Alongside its mountain views, local shopping, and a deep list of outdoor activities for all seasons, Burlington, VT, is also home to a variety of great restaurants and unique food experiences that spark an adventure for any foodie.
From the waterfront to its bordering towns and slopes, Burlington’s restaurant list is lengthy and noteworthy, but we decided to highlight some downtown favorites for your Winter experience.
Burlington Classic: Farmhouse Tap & Grill
Farmhouse Tap & Grill, located right off the main strip of Church St, is the place to indulge in classic American cuisine with farm-to-table ingredients and locally sourced craft beers. Whether you're in the mood for a specialty burger that hits the spot or want to feel the essence of New England with its raw bar, it has a diverse menu with options for all foodies…and not-so-foodies. For a cozy winter experience, head down to the parlor, their subterranean speakeasy.
Dinner from a world away: Honey Road
Honey Road offers small-plate Eastern Mediterranean dishes filled with Eastern Mediterranean flair, an adventure for your tastebuds that you can share with the whole table. Five-time semifinalist for the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurateur, Cara Tobin, created a menu that flows according to dish size. Find staples such as hummus and dolma, plus a wide array of seasonal and unique plates that will expand your pallet in the best way possible. Their eclectic cocktail bar is an added bonus!
New & Noteworthy: Frankie’s
A feature in America’s best new restaurants of 2024, this Burlington gem offers VT farm-to-table sourced dishes that change almost daily, keeping it real fresh (literally and figuratively). With a sustainably produced wine list, a classic cocktail bar, and a homey atmosphere, the new and noteworthy Frankie’s is a must-try downtown.
The Standard Bearer : Hen of the Wood
Hen of the Wood, with its rustic ambiance, offers an authentic Vermont dining experience. The menu, showcasing locally sourced ingredients, changes daily. Diners are consistently impressed by the premium dishes, vibrant flavors, and fresh-baked rolls, thanks to the talents of top-tier chefs. The restaurant's longstanding relationships with some of the state's most beloved farmers, growers, cheesemakers, and brewers are reflected in its daily menu, which still impresses. Chef Eric Warnstedt, a seven-time James Beard Award nominee for best chef in the Northeast, contributes to the restaurant's ongoing success.
Off the Beaten Path: Santiago’s Cuban Cuisine
Serving authentic Cuban-American cuisine with warmth and tradition, Santiago’s brings generational family recipes to life in a bright and creative atmosphere. Enter a world different from the cold outdoors, a perfect winter escape filled with delicious homestyle Cuban meals.
Fabulously Fresh: Poco
Once a VT food truck, Restaurant Poco offers a global food experience with its world-inspired, selective, small-plate menu. Indulge in an array of delectable culinary creations featuring the freshest seasonal ingredients and expertly prepared dishes. Complement your meal with our handcrafted cocktails, expertly mixed with premium spirits and innovative flavor combinations. Operating on a first-come-first-serve basis, the occasional wait is worth the experience.
A Slice of Warmth: Pizzeria Verità
Authentic Italian cuisine right in the heart of downtown Burlington, Pizzeria Verità offers a wide selection of Neopolitan pizzas, mouthwatering appetizers, and craft cocktails. Tucked a block away off the south end of Church St, they also offer a dedicated gluten-free oven and exciting desserts like Tiramisu and a Nutella Pizza.
East Coast Oyster Bar: Original Skiff
The latest creation from Hen of the Wood’s Warnstedt and housed inside of Hotel Champlain, Original Skiff is inspired by the quintessential oyster bars and coastal taverns from Bar Harbor to the Florida Keys. From the raw bar to salt cod fritters to bluefish chowder and Old Bay french fries, the Skiff has something to satisfy everyone’s camp and coast cravings.
Burlington’s vibrant food scene and acclaimed restaurants offer a diverse and flavorful culinary experience. Check out more restaurants here.
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