7 Best Restaurants in Central Vermont, Vermont

Mountain Creamery

$ Fodor's choice
This locally beloved diner in the town center sources most of its ingredients from their own farm in Killington. "Mile High Apple Pie," ice cream made with local dairy, and daily blue plate specials are only a handful of reasons Mountain Creamery is a Woodstock mainstay.

The Mill at Simon Pearce

$$$ Fodor's choice

Sparkling glassware from the studio downstairs, exposed brick, flickering candles, and large windows overlooking the falls of the roaring Ottauquechee River create an ideal setting for contemporary American cuisine—the food alone is worth the pilgrimage. The wine cellar holds several hundred labels.

Worthy Kitchen

$ Fodor's choice
One of Woodstock's liveliest and most popular places to eat, this upscale pub and bistro remains buzzing through most evenings. The chalkboard on the wall lists the hearty menu of American comfort classics given farm-to-table twists, and the craft beer selection is excellent. You can dine at the bar, at a booth under the lofty, wood-beam ceilings in the dining room, or at a table outside on the patio.

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Barnard Inn Restaurant and Max's Tavern

$$$$

The dining room in this 1796 brick farmhouse exudes 18th-century charm, but the food is decidedly 21st century. Former San Francisco restaurant chef-owner Will Dodson creates inventive three- and four-course prix-fixe menus with international flavors, or more casual versions at Max's Tavern, also on-site.

American Prix-Fixe Dinner $$$$
5518 Rte. 12, Barnard, Vermont, 05091, USA
802-234–9961
www.barnardinn.com
Known For
  • device-free restaurant
  • popular for weddings
  • pond and perennial gardens
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch, Reservations essential

Canteen Creemee Company

$
Stop by the takeout window of this new-wave snack shack for fried chicken, griddled burgers, and kimchi-stuffed grilled cheese. Stay for the homemade creemees, Vermont's answer to soft-serve ice cream; state classics like maple are always on offer, as are seasonal specials like ginger, cinnamon, lemon, and fresh blueberry. The Bad Larry, a whimsical, Willy Wonka-esque sundae on a cone, tops a tall twist of maple ice cream with maple crystals, maple drizzle, maple cookies, and a cloud of maple cotton candy. And in typical Vermont fashion, most ingredients from beef to pickles are locally made.

Cloudland Farm

$$$$

With the table literally on the farm, this restaurant delivers a unique farm-to-table experience that makes it worth the short drive from Woodstock. All ingredients for the seasonal prix-fixe menus come fresh from the farm or local growers, especially Cloudland's own pork, beef, chicken, and turkey.

American Prix-Fixe Dinner $$$$
1101 Cloudland Rd., North Pomfret, Vermont, 05091, USA
802-457–2599
www.cloudlandfarm.com
Known For
  • large fireplace in dining room
  • homemade carrot cake with red wine caramel and carrot jam
  • bring your own wine or beer
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Fri. and Sat., Reservations essential

Pitcher Inn Dining Room and Tracks

$$$
Claiming two aesthetics and one menu, this dining experience offers a posh and pretty upstairs dining room with classic white tablecloths or a stony, subterranean "Tracks," with billiards and shuffleboard on the side. Dishes cover upscale versions of regional classics, with a few international flavors, too.
American Dinner $$$
275 Main St., Warren, Vermont, 05674, USA
802-496–6350
www.pitcherinn.com
Known For
  • cocktail list with Vermont spirits
  • duck breast
  • artisanal cheese board with onion chutney