The Reluctant Panther Restaurant

Name: The Reluctant Panther Restaurant
Address: 39 West Road, Manchester, VT, United States, 05254
Telephone: (802) 362-2568
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

4.7 (1248)

$31 to $50

American

39 West Road, Manchester, VT 05254

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 20, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 15 times today

About this restaurant

Charming
Good for special occasions
Neighborhood gem

The Reluctant Panther Restaurant features locally sourced American cuisine in a relaxed yet elegantly upscale atmosphere. Menus are complemented by a multiple year Wine Spectator award winning wine list
The Reluctant Panther is happy to accommodate well behaved children but does not offer a children's menu.
Reservations Required.
Please Note: We do not allow dogs in the restaurant, inside or out, with the exception of service animals.

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Seafood
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Sat 5:30 pm–8:30 pm
Phone number
(802) 362-2568
Website
http://reluctantpanther.com/dining
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Sigal Rocklin
Private party facilities
The Panther Pub is Warmly lit and comfortably furnished, the Pub is used for special events and private party bookings. Business dinners and small wedding rehearsal dinners are particularly effective in The Panther Pub.

Location
39 West Road, Manchester, VT 05254
Neighborhood
Manchester
Cross street
Seminary Road
Parking details
Parking is available in our private lot or in public spaces nearby. We have handicap access parking both in the front and rear of our buildings.
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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Lobster & Brie Fondue$20.00
Crispy Pancetta, Baguette
Maplebrook Farm Burrata$16.00
Local Tomatoes, Basil Pesto, Tomato Jam, Smoked Sea Salt, Aged Balsamic
Beef Carpaccio$17.00
Arugula, Tomatoes, Pickled Shallots, Shaved Parmesan, Crispy Capers, Mustard Vinaigrette
Vermont Cheese Board$18.00
Cherries, Maple Peppercorn Almonds, Whipped Local Honey, Crackers
Mixed Greens Salad$13.00
Green Beans, Peaches, Almonds, Pickled Fennel, Basil Vinaigrette
Tuna Tartar$17.00
Shaved Cucumber, Zucchini Noodles, Radishes, Sesame Dressing, Crispy Wontons
Buttermilk Fried Local Quail$17.00
Deviled Quail Eggs, Bacon Vinaigrette, Spicy Pineapple Jam
Watermelon & Roasted Maplebrook Farm Feta$15.00
Cucumber & Shaved Fennel, Sunflower Shoots, Lime
Soup of the Day$12.00
Chef's Inspiration

Entrées

Switchback Ale Braised Short Ribs$38.00
Grafton Smoked Cheddar Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Crispy Shallots
Fish of the Day
Farm Vegetable Risotto, Beurre Blanc
Seared Scallops$42.00
Corn, Green Beans & Bell Pepper Succotash, Zucchini Noodles, Red Pepper & Almond Romesco Sauce
Pistachio Stuffed Lamb Loin$58.00
Basil Pesto Cous Cous, Cherry Tomatoes, Olive Puree, Feta Cheese, Aged Balsamic
Grilled Vermont Farms Pork Chop$39.00
Warm German Potato Salad, Bacon, Patty Pan Squash, Smoked Maple
Vegan Roasted Japanese Eggplant$33.00
Chickpeas, Kalamata Olives, Tomatoes, Bell Peppers, Summer Squash, Tomato Vinaigrette
Roasted Misty Knoll Chicken Breast$37.00
Basil Polenta, Grilled Japanese Eggplant, Cherry Tomato Compote, Aged Balsamic
Grilled Fillet Mignon$59.00
Corn Fritters, Fire Roasted Bell Peppers, Horseradish Crème Fraiche
Sesame Crusted Tuna$38.00
Bamboo Rice Cake, Green Beans & Mushrooms, Radish, Avocado Lime Dressing

What 1,248 people are saying

The Reluctant Panther Restaurant reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.8Service
4.6Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Vermont
Best Food
Vermont
Best Value
Vermont
Great for fine wines
Vermont
Romantic
Vermont
Great for scenic views
Vermont
American
Southern Vermont
Best Overall
Southern Vermont
Best Food
Southern Vermont
Best Value
Southern Vermont
Great for fine wines
Southern Vermont
Romantic
Southern Vermont
American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Reluctant Panther Restaurant offers a "wonderful dining experience" with "exquisite presentation," "unique and flavorful" dishes, and "impeccable service." Patrons rave about its "beautiful setting," "sublime ambiance," and "superb wine list." Despite occasional noise, the "elegant yet relaxed" atmosphere and "attention to detail" make it a "must-visit" in Manchester.

1,248 Reviews

L
Linda
New York State3 reviews
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a lovely dinner. The wait staff is really fun, attentive and helpful. I was so happy with my menu choices. I had the scallops with zucchini noodles - yum. I would have preferred slightly less seasoned salt on the scallops, but the veggies and sauce were perfect. For dessert I had the trio of sorbets. I loved cucumber basil best. Who knew??? I felt like I had the best of summer served to me here.
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b
bill
New York City6 reviews
5.0
Dined on July 12, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The RC is excellent—excellent service, excellent food, excellent ambiance. It ranks up there with the finest. Must visit if you’re in the southern Vermont area.
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p
pamela
Philadelphia County3 reviews
5.0
Dined on July 11, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Best food we had on our 12 day vaca including our stay at 5 star resorts. Flavor combinations were amazing. Very unique. Staff was attentive and very friendly. Wonderful date night.
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B
Bob
Greater Boston19 reviews
4.0
Dined on July 11, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Very nice restaurant. Clearly one of the top in Manchester. Superb service.
Is this helpful?
m
margaret
Greater Boston1 review
5.0
Dined on July 10, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food and service were fantastic. We look forward to coming back!
Is this helpful?
D
David
New York City2 reviews
5.0
Dined on July 5, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The restaurant at the Reluctant Panther is sublime in every respect, much in line with the Inn’s impeccable standards. Nicely balanced menus, excellent wine list and cocktails, and superb ambiance with a view of Mt. Equinox. I suggest sitting outside on the patio, weather permitting. It’s super relaxed and you will probably make new friends!
Is this helpful?
T
Teresa VIP
San Francisco Bay Area14 reviews
5.0
Dined on July 4, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was outstanding, as always, and service was impeccable. We ordered halibut, stuffed shrimp and scallops for entries and creamy asparagus soup, feta watermelon salad and mixed green salad for appetizers. Ambiance and views of the garden are wonderful. Would highly recommend.
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S
Susan VIP
Greater Boston70 reviews
3.0
Dined on July 4, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Great service but food was disappointing. Although fresh ingredients have no taste, very bland.
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E
Ellen VIP
Philadelphia County229 reviews
5.0
Dined on July 4, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had an outstanding dining experience consisting of excellent food, wine and service. We look forward to returning.
Is this helpful?
m
mary
Greater Boston6 reviews
2.0
Dined on July 1, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The food was not great, unfortunately. But the staff were all wonderful.
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FAQs

The Reluctant Panther Restaurant is rated 4.7 stars by 1248 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 20, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 15 times today

Google Map for The Reluctant Panther Restaurant

39 West Road, Manchester, VT 05254

Additional information

Cross street
Seminary Road
Neighborhood
Manchester
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Sat 5:30 pm–8:30 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Seafood
Dining style
Fine Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Parking is available in our private lot or in public spaces nearby. We have handicap access parking both in the front and rear of our buildings.
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Sigal Rocklin
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://reluctantpanther.com/dining
Phone number
(802) 362-2568
Private party facilities
The Panther Pub is Warmly lit and comfortably furnished, the Pub is used for special events and private party bookings. Business dinners and small wedding rehearsal dinners are particularly effective in The Panther Pub.

The Reluctant Panther Restaurant

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Ask Concierge
AI Beta

Menu

Appetizers

Lobster & Brie Fondue$20.00

Maplebrook Farm Burrata$16.00

Beef Carpaccio$17.00

Vermont Cheese Board$18.00

Mixed Greens Salad$13.00

Tuna Tartar$17.00

Buttermilk Fried Local Quail$17.00

Watermelon & Roasted Maplebrook Farm Feta$15.00

Soup of the Day$12.00

Entrées

Switchback Ale Braised Short Ribs$38.00

Fish of the Day

Seared Scallops$42.00

Pistachio Stuffed Lamb Loin$58.00

Grilled Vermont Farms Pork Chop$39.00

Vegan Roasted Japanese Eggplant$33.00

Roasted Misty Knoll Chicken Breast$37.00

Grilled Fillet Mignon$59.00

Sesame Crusted Tuna$38.00

What 1,248 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is The Reluctant Panther Restaurant restaurant rated?

Is The Reluctant Panther Restaurant currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information