Veggie Friendly (94)
Blue Paddle Bistro
316 US Route 2, South Hero, 802-372-4814
Artsy décor here includes a wooden canoe suspended over the bar. Inventive, unpretentious cuisine — think coffee-crusted pork tenderloin — is on offer.
Black Krim Tavern
21 Merchants Row, Randolph, 802-728-6776
The menu changes weekly to accommodate local and imported ingredients. Specials might include sweet-chile tofu or goat-cashew curry.
Bluebird Barbecue
317 Riverside Avenue, Burlington, 802-448-3070
Down-home regional barbecue includes smoked brisket, pulled pork, ribs and traditional sides — plus 24 beers on tap. Daily specials include ramen and Tex-Mex nights; lunch Sunday.
Coriander
1 Washington St., Middlebury, 802-458-8134
Farm-to-table American fusion plates — including mussels Provençal and wraps stuffed with chipotle-rubbed shrimp, avocado and herbed aioli — draw a diverse college-town crowd.
ArtsRiot
400 Pine St., Burlington, 802-540-0406
Dine on market-driven, inspired Vermont fare (the menu changes nightly) at this performing arts space and community gathering place.
Morgan’s Tavern at the Middlebury Inn
14 Court Sq., Middlebury, 802-388-4961
Chef Stephen Young’s classic New England cuisine incorporates local ingredients — think thick-cut pork chop with a Woodchuck Hard Cider glaze. Afternoon tea is served daily.
NECI on Main
118 Main St., Montpelier, 802-223-3188
The chefs at New England Culinary Institute’s flagship restaurant include two French master chefs, as well as a farmer and board members of Slow Food Vermont and Vermont Fresh Network. Catch a taste of their collective expertise, as expressed by student-cooks using fresh, local ingredients.
Dave’s Cosmic Subs
150 Dorset St., Suite 215, South Burlington, 802-489-7827
Serving up sandwiches and local craft beer with a side of rock and roll, the “far-out” sub shop’s zany creations are informed by 1960s and ’70s cultural references. The Grateful Dave is layered with turkey, avocado, alfalfa sprouts, “cosmic sauce” and hot pepper juice.
City Market, Onion River Co-op (Downtown Burlington)
82 S. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 802-861-9700
Choose from grab-and-go meals, side dishes, sushi, baked goods, signature sandwiches and salads — or make your own meal from the hot and cold bars.
Stowe Bowl
1613 Mountain Rd., 802-253-2494
This retro-style bowling alley offers shareable plates — such as popcorn with Asiago, truffle oil and sea salt — as well as burgers, salads and flatbreads.
Hen of the Wood (Waterbury)
92 Stowe St., Waterbury, 802-244-7300
Upscale dining takes a rustic turn in this former grist mill. Creative use of ultra-local meats, greens and cheeses has earned the chef-owner seven James Beard Award nominations.
The Farmhouse Tap & Grill
160 Bank St., Burlington, 802-859-0888
Burgers, charcuterie and farm-to-table comfort food draw daily crowds, as do rare brews from Vermont and beyond. Sip them fireside or in the seasonal beer garden.
Park Squeeze
161 Main St., Vergennes, 802-877-9962
This hip neighborhood restaurant has exposed brick walls, metal sculptures, and dishes such as steak frites and St. Louis-style ribs.
City Market, Onion River Co-op (Burlington South End)
207 Flynn Ave., Burlington, 802-540-6400
The much-anticipated South End location of Burlington’s grocery cooperative offers a robust selection of marinated meats and spit-roasted birds in addition to groceries and hot and cold prepared foods.
Hyde Away Inn and Restaurant
1428 Route 17, Waitsfield, 802-496-2322
Classic comfort food gets a boost from local ingredients — think bacon-wrapped meatloaf and cider-braised pork osso bucco.
Zenbarn
179 Guptil Rd., Waterbury, 802-244-8134
Enjoy items like ramen, tempura mushrooms and signature grass-fed beef burgers — at this “soil-to-soul” facility, which also houses a yoga studio and cultural center. Live bands on the weekend.
Butch + Babe’s
258 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 802-495-0716
The casual Old North End kitchen connects neighbors over new American pub fare with a creative twist — think kimchi hot dogs and mac-and-cheese pancakes. Sunday brunch.
The Kitchen Table Bistro
1840 W. Main St., Richmond, 802-434-8686
Haute cuisine and bistro dishes have earned locals’ hearts and the attention of national awards. Inside this historic brick home is an ever-changing seasonal menu; don’t miss the decadent desserts.
Doc Ponds
294 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 802-760-6066
At this pub from the team behind Hen of the Wood, pair a burger or smoked chicken with one of 24 beers on draft, or linger over a craft cocktail and pie.
Three Brothers Pizza & Grill
973 Roosevelt Highway, Colchester, 802-655-5550
Owned by a Lebanese family, this pizzeria emphasizes local products. During Vermont Restaurant Week, dine from a special menu of Middle Eastern specialties.
Our House Bistro
36 Main St., Winooski, 802-497-1884
“Twisted comfort food” here includes frickles, fish tacos, and mac and cheese with add-ons such as lobster and pulled pork. End the meal with a deep-fried PB&J.
Vermont Pub & Brewery
144 College St., Burlington, 802-865-0500
Burlington’s first brewpub deals in classic dishes such as country meatloaf and fish and chips, best paired with one of 10 ever-changing beers made on-site.
The Great Northern
716 Pine St., Burlington, 802-489-5102
The kitchen here 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. Weekend brunch.
The Daily Planet
15 Center St., Burlington, 802-862-9647
Since 1982 this downtown standby has been a hip place to eat and enjoy local art and music. The menu ranges from sandwiches to pan-roasted lamb.
Revolution Kitchen
9 Center St., Burlington, 802-448-3657
Pastas, tacos and curries anchor a menu of international dishes. Take note of the homemade desserts and rotating selection of local craft brews.
¡Duino! (Duende)
10 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 802-660-9346
A theatrical theme pervades this international street-food spot — open ’til 1 a.m. on weekends. Dishes range from fish tacos to chicken and waffles to poutine. Brunch on Saturday and Sunday only.
Starry Night Café
5371 Route 7, Ferrisburgh, 802-877-6316
The handcrafted décor is as distinctive as chef Josh Krechel’s use of local ingredients in international dishes. Sit fireside in the octagonal dining room or on the stone patio in summer.
Pascolo Ristorante
83 Church St., Burlington, 802-497-1613
Family-friendly dining here means fresh pasta, sausages, antipasti and wood-fired pizza, all made in-house. Complete the meal with a fine Italian wine.
Sotto Enoteca
150 St. Paul St., Burlington, 802-864-5253
Head to this subterranean spot for a cocktail or glass of Italian wine; stay for cured meats, calamari and other selections from the Trattoria Delia kitchen.
Trattoria Delia
152 St. Paul St., Burlington, 802-864-5253
A firelit setting and award-winning wine list distinguish this authentic Italian spot. Try the housemade pasta or osso bucco.
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.
Green Goddess Café
618 S. Main St., Stowe, 802-253-5255
The veggie options at this omnivorous café are so good that locals voted it one of Vermont’s best vegetarian restaurants. Chow down on a breakfast scramble or the ever-popular carnitas wrap.
Bleu Northeast Seafood
25 Cherry St., Burlington, 802-864-8600
Inside the Courtyard Marriott, chef Douglas Paine serves fresh food harvested from New England waters and farms. The cocktail bar offers inventive cocktails and acoustic music on the weekend. Sunday brunch.
Junction at the Essex: Vermont’s Culinary Resort & Spa
70 Essex Way, Essex, 802-764-1489
Dining is intimate at an upscale, forward-thinking restaurant. The chef tailors small and large plates to individual palates, cooking in plain view. Extensive and diverse wine selection.
Esperanza Restaurante
180 Battery St., Burlington, 802-657-3377
A Salvadoran man and Filipino woman teamed up to open this casual restaurant, where the fare includes pupusas, tamales, egg rolls and fried-chicken lollipops.
The Marina
28 Spring Tree Rd., Brattleboro, 802-257-7563
Soak in views of the West River over fried whole-belly clams. Burgers and brewskis on the patio make sunsets extra-special.
A Single Pebble
133 Bank St., Burlington, 802-865-5200
Traditional preparation and presentation influence dishes such as the nationally recognized mock eel. Try the tasting menu. Dim sum on Sunday.
Rí Rá Irish Pub + Restaurant
123 Church St., Burlington, 802-860-9401
Find a friendly Irish pub experience with a full menu, local craft brews and single-malt Scotches. Live music and brunch on weekends.
Idletyme Brewing Company
1859 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 802-253-4765
Specializing in seasonal comfort food and small-batch craft beer, this dog- and family-friendly brewpub comes with perks: an outdoor biergarten, lawn games and a fireside lounge.
The Spot
210 Shelburne Road, Burlington, 802-540-1778
The colorful menu features breakfast faves such as huevos rancheros, while fish tacos brighten up lunch.
Whetstone Station Restaurant and Brewery
36 Bridge St., Brattleboro, 802-490-2354
Take in views of the Connecticut River over craft beers and plates of fish tacos or spiced-cider ribs. The Whetstoner session IPA is always on tap.
The Lobby
7 Bakery Lane, Middlebury, 802-989-7463
In the heart of downtown, overlooking Otter Creek, diners choose from handmade pastas, dressed-up pub fare and creative cocktails. Weekend brunch.
The Gryphon
131 Main St., Burlington, 802-489-5699
An elegant space houses southern-inflected farm-to-table dishes and classic cocktails. Weekend brunch.
Guild Tavern
1633 Williston Rd., South Burlington, 802-497-1207
The wood-fired grill here cooks dry-aged steaks and other local meats. Don’t miss the exquisite cocktails.
Sarducci’s Restaurant and Bar
3 Main St., Montpelier, 802-223-0229
A custom-built wood-burning oven cranks out pizza, salmon cucina and other authentic dishes. Check out the gluten-free menu. No lunch on Sunday.
Hazel
75 Elliot St., Brattleboro, 802-579-1092
Pair smoked wings, ribs or an indulgent pie — topped with everything from house-smoked pork to fresh pineapple — with a beer or cocktail special.
Peter Havens
32 Elliot St., Brattleboro, 802-257-3333
Locals return again and again to the tiny, elegant eatery for smart cocktails, wild Maine mussels and pan-roasted duck breast.
Wicked Wings (Essex Junction)
1 Market Place #25, Essex Junction, 802-879-7111
Chicken — wickedly hot and otherwise — is the main attraction. Choose from 16 sauces, three levels of heat and seven types of dry seasoning on your wings. You’ll find burgers, falafel, salads and craft beer, too. Seasonal hours.
Storm Café
3 Mill St., Middlebury, 802-388-1063
The seasons dictate the hearty breakfast dishes, specialty sandwiches, steaks and seafoods offered at this inviting eatery on Otter Creek. Dine on the deck in summer.
Blue Moose Italian Bistro
39 Main St., Brattleboro, 802-254-6245
Chef Ken Flutie interprets traditional Italian recipes in a cozy Italian bistro. Diners can enjoy homemade pastas with a glass of wine or local spirits.
Three Penny Taproom
108 Main St., Montpelier, 802-223-8277
Twenty-three taps supply hard-to-find craft brews for every palate. Sip happily in between bites of imaginative pub fare. Brunch only on Sunday.
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 brews such as the Circus Boy hefeweizen — plus grilled sandwiches, soups and salads.
East West Café
2 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 802-540-8145
Thailand native Samran Kaewkoet prepares authentic Isaan cuisine to go. Try a noodle soup, chicken satay or traditional sticky rice dish.
Hired Hand Brewing Co.
35 Green St., Vergennes, 802-870-7191
Directly above Bar Antidote, chef-owner Ian Huizenga crafts brews from local grains and malts. Pair one with a wood-fired pizza or pork-belly steamed bun — but save room for a stout-ice-cream float.
deMena’s
44 Main St., upstairs, Montpelier, 802-613-3172
Dishes such as caramelized avocado salad, coconut gazpacho and a chorizo burger enliven a Latin-inspired menu. Sip a craft cocktail on the deck, or salsa dance in the upstairs lounge.
Bistro de Margot
126 College St., Burlington, 802-863-5200
Chef-owner Herve Mahe channels the spirit of fine dining into this modern French restaurant, pairing seasonal bistro classics — escargots, pan-roasted quail, savory tarts — with fine French wines.
Dedalus Wine Shop, Market & Wine Bar
388 Pine St., Burlington, 802-865-2368
A warehouse-size space stocks charcuterie, imported specialty goods, cheeses and breads. The glass-enclosed bar and restaurant serves small plates to complement the extensive wine list.
Kismet
52 State St., Montpelier, 802-223-8646
Freshly farmed ingredients, innovative cocktails, and artisan wines and beers bring big flavors to a globe-trotting menu at Montpelier’s first organic restaurant.
Cork Wine Bar & Market of Stowe
35 School St., Stowe, 802-760-6143
Home to one of Vermont’s largest natural wine collections, this market, bar and dinner spot pours more than 15 varietals — and several local beers — by the glass. Snack on curated cheese and salumi plates, and larger plates that change with the seasons.
Joyce’s Noodle House
5 Carmichael St., Essex Junction, 802-288-9828
The cuisine here can be traced back to the Shang Dynasty. Try the mustard greens with smoked tofu.
The Mad Taco (Waitsfield)
2 Village Sq., Waitsfield, 802-496-3832
This lucha-themed eatery specializes in Mexican dishes made with local, farm-fresh ingredients. Have a margarita with your tacos, or opt for one of 11 craft beers on tap.
Sweetwaters
120 Church Street, Burlington, 802-864-9800
A Church Street cornerstone for more than 30 years, the bistro serves tried-and-true fare. Try its Shirt Sleeve, a wrap stuffed with almond-crusted chicken, local bacon and Swiss cheese.
El Cortijo Taqueria y Cantina
189 Bank St., Burlington, 802-497-1668
This taqueria from the team behind the Farmhouse Tap & Grill serves locally inspired tacos, burritos and entrées, along with “wicked fly” margaritas.
August First Bakery & Café
149 S. Champlain St., Burlington, 802-540-0060
Grab breakfast, lunch, freshly baked pastries or locally roasted coffee in a bright and friendly setting.
Positive Pie (Plainfield)
69 Main St., Plainfield, 802-454-0133
The locally sourced pub fare includes hand-tossed New York-style pizzas, complemented by a long list of draft beers, specialty cocktails and wines.
Fire & Ice Restaurant
26 Seymour St., Middlebury, 802-388-7166
Known for its historic décor and huge salad bar, this steakhouse is popular with adults and kids alike. There’s a separate room with books and movies for little ones. Lunch Friday through Sunday.
Magnolia Bistro
1 Lawson Lane, Suite 10, Burlington, 802-846-7446
Vermont’s first certified green restaurant cooks up breakfast and lunch favorites with a twist — think Belgian lime waffles and Philly cheesesteaks made with seitan.
Tavern at the Essex: Vermont’s Culinary Resort & Spa
70 Essex Way, Essex Junction, 802-764-1489
Reimagined tavern fare meets local ingredients here. Pair your meal with a brew from an extensive draft list, or a glass of wine or specialty cocktail.
Echo Restaurant & Lounge
73 Main St., Brattleboro, 802-254-2073
Start with a craft cocktail, then sink your teeth into bold Italian American flavors. Plates from the kitchen include fried chicken sandwiches, brick-oven pizzas and pan-seared duck.
Tres Amigos & Rusty Nail Stage
1190 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 802-253-6245
The Mexican fare includes hibiscus-glazed chicken and ancho-rubbed steak, along with tacos, enchiladas and burritos. Find dozens of tequilas at the bar. Local, regional and national bands hit the historic Rusty Nail club stage several nights a week.
Table 24 Restaurant
24 Wales St., Rutland, 802-775-2424
Classic comfort food goes gourmet at this upscale eatery, thanks to a wood-fired grill and rotisserie. Save room for the banana cream pie.
Positive Pie (Barre)
219 N. Main St., Barre, 802-622-8051
An ingredient-driven pizza joint offers creative pies, seasonal burgers and a Barre take on brick chicken — the bird is pressed beneath a block of granite.
Charlie B’s Pub & Restaurant at Stoweflake
1746 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 802-253-7355
This destination for deck dining, après-ski and live music offers more than 50 wines by the glass, 10 draft beers, upscale pub fare and farm-fresh cuisine.
Pizzeria Verità
156 St. Paul St., Burlington, 802-489-5644
The oven here quickly blisters thin-crust pies topped with San Marzano tomatoes, housemade mozzarella, local veggies and meats.
Notte Neapolitan Pizza Bar
86 Main St., Middlebury, 802-989-7351
Two Brothers Tavern chef Matt Corriente puts out blistery Neapolitan pies, along with traditional Italian antipasti and salads.
The Bearded Frog
5247 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne, 802-985-9877
Chef Mark LaRiviere offers eclectic fare in an upscale setting. In winter, warm up by the two-sided fireplace; patio seating is available in summer.
Waterworks Food + Drink
20 Winooski Falls Way, Winooski, 802-497-3525
Window seats are in high demand at this former textile mill overlooking the Winooski River. The wood-fired oven turns out flatbreads; pair them with inspired cocktails. Lunch Monday to Saturday; Sunday brunch.
Hen of the Wood (Burlington)
55 Cherry St., Burlington, 802-540-0534
The Queen City counterpart to Waterbury’s beloved restaurant brings rustic charm, locavore cuisine and a legendary wine list to the table. The bar is open for cocktails and craft brews until 11 p.m.
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.
Agave Taco and Tequila Casa
28 Walnut St., Williston, 802-876-7129
Traditional Tex-Mex dishes such as queso dip and carnitas burritos commingle with modern American plates of avocado toast and fried green tomatoes at this shopping-center taqueria. Check out the selection of fine tequilas.
Café Provence
11 Center Street, Brandon, 802-247-9997
Inside this airy restaurant, chef Robert Barral crafts French-inspired comfort food. Try his famous seafood stew of scallops, shrimp and mussels served over saffron risotto, then doused in lobster broth.
The Skinny Pancake (Burlington)
60 Lake St., Burlington, 802-540-0188
At this crêperie, try the Lovemaker, which combines strawberries and Nutella. Locavore salads, soups, fondue and espresso drinks are also on the menu.
Tourterelle
3629 Ethan Allen Highway, New Haven, 802-453-6309
Classic French cuisine merges with Vermont ingredients on a seasonally driven menu. Try the signature red-curry bouillabaisse with saffron aioli.
The Reservoir Restaurant & Tap Room
1 S. Main St., Waterbury, 802-244-7827
Dive into Vermont’s culinary culture here: There are 38 beers on tap — some of them brewed on-site — and locavore pub fare such as fried chicken and big-time burgers. Lunch on weekends only.
duo Restaurant
136 Main St., Brattleboro, 802-254-4141
This locavore restaurant comes on the heels of an award-winning Denver location. Enjoy an indulgent brunch on the weekend, or come in for Meatless Monday.
The Windjammer Restaurant
1076 Williston Road, South Burlington, 802-862-6585
Aged beef, hand-cut steaks, prime rib, fresh seafood and a 150-bottle wine list keep ‘em coming back. Check out the unique, boat-shaped salad bar that comes with an entrée order.
Pauline’s Café
1834 Shelburne Rd., South Burlington, 802-862-1081
A longtime local fixture, this café-restaurant serves up Maine crab cakes, racks of lamb, Vermont meats and seasonal specialties.
Misery Loves Co.
46 Main St., Winooski, 802-497-3989
From an open kitchen, the chef-owners dish out imaginative food — think scallop crudo and house-cured meat and fish — that nabbed them James Beard nominations in 2013 and 2016. Lunch Tuesday through Friday; dinner Tuesday through Saturday; weekend brunch. Closed Monday.
The Parker House Inn & Bistro
1792 Quechee Main St., Quechee, 802-295-6077
This chef-owner has been dishing out imaginative food for the past 13 years at this local, unpretentious icon of the Upper Valley. Creative selections from the best the local farms have to offer — blended with French, Mediterranean and Spanish influences or sometimes just the chef’s whim!
New Moon Café
150 Cherry St., Burlington, 802-383-1505
A warm interior and awesome chandelier lend this spot a funky elegance. Choose from a wide array of fresh ingredients to create your own salad or sandwich. Save room for a cupcake.
Superfresh! Organic Café
30 Main St., Brattleboro, 802-579-1751
The café overlooking Whetstone Brook gets creative with health food — think Brazil-nut-turmeric cupcakes, sunseed-guac nachos and hemp-milk smoothies. Closed Tuesday.
Citizen Cider
316 Pine St., Suite 114, Burlington, 802-448-3278
A lively tasting room has 10 ciders on draft, plus local beer, spirits and nonalcoholic concoctions. Taco Tuesday draws a crowd.
The Mill at Simon Pearce
1760 Quechee Main St., Quechee, 802-295-1470
Elegant cuisine meets local produce in this old mill along the Ottauquechee River. Sample the famous cheddar soup or the San Daniele prosciutto with fresh fig compote, Bayley Hazen blue and grissini. Voted one of the most romantic restaurants by Travel & Leisure magazine. Brunch Sundays.
Roots the Restaurant
51 Wales Street, Rutland, 802-747-7414
Fresh, healthy, local food is the focus here. Try the maple-and-molasses-braised pork or a noodle bowl featuring Vermont Soy tofu.
