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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
300 Cornerstone Dr., Williston, 802-878-5524
Chef-founders Jozef Harrewyn and Scott Sorrell have more than 40 combined years of experience; it shows in their frittatas, sandwiches, soups and salads. Don’t miss the pastries. Weekend brunch.
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.
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.
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.
25 Winooski Falls Way, 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.
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.
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.
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.
5 E. Allen St.,Winooski, 802-540-0052
The Farmhouse Group’s hip taqueria keeps it fresh and fun on the Winooski traffic circle. Farm-to-table tacos, burritos and killer margaritas are staples here.
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.
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.
34 Park St., Essex Junction, 802-662-4381
Chicken-fried steak, crab cakes and maple-kissed pork chops are among the offerings at this “inspired comfort food” restaurant — the second from chef-owner Darrell Langworthy of Mark BBQ.
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.
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.
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.
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.
34 Park St., Essex Junction, 802-495-1480
Chef Darrell Langworthy’s Texas-style ‘cue includes smoked brisket, sausages and pulled pork. Get it with mac and cheese, baked beans, or coleslaw.
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.
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.
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.
4 Carmichael St., Essex Junction, 802-288-9494
The family-run restaurant attracts diners of all ages with its popular New York-style pizzas, pastas and more — available for eat in, takeout and delivery.
408 Shelburne Rd., South Burlington, 802-489-5456
The family-run restaurant attracts diners of all ages with its popular New York-style pizzas, pastas and more — available for eat in, takeout and delivery.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2766 Mt. Philo Rd., Charlotte, 802-539-2912
A 400-acre historic dairy farm is now a showpiece for regenerative agriculture. Cozy up by the fire with a pastry and a cup of coffee from the café, or take in the farm views from the stone patio with a seasonal soup or sandwich. Meat and vegetables grown on the farm are for sale in the market.
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.
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.
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.
7 Fayette Dr., South Burlington, 802-497-3819
The restaurant’s barbecue smokers work their magic on chicken wings, ribs, sausage, brisket and more. Meanwhile, bartenders serve flights of whiskey and “adult” shakes with bourbon or vodka.
1 Lawson Lane, Orlando's Bar & Lounge Burlington, 802-540-0033
Smoked meats and traditional sides — think slaw, mac and cheese, and corn on the cob — pair well with live music at this subterranean club. Look for Vermont brews on tap.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.