Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Vermont

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Vermont? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Starry Night Cafe

4.9

4.9 (1224)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Ferrisburgh

About the restaurant

Starry Night Cafe invites you to a culinary adventure in the heart of Vermont. Our menu features fresh, locally sourced ingredients transformed into delectable dishes inspired by global flavors. Savor the delicate notes of pan-seared scallops paired with vibrant mango salsa, or indulge in the rich, earthy flavors of slow-braised lamb shank that melts in your mouth. Each bite reflects our commitment to quality and creativity. As the sun sets, the atmosphere becomes a tranquil haven. The soft murmur of conversation and the gentle crackle of the fireplace create intimacy and warmth. Whether you're enjoying a romantic evening, gathering with friends, or seeking a moment of culinary indulgence, Starry Night Cafe promises an unforgettable experience. Join us under the Vermont sky, where every dish is a masterpiece and every moment is a cherished memory.

Top review

Marionne

Dined 3 days ago

Wonderful food with great attention to detail, everything was delicious and well-executed. Attentive and pleasant service in a beautiful and comfortable atmosphere.

CurATE at Southern Vermont Arts Center

4.9

4.9 (505)

$30 and under

American

Manchester

About the restaurant

curATE café in Vermont promises to bring a modern sensibility paired with classic and regional fare. Artfully curated small plates, salads, artisanal sandwiches, flatbreads, entrees and a full bar — all in the artful setting of SVAC’s galleries and grounds.

curATE will delight diners enjoying the museum’s art and beautiful grounds. The café will be the perfect spot for a special lunch or afternoon beverage – curate your own experience.

Top review

Lisa

Dined 4 days ago

Excellent dinner at Curate, a quiet charming space with outstanding waitstaff. The pasta primavera was unique and vibrant.

JJ Hapgood General Store & Eatery

4.9

4.9 (20)

$31 to $50

American

Peru

About the restaurant

JJ Hapgood (aka HAPGOODS): 305 Main Street, Peru (802. 824-4800). HAPGOODS has been a neighborhood stalwart since 1827. Serving up Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Fun, Wednesday through Sunday. Join us for a stellar meal or stop in and peruse our curated selection of artisan giftables, vinyl records, craft food and drinks - or - bring home a little magic with one-of-a-kind finds.

Top review

DavidVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Great food,great service and a wonderful selection of gourmet grocery items, toys and gifts

Simon Pearce Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (6434)

$50 and over

American

Quechee

About the restaurant

Reservations are recommended.

The dining room at the Mill is a wonderful way to experience Simon Pearce. Using fresh local ingredients, thoughtfully prepared creative American cuisine is served with the backdrop of the Ottauquechee River waterfall and covered bridge.

Simon Pearce Retail Store - Shop before you dine! Our restaurant is located at our flagship retail store where you can explore all of our Simon Pearce glass and pottery in person. All of our products are handmade with love.

Top review

Richard

Dined 6 days ago

Our go to dining spot when visiting VT. A great experience & server Brittany very pleasant and knowledgeable

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Popular dish

Vermont Cheddar Soup

Popular dish

Provençal Seafood Stew

Popular dish

Horseradish-Crusted Atlantic Cod

Red Rooster at The Woodstock Inn and Resort

4.8

4.8 (1031)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Woodstock

About the restaurant

Our award-winning restaurant, The Red Rooster, captures the essence of Vermont in its delightful satisfying dishes and relaxed setting. Sip a finely crafted cocktail in the elegant bar, or enjoy the lovely restaurant setting. The restaurant showcases menus that draw from the best purveyors in New England, emphasizing fresh, local ingredients – including specialty cheeses, beef, and heirloom fruits and vegetables, all perfectly prepared by Chef Matthew McClure and our culinary team.

Top review

richard

Dined 7 days ago

This was my husband's and my 63rd wedding anniversary and we chose The Woodstock Inn, Red Rooster Room as are first place to dine out since, yes, Covid! It was well worth the wait...the Mussels were beyond compare, husband said hangar steak was delicious, and when wait staff were told it was our anniversary..they even gifted me with my Prosecco! Wait Staff very courteous, and conscientious and would recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Vermont and Woodstock in particular.

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4.8

4.8 (1330)

$30 and under

Comfort Food

Rutland

About the restaurant

! We are located directly across from City Hall at 55 Washington Street, there is a black gate with a Roots sign on it and you will find us 20 yards into a park called Center Street Marketplace, the restaurant has limited visibility from the street. !

Roots mission is to create delicious food from fresh, local ingredients. Vermont offers an agricultural bounty of flavorful produce, meat, dairy and other food products that are staples of the Roots menu.
Roots is committed to providing affordable meals from minimally processed, locally grown ingredients, including organic crops and humanely raised, pasture fed livestock.

Visit us in downtown Rutland and enjoy a delicious, wholesome local meal.

*For parties larger than 6 please call for your reservation.

Top review

RaymondVIP

Dined 5 days ago

It's always a pleasure. I am a regular. The staff are always great and the food and drinks are consistently top notch. Highly recommended!

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Popular dish

Scallop Salad

Omakase at the Tavern

4.8

4.8 (12)

$31 to $50

Asian

Montgomery

About the restaurant

Omakase at the Tavern is a charming restaurant in Montgomery, Vermont, offering Asian fusion cuisine in a historic tavern setting just 10 minutes from Jay Peak Resort. Compliment your meal in a warm and inviting atmosphere with variety of wines, beers, and cocktails. Omakase at the Tavern is perfect for a delicious dining experience in a relaxed environment. We are currently open for dinner Thursday through Sunday. Reservations are recommended.

Top review

Brian

Dined on Apr 12, 2025

Food was great. Service was great. We love going there.

Plate

4.7

4.7 (64)

$30 and under

American

Stowe

About the restaurant

We are open for dinner Wednesday through Sundays at 5:30 pm. We do not take parties larger than 6 and require a credit card to hold reservations for parties of 6. Please call by 1:00 pm the day of your reservation to avoid our cancellation fee. *** Please note we do not have high chairs.

For private events please contact Aaron at amartin0014@gmail.com. Thank you!

Top review

JanetVIP

Dined 6 days ago

It’s always perfect - the food & drink, ambiance, service and hospitality. Every detail is considered and it shows!

Pearl's Place & Pantry

4.6

4.6 (344)

$30 and under

Southern

Manchester

About the restaurant

Nestled in the heart of Manchester, Vermont, Pearl's Place & Pantry is a culinary haven that transports you to the heart of the South. This charming restaurant boasts a warm and inviting ambiance, making it the perfect spot for both casual diners and those seeking a special occasion. The menu at Pearl's Place & Pantry is a symphony of Southern flavors, featuring dishes crafted with fresh, local ingredients. Indulge in classics like fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and collard greens, each bursting with the authentic taste of the South. The attentive staff is always ready to recommend the perfect dish and pair it with a delightful beverage from their extensive drink menu. Whether you're dining with family or friends, Pearl's Place & Pantry creates an unforgettable culinary experience. Open daily for dinner service, this restaurant invites you to unwind after a day of exploring Manchester's scenic beauty. The combination of friendly service and delicious food makes it a must-visit destination for those eager to indulge in the rich flavors of Southern hospitality.

Top review

cori

Dined 3 days ago

Wonderful staff! So friendly! And such tasty food! Yummy drinks, knowledgeable barkeep

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Popular dish

Shrimp & Cheesy Grits

The Hermitage Inn

4.6

4.6 (153)

$31 to $50

American

Dover

About the restaurant

The Hermitage Inn’s award-winning cuisine celebrates the best regional products that New England has to offer, served with our unique brand of mountain elegance.

Our menus, created by Executive Chef Michael Chandler, borrow from haute cuisine and local artisanal foods creating a unique gastronomic experience that is both rustic and refined.

Our wine program delights beginners and connoisseurs alike with thousands of bottles to choose from our Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence wine list. Led by our expert team, guests can explore regions, varietals, producers and vintages from local to all over the world in an elegant yet unpretentious setting.

Top review

Kayla

Dined on Apr 5, 2025

Loved the ambiance and the setting of the inn, the food was delicious and our server was amazing. She was so kind and informative.

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Experience

Mother's Day

Explore Diners' Choice best of Vermont