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Contributed by author,Kayla Voigt.
If you’re looking to find the best restaurants in Stowe, Vermont look no further. Stowe is one of my favorite places to visit all year round (okay, maybe not during Vermont’s infamous mud season, but still). There’s a reason Stowe is one of the hottest destinations in the state located in the heart of the Green Mountains.
You can go hiking and biking in the summer, leaf-peeping and apple-picking in the fall, and of course, ski at Stowe Mountain Resort all winter long. With so many options, it was a challenge to figure out the best Stowe restaurants, but I think you’ll love these for your next trip.
Whenever you visit, you’ll find some of the best examples of Vermont’s New American cuisine in Stowe. You’ll find the perfect spot for a cozy apres-ski anniversary dinner, but you can also lean into vacation rules and grab a pint of local ice cream for dinner, too.
Below, I’ve put together a guide of some of my all-time favorites in the area (and a few on my wishlist.) Stowe is a popular destination, so I definitely recommend getting a reservation ahead of time if you can. Remember to check restaurant websites before going, especially in the winter season. Here are the best restaurants in Stowe, VT:
Planning a Trip to Vermont? Here are my Top Picks for Hotels in Stowe:
- Trapp Family Lodge, for family-friendly old-world charm
- The Lodge at Spruce Peak, for ski-in, ski-out luxury
- Topnotch Resort, for an all-around active vacation
Vermont is one of the most beautiful places to visit, especially in the fall. For the full roundup of Vermont getaway hotels, check out my guide here.
The Best Restaurants in Stowe, Vermont
1. Alpine Hall
I’ll be honest: I’m almost always thinking about apres-ski options when I’m on the slopes. Alpine Hall, located at the Lodge at Spruce Peak, is a cozy, inviting place to have a delicious lunch or dinner. The restaurant sources local ingredients from nearby farms, including Jasper Hill’s incredible cheeses and Runamok maple syrup. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer incredible mountain views of nearby Mount Mansfield. Ask for a chair next to the roaring fire.
Address: 7412 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT
2. Tipsy Trout
Raw bar lovers, this spot is for you. Find this not-so-secret bar at the Lodge at Spruce Peak. Vermont may be landlocked, but Tipsy Trout does New England seafood right with locally sourced ingredients. Dine on fresh poke bowls, oysters, lobster rolls, clam chowder, and more.
Address: 7412 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT
3. Cork Restaurant & Natural Wine Shop
You don’t usually think “Vermont” when you think of wine—its climate is a far cry from Napa’s lush valleys or coastal France—but trust me, the natural wine scene here will change your mind. Take a tour through some of these at women-owned Cork in downtown Stowe. Stay a while for a small but mighty menu that pairs beautifully with their natural wine selection. You can always opt for curbside pickup and enjoy a bottle or two back at your hotel.
Address: 35 School St, Stowe, VT
4. The Bench Restaurant
The Bench is brand new to town but already settling in as a destination for casual dining and comfort food. This is the place to get decadent with your order. Hit up menu items like mac and cheese, wood-fired nachos with blue cheese crumble, duck fat fries, pizzas, burgers, and more. They don’t take reservations, so be prepared to get there early or wait—it’s that good.
Address: 492 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT
5. Butler’s Pantry
Before you head out for a day of shopping or adventure, stop in at Butler’s Pantry. Located at the historic Butler’s House, it’s also a bed and breakfast, though I haven’t stayed there. The adorable breakfast spot is a great place to start your day with cheddar-jalapeno pancakes or a classic bacon-egg-and-cheese sandwich.
Address: 128 Main St A, Stowe, VT
6. Hen of the Wood
Acclaimed chef and owner Eric Warnstedt’s Hen of the Wood has several locations, including nearby Waterbury. I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to call it the best restaurant in the state.If you want a quintessential Vermont farm-to-table dining experience, this is it. The menu is decidedly unfussy but absolutely perfect. Don’t sleep on the parker rolls or the eponymous hen of the woods mushroom toast.
Address: 14 S Main St, Waterbury, VT
7. Doc Ponds
Hen of the Wood’s more hip, casual sibling Doc Ponds opened in 2015 and is already a local favorite. You’ll find a similar ethos on simple, delicious food here, too, with hearty fare like smoked maple peanuts, broccoli-cheddar melts, and chocolate milkshakes. They don’t take reservations, but you can get yourself on the waitlist and hope for the best.
Address: 294 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT
8. Ranch Camp
I’m pretty sure this is the most “Vermont” restaurant ever. Ranch Camp is a bike shop, tap room, and cafe. Stop in for sandwiches as you explore the Stowe Recreation Path across the street, which winds around the West Branch of the Little River. The bike- and stroller-friendly is 5.3 miles and ends at one of Stowe’s iconic covered bridges.
Address: 311 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT
9. Harrison’s Restaurant
Harrison’s is the definition of cozy. What I love about this place is it has a diner-like feel with absolutely incredible dishes. This downtown gem offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes like steak au poivre, roast venison, duck drumettes, and truffle fries. It’s a great choice after a long day on the slopes or bagging peaks.
Address: 25 Main St, Stowe, VT
10. Idletyme Brewing Company
Vermont’s craft beer scene has tons of options, but Idletyme Brewing is one of my favorites. They pair their impressive selection of beers with simple and seasonal food offerings (I always start with their giant Bavarian pretzel). Their brewery traces its roots all the way back to the early 1900’s. This is a great spot to relax and there’s something on their comfort food menu for everyone.
Address: 1859 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT
11. The Round Hearth Cafe & Marketplace
Stowe has so many incredible sandwich spots, it’s hard to choose. I love Round Hearth because their combinations are just a little different. Try their caramel apple, bacon, and cheddar sandwich that’s gooey-delicious. Or their balsamic blueberries, spinach, and brie for veggie-lovers in the crowd. Gather ‘round their indoor fire pit and stay a while after doing some antique shopping.
Address: 39 Edson Hill Rd, Stowe, VT
12. Von Trapp Brewing Bierhall Restaurant
If you’re more into nordic skiing than downhill, Von Trapp Brewing Bierhall Restaurant is the place for you. Located on the 2,600 acre Trapp Family Lodge, with over 60km of cross-country trails, you can easily ski-in, ski-out to the bierhall. They offer Austrian-inspired fare like hot pretzels, schnitzel, bratwurst, and more. It’s a great spot for a quick bite before hitting the trails once more.
Address: 1333 Luce Hill Road, Stowe, VT
13. The Bistro at Ten Acres
This sweet little restaurant has some of the best views in the valley. In warmer months, The Bistro at Ten Acres‘ patio offers a sweeping sunset view you won’t want to miss. Classic showstoppers like filet mignon with garlic mashed potatoes, lemon pepper salmon, and Sicilian mussels fill out their French-inspired menu. This is a great spot for a romantic date night.
Address: 14 Barrows Road, Stowe, VT
14. Cold Hollow Cider Mill
Head to nearby Waterbury for Cold Hollow Cider Mill’s freshly pressed cider and donuts. This spot is a quintessential New England farm stand, complete with homemade takeaway pies, jugs of cider, and of course, apples. Their all-Vermont sandwich menu features local ingredients and you can taste their wide variety of hard cider, too. Their cheddar biscuit breakfast sandwich is a must.
Address: 3600 Waterbury-Stowe Rd, Waterbury Center, VT
15. Ben and Jerry’s Factory
Okay, so you can’t actually get a real meal at Vermont legend Ben and Jerry’s, but it’s well worth the visit. (Just make sure to plan ahead—be sure to buy your tickets in advance.) You can tour their real working factory and taste flavors not yet in stores. Is this touristy? A little. Is the ice cream absolutely worth it? Yes.
Address: 1281 Waterbury-Stowe Rd Route 100, Waterbury Village Historic District, VT
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Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
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Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
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Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.
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I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
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Xx,
Jessica
