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Best Burlington Restaurants & Dining Guide

Best of Burlington’s Restaurants: Local Flavor Meets Global Flair

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Burlington, Vermont may be a small city, but its dining scene is anything but small. From farm-to-table bistros to international eateries and waterfront cafes, Burlington restaurants offer a rich tapestry of flavors for locals, students, and tourists alike. In this newsletter-style overview, we’ll explore the current trends shaping restaurants in Burlington VT, the most popular cuisines and dining styles, and spotlight some of the best Burlington VT restaurants – from downtown Burlington restaurants on Church Street to hidden gems off the beaten path. We’ll also weave in local perspectives and online reviews to see what makes these spots stand out. (If you’re hungry and searching for “restaurants near me in Burlington Vermont,” read on – you’re in the right place!)

Moran Plant, Burlington, VT

Current Trends in Burlington’s Restaurant Scene

Burlington’s restaurant scene evolves with a unique blend of Vermont’s locavore culture, youthful energy, and tourist influence. One defining trend is the farm-to-table movement, which has practically become a way of life here. Many Burlington VT restaurants source ingredients from local farms, feature seasonal menus, and even name-check the farms that supply their produce and meats. In fact, Burlington was cited among America’s “hottest cities of the future” for its commitment to sustainability and local food – much of the city’s food comes from nearby farms or the 350-acre Intervale community farm network (Praise for Burlington’s Sustainable Food Scene - Healthy Living). This emphasis on local agriculture means menus overflowing with Vermont produce, artisanal cheese, and pasture-raised meats. Even high-end spots keep it unpretentious: “Most of Vermont's farm-to-table restaurants offer a more casual, neighborhood-joint experience,” as one local food writer noted, with rustic charm and approachable price points (Best restaurant service 2024 | Hen of the Wood | Food - Seven Days). In short, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword – it’s part of daily life on Burlington’s plates.

Another trend is the rise of international flavors and diverse cuisines in Burlington’s restaurant scene. As a college town (home to UVM and Champlain College) and tourist destination, Burlington has developed an eclectic palate. It’s no longer unusual to find Nepali dumplings, Vietnamese pho, or Middle Eastern mezze a few blocks from each other. “There’s a myriad of Thai and other Southeast Asian food in Chittenden County – enough for you to go to a new spot every single day for a month,” one local remarked, underscoring the explosion of global eateries (What restaurants in town are actually good now? : r/burlington). These international restaurants range from family-run holes-in-the-wall to hip new fusion cafes. The influence of the student population is evident here: college diners seek out affordable, authentic foods from around the world, whether it’s late-night falafel or a quick bowl of ramen between classes. At the same time, tourists bring an appetite for New England specialties – and Burlington delivers with Vermont cheddar soup, maple-glazed everything, and fresh seafood (yes, you can even find a lobster roll or a plate of oysters by Lake Champlain).

Burlington’s mix of residents and visitors also drives a balance between casual and fine dining. On any given night, downtown may be packed with students in hoodies lined up for food-truck chicken nuggets, alongside couples dressed up for a reservation at an award-winning bistro. The vibe tends to be casual-friendly even at upscale establishments – it’s Vermont, after all. You can enjoy gourmet cuisine in jeans and a fleece. Still, the city’s fine dining scene has sharpened in recent years, with a few standout restaurants earning national praise and James Beard Award nominations. Meanwhile, the plant-based and vegan movement is gaining momentum, dovetailing with the local food ethos. Burlington now boasts vegetarian-forward spots and even 100% vegan cafes like Pingala Café (a “seriously stunning spot” in a riverside loft, as one TripAdvisor review noted (PINGALA CAFE & EATERY, Burlington - Order Online Food Delivery)). In short, the current trends in Burlington’s restaurant scene reflect its community values: fresh, local, sustainable food served with creativity – and a welcoming table for all, from carnivores to vegans, budget students to splurging travelers.

Popular Cuisines and Dining Styles

What kinds of food are Burlington locals and visitors lining up for? The short answer: a little of everything. This city’s menus cover a broad spectrum, but a few cuisines and dining styles have proven especially popular:

Farm-to-Table & New England Fare: Locally sourced American cuisine is a cornerstone of Burlington dining. Chefs take pride in showcasing Vermont’s bounty – think juicy burgers from grass-fed beef, dishes highlighting foraged mushrooms, or Lake Champlain perch when it’s in season. The farm-to-table approach shows up everywhere from gourmet restaurants to casual pubs. At The Farmhouse Tap & Grill, a downtown gastropub, the menu proudly “showcase[s] the bounty of Vermont’s many small farms,” such as local lamb in their burgers and heritage pork in the schnitzel (12 Must-Visit Restaurants in Burlington, Vermont). Classic New England comfort foods get a Vermont twist here, and even the raw bar is stocked with regional oysters for that maritime touch in this lakeside city. Diners can expect hearty comfort food classics – chowders, mac & cheese, maple-glazed meats – all elevated by ultra-fresh ingredients and chef-driven care.
Seafood and Lakefront Dining: Burlington isn’t on the seacoast, but seafood is still a big part of the scene, especially given the city’s waterfront setting on Lake Champlain. Several waterfront restaurants in Burlington specialize in seafood with a view. For example, Shanty on the Shore, a casual harborside eatery, is a go-to for lobsters, fried clams, and fish and chips with a view of the marina. “We just visited our favorite seafood restaurant in Burlington, Vermont. If you need a seafood fix, try it for lunch or dinner,” raves one TripAdvisor reviewer (Shanty On The Shore - Seafood on the Waterfront - Tripadvisor) about Shanty on the Shore. Similarly, Bleu Northeast Seafood (housed in a hotel on Battery Street) offers an upscale take on regional seafood, emphasizing local, seasonal and sustainable catches from Northeastern waters (Bleu Northeast Kitchen (@bleuvt) • Instagram photos and videos). Whether you’re enjoying pan-seared scallops at a linen-draped table or a basket of fish tacos on a dock, Burlington proves you can enjoy top-notch seafood this far inland.
Global Flavors (International Cuisine): Burlington’s dining options reflect an impressively international array of cuisines for a city its size. Craving Asian cuisine? There’s Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and more. Pho Hồng, a Vietnamese family-run spot in the Old North End, is perennially popular – their tangy mango salad and fragrant bowls of pho earn high praise (“the flavorful, authentic broth” is a standout (12 Must-Visit Restaurants in Burlington, Vermont)). In fact, Pho Hồng is consistently ranked among the top restaurants in Burlington (often battling for the #1 or #2 spot on TripAdvisor) thanks to its vibrant dishes and value (THE 10 BEST Restaurants in Burlington (Updated February 2025)) (THE 10 BEST Restaurants Near Waterfront Park (Updated 2025)). For Mediterranean flavors, Honey Road has become a star – this Church Street Marketplace restaurant serves Eastern Mediterranean mezze so delicious that it makes you “feel instantly transported to a chic Turkish café,” according to Boston Magazine (12 Must-Visit Restaurants in Burlington, Vermont). Burlingtonians also love their Himalayan cuisine: Sherpa Kitchen, a humble 20-seat Nepali spot tucked just off Church Street, has a devoted following for its momos (dumplings) and hearty Sherpa stew (12 Must-Visit Restaurants in Burlington, Vermont). And we can’t forget Italian – from classic trattorias to Neapolitan pizzerias, Italian fare is big here. Trattoria Delia, an atmospheric, cellar-like restaurant, serves authentic Italian pastas and rustic fare and is frequently cited as the best Italian restaurant in town (Best Italian restaurant 2024 | Trattoria Delia | Food - Seven Days). Two doors down, Pizzeria Verità slings some of the region’s best wood-fired pizzas (it’s a top-ranked spot for dinner, blending casual dining with craft cocktails and Neapolitan technique). The bottom line: Burlington’s international food scene punches above its weight, and adventurous eaters will find everything from sushi burritos to shawarma on offer.
Casual Eateries & Comfort Food: The casual dining scene in Burlington is thriving – perhaps unsurprising for a city teeming with college students and outdoorsy locals. Burgers, pizzas, and pub grub are done exceedingly well here. American-style comfort food institutions include places like American Flatbread, where you can enjoy a wood-oven flatbread pizza (topped with local Vermont chevre or sausage) in a lively communal setting. Brewpubs are also a way of life: Burlington has an outsized number of craft breweries and beer halls for its size. “It’s perhaps surprising that [Burlington] has such a large number of craft breweries,” notes Boston Magazine, which gives the local Zero Gravity Brewery Taproom a nod for its excellent craft beers and the inventive bar fare that accompanies them (12 Must-Visit Restaurants in Burlington, Vermont). Many casual joints double as music venues or bars – Nectar’s and Radio Bean, for example, serve up food alongside live music. And for that quintessential diner experience, locals adore spots like Handy’s Lunch (a tiny old-school diner serving breakfast and sandwich classics) and Kountry Kart Deli, a sandwich shop famous for fueling late-night appetites with its hearty “Riser” sandwiches. (One TripAdvisor user calls Kountry Kart “a great late night dining option” since they’re open until the wee hours (Kountry Kart Deli - Burlington Restaurants - Tripadvisor) – a godsend for students pulling all-nighters or after the bars close!). In Burlington’s casual eateries, you’ll find that friendly service, modest prices, and a relaxed vibe are as important as the comfort food coming out of the kitchen.
Vegan and Vegetarian Offerings: Rounding out Burlington’s culinary diversity is a strong showing of vegetarian and vegan options. Even many mainstream restaurants include vegetarian farm-to-table dishes (for instance, Farmhouse Tap & Grill’s menu notes that “vegetarians are covered with great grub, too” (12 Must-Visit Restaurants in Burlington, Vermont)). But the city also has fully vegetarian restaurants that draw herbivores and omnivores alike. Revolution Kitchen was the city’s first all-vegetarian restaurant and set a high bar with creative meat-free meals made from fresh, organic ingredients (Revolution Kitchen in Burlington Sold to New Owners - Seven Days). And at Pingala Café, a 100% vegan eatery, diners enjoy plant-based bowls, sandwiches, and baked goods in a hip cafe setting by the Winooski River. “They have a small menu but it’s nice that it’s all vegan,” a reviewer notes, praising Pingala’s commitment to cruelty-free cuisine (PINGALA CAFE & EATERY, Burlington - Order Online Food Delivery). From vegan food trucks to gluten-free bakeries, Burlington’s dining scene is increasingly inclusive of all diets. The prevalence of vegetable-forward cooking here means that even a steakhouse is likely to have a great seasonal veggie entree on the menu.

Notable Restaurants in Burlington

Amidst Burlington’s many eateries, certain restaurants rise to the top – whether due to critical acclaim, local loyalty, or sheer deliciousness. Here we highlight some of the best restaurants Burlington has to offer, across different neighborhoods and niches. This list mixes well-established favorites with newer standouts that have been generating buzz (and five-star reviews).

Downtown Burlington Restaurants (Church Street Marketplace and Beyond)

Downtown Burlington – especially the pedestrianized Church Street Marketplace – is the heart of the city’s dining scene. Here you’ll find a high concentration of restaurants, from upscale bistros to quick-bite counters, all within a few blocks. Church Street Marketplace restaurants are popular for their people-watching patios and convenience to shops and nightlife. One such staple is Leunig’s Bistro & Café, a French-inspired brasserie that has been a Church Street institution for decades. “If you ask any Burlington local where to grab a fabulous meal, odds are they’re going to point you to Leunig’s,” observes Boston Magazine (12 Must-Visit Restaurants in Burlington, Vermont). By day Leunig’s doubles as a café (their croissants and espresso are a perfect mid-morning treat), and by night it transforms into a classy dinner spot serving steak frites, moules marinieres, and other Parisian classics (12 Must-Visit Restaurants in Burlington, Vermont). It’s a prime example of how downtown Burlington restaurants blend casual elegance – you can drop in for a coffee or celebrate an anniversary dinner with equal comfort.

Just around the corner on Cherry Street is Hen of the Wood – Burlington, often cited as one of the best restaurants in Burlington VT and all of Vermont. An offshoot of the original Waterbury location, Hen of the Wood is a farm-to-table fine dining beacon that earned chef Eric Warnstedt a James Beard nomination. Housed in a rustic-chic space (inside Hotel Vermont), Hen of the Wood treats guests to an evolving seasonal menu of refined dishes like scallop crudo with pickled pear or ribeye steak with a local twist (12 Must-Visit Restaurants in Burlington, Vermont). As Seven Days described, its “menu honors local flavors” and pairs them with a legendary wine list (Best restaurant service 2024 | Hen of the Wood | Food - Seven Days). Securing a reservation here can be a challenge (this is a special-occasion spot for many), but those who dine at Hen of the Wood often come away calling it a quintessential Vermont gastronomic experience.

Burlington’s downtown is also home to plenty of hip, contemporary restaurants that mirror national dining trends. Honey Road, at the corner of Church and Main, is one such gem. Opened in 2017, this Eastern Mediterranean small-plates restaurant quickly racked up accolades – including multiple James Beard Award nominations for chef/co-owner Cara Chigazola Tobin (Honey Road - Church Street Marketplace). Honey Road’s lively dining room and patio are typically filled with groups sharing plates of house-made hummus, lamb kefta, and sumac-spiced veggies. One local food critic dubbed it “Church Street’s busy Middle Eastern bistro” that has raised the bar for culinary creativity (Honey Road - Church Street Marketplace). And diners agree: “Phenomenal food and service! I’d go back here a thousand times over… EVERYTHING WAS DELICIOUS!” one TripAdvisor reviewer gushed (One of the best - Review of Honey Road, Burlington, VT - Tripadvisor). Reservations are a must here, especially on weekends – as many a visitor has learned.

Other downtown standouts include Farmhouse Tap & Grill, just off Church Street on Bank Street. As mentioned, Farmhouse is beloved for its farm-fresh burgers and Vermont beers on tap. The local tourism blog Hello Burlington calls it “the place to indulge in classic American cuisine with farm-to-table ingredients and locally sourced craft beers” (A Foodie’s Guide to Downtown Burlington, VT | 2025 Edition). With its beer garden and downstairs speakeasy bar, Farmhouse captures the casual, rustic vibe that Burlingtonites adore. On the same block, the Farmhouse Group operates Pascolo Ristorante, an Italian trattoria known for house-made pastas and a cozy cellar ambiance – great for a date night with a bottle of Barolo. And for something completely different, there’s Gaku Ramen on Church Street, a student favorite for a quick bowl of tonkotsu ramen at midnight. The proximity to campus makes it “one of the closest restaurants to campus… I could spend every minute there,” as a Champlain College student wrote, praising Gaku’s casual comfort and college-budget prices (#BestofVT: Where to eat, drink, and explore around Burlington, Vermont - Champlain College).

Downtown Burlington’s range truly goes high-low: you can grab a famous Michigan hot dog at Beansie’s Bus (a seasonal food bus parked by Battery Park) or savor a chef’s tasting menu at a white-tablecloth establishment – all within a half mile. It’s this concentration of options that often has visitors asking locals, “Where should I eat?” and locals responding with a long list of favorites. From Church Street Tavern (a revived pub great for burgers and brews) to The Gryphon (inventive New American fare near City Hall Park), you really can’t go wrong downtown. Just be sure to make reservations in advance during busy summer weekends, when tourists fill the city – as one TripAdvisor forum post warns, “Burlington restaurants and bars are always busy on weekends... I'd recommend reservations if you want to be guaranteed a table.” (How are crowds these days? - Burlington Forum - Tripadvisor) Good advice, because Burlington’s dining scene is no longer a well-kept secret.

Waterfront Restaurants in Burlington (Dinner with a View)

One of the perks of Burlington’s geography is the stunning Lake Champlain waterfront, and several restaurants take full advantage of that view. If you’re looking to dine with a sunset over the Adirondacks as your backdrop, the waterfront is the place to be. In summer, a handful of seasonal spots open right on the lake. Spot on the Dock, for example, offers open-air dining literally on a lakeside dock – flip-flop casual and perfect for a fish taco and a local beer at sunset. Another warm-weather icon is Splash at the Boathouse, a floating restaurant at the marina where you can boat up for a burger or lobster roll (it doesn’t get more “lake life” than that). These places are as much about atmosphere as food, and on a breezy evening their decks are packed with folks toasting the sunset.

For year-round options, Burlington’s waterfront and adjacent downtown blocks have a few notable eateries with lake views. Shanty on the Shore, mentioned earlier, sits right by Waterfront Park and treats guests to panoramic lake vistas through its picture windows – all while they crack into fresh lobster or a basket of fried seafood. It’s a family-friendly, no-frills kind of seafood joint that doubles as a mini maritime museum with its old fishing decor. A few blocks down on Battery Street, in the ground floor of a hotel, is Bleu Northeast Kitchen (formerly Bleu Seafood). This is a more upscale dining room that marries seafood and farm-to-table ethos; you might find oysters, steak frites, and vegan polenta all on the menu, plus craft cocktails to sip as you gaze out at Lake Champlain. Another hotel-based venue with a view is Juniper Bar & Restaurant, located in Hotel Vermont. While not directly on the water, Juniper’s second-floor dining room offers glimpses of the lake and a chic setting to enjoy farm-inspired cuisine. Boston Magazine praises Juniper for its “laidback yet refined dining experience” highlighting local produce – from roasted carrots with pistachio hummus to Montreal-spiced brisket poutine (12 Must-Visit Restaurants in Burlington, Vermont). The combination of locavore cooking and lake views make it a must-visit for many.

A special mention in the waterfront category is Original Skiff Fish & Oyster, a newcomer that opened in 2024 inside the recently rebranded Hotel Champlain (formerly a Hilton) right on Battery Street. Original Skiff is the brainchild of the team behind Hen of the Wood, aiming to “elevate the idea of hotel food” with a seafood-centric menu to match the lake view (Burlington-area restaurants: Here are a few that opened in 2024). Since its June debut, it’s been attracting seafood lovers with ultra-fresh oysters, creative fish dishes, and a polished atmosphere. It’s evidence that Burlington’s waterfront dining is stepping up in sophistication.

Whether you’re munching on fried scallops in a plastic basket by the water or savoring pan-roasted halibut with a fine wine indoors, waterfront restaurants in Burlington deliver a feast for the eyes along with your meal. They encapsulate what makes Burlington special – natural beauty paired with great food. For many visitors, a lakeside dinner is a highlight of their trip, and for locals, it never gets old either.

Hidden Gems and Neighborhood Favorites

While downtown draws the spotlight, some of Burlington’s best restaurants lie beyond the main tourist corridors. Tucked into neighborhood streets or just outside the city center are hidden gems that local foodies fiercely love. These spots may not appear on glossy postcards, but they shine in online reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations.

In the Old North End (just up the hill from downtown), one beloved hole-in-the-wall is Pho Hồng – which we’ve already noted for its Vietnamese cuisine and top-tier pho. Despite its popularity, Pho Hồng remains an unpretentious, cash-only joint where you might wait for a table amidst the hustle of takeout orders. Locals swear it’s worth it; as one Reddit user declared, “Pho Hong & Tiny Thai are the two best restaurants in VT, fire every time, great service and portions for the cost.” That’s high praise considering Tiny Thai (the other mentioned restaurant) is actually located in neighboring Winooski, proving that Burlingtonians don’t mind crossing city lines for good food! Also in the Old North End, you’ll find Istanbul Kebab House, an easy-to-miss spot in a basement on Bank Street that serves authentic Turkish kebabs, baba ganoush, and baklava – a favorite among those craving Middle Eastern flavors beyond Honey Road’s upscale flair. And then there’s Handy’s Lunch on Maple Street, the definition of a neighborhood institution: this tiny, family-run diner has been flipping pancakes and pressing Vermont steak hoagies since the 1940s. It might not trend on Instagram, but it’s a local treasure for comfort food and camaraderie.

Venturing to the South End – Burlington’s former industrial area turned arts district – you’ll encounter another set of local favorites. ArtsRiot, for example, began as a food-truck-turned-restaurant and live music venue on Pine Street. Housed in a repurposed warehouse, it offers an eclectic menu of globally inspired street food (think Korean-inspired chicken wings and kimchi fried rice) alongside art shows and concerts (12 Must-Visit Restaurants in Burlington, Vermont) (12 Must-Visit Restaurants in Burlington, Vermont). After a hiatus, ArtsRiot reopened under new ownership and continues to be a hub for creative culture and casual eats (Burlington-area restaurants: Here are a few that opened in 2024). Down the street, the South End Food Truck Lot (seasonal) often pops up with an array of food trucks serving tacos, crepes, and barbecue – a summer evening favorite for families and beer aficionados (Foley Brothers Brewing and Zero Gravity’s beer garden are nearby). Speaking of Zero Gravity: their Pine Street brewery taproom combined forces with the adjacent Great Northern restaurant, meaning you can sip a Conehead IPA and enjoy a chef-crafted dish like roasted eggplant banh mì or “dirty fries” with smoked aioli, all in one spot (12 Must-Visit Restaurants in Burlington, Vermont). It’s a prime example of a neighborhood haunt that seamlessly blends casual beer hall vibes with seriously good food.

Even just outside Burlington in the small city of Winooski, food lovers find gems worth mentioning. A short five-minute drive from downtown Burlington brings you to Winooski’s rotary, around which cluster spots like Misery Loves Company (inventive farm-to-table cuisine in a stylish yet relaxed setting), Tiny Thai (the aforementioned beloved Thai restaurant known for authentic spice and no reservations), and Waterworks (a dramatic industrial-chic restaurant overlooking the Winooski River falls). While these aren’t within Burlington city limits, many locals consider them part of the greater Burlington dining landscape.

What all these hidden gems and neighborhood favorites share is a devoted local following. They might not get the press of a Church Street hotspot, but their Google and Yelp reviews glow with loyalty. Many are the kind of places where the owner might take your order or remember your name, and where the flavor per dollar ratio is often unbeatable. They contribute heavily to Burlington’s reputation as a food town – it’s not just the fancy places that make it great, it’s the sum of all these well-loved local joints.

Best Restaurants in Burlington for Every Taste

As we’ve seen, Burlington’s dining options run the gamut. To help narrow things down, here’s a quick hit list of “best of” picks by category – gleaned from local rankings, reviews, and dining surveys:

Best Upscale Farm-to-Table: Hen of the Wood – An iconic Burlington restaurant for a special farm-to-table dinner (with a side of James Beard-level prestige) (12 Must-Visit Restaurants in Burlington, Vermont). Runner-up: Honey Road – Upscale mezze and cocktails in a vibrant atmosphere (12 Must-Visit Restaurants in Burlington, Vermont).
Best Casual Farm-to-Table: Farmhouse Tap & Grill – Gastropub fare done right, with local ingredients and Vermont’s best brews (12 Must-Visit Restaurants in Burlington, Vermont). Come for the burgers, stay for the backyard beer garden.
Best International Cuisine: Pho Hồng – Vietnamese comfort food that’s top-rated in town for good reason (authentic, delicious, and affordable) (12 Must-Visit Restaurants in Burlington, Vermont). Honorable mentions: Sherpa Kitchen for Nepalese momos and curry (12 Must-Visit Restaurants in Burlington, Vermont); A Single Pebble for upscale Chinese banquets served family-style (12 Must-Visit Restaurants in Burlington, Vermont).
Best Italian: Trattoria Delia – Old-world charm and handmade pastas make this the go-to for Italian fine dining (voted Best Italian by locals year after year) (Best Italian restaurant 2024 | Trattoria Delia | Food - Seven Days). If you can’t get a table, nearby Pizzeria Verità is excellent for wood-fired pizza in a lively setting.
Best Seafood: Shanty on the Shore – For a classic seafood feast by the lake, the Shanty is the local favorite (Shanty On The Shore - Seafood on the Waterfront - Tripadvisor). Upscale option: Bleu Northeast Kitchen for a refined seafood dinner with a regional focus.
Best Brunch/Breakfast: August First Bakery – A daytime cafe known for incredible fresh-baked breads and pastries, plus creative brunch specials. (TripAdvisor reviewers rank it among the top 5 restaurants in Burlington, largely for its breakfast (THE 10 BEST Restaurants in Burlington (Updated February 2025)).) Also, Penny Cluse Café (now closed) was a legend for brunch – and its spirit lives on in Frankie’s, the new restaurant that took over its space. Frankie’s opened in 2024 as a “farm-fresh” eatery and quickly proved itself; “People seem to really like it…they’re happy that this space was taken over by something good,” said co-owner/chef Jordan Ware (Burlington-area restaurants: Here are a few that opened in 2024). For brunch with a view, Deep City (next to Foam Brewers) now serves a fantastic brunch by the waterfront (Burlington-area restaurants: Here are a few that opened in 2024).
Best for Vegan/Vegetarian: Pingala Café – 100% vegan and 110% scrumptious, Pingala makes plant-based eating fun and flavorful (PINGALA CAFE & EATERY, Burlington - Order Online Food Delivery). Runner-up: Revolution Kitchen (currently transitioning under new ownership, but historically Burlington’s top vegetarian restaurant with upscale flair).

Of course, “best” is subjective – and part of the joy of exploring Burlington VT restaurants is finding your own favorite. One person’s weekly must-have might be a $5 bagel sandwich from Feldman’s Bagels (another local staple). The good news is that Burlington’s size makes it easy to eat around and sample it all. You might be surprised how often “best restaurants Burlington” lists include not just fancy spots but also food trucks, hot dog stands, and cafes – a true testament to the city’s democratic food culture.

Local Perspectives and Online Reviews

What do locals and visitors have to say about Burlington’s dining scene? In a nutshell: they’re enthusiastic. Online reviews on Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor paint a picture of a food scene that punches above its weight in quality and variety. Many diners specifically call out the freshness of ingredients and the friendly vibes. As one Boston Magazine travel piece noted, Burlington’s restaurants “make the most of their access to high-quality, fresh ingredients grown right in the Green Mountain State” (12 Must-Visit Restaurants in Burlington, Vermont) – a theme that comes up time and again in reviews of farm-to-table eateries. Even a simple turkey sandwich in Burlington might earn a five-star review if the turkey was roasted in-house and the bread came from a local bakery (common occurrences here).

Local food critics and publications are similarly full of praise. Seven Days, the area’s independent weekly, runs an annual readers’ choice awards (the “Daysies”), and recent winners reflect Burlington’s strengths. In 2024, Honey Road earned the title of “Best Restaurant” (no surprise, given its national accolades) and Hen of the Wood was lauded for “Best Service”, thanks to its polished yet welcoming hospitality (Best restaurant 2024 | Food - Seven Days). Vermont Digger and other news outlets often highlight Burlington eateries in their coverage of Vermont’s food scene, especially when a new spot makes waves. For instance, when Frankie’s was named one of Eater’s 14 Best New Restaurants in America in 2024, it put Burlington in the national food spotlight (Frankie's in Burlington Named One of America's Best New Restaurants). (Co-owners Jordan Ware and Cindi Kozak transformed the former Penny Cluse Café into Frankie’s, and within months Eater.com was singing its praises – a huge win for the local dining community.)

If you scroll through Google or Yelp reviews, you’ll notice some common favorites: pizza, beer, and brunch. Burlingtonians love their brunch, and places like August First, Rustic Roots (just outside town), and The Skinny Pancake (a creperie on the waterfront) get a lot of love for morning fare. One Google review for The Skinny Pancake simply read: “One of the best breakfasts I’ve ever had – the Fresh Fruit Crepe is a must!” – indicative of the kind of fan following these spots develop. On Yelp, restaurants that combine ambiance and flavor tend to rank highly. For example, Yelp’s top Burlington picks often include Farmhouse Tap & Grill, Pizzeria Verità, and The Spot (a surf-themed cafe on the South End) – each offering not just good food but a distinct atmosphere that reviewers rave about.

TripAdvisor, popular with tourists, shows an interesting mix in Burlington’s top ranks. As of early 2025, the #1 rated restaurant on TripAdvisor was Hen of the Wood, followed by Trattoria Delia, Pho Hồng, Pizzeria Verità, and Istanbul Kebab House (THE 10 BEST Restaurants in Burlington (Updated February 2025)) (Restaurants near Blind Tiger Burlington - Tripadvisor). That top-five alone captures the culinary diversity we’ve discussed: upscale American, Italian, Vietnamese, pizza, and Turkish. Tourists often express pleasant surprise at finding such variety in a small city. “We expected maple syrup and cheese, but ended up eating amazing Nepali dumplings and gourmet French pastries,” one visitor wrote in a travel blog, highlighting how Burlington defies expectations. The city’s mix of college-town casual and cosmopolitan choices leaves a strong impression. Many also note the inclusive vibes – vegetarians, gluten-free diners, families with kids, late-night bar-hoppers, all seem to find options that satisfy.

Local bloggers and the community on subreddits (like r/burlington) can be candid, but mostly reinforce the positives. Sure, there’s the occasional grumble that Burlington could use “more late-night eateries” or that a beloved cafe closing felt like the end of an era (Penny Cluse’s closing was mourned deeply). Yet, Burlington’s food scene has shown resilience and creativity, especially coming out of the pandemic. Restaurants adapted with food trucks, outdoor beer gardens, and inventive takeout options – earning the loyalty of locals who rallied to support them. The result is a dining scene that both residents and visitors celebrate.

As one Reddit user exclaimed in a recent thread debating local eats: “Huh? So few options? There’s a myriad of [choices]… This was an insane comment.” (What restaurants in town are actually good now? : r/burlington) – basically defending Burlington’s honor as a foodie city. And perhaps the most Burlington-esque review of all comes from a student who wrote: “The food is so great that it might just become your favorite place, too… The prices aren’t bad on a college kid’s budget and better yet, they deliver!” (#BestofVT: Where to eat, drink, and explore around Burlington, Vermont - Champlain College) (in reference to a little Chinese restaurant, proving that even in the era of gourmet trends, Burlington’s down-to-earth eateries still win hearts).

Conclusion: Savoring the Queen City’s Cuisine

Burlington, VT may be famed for its scenic lakeshore and vibrant arts, but its culinary scene is now firmly part of its identity. The synergy of local farms, passionate chefs, and an adventurous dining public has created something special in this small-big city. Whether you’re looking for the best restaurants Burlington VT offers for a celebration dinner, or just searching your phone for “restaurants near me in Burlington Vermont” to grab a quick bite, you’re bound to eat well. From downtown Burlington restaurants buzzing with activity, to serene waterfront restaurants Burlington locals cherish for summer nights, to hidden neighborhood eateries serving up global flavors – this city serves an experience for every palate.

Perhaps the greatest testament comes from seeing a Burlington restaurant on a national “best of” list one day, and the next day seeing a line of loyal locals out the door of a humble diner. It’s a place where a farm-to-table pioneer and a food truck taco can both be rock stars in the dining scene. So, whether you live in Burlington or are just visiting, be sure to bring your appetite. There’s a seat for everyone at this table, and the menu is sure to have something that speaks to you – in the universal language of delicious food.

Bon appétit, or as we say in Vermont, dig in!