19 Unique Restaurants in Vermont: From Historic Mills to Turkish Breakfasts

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Vermont’s dining scene is as unique as its breathtaking landscapes. From Simon Pearce in Quechee, where you can dine in a historic mill overlooking a waterfall, to Istanbul Kebab House in Burlington for a traditional Turkish breakfast, this New England gem delivers unforgettable meals. Known for its farm-to-table movement, Vermont offers everything from wood-fired pizza at American Flatbread in Waitsfield to maple-infused delights at The Skinny Pancake in Montpelier.

Picture savoring artisanal cheeses at Grafton Village Cheese or indulging in French-inspired dishes at Bistro de Margot in Burlington. Each restaurant blends local charm with bold flavors, creating a dining experience unlike any other.

In this guide, I’ll reveal 19 unique restaurants where history, innovation, and incredible food collide. Vermont’s culinary scene is one you won’t want to miss.

👉 Pro Tip: The Burlington Brewery Tour is a must for any beer lover! You’ll visit the city’s top craft breweries, sample fresh local brews, and learn all about Burlington’s vibrant beer culture. It’s the perfect way to experience the city and a great addition to your Burlington itinerary!

Unusual places to eat in VT

Ready to explore Vermont’s best eateries? We’ve got everything from authentic Burmese dishes to the best Thai food on the East Coast. Join me on a tour of the quirkiest places to eat in Vermont.

Ever thought about savoring a meal with a waterfall view or tasting dishes that transport you straight to Morocco or Cuba without leaving Vermont? Vermont’s dining scene has it all, ready for you to discover. Let’s dive into the most unique restaurants in VT.

1. The Copper Grouse

• 📍 Location: Manchester (Kimpton Taconic Hotel)
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern American / New England Tavern
• 🔥 Standout Features: Focus on Vermont ingredients, cozy yet upscale tavern ambiance, craft cocktails, beautiful hotel setting.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Upscale casual dining, fans of regional New England cuisine, craft cocktail lovers, romantic dinners, and experiencing Manchester’s sophisticated side.

Experience refined New England charm at The Copper Grouse, located within the stylish Kimpton Taconic Hotel. This inviting restaurant and tavern offers a warm, sophisticated atmosphere perfect for enjoying modern American cuisine with a strong Vermont focus.

You should definitely try dishes that highlight local Vermont produce and artisan products. Their pan-seared scallops with seasonal accompaniments are a popular choice. A perfectly cooked Vermont cheddar burger or their flavorful maple-brined pork chop also showcase regional excellence.

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2. Pho Hong

Tucked away on North Street in Burlington, Pho Hong is an unpretentious gem that just plain delivers when it comes to Vietnamese comfort food. The broth for their signature Pho is pure magic – rich, super fragrant, and rightfully a local legend. If you want something with a bit of flair, the spring rolls absolutely hit the spot. Pho Hong is simple in ambiance: mismatched chairs, hand-written signs, and the kind of hum you only get in a family-run spot. It’s great for quick lunches, soul-warming dinners, or post-bar late nights (Burlington’s Church Street is a couple blocks away). My personal tip: load up your pho with fresh herbs and extra lime for the brightest bowl in town.

3. Yalla Vermont

• 📍 Location: Brattleboro
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $25 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Middle Eastern / Mediterranean Street Food
• 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic shawarma/falafel, fresh ingredients, street food vibe.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Shawarma fanatics, falafel lovers, authentic Middle Eastern street food, quick meals, and budget-friendly eats.

Yalla, let’s eat! Head to Yalla Vermont in Brattleboro for an incredible taste of Middle Eastern street food that’s fresh, fast, and fantastically flavorful. This spot is serving up serious sunshine on a plate! The air is fragrant with spices and grilling meat.

Sink your teeth into their amazing chicken shawarma pita, packed with tender, spiced chicken and all the right fixings. Grabbing a perfectly crispy falafel platter with hummus and tahini, or their savory beef kofta kebab, are also excellent choices.

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4. A Single Pebble

For upscale Chinese with a jaw-dropping twist, A Single Pebble in downtown Burlington is the spot. The interior is moody, all red lantern light and hidden corners, giving it a kind of Chinatown-in-the-mountains vibe. You must order the mock eel – crispy-fried shiitakes coated in sticky-sweet sauce, wildly addictive. The Zen Garden dumplings are also a sleeper hit. There’s a chef’s tasting menu for indecisive types, and a full bar loaded with local spirits. Arrive hungry, share everything, and save time to wander the Church Street Marketplace, just two blocks away. I’m always blown away by their ability to make even classics taste brand-new.

5. Simon Pearce Restaurant

• 📍 Location: Quechee
• 💲 Price range: $50 – $100+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Upscale American / New England
• 🔥 Standout Features: Overlooking waterfall/covered bridge, attached to flagship Simon Pearce glassblowing workshop/store, seasonal/local ingredients.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Romantic occasions, fine dining, fans of Simon Pearce glassware/craftsmanship, and scenic dining.

Dine with dazzling views at Simon Pearce Restaurant in Quechee. Overlooking a picturesque waterfall and covered bridge, and attached to the flagship Simon Pearce glassblowing workshop, this spot offers an unforgettable fine dining experience. It’s where artistry meets appetite!

Indulge in upscale American cuisine. Expect beautifully plated dishes like perfectly seared scallops with risotto, creative preparations of Vermont cheeses in their famous cheddar soup, or a tender duck breast with seasonal fruit compote.

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6. Farmhouse Tap & Grill (Burlington VT)

Farmhouse Tap & Grill is at the beating heart of Burlington’s food scene, and for good reason. Known for their killer Vermont beef burgers (try the LaPlatte River Angus Burger with local cheddar), they’re also a beer lover’s paradise with rotating Vermont brews on tap. The ambiance is rustic-chic with exposed barn beams, Edison bulbs, and a four-season beer garden in the back that’s equal parts lively and chill. Perfect spot to refuel after shopping on Church Street. If it’s nice out, grab a seat outside and people-watch. My favorite part: their cheese board is a cheese lover’s dream, sourcing from some of the state’s best dairies.

7. Saap Restaurant

• 📍 Location: Randolph
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Authentic Northern Thai / Isaan
• 🔥 Standout Features: James Beard Award winner, authentic Northern Thai/Isaan regional cuisine (rare in VT!), bold/spicy/umami flavors.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Thai food, adventurous eaters, and Isan cuisine.

Sawatdee, flavor adventurers! Prepare for an authentic taste of Northern Thailand at the acclaimed Saap Restaurant in Randolph. This James Beard-recognized gem brings the unique, bold, and often fiery flavors of the Isaan region to Vermont. This isn’t your average pad thai!

Explore dishes you won’t find everywhere. The pungent and spicy larb moo (minced pork salad) is a must-try. Savory gai yang (grilled chicken with sticky rice), or flavorful som tum (green papaya salad), are also fantastic. Saap is a true destination.

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8. Kismet

Kismet, nestled in downtown Montpelier, puts an artsy spin on farm-to-table. The ever-changing menu spotlights whatever’s freshest from the local farms: think rainbow carrot salad or a dreamy gingered squash pappardelle in fall. The indoor space is cozy and bohemian, with twinkling lights and vintage art, while their sidewalk seating feels Parisian. It’s the best spot in town for brunch, especially if you score their thick-cut “Yankee Toast” (stuffed French toast, Vermont-style). Walk it off watching the Winooski River, which is steps away. I love how every meal here feels like an edible postcard of Vermont’s changing seasons.

9. El Cortijo Taqueria

• 📍 Location: Burlington (Also other VT locations)
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Farm-to-Table Tacos / Mexican Inspired
• 🔥 Standout Features: Local/seasonal Vermont ingredients, creative taco fillings, margaritas/cocktails.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Taco lovers, farm-to-table fans, margarita enthusiasts, and Mexican-inspired cuisine.

Taco ’bout fresh! El Cortijo Taqueria elevates the humble taco with a Vermont farm-to-table ethos, packing fresh, local ingredients into inventive and delicious combinations. It’s where Mexican spirit meets Green Mountain goodness!

Sink your teeth into unique taco creations. The braised lamb tacos with mint and queso fresco are a standout. Roasted squash tacos with pumpkin seeds, or their popular fish tacos with a zesty slaw, are also excellent. Don’t forget their killer margaritas.

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10. Blue Paddle Bistro

Blue Paddle Bistro is a Lake Champlain secret superstar, perched quietly in South Hero. Seafood options absolutely shine: the Crab Cakes are loaded with real crab and barely any filler, while the maple-glazed salmon is hands-down one of my favorites in the state. Inside, it’s quirky and unpretentious: Adirondack chairs, local art on the walls, and the best kind of small-town hospitality. There’s often live music in the summer, which pairs perfectly with a drink from their local beer list. Stroll over to the Lake Champlain shore after dinner for a stunning sunset photo op. Every time I go, I leave convinced I need to move to a lakeside cottage ASAP.

11. Black Sheep Bistro

• 📍 Location: Vergennes
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: French Bistro / New American
• 🔥 Standout Features: French bistro fare, quality ingredients, intimate setting.
• 🎯 Perfect For: French bistro lovers, romantic dates, and classic European flavors.

Ooh la la, Vergennes! Black Sheep Bistro brings the charm and deliciousness of a classic French bistro to this lovely Vermont town. Expect expertly prepared French fare in a cozy, intimate atmosphere that’s perfect for a special evening out. It’s wonderfully French.

Indulge in timeless French bistro classics. Rich onion soup gratinée is a must. Perfectly cooked steak frites with herb butter, or delicate moules marinières (mussels in white wine and garlic), are also fantastic choices. The focus is on quality ingredients.

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12. Hender’s Bake Shop & Cafe

If you ever find yourself in Waterbury, Hender’s Bake Shop & Cafe is the must-stop for morning glory. The pastry case is overflowing with flaky croissants and legendary cinnamon buns, and their breakfast sandwiches (like the maple sausage, gooey cheddar, and egg combo) are the cure for any road trip fatigue. The vibe is sunshiney and modern, all light woods and friendly staff who remember your order after one visit. Grab a cold brew, then wander to the nearby Green Mountain Coffee Visitor Center or walk off your carbs on the Waterbury Recreation Trail. Honestly, I wish every town had a neighborhood bakery this good.

13. Canteen Creemee Company

• 📍 Location: Waitsfield
• 💲 Price range: $8 – $20 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Elevated Snack Bar / Gourmet Creemees / Burgers
• 🔥 Standout Features: Gourmet Vermont creemee (soft serve) flavors, creative burgers/hot dogs.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Creemee fanatics (Vermont soft serve!), gourmet fast food lovers, families, Mad River Valley visitors, and unique ice cream flavors.

Get ready for a creemee dream! Canteen Creemee Company in Waitsfield takes Vermont’s beloved soft serve (the creemee!) to a new gourmet level, alongside creative burgers and elevated snack bar fare. This isn’t just ice cream; it’s an experience!

Trying one of their unique creemee flavors is essential – think maple, black raspberry, or seasonal specials like blueberry lavender. Also grab one of their inventive burgers, like the “Canteen Burger” with special sauce, or their loaded hot dogs.

14. The Tillerman Restaurant

The Tillerman Restaurant in Bristol is pure Vermont charm wrapped in a house surrounded by gardens. The ingredients are hyper-local, with veggies and herbs grown on site and a menu that changes by the week. Their wood-fired pizzas (go for the wild mushroom and ricotta) are top-tier, but don’t skip the house-made pastas either. You’ll eat under fairy lights on a wraparound porch or, when it’s chilly, by the big stone fireplace inside. Call ahead – it’s usually busy with locals and daytrippers headed to the nearby Bristol Cliffs Wilderness. Pro tip: ask if they have the lavender panna cotta for dessert. It’s unreal.

15. Thompson’s Flour Shop

• 📍 Location: Morrisville
• 💲 Price range: $5 – $15 per person (Bakery/Cafe)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Classic American Bakery / Doughnuts / Cafe
• 🔥 Standout Features: Legendary doughnuts (especially jelly-filled!), baked goods.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Doughnut lovers, classic bakery fans, nostalgic treats, and Morrisville visitors satisfying their sweet tooth.

Doughnut despair no more! Thompson’s Flour Shop in Morrisville is a beloved local institution, an old-school bakery famous for its incredible, classic doughnuts – especially their legendary jelly-filled ones. It’s a sweet slice of Vermont history!

Grabbing a dozen of their famous doughnuts is a must – the jelly-filled are iconic, but try the glazed or cake doughnuts too. Fresh bread, pies like apple or blueberry, or other classic baked goods like molasses cookies are also fantastic.

16. Tuckerbox

• 📍 Location: White River Junction
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Authentic Turkish / Mediterranean
• 🔥 Standout Features: Turkish cuisine (kebabs/mezze/pide), Mediterranean flavors, traditional coffee/desserts.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Turkish food, Mediterranean cuisine, kebab/mezze lovers, and Turkish coffee/baklava.

Merhaba to deliciousness in White River Junction! Tuckerbox brings the rich and vibrant flavors of Turkey to Vermont, serving up authentic dishes in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Get ready for a journey to the crossroads of Europe and Asia!

Feast on succulent Adana kebabs or tender lamb shish. Sharing an array of flavorful mezze like hummus, ezme (spicy tomato dip), and baba ghanoush, or trying a traditional Turkish pide (flatbread), are great choices. Finish with Turkish coffee and baklava.

17. Namaste Garden

• 📍 Location: Essex Junction
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $35 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Nepali / Indian
• 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic Nepali/Indian cuisine, curries/momos (dumplings)
• 🎯 Perfect For: Nepali/Indian food fans, momo lovers, curry connoisseurs, and Stowe visitors seeking global flavors.

Find your zen at Namaste Garden in Essex Junction. This spot offers a delicious escape with its authentic Nepali and Indian cuisine, served in a tranquil setting that includes a beautiful garden. It’s a peaceful pilgrimage for your palate!

Sharing a plate of delightful Nepali momos (chicken or vegetable dumplings), steamed or fried, is a good plan. Aromatic Indian curries, like chicken tikka masala or lamb korma, or traditional Nepali thali platters, are also excellent.

18. Honey Road

• 📍 Location: Burlington (Church Street Area)
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Eastern Mediterranean / Middle Eastern Small Plates
• 🔥 Standout Features: Small plates (mezze), creative cocktails.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Sharing plates, Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food lovers, and adventurous palates.

Get ready for a flavor explosion inspired by the Eastern Mediterranean at Honey Road! This bustling Burlington hotspot is celebrated for its incredible array of shareable small plates (mezze) that are bursting with fresh herbs, spices, and vibrant ingredients. It’s a journey for your taste buds!

You should definitely order a variety of their mezze to share. Their creamy whipped feta with pistachio and honey is legendary. Other must-tries include flavorful lamb kofte, crispy fried cauliflower with tahini, or their unique seasonal vegetable preparations. The creative cocktails are also fantastic.

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19. Santiago’s Cuban Cuisine

• 📍 Location: Burlington
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Authentic Cuban
• 🔥 Standout Features: Classic Cuban sandwiches/dishes (ropa vieja/lechon asado!), Cuban coffee, lively music.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Cuban food, sandwich connoisseurs (Cubanos!), and coffee addicts.

¡Que bola, Burlington! Get your Cuban groove on at Santiago’s Cuban Cuisine! This spot brings the vibrant flavors and infectious energy of Cuba right to Vermont. Prepare for a fiesta of food and fun!

Trying their classic Cubano sandwich, pressed to perfection with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, is a must. Also feast on authentic dishes like tender ropa vieja (shredded beef in tomato sauce) or succulent lechon asado (roast pork).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the quirkiest restaurants in Vermont

Are you searching for more information about where to eat in Vermont? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about Vermont’s most unique restaurants.

What food is famous in Vermont?

Maple syrup is Vermont’s claim to fame, and it’s a staple in kitchens across the state, making it a delightful addition to your stay in Vermont.

What is a typical breakfast in Vermont?

A typical breakfast in Vermont often features pancakes or waffles drenched in local maple syrup, accompanied by farm-fresh eggs and applewood-smoked bacon. Don’t forget a slice of sharp Vermont cheddar for a true local twist.

What’s a fun fact about Vermont?

Did you know Vermont has more cows than people? It’s true! This dairy-rich state is proud of its farming heritage, which is why you’ll find some of the best cheese around here.

Which city in VT is best for foodies?

For food lovers, Burlington steals the spotlight. My personal favorite for its eclectic mix of eateries, from cozy cafes to innovative farm-to-table spots. There’s a taste of everything, and it’s a must-visit for any food enthusiast.