141 Main St., Vergennes, 802-877-2772
Chef-owner Matt Birong melds international flavors with local ingredients in his “creative-casual” food. Look for eggs Benedict specials on Sunday and bean-to-bar chocolate with organic cacao sourced directly from the Dominican Republic.
35 C Green St., Vergennes, 802-877-2555
Chef-owner Ian Huizenga grew up on a Monkton farm and sources super-local ingredients for his speakeasy’s “edible cures” and “potent potables.” Don’t miss sister biz Hired Hand Brewing Co., just upstairs.
21 Merchants Row, Randolph, 802-728-6776
Chef-owner Sarah Natvig changes the menu at her downtown bistro weekly. The produce for her simple but fanciful fare hails from her husband Chip’s Pebble Brook Farm, and the meats are raised nearby, too.
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.
316 US Route 2, South Hero, 802-372-4814
Near the shores of Keeler Bay, chef Phoebe Bright devises award-winning plates such as coffee-crusted pork tenderloin and crab ravioli.
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.
11 Center Street, Brandon, 802-247-9997
Chef Robert Barral crafts French-inspired comfort food. Try his famous stew of shrimp, scallops and mussels served over saffron risotto. Sunday brunch.
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 cheese and salumi or a larger seasonal plate.
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.
1117 Williston Rd., South Burlington, 802-660-7523
Locals and travelers gather for craft cocktails, regional beers and spirits, along with pub-style fare made with local ingredients. Enjoy the outdoor fire pit or the cozy indoor fireplace.
136 Main St., Brattleboro, 802-254-4141
Award-winning restaurateurs Keith Arnold and Stephanie Bonin serve up indulgent locavore fare such as goat-cheese-stuffed dates and swordfish with saffron rice. Weekend brunch.
73 Main St., Brattleboro, 802-254-2073
Start with a craft cocktail, then sate your hunger with a steak-bomb grilled cheese sandwich, brick-oven pizza or wedge salad.
4000 Mountain Rd., Topnotch Resort, Stowe, 802-253-8585
The sunny resort bistro serves creative fare such as togarashi crusted tuna and butternut squash bisque with spiced coconut cream.
5615 Route 14, Royalton, 802-763-0440
In a historic building, chef Eric Hartling offers spins on classic New England dishes while making room for global influences. The menu changes weekly but might include seared scallops with local butternut purée.
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.
133 N. Main St., Suite 7, 14th Star Brewing Co., St. Albans, 802-782-8703
Inside a veteran-owned brewery in a former bowling alley, creative burgers, salads and pretzel sticks pair with ales, stouts and aromatic IPAs. Sunday brunch.
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.
30 Bridge St., Richmond, 802-434-3663
Draft lines ferry 24 carefully selected craft beers, wines and hard ciders from cask to glass. Local ingredients shine in plates such as brisket poutine, fried chicken and crispy Brussels sprouts.
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.
92 Stowe St., Waterbury, 802-244-7300
Upscale dining takes a rustic turn in a former grist mill. Creative use of local meats, greens and cheeses has earned chef-owner Eric Warnstedt several James Beard Award nominations.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
4182 Waterbury-Stowe Rd., Waterbury Center, 802-244-7476
Elegant, ever-changing plates such as vegetable gnocchi and poached Maine lobster make the most of New England ingredients and the chef-owner’s European roots.
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.
111 St. Paul St., Burlington, 802-310-7828
Pastry shop, café and cocktail bar in one, this posh “fine diner” was voted Vermont’s best new restaurant in 2017. Swing in, too, for a handmade CBD truffle. No dinner Sunday or Monday.
14 Court Sq., Middlebury, 802-388-4961
Chef John Hessler reinvents New England cuisine in dishes such as seared sea scallops with roasted fingerling potatoes, bacon lardon, Brussels sprouts and maple brown butter.
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.
2160 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 802-253-9333
Latin and Asian flavors mix and mingle in fanciful menu items such as lobster wonton soup, green chorizo dumplings and chile-ponzu short ribs. The owner calls the tequila and sake selections “the best around.” Sunday brunch.
161 Main St., Vergennes, 802-877-9962
The hip neighborhood joint has exposed brick walls, metal sculptures, beet flatbreads and tangy barbecue ribs.
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.
23 S. Main St., Waterbury, 802-244-4120
Barbecue and comfort food meet “proper” cocktails and one of New England’s largest craft beer selections. In the adjacent brewery, pair a pint with tacos or ramen.
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.
51 Washington St., Rutland, 802-747-7414
Fresh, healthy, local food is the focus. Try the maple-and-molasses-braised pork or a red curry featuring Vermont Soy tofu.
1760 Quechee Main St., Quechee, 802-295-1470
After watching glassblowers work in the open studio downstairs, head to a chic dining room overlooking a covered bridge for silken cheddar soup or horseradish-crusted cod. The atrium bar serves casual drinks and snacks.
5371 Route 7, Ferrisburgh, 802-877-6316
The handcrafted décor is as distinctive as chef Josh Krechel’s international locavore cuisine. Sit in the octagonal dining room, fireside porch or on the stone patio in summer.
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.
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.
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.
7 Bakery Lane, Middlebury, 802-989-7026
Chef Matt Corrente forms modern Italian meals from local, seasonal ingredients by the Otter Creek. Sip a cocktail infused with foraged botanicals, then tuck into a bowl of Bolognese. By day, this space is home to Caroline Corrente’s Haymaker Bun Company.
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.
492 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 802-253-5101
Close to the slopes, chefs sling wood-fired pizzas, roasted meats and burgers to accompany thoughtful cocktails and 25 beers on tap.
15 Center St., Burlington, 802-862-9647
Since 1982, the Planet has carved out a hip space for food, local art and bar banter. New chef-owner Neil Solis took the reins in early 2020, promising to continue the restaurant’s rich history.
133 Main St.,Putney, 802-387-3052
Exposed beams lend rustic charm to the village restaurant, where chefs use area produce in creative dishes such as goose roulade and ramp agnolotti. Family-style dinner on Sunday.
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.
131 Main St., Burlington, 802-489-5699
An elegant space houses southern-inflected farm-to-table dishes and classic cocktails. Weekend brunch.
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.
1 Federal St., St. Albans, 802-524-0330
Favorites at this family-friendly bar and grill include loaded potato skins, roasted-beet salad and coconut curried mussels.
36 Bridge St., Brattleboro, 802-490-2354
Take in sweeping views of the Connecticut River over craft beers and spiced-cider ribs. The Whetstoner session IPA is always on tap.