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What makes Burlington’s dining scene special?
- Locals and visitors have a wide selection of great romantic restaurants to choose from.
- Many of the best eateries work closely with local Vermont farmers to source fresh ingredients.
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What kind of food can diners expect in Burlington?
- Restaurants showcase fresh, flavorsome seasonal foods.
- Options range from humble sandwiches to fine food and wine pairings.
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1. Henry’s Diner
Henry’s Diner has been pleasing Burlington palates with delicious home-style cooking for nearly 100 years. The restaurant opened in 1925 and has been a Downtown landmark ever since. Henry’s serves an all-day breakfast that keeps customers coming back time after time to enjoy their favorite Benedicts, omelets and breakfast skillets at any time of the day. If you are visiting around lunch time you can feast on a large selection of delicious home-style dishes which include soups and sandwiches, burgers, Gyros, entrée plates and much more. There is an interesting kid’s menu and delicious desserts, milkshakes and floats. Henry’s is open daily from 6am to 2pm.
Henry’s Diner, 155 Bank Street, Burlington, VT 05401, 802 862 9010
2. The Daily Planet
At The Daily Planet , Chef Justin Bigelow believes in giving his creative side free reign in the kitchen, serving up innovative and delicious freshly prepared dishes for a growing list of regulars. The restaurant is light and airy and has an outdoor patio area for alfresco dining in summer. You can expect to find artistic flavor and texture combinations on your plate, masterfully crafted to perfectly enhance the champion of the dish – think oven roasted Brussels sprouts served with maple-glazed pork belly and crisp fennel – one of the restaurant’s classic favorites. You will always find an excellent selection of unusual Vermont cheeses on offer as well as several wonderful dishes suitable for vegetarians.
The Daily Planet , 15 Center Street, Burlington, VT 05401, Phone: 802-862-9647
3. Pizzeria Verita
For the best flavors and aromas of Naples in the heart Burlington you need to make your way to Pizzeria Verita where you can savor a delicious wood-fired pizza made from fresh local Vermont ingredients. While you wait for your thin-based pizza to be hand-made from scratch you can enjoy sipping another taste of Italy – the pizzeria also specializes in mixing their own unique brand of cocktails using locally-made Italian spirits, fresh local juices and house-made bitters. Antipasti’s include delicious sharing platters of marinated vegetables, cheeses or charcuterie and fresh tasty salads. Gluten free pizzas are available on request and there are desserts to round off your meal.
Pizzeria Verita, 156 St. Paul Street, Burlington, VT 05401, Phone: 802-489-5644
4. Hen of the Wood
At Hen of the Wood in Burlington a warm welcome and a relaxed casual ambiance set the scene for a romantic night out. The owners of this restaurant have a simple philosophy – to provide a welcoming venue where guests can enjoy simple dishes which have been perfectly prepared to reflect their unique properties. All the fresh produce comes from near-by farms and the restaurant goes the extra mile to showcase local artisanal producers. The menu changes daily depending on what is in season; you can choose from a selection of appetizers, small plates, entrees, sides and sharing plates for two. There is always something delicious for vegetarians.
Hen of the Wood, 55 Cherry Street, Burlington, VT 05401, Phone: 802-540-0534
5. Juniper Bar and Restaurant
Juniper Bar and Restaurant at Hotel Vermont is another of Cherry Street’s ingredient-driven restaurants which offers great food and a lively atmosphere, perfect for a date night or brunch. Most of the ingredients you will find on your plate have been farmed, fished or scavenged locally and need very little preparation to elevate them to mouth-watering delights. Brunch is served daily until 2pm and includes amazing dishes like duck eggs with steamed local greens, scavenged mushroom tartlets or house-smoked salmon bagels. Dinner offers more wonderful choices like leek and mushroom tart for starters and a selection of locally sourced meats, poultry and fish dishes.
Juniper Bar and Restaurant, 41 Cherry Street, Burlington, VT 05401, Phone: 855-650-0080
6. E.B. Strong’s Prime Steakhouse
All the prime steaks served at E.B. Strong’s Prime Steakhouse has been certified USDA Prime – when you consider that only 2% of all beef produced in the US falls into this category, you know you are in for a superior steak dinner with a distinctly buttery taste and wonderful texture. Before you tuck into the steak of your choice you can enjoy a selection of appetizers which include fresh oysters, crab cake, shrimp cocktail and other favorites. Besides a choice of 4 different prime cuts of steak, E.B. Strong serves other delicious entrees like a rack of lamb, chicken, burgers, surf and turf and much more.
E.B. Strong’s Prime Steakhouse , 10 Church St, Burlington, VT 05401, 802 497 1214, Map
7. A Single Pebble
Classic, traditional Chinese food prepared with love and an eye for detail is what you will find on your plate when you visit A Single Pebble in Bank Street. Owner/chef Chiuho Duval uses only the freshest local ingredients and imported Chinese essentials to recreate the memorable classic Chinese cuisine that she grew up eating in Taiwan. The restaurant has a very homely atmosphere and many of the dishes are designed to be shared at the table. If you find it impossible to make choices from the very long menu you can order the nine-course Chef’s Tasting Menu and leave the choices to Chef Duval.
A Single Pebble, 133 Bank Street, Burlington, VT 05401, Phone: 802-865-5200
8. August First
August First is an impossible-to-miss bakery and café located on Champlain Street, serving delicious breakfasts, brunch and lunches in an inviting indoor area with outside seating for sunny Vermont days. The first thing that hits you when you enter the café is the mouth-watering aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries. Breakfast hits the spot with delicious sandwiches, skillets, pastries and other bakery delights. If you visit for lunch you can choose from a selection of healthy and delicious salads and bowls or try a hearty soup and sandwich combo. The café will happily remove any animal ingredients from any dish for vegan customers.
August First, 149 S. Champlain Street, Burlington, VT 05401, Phone: 802-540-0060
9. Bistro de Margot
When only the freshest French-inspired fine-dining will do for a special romantic dinner you will find that Bistro de Margot ticks all the boxes. The bistro has a sleek and elegant interior and elegant tables and linens to set the scene. However, it is the great French-inspired cuisine which takes centre stage and assures you a memorable evening. The menu changes regularly to make the best use of fresh local ingredients but you will always find a selection of light and flavorsome appetizers, followed by beautiful meat, poultry and sea-food dishes served with imaginative accompaniments. Choose the ideal wine to savor with your meal from their interesting list of French wines.
Bistro de Margot, 126 College Street, Burlington, VT 05401, Phone: 802-863-5200
Map:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Ideal for exploring nature and local markets.
Hotel Vermont – A modern boutique hotel near downtown.
Visit the Burlington Farmers Market – Enjoy local produce, crafts, and food.
Summer (June-August) – Best for outdoor activities and lake adventures.
Courtyard Burlington Harbor – A comfortable stay with beautiful lake views.
Explore Lake Champlain – Go kayaking, biking, or take a scenic boat tour.
Fall (September-November) – Stunning foliage and cozy autumn experiences.
The Essex, Vermont's Culinary Resort & Spa – A luxurious retreat with fine dining.
Drive the Green Mountain Byway – Experience Vermont’s iconic fall colors.
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Henry’s Diner
- 2. The Daily Planet
- 3. Pizzeria Verita
- 4. Hen of the Wood
- 5. Juniper Bar and Restaurant
- 6. E.B. Strong’s Prime Steakhouse
- 7. A Single Pebble
- 8. August First
- 9. Bistro de Margot