitors with its sophisticated menu and welcoming atmosphere. Named after an heirloom tomato variety, Black Krim celebrates local agriculture while serving elevated comfort food that keeps locals and travelers returning regularly.
Chef-owner Sarah creates dishes that transform familiar favorites into something extraordinary. The ever-changing menu reflects seasonal availability, ensuring fresh ingredients shine in every bite.
Don’t miss their famous burger made with locally sourced beef or their creative vegetarian options. The cozy interior and friendly service make this hidden gem worth the drive from anywhere in Vermont.
3. Worthy Burger
South Royalton’s beloved burger joint proves that simple done right beats complicated every time. This casual spot focuses on grass-fed Vermont beef, house-made buns, and creative toppings that elevate the humble hamburger to new heights.
Owners source ingredients from nearby farms, creating burgers that taste like Vermont in every bite. The hand-cut fries and thick milkshakes complete the perfect comfort food experience.
Vegetarians aren’t forgotten here – their plant-based options are just as thoughtfully prepared and delicious. Expect a wait during busy times, but trust us, these burgers are absolutely worth it for any serious food lover.
4. Starry Night Café
Ferrisburgh’s artistic café brings creativity to both its walls and its plates, offering a dining experience that feeds both body and soul. Local artwork adorns the walls while the kitchen serves globally inspired dishes using Vermont ingredients.
The eclectic menu changes regularly, featuring everything from Asian fusion to Mediterranean flavors. Each dish shows careful attention to presentation and flavor balance that reflects the owner’s culinary passion.
Weekend brunches are particularly popular, drawing food enthusiasts from across the region. The intimate setting and artistic atmosphere make every meal feel like a special discovery in Vermont’s vibrant food scene.
5. Michael’s on the Hill Restaurant
Perched high above Waterbury, this fine dining establishment has been wowing guests for over three decades with its combination of stunning valley views and exceptional cuisine. The restaurant’s reputation for excellence draws food lovers from across New England.
Chef Michael Kloeti creates sophisticated dishes that highlight Vermont’s seasonal bounty. The wine list perfectly complements each carefully crafted menu, making every dinner a memorable celebration.
Special occasions call for Michael’s elegant atmosphere and impeccable service. While prices reflect the upscale experience, the quality and presentation justify every dollar spent on this culinary adventure through Vermont’s finest flavors.
6. Hen of the Wood
Waterbury’s most celebrated restaurant occupies a beautifully restored 1835 grist mill, where the sound of rushing water creates the perfect soundtrack for exceptional dining. The historic setting enhances every meal with its unique charm and character.
Chef Eric Warnstedt’s menu celebrates Vermont’s agricultural heritage through innovative preparations of local ingredients. Seasonal changes keep the offerings fresh and exciting for repeat visitors.
The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability and local sourcing has earned national recognition. Reservations are essential for this destination restaurant that perfectly embodies Vermont’s farm-to-table movement in a stunning historic setting.
7. The Bearded Frog Restaurant
Shelburne’s whimsical eatery brings French bistro charm to Vermont’s countryside, creating a dining experience that transports guests straight to a Parisian café. The playful name hints at the restaurant’s fun approach to serious cuisine.
Classic French techniques meet Vermont ingredients in dishes that satisfy both comfort food cravings and sophisticated palates. The cozy atmosphere encourages lingering over wine and conversation.
Their Sunday brunch has become legendary among locals, featuring both traditional French pastries and hearty Vermont fare. The restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients and authentic preparation methods makes every visit feel like a mini-vacation to France.
8. The Parker Pie Co.
West Glover’s pizza paradise proves that exceptional food can be found in the most unexpected places. This remote restaurant draws pizza lovers from hours away for their wood-fired creations topped with local ingredients.
The rustic setting adds to the charm, making each visit feel like discovering a delicious secret. Their creative toppings showcase Vermont’s agricultural bounty in ways that will surprise and delight pizza traditionalists.
Don’t expect typical delivery pizza here – these are artisanal creations that elevate pizza to gourmet status. The drive through Vermont’s beautiful countryside to reach this hidden gem becomes part of the overall dining adventure experience.
9. A Single Pebble Restaurant
Burlington’s authentic Chinese restaurant breaks all stereotypes about American Chinese food, offering genuine Sichuan and Hunan cuisine that would make diners in Beijing proud. The intimate setting encourages exploration of unfamiliar but incredible flavors.
Chef Steve Bogart trained extensively in China, bringing authentic techniques and recipes back to Vermont. The menu features dishes rarely found elsewhere in New England, prepared with traditional methods and fresh ingredients.
Spice levels range from mild to authentically fiery, allowing diners to choose their adventure level. This restaurant offers a genuine cultural experience that expands palates while delivering some of the best Chinese food in all of Vermont.
10. American Flatbread
Waitsfield’s beloved pizza spot occupies a renovated barn where wood-fired ovens create magical flavors that keep customers coming back week after week. The rustic atmosphere perfectly complements their artisanal approach to pizza making.
Every flatbread features hand-stretched dough and creative toppings that celebrate local farms and producers. The open kitchen allows diners to watch the pizza-making process unfold.
Weekend waits can be long, but the lively atmosphere makes time pass quickly. Their commitment to organic ingredients and sustainable practices reflects Vermont values while delivering consistently delicious food that satisfies both kids and sophisticated adults.
11. SoLo Farm & Table Restaurant
South Londonderry’s farm-to-table pioneer has been showcasing local ingredients since before it became trendy, creating a dining experience that truly captures Vermont’s agricultural essence. The restaurant’s dedication to local sourcing supports dozens of nearby farms.
Seasonal menus change based on what’s growing nearby, ensuring peak freshness and flavor in every dish. The cozy farmhouse setting enhances the connection between diners and their food’s origins.
Their Sunday brunch attracts visitors from across southern Vermont, featuring everything from farm-fresh eggs to house-made pastries. This restaurant proves that supporting local agriculture creates better flavors and stronger communities simultaneously.
12. Honey Road
Burlington’s Middle Eastern gem transports diners to the Mediterranean through authentic flavors and warm hospitality that makes every guest feel like family. The restaurant’s name reflects the ancient spice routes that inspired its diverse menu.
Chef Cara Chigazola creates dishes that honor traditional Middle Eastern cooking while incorporating Vermont’s seasonal ingredients. The mezze plates encourage sharing and exploration of new flavors.
The intimate dining room buzzes with conversation and the energy of food lovers discovering something special. Each visit offers opportunities to try unfamiliar dishes that expand culinary horizons while delivering comfort and satisfaction in every flavorful bite.