Chittenden County (60)
A Single Pebble
133 Bank St., Burlington, 802-865-5200
Traditional preparation and presentation distinguish dishes such as the nationally recognized mock eel — a favorite of the Food Network’s Alton Brown. Try the tasting menu. Dim sum on Sunday.
Agave Taco and Tequila Casa
28 Walnut St., Williston, 802-876-7129
In a chic industrial-style space, Tex-Mex tacos and carnitas burritos meet modern marvels such as avocado toast. Check out the long list of fine tequilas.
American Flatbread Burlington Hearth
115 St. Paul Street, Burlington, 802-861-2999
Flatbreads topped with local, organic ingredients bake before your eyes in an open, wood-fired oven. Sample Zero Gravity Craft Brewery house ales. Weekend brunch.
August First Bakery & Café
149 S. Champlain St., Burlington, 802-540-0060
Laptops and tablets are off-limits at this community-focused café — all the better to strike up a conversation over fresh croissants, soups, garden salads and sandwiches. Look for the baguette-carting Bread Bike in summer.
Bella Luna
3182 Shelburne Rd. Shelburne, 802-985-2232
Chefs make the pasta fresh daily — and cook up modern Italian cuisine such as fresh seafood and rack of lamb — at this chic, family-friendly restaurant and lounge.
Bistro de Margot
126 College St., Burlington, 802-863-5200
Chef-owner Hervé Mahé parlays Parisian culinary training into classic French cuisine. Pair buttered escargots with a wine from Bordeaux.
Bleu Northeast Seafood
25 Cherry St., Burlington, 802-864-8600
Chef Doug Paine punctuates his menu of sustainable seafood with small-farm meats and produce. Choose from eight inventive Benedicts during Sunday brunch, or pair inspired cocktails with acoustic music on the weekend.
Blue Cat Steak & Wine Bar
1 Lawson Lane, Burlington, 802-363-3639
The cozy alleyway restaurant is known for fine steaks, handmade ravioli and a 300-bottle wine list.
Bluebird Barbecue
317 Riverside Avenue, Burlington, 802-448-3070
The wood-fired smokers run 24-7 outside Burlington’s only dedicated barbecue joint. In the dining room, visitors mix and match two dozen draft beers with brisket, ribs, beans and mac. Cold outside? Try the pitmaster ramen.
Burlington Beer Company
25 Omega Dr., Suite 150, Williston, 802-863-2337
The creative drafts at South Burlington’s warehouse brewery might include an aged oatmeal-cranberry stout or a hazy IPA infused with flowers and herbs. Pair a flight with a grilled sandwich, tacos or nachos.
Butch + Babe’s
258 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 802-495-0716
The laid-back neighborhood restaurant is a go-to for grown-up drinks and unexpected creature comforts — think General Tso’s cauliflower and mac-and-cheese pancakes. Sunday brunch.
Citizen Cider
316 Pine St., Suite 114, Burlington, 802-448-3278
Burlington’s hometown cidery invites visitors to “get excidered” about its local-apple beverages. The modern pub fare includes poutines and handmade veggie burgers.
City Market, Onion River Co-op (Burlington’s South End)
207 Flynn Ave., Burlington, 802-540-6400
The South End location of Burlington’s grocery cooperative offers a robust selection of marinated meats and spit-roasted birds in addition to groceries and prepared foods.
City Market, Onion River Co-op (Downtown Burlington)
82 S. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 802-861-9700
People of all stripes converge at Burlington’s downtown grocery cooperative. Buy some kale, get a sandwich fresh-made at the deli or peruse the hot bar.
Dale Boca Argentinian Café
215 Main St., Winooski,, 802-497-2994
Married owners Leandro Bustos and Lorena Neironi started with a food truck in 2015 and now serve their handmade empanadas, Argentinean asado and flan from a brick-and-mortar restaurant.
Dedalus Wine Shop, Market & Wine Bar
388 Pine St., Burlington, 802-865-2368
For many Burlington oenophiles, Dedalus is the place to buy wine. Peruse the expertly curated bottle shop and cheese counter, then visit the charming, low-lit bar for natural wines by the glass — plus handcrafted charcuterie and small plates.
East West Café
2 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 802-540-8145
In a sunny corner storefront, chef-owner Samran Kaewkoet whips up affordable Isan cuisine to eat in or take out. Like it spicy? Try the super-fresh green papaya salad.
El Cortijo Taqueria y Cantina
189 Bank St., Burlington, 802-497-1668
The Farmhouse Group’s hip taqueria keeps it fresh and fun in a revamped 1950s diner car. Go for tacos, burritos and killer margaritas.
Grazers
192 Boxwood St., Williston, 802-857-5829
Creative burgers anchor the menu at the busy restaurant right next to Majestic 10 cinema. Pair your patty with a specialty milkshake or vodka martini.
Guild Tavern
1633 Williston Rd., South Burlington, 802-497-1207
Roaring fireplaces and candlelight set the stage for premium steaks, tavern fare and fresh North Atlantic seafood. For special events, reserve the private dining room.
Hen of the Wood (Burlington)
55 Cherry St., Burlington, 802-540-0534
Rustic charm, locavore cuisine and a legendary wine list distinguish this James Beard Award-nominated restaurant. The bar is open for cocktails and craft brews until 11 p.m.
Hinesburgh Public House
10516 Route 116, Hinesburg, 802-482-5500
The pub menu changes seasonally to highlight Vermont ingredients, but you’ll always find Monday burger specials and live piano music on the weekend.
Joyce’s Noodle House
5 Carmichael St., Essex Junction, 802-288-9828
Owner Joyce Fong traces her culinary roots back to the Shang Dynasty, and all of her noodles and sauces are homemade. Regulars love the dim sum with scallion pancakes.
Junction at the Essex: Vermont’s Culinary Resort & Spa
70 Essex Way, Essex, 802-764-1489
At the Essex Culinary Resort & Spa’s “interactive restaurant,” chefs converse with guests as they build polished apps and entrées using local meats and produce from the on-site garden.
Juniper
41 Cherry St., Burlington, 802-651-5027
Head inside Hotel Vermont for food and drink inspired by fresh, local ingredients. Enjoy cocktails on the outdoor terrace.
Mad Taco (Essex)
21 Essex Way, Essex Shoppes & Cinema, Essex, 802-876-7152
The taqueria’s menu includes tortillas stuffed with pork, chicken, fish or roasted yams from the owners’ Waitsfield farm. The homemade salsas and hot sauces are legendary.
Magic Hat Artifactory
5 Bartlett Bay Rd., South Burlington, 802-658-2739
Visit the funky tasting room at one of Vermont’s original craft breweries for whimsically named beers such as the Circus Boy hefeweizen — plus a grilled sandwich, soup or salad.
Mandarin
22 Main St., Winooski, 802-800-1116
A second-generation restaurateur runs Winooski’s sleek Chinese lounge, where customers pair craft cocktails with dumplings, chow fun, and salt-and-pepper pork. DJs spin tunes ’til late on the weekend.
McGillicuddy’s Five Corners
4 Pearl St., Essex Junction, 802-857-5940
TV sports entertain diners as they nosh on burgers or corned beef and cabbage. Draft beers and top-shelf whiskeys keep ’em happy no matter who’s winning the game.
McGillicuddy’s Irish Ale House
28 Walnut St., Williston, 802-857-5908
TV sports entertain diners as they nosh on burgers or corned beef and cabbage. Draft beers and top-shelf whiskeys keep ’em happy no matter who’s winning the game.
McGillicuddy’s on the Green
18 Severance Green, Colchester, 802-871-5480
TV sports entertain diners as they nosh on burgers or corned beef and cabbage. Draft beers and top-shelf whiskeys keep ’em happy no matter who’s winning the game. Sunday brunch.
Misery Loves Co.
46 Main St., Winooski, 802-497-3989
Handcrafted plates such as squid-ink farfalle and aged pheasant have nabbed Winooski’s casual farm-to-table kitchen multiple James Beard Award nominations.
New Moon Café
150 Cherry St., Burlington, 802-383-1505
A showstopping chandelier lends funky elegance to the dining room. Enjoy a vegan salad or sandwich made from fresh ingredients — or take a specialty coffee and scone to go.
Our House Bistro
36 Main St., Winooski, 802-497-1884
The “twisted comfort food” here includes mac and cheese with add-ons such as lobster and pulled pork. End the meal with a deep-fried PB&J. Weekend brunch.
Pascolo Ristorante
83 Church St., Burlington, 802-497-1613
Part of the Farmhouse Group, this subterranean spot crafts fresh pastas, wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas and housemade salumi. Pair it all with a fine Italian wine.
Pauline’s Café
1834 Shelburne Rd., South Burlington, 802-862-1081
Chef-owner David Hoene’s seasonal menus feature dinner plates such as pork schnitzel and escargots with pesto — and brunch favorites including French toast and crab cake Benedict.
Pizzeria Verità
156 St. Paul St., Burlington, 802-489-5644
Co-owner John Rao spent years perfecting the Neapolitan-style preparation of his paper-thin pies, which come topped with San Marzano tomatoes and housemade fior di latte. The bar stocks an extensive collection of Italian amari.
Revolution Kitchen
9 Center St., Burlington, 802-448-3657
Burlington’s first all-vegetarian restaurant promises upscale, “good for you” food made with fresh, local and organic ingredients.
Rí Rá Irish Pub + Restaurant
123 Church St., Burlington, 802-860-9401
Here you’ll find a friendly pub experience featuring an Irish-inspired menu, craft brews and single-malt Scotches.
Ruben James
159 Main St., Burlington, 802-864-0744
Sports bar by day and dance club by night, RJ’s is the place for music, NFL games, burgers and award-winning wings. Weekend lunch.
Sherpa Kitchen
119 College St., Burlington, 802-881-0550
Classic Himalayan dishes include momos, curries, thukpa and stews, best enjoyed with mango chutney and mixed pickles.
Stone Corral Brewery
83 Huntington Rd., Richmond, 802-434-5787
This award-winning brewhouse riffs on German, Belgian and British styles. The kitchen puts out kale Caesars, pulled-chicken sandwiches, and cheddar-ale mac and cheese. Live music nearly every night.
Sweetwaters
120 Church Street, Burlington, 802-864-9800
Try the Shirt Sleeve — a wrap stuffed with corn-flake-and-almond-crusted chicken, local bacon and Swiss cheese — at one of Church Street’s time-tested restaurants.
Tavern at the Essex: Vermont’s Culinary Resort & Spa
70 Essex Way, Essex Junction, 802-764-1489
Nightly specials, from Tuesday flatbreads to Wednesday sliders, keep the upscale pub accessible. Ingredients are locally sourced, and the tap list is 32 brews strong.
The Bearded Frog
5247 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne, 802-985-9877
Chef Mark LaRiviere’s eclectic, French-inflected menus spotlight local meats, produce and dairy. Dine near the fireplace in winter or on the sunny patio in summer.
The Daily Planet
15 Center St., Burlington, 802-862-9647
Since 1982, the Planet has carved out a hip space for modern food, local art and live music. In the kitchen, chef-partner Justin Bigelow parlays his fine-dining background into creative plates such as caramelized sea scallops and French onion steak.
The Farmhouse Tap & Grill
160 Bank St., Burlington, 802-859-0888
Where a McDonald’s once stood, crowds now come for local burgers, innovative entrées and craft beers. The menu showcases ingredients grown, raised and produced in Vermont.
The Great Northern
716 Pine St., Burlington, 802-489-5102
Chef Frank Pace’s casual kitchen takes its cues from global cuisines of the north. Slurp shellfish from the raw bar, or snack on fries with smoked pork and Korean pepper aioli.
The Kitchen Table Bistro
1840 W. Main St., Richmond, 802-434-8686
In a historic brick home, chef Steve Atkins serves upscale bistro dishes that have earned locals’ hearts and national attention. Don’t miss the decadent desserts.
The Lighthouse Restaurant and Lounge
38 Lower Mountain View Dr., Colchester, 802-448-3361
A trip to the 60-item salad bar comes with every order of grilled steak tips — and all other meat and fish dinner entrées. Sunday brunch.
The Scale Poké Bar
373 Blair Park Rd., Suite 101, Williston, 802-662-4799
Options are endless when diners build their own poke bowls. Choose from ingredients such as raw tuna, salmon, zucchini noodles, beets, mangoes, edamame and more.
The Skinny Pancake (Burlington)
60 Lake St., Burlington, 802-540-0188
Steps from Waterfront Park, crêpes are griddled before customers’ eyes. Try the Lovemaker, combining strawberries and Nutella.
The Windjammer Restaurant
1076 Williston Road, South Burlington, 802-862-6585
Hand-cut aged beef, fresh seafood and a 40-item salad “boat” have attracted diners since 1977. The bar is noteworthy for its Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, extensive craft beer list and specialty cocktail menu.
Three Brothers Pizza & Grill
973 Roosevelt Highway, Colchester, 802-655-5550
Pulled-pork and spicy Thai pies pair perfectly with pitchers of Switchback at this family-owned pizzeria, which puts an emphasis on local products.
Trattoria Delia
152 St. Paul St., Burlington, 802-864-5253
A firelit setting and award-winning wine list distinguish this long-standing restaurant as a romantic Italian destination. Try the housemade pasta or the brick chicken.
Vermont Pub & Brewery
144 College St., Burlington, 802-865-0500
Burlington’s original brewpub deals in classic plates such as country meatloaf and fish and chips, best paired with one of 10 ever-changing beers.
Vermont Tap House
70 Marshall Avenue, Williston, 802-879-7060
Local ingredients make this pizzeria and pub a standout among Williston’s chain restaurants. Wood-fired pies, salads and sandwiches meet 28 brews on tap.
West Meadow Farm Bakery
4 Carmichael St., Suite 101, Essex Junction, 802-878-1646
The production bakery’s gluten-free goodies include Outrageous Oatmeal Bread, Bodacious Brownies and Feelin’ Groovy Granola. Just waking up? Breakfast includes bagels, scones and quiche.
Zero Gravity Craft Brewery
716 Pine St., Burlington, 802-497-0054
American Flatbread’s flagship brewery pours pints of Green State Lager and Conehead IPA in a hip South End bar. Pair yours with a handmade sausage in the summer beer garden.
¡Duino! (Duende)
10 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 802-660-9346
Sandwiched between Radio Bean and Light Club Lamp Shop, the lively café touts international street eats, from Korean tacos to Hawaiian volcano fries.
