2026’s New Year’s Resolution: Supporting Local Eateries And Sustainable Dining In Vermont

Starting the new year with a commitment to support local restaurants and sustainable dining can make a real difference in Vermont’s food community.

When people choose farm-to-table eateries and restaurants that source ingredients from nearby farms, they help local businesses thrive while reducing environmental impact.

Vermont has become a leader in sustainable food practices, with many restaurants proudly serving dishes made from ingredients grown right in the Green Mountain State.

This list celebrates sixteen amazing local eateries where diners can enjoy delicious meals while supporting Vermont’s farmers, food artisans, and sustainable dining movement.

Hen Of The Wood – Burlington

Tucked into Burlington’s vibrant downtown scene, this celebrated restaurant has earned a reputation for turning Vermont’s seasonal bounty into unforgettable meals.

Located at 55 Cherry Street, Burlington, VT 05401, the space combines rustic charm with modern elegance, creating an atmosphere perfect for special occasions or casual dinners alike.

Chef Eric Warnstedt and his team work directly with local farmers and foragers to source wild mushrooms, heritage vegetables, and pasture-raised meats.

Menu offerings change frequently based on what’s available, ensuring peak freshness and flavor in every dish.

Reservations fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so planning ahead helps secure a table during prime dining hours.

The commitment to sustainability extends beyond ingredients to include composting programs and relationships with Vermont producers who share similar values.

Hen Of The Wood – Waterbury

Housed in a beautifully restored 1835 grist mill, this original location offers a dining experience steeped in Vermont history and natural beauty.

The address is 14 S Main St, Waterbury, VT 05676, where the building sits alongside cascading water and offers views that change dramatically with the seasons.

Exposed beams, stone walls, and large windows create an inviting setting that feels both historic and contemporary.

The menu mirrors the Burlington location’s commitment to hyperlocal sourcing, with many ingredients coming from farms within a few miles of the restaurant.

Outdoor seating on the patio becomes especially popular during warmer months when diners can enjoy their meals surrounded by Vermont’s natural landscape.

Weekday evenings tend to be quieter than weekends, making them ideal for those seeking a more relaxed dining pace.

SoLo Farm & Table

Nestled in the heart of South Londonderry, this cozy eatery lives up to its name by sourcing ingredients from its own farm and neighboring Vermont producers.

You’ll find it at 95 Middletown Rd, South Londonderry, VT 05155, where the warm, farmhouse-inspired interior welcomes guests with wooden accents and thoughtful details.

The restaurant’s farm supplies much of the produce used in the kitchen, creating a true seed-to-plate experience that few establishments can match.

Seasonal menus showcase the best of what Vermont agriculture offers throughout the year, from spring asparagus to autumn squash.

The intimate dining room creates a sense of community among guests, and the staff’s knowledge about ingredient origins adds depth to the experience.

Visiting during shoulder seasons offers a chance to taste transitional ingredients as the menu shifts between growing periods.

Salt & Rind

Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace gained a delicious addition when this cheese and charcuterie-focused spot opened its doors at Historic District, 40 Foundry St, Waterbury, VT 05676.

The concept centers on Vermont’s thriving artisan cheese scene, with boards featuring selections from creameries across the state paired with locally cured meats and house-made accompaniments.

Exposed brick walls and reclaimed wood surfaces create a relaxed environment perfect for lingering over small plates and conversation.

The beverage program emphasizes Vermont craft beers, ciders, and wines that complement the rich flavors of aged cheeses and cured meats.

Staff members receive training on cheese production methods and can guide diners through tasting notes and pairing suggestions.

Afternoon visits tend to be less crowded than evening hours, offering a peaceful opportunity to explore the menu’s variety.

Oakes & Evelyn

This a standalone modern farm-to-table is found at at 52 State St, Montpelier, VT 05602, bringing refined technique to Vermont’s agricultural abundance.

The dining room balances sophistication with approachability, featuring clean lines, natural materials, and large windows that frame views of Burlington’s waterfront.

Chef de cuisine crafts dishes that honor traditional Vermont flavors while incorporating modern culinary techniques and global influences.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus all emphasize partnerships with Vermont farms, dairies, and producers who practice sustainable agriculture.

The bar program showcases Vermont spirits and craft cocktails made with house-infused ingredients and seasonal garnishes.

Hotel guests and locals alike appreciate the restaurant’s commitment to serving quality food throughout the day, making it a versatile choice for various dining occasions and schedules.

Bistro De Margot

French culinary traditions meet Vermont’s agricultural wealth at this charming bistro located at 126 College St, Burlington, VT 05401.

The intimate space evokes the feeling of a countryside French restaurant while celebrating the exceptional quality of local Vermont ingredients.

Classic bistro dishes receive thoughtful updates through the incorporation of seasonal produce, grass-fed meats, and artisanal dairy products from nearby farms.

The wine list features French selections alongside bottles from emerging wine regions, creating opportunities for interesting pairings with the menu’s offerings.

Candlelit tables and attentive service contribute to an atmosphere that feels special without being stuffy or overly formal.

Weeknight dining often allows for more leisurely meals and easier conversation than busier weekend services.

Frankie’s

Barre’s granite heritage provides a unique backdrop for this beloved Italian-American restaurant that has served the community for years at 169 Cherry St, Burlington, VT 05401.

Generations of families have gathered here for hearty portions of classic comfort food prepared with care and consistency.

While not exclusively focused on local sourcing, the restaurant has increasingly incorporated Vermont ingredients into traditional recipes, creating a bridge between old-world flavors and new-world sustainability.

The casual atmosphere welcomes everyone from construction workers on lunch breaks to families celebrating milestones over weekend dinners.

Regulars know which dishes showcase the kitchen’s strengths, and the staff treats newcomers with the same warmth extended to longtime customers.

Early dinner service moves quickly for those with evening plans, while later hours offer a more relaxed pace.

Jessica’s Restaurant At The Swift House Inn

Middlebury’s historic Swift House Inn hosts this refined dining room at 25 Stewart Lane, Middlebury, VT 05753, where Victorian elegance frames a thoroughly modern approach to Vermont cuisine.

The restaurant occupies rooms within a Federal-style mansion built in 1814, with period details like fireplaces and crown molding adding character to the dining experience.

Chef-driven menus change with the seasons, highlighting relationships with Champlain Valley farms and producers who supply vegetables, meats, and dairy products.

The wine cellar contains an impressive collection that spans classic regions and emerging appellations, with knowledgeable staff available to suggest pairings.

Special occasion diners and food enthusiasts appreciate the attention to detail evident in both preparation and presentation.

Making reservations well in advance proves essential during peak tourist seasons and college event weekends when Middlebury sees increased visitor traffic.

Maple Sugar & Vermont Spice

Situated along Route 4 at 2563 US-4, Mendon, VT 05701, this welcoming spot serves as both restaurant and celebration of Vermont’s maple industry.

The menu naturally features maple syrup in both expected and surprising applications, from breakfast classics to savory glazes on dinner entrées.

Local ingredients appear throughout the offerings, supporting farms in Rutland County and the surrounding region.

The casual, family-friendly environment appeals to travelers exploring Vermont’s mountain regions as well as locals seeking reliable comfort food prepared with quality ingredients.

Breakfast service draws particular crowds, especially during fall foliage season when the restaurant’s location makes it a convenient stop for leaf peepers.

Gift shop sections allow visitors to purchase Vermont-made products, extending support for local producers beyond the dining experience itself and providing takeaway options for those wanting to bring Vermont flavors home.

Honey Road

Burlington’s culinary landscape took an exciting turn with the opening of this Eastern Mediterranean restaurant at 156 Church Street, Burlington, VT 05401.

Chef Cara Chigazola Tobin brings expertise from prestigious kitchens to create menus inspired by the flavors of Lebanon, Turkey, Greece, and surrounding regions, adapted to showcase Vermont’s seasonal ingredients.

Small plates encourage sharing and exploration, with vibrant spices and techniques that differ from traditional New England fare.

The bright, contemporary space feels energetic and welcoming, with an open kitchen allowing diners to observe the preparation of mezze, grilled meats, and vegetable dishes.

Vermont farms supply much of the produce, while spices and specialty items come from trusted importers who work directly with producers.

Arriving early or making reservations helps secure seating during busy dinner services when the restaurant’s popularity fills tables quickly with enthusiastic diners.

Santé

Vermont’s capital city boasts this refined dining destination at 61 Central St, Woodstock, VT 05091, where culinary ambition meets the state’s commitment to sustainable agriculture.

The restaurant occupies a historic downtown building, with updates that create a modern, comfortable environment for serious food enthusiasts.

Seasonal tasting menus and à la carte options showcase relationships with Vermont farms, foragers, and artisan producers who supply exceptional ingredients.

Wine pairings receive careful consideration, with selections chosen to complement the flavors and techniques present in each dish.

The kitchen’s approach balances creativity with respect for ingredients, allowing quality produce and proteins to shine without unnecessary complications.

Montpelier’s compact downtown means easy walking access from nearby parking areas, and the restaurant’s location makes it convenient for combining dining with exploration of the capital’s shops, galleries, and cultural attractions before or after meals.

Kismayo Kitchen

Winooski’s diverse culinary scene includes this welcoming restaurant at 505 Riverside Ave., Burlington, VT 05401, where Somali and East African flavors bring new dimensions to Vermont’s food landscape.

The family-owned establishment introduces diners to aromatic spice blends, tender stewed meats, and traditional flatbreads that may be unfamiliar to many Vermonters.

While the cuisine draws from East African traditions, the restaurant sources produce and some proteins from Vermont suppliers when possible, creating connections between cultures through food.

The casual, friendly atmosphere encourages questions and exploration for diners new to Somali cuisine, with staff happy to explain dishes and offer recommendations.

Generous portions and affordable prices make the restaurant accessible to students, families, and anyone curious about expanding their culinary horizons.

Lunch and dinner services both offer full menus, giving flexibility for fitting a visit into various schedules throughout the week.

Michael’s On The Hill

Perched on a hillside with sweeping views of the Worcester Mountains, this longtime Vermont dining destination resides at 100 N, 4182 Waterbury-Stowe Rd, Waterbury Center, VT 05677.

Chef Michael Kloeti has built a reputation over decades for combining European culinary training with deep appreciation for Vermont’s agricultural products.

The elegant dining room features white tablecloths and picture windows that frame the landscape, creating an atmosphere suitable for celebrations and romantic occasions.

Seasonal menus reflect what’s available from trusted farm partners, with dishes that showcase classical techniques applied to local ingredients.

The restaurant’s longevity speaks to consistent quality and the community’s support for an establishment that has championed Vermont products since before farm-to-table became a widespread movement.

Sunset dinner reservations during summer months offer the added benefit of watching light change across the mountains while enjoying carefully prepared courses and attentive service throughout the evening.

Prohibition Pig

Waterbury’s craft beverage scene pairs perfectly with slow-smoked meats at this popular spot located at 23 South Main Street, Waterbury, VT 05676.

The restaurant combines serious barbecue techniques with a commitment to sourcing pork, beef, and poultry from Vermont farms whenever possible, creating a sustainable approach to this traditionally Southern cuisine style.

House-made sauces, rubs, and sides complement the smoked proteins, while an extensive craft beer selection features Vermont breweries alongside respected producers from other regions.

The casual, bustling atmosphere includes communal seating that encourages conversation among guests, and the location near popular breweries makes it a natural stop during beverage tourism explorations.

Weekends bring crowds eager for brisket, pulled pork, and ribs, while weekday lunches offer quicker service for those passing through the area.

Taking advantage of takeout options allows visitors to enjoy the food during outdoor adventures in the surrounding Green Mountains and recreation areas.