8 Best Restaurants in Northern Vermont, Vermont

Red Hen Baking Co.

$ Fodor's choice

If you're a devotee of artisanal bakeries, it'd be a mistake not to trek the 7-plus miles from Montpelier (15 from Stowe) to have lunch, pick up freshly baked bread, or sample a sweet treat at what many consider Vermont's best bakery. Red Hen supplies bread to some of the state's premier restaurants, including Hen of the Wood, and has varied offerings every day.

3 Squares Cafe

$
Along with breakfast scrambles, challah french toast, homemade pastries, and lunchtime burgers made with local grassfed beef, 3 Squares is known for that warm-and-fuzzy feeling running through the vintage-style dining room. Bright sunlight, fresh flowers, and a friendly atmosphere compliment Vermont-sourced cooking that has been a Vergennes cornerstone for more than 10 years.

Bohemian Bakery

$

The original Bohemian Bakery began in 2010 as a Sunday-only pop-up in the home of co-owners Annie Bakst and Robert Hunt; it quickly became a weekly haunt for expertly made French pastries. The couple now roasts coffee beans in small batches and fills daily orders of rotating favorites, like buttery kougin-amman and croissants, custard-filled Danishes, and tall slices of cornmeal cake in their shop.

83 Main St., Montpelier, Vermont, 05602, USA
802-461–8119
Known For
  • seasonal tarts with fresh fruit and pastry cream
  • croissants of all kinds
  • coffee roasted in-house
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.

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Philo Ridge Farm & Market

$$$$

A leader in regenerative agriculture, two of the 400 acres of this diversified farm are dedicated to organic vegetable, flower, herb, and fruit production, which is then channeled into the market's sandwiches, salads, prepared foods, and pantry goods. Farm-raised poultry, lamb, grass-fed beef, and heritage pork are the stars of the kitchen's elegant prix-fixe dinner menu, which changes seasonally. Cozy up near the fireplace in the great room, or dine on the outdoor patio in warmer months to take in the view.

PK Coffee

$

The inviting atmosphere of this neighborhood joint is increased by the beans they use—North Carolina–based roasters Counter Culture Coffee, known for its coffee education and sustainable sourcing. Milk comes from Sweet Rowen Farmstead, and rotating breakfast sandwiches and baked goods, like buttermilk banana bread, are made in-house.

Rustic Roots

$$
Scuffed wood floors and chunky country tables bring the "rustic" at this converted farmhouse—but not too much. An intimate bar and maroon walls adorned with woodcrafts and art add a touch of elegance, and the French-inspired food is carefully prepared. The brunch is deservedly popular, especially for the warm house-made popovers served with herb butter.
195 Falls Rd., Shelburne, Vermont, 05482, USA
802-985–9511
Known For
  • coffee-maple sausage
  • pastrami on rye
  • Bloody Marys
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No dinner Wed., Thurs., and Sun., Reservations essential

The Skinny Pancake

$

This dine-in crêperie makes a great stop for breakfast, lunch, or an easy dinner. The signature crepes go sweet and savory and are filled with fruit, vegetables, and meat from more than a dozen Vermont farms.

89 Main St., Montpelier, Vermont, 05602, USA
802-262–2253
Known For
  • inventive hot chocolate recipes
  • Locavore's Dream crepe with chicken, cran-apple chutney, spinach, and blue cheese
  • Pooh Bear crepe with cinnamon sugar and local honey

Zabby and Elf's Stone Soup

$

The open front, woody interior, and community spirit make Stone Soup a downtown favorite for lunch, especially on warm days. The small but robust salad bar is the centerpiece, with excellent hot and cold dishes—a perfect complement to the wonderful soups and fresh sandwiches.

211 College St., Burlington, Vermont, 05401, USA
802-862–7616
Known For
  • vegetarian dishes
  • gluten-free baked goods
  • New York Jewish-style cooking
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.