5 Best Restaurants in Central Vermont, Vermont

Chef Chy Tuckerman was raised in Cambodia, Thailand, Oregon, and New Hampshire until moving to Woodstock in 1997 to continue learning the art of baking at local Mountain Creamery. A decade later, he opened his sunny, BYOB restaurant just off Route 4, where he fuses the Cambodian and Thai cooking of his heritage into mouthwatering dishes like ginger chicken stir fry, Khmer curry soup, and traditional luk lok made with beef from nearby Cloudland Farm. Save room for dessert, such as silky mango custard and delicate cheesecake, to experience Chef Tuckerman's 20-plus years of baking knowledge.

The café at King Arthur Flour is a fine spot for both the pit-stop sandwich and the leisurely pastry and latte. The adjacent shop and market area is a must-see for those who love bread; the shelves are stocked with all the ingredients and tools in the company's Baker's Catalogue, including flours, mixes, and local jams, and syrups. The bakery has a viewing area where you can watch the products being made, and you can learn to bake them yourself at classes conducted on-site.

Since opening in 2011, chef-owner Donald Billings has created a locavore restaurant driven by ingredients made within miles of the dining room. Humanely raised livestock and Vermont-grown produce is the inspiration behind menu favorites like laden cheese boards, braised pork belly, and homemade Parker House rolls served warm with Vermont butter. Save room for dessert, including the daily-changing crème brûlée.