Vermont Seafood Restaurants Bringing Coastal Flavor To The Heart Of The Green Mountains
Vermont might be famous for maple syrup and ski slopes, but you’d be surprised to find how many incredible seafood spots have made their home here.
Even though we’re landlocked, talented chefs bring fresh catches from nearby coastal waters and transform them into mouthwatering dishes. Whether you’re craving lobster rolls, oysters, or perfectly grilled fish, these restaurants prove you don’t need an ocean view to enjoy amazing seafood.
1. Bluebird Tavern
When you walk into Bluebird Tavern in Burlington, you’ll immediately notice the cozy atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. The menu changes with the seasons, but seafood always takes center stage here.
Fresh oysters arrive multiple times per week from both coasts, and the chef prepares them with creative toppings that’ll make your taste buds dance. Their pan-seared scallops come with locally sourced vegetables that add a Vermont twist to classic coastal cuisine.
I love how they balance fancy presentation with down-to-earth flavors that anyone can appreciate. The staff knows their stuff and can recommend wine pairings that complement your meal perfectly.
2. Hen of the Wood
It’s hard to find a restaurant that does farm-to-table and ocean-to-table equally well, but Hen of the Wood pulls it off beautifully. Located in Waterbury, this spot has earned serious recognition for bringing together Vermont’s agricultural bounty with pristine seafood.
Their menu features dishes like butter-poached lobster alongside foraged mushrooms from nearby forests. You might wonder how they keep fish so fresh this far from the coast, but they’ve built relationships with trusted suppliers who deliver daily.
The intimate dining room fills up fast, so reservations are absolutely necessary if you want to experience their magic. Every plate looks like edible art.
3. Misery Loves Co.
Are you ready for a dining experience that breaks all the traditional rules? Misery Loves Co. in Winooski serves small plates meant for sharing, and their seafood options rotate constantly based on what’s freshest.
The chefs here aren’t afraid to experiment with bold flavors and unexpected combinations. One week you might find squid ink pasta with local cream, and the next week could bring grilled octopus with Vermont maple glaze.
Their raw bar selection changes daily, featuring oysters from different regions so you can taste the difference. The vibe is casual and energetic, making it perfect for groups who want to try lots of dishes together.
4. The Essex
Did you know that future chefs train at The Essex while serving incredible meals to guests? This unique restaurant operates as part of a culinary school, which means you’re getting cutting-edge techniques with every bite.
Students work alongside professional chefs to create seafood dishes that rival anything you’d find in coastal cities. The whole-fish preparations are particularly impressive, showing off skills that take years to master.
Fresh salmon, halibut, and sea bass appear regularly on rotating menus that showcase different cooking methods. Since it’s a teaching environment, the staff takes extra time to explain dishes and answer questions about preparation.
5. Farmhouse Tap & Grill
Though the name suggests a focus on land-based proteins, Farmhouse Tap & Grill surprises visitors with outstanding seafood options. Their Burlington location draws crowds who appreciate quality ingredients without pretentious presentation.
The fish tacos have developed a cult following, featuring beer-battered cod with tangy slaw and house-made sauces. On Fridays, they often run clam chowder specials that sell out before dinner service ends.
What makes this place special is how they treat seafood with the same respect they give to local beef and pork. The casual atmosphere means you can enjoy elevated food while wearing jeans and sneakers, which I really appreciate.
6. Juniper Bar & Restaurant
If you’re staying at the Hotel Vermont, you don’t even need to leave the building to enjoy phenomenal seafood. Juniper sits on the ground floor, offering views of Lake Champlain while you dine on ocean treasures.
The menu reads like a love letter to New England coastal cuisine, with lobster rolls, steamers, and fish and chips done the proper way. Their seafood tower is absolutely stunning, piled high with shrimp, oysters, clams, and crab legs on ice.
I appreciate how they source responsibly, choosing sustainable fisheries and avoiding overfished species. The cocktail program is equally impressive, featuring drinks that pair wonderfully with briny oysters.
7. Leunig’s Bistro & Café
How does a French bistro in Burlington become known for seafood? Leunig’s has been serving the community since 1992, bringing European flair to Vermont’s culinary scene.
Their bouillabaisse is legendary among locals, packed with mussels, shrimp, and white fish in a saffron-tomato broth. The outdoor patio becomes prime real estate during warmer months, where people gather to slurp oysters and sip wine.
French technique shines through in dishes like sole meunière and moules frites, prepared exactly as you’d find them in Paris. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between elegant and approachable, making it suitable for both date nights and family celebrations.
8. Guild Tavern
When Burlington’s food scene needed a neighborhood spot that could do everything well, Guild Tavern answered the call. Their approach to seafood focuses on simplicity, letting quality ingredients speak for themselves.
Grilled swordfish appears regularly, seasoned minimally and cooked to juicy perfection. The New England clam rolls offer a Vermont twist on the classic, using local butter and herbs that grow in nearby gardens.
What I find refreshing is their commitment to education the menu includes information about where each fish comes from and how it was caught. The bar program is equally thoughtful, with Vermont craft beers that complement seafood beautifully without overwhelming delicate flavors.
9. A Single Pebble
Are you tired of the same old seafood preparations? A Single Pebble in Burlington brings authentic Chinese cooking techniques to fresh fish and shellfish.
Their menu features dishes you won’t find at typical American-Chinese restaurants, like whole steamed fish with ginger and scallions or spicy Sichuan prawns. The chefs understand how to balance flavors so the seafood remains the star while spices add complexity.
Mock eel made from mushrooms shows their creativity, but seafood lovers should definitely try the salt and pepper squid. The intimate dining room fills with wonderful aromas, and the family-style service encourages sharing and conversation around the table.
10. Waterworks Food + Drink
It’s fitting that a restaurant named Waterworks specializes in seafood, don’t you think? Located in Winooski along the river, this spot combines stunning views with seriously good fish dishes.
Their raw bar is one of the best in the area, featuring oysters from multiple regions so you can compare flavors. The lobster mac and cheese has become so popular they can’t take it off the menu without causing an uproar.
During summer, the patio becomes the place to be, where you can enjoy fish tacos and cold drinks while watching the water flow by. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, always ready to help you choose between the day’s fresh catches.
11. Prohibition Pig
Though primarily known for barbecue, Prohibition Pig in Waterbury surprises diners with exceptional seafood options. The smoker that makes their ribs famous also works magic on fish.
Smoked salmon appears on the brunch menu, cured in-house and served with all the traditional fixings. Their fish sandwiches feature whatever’s freshest, grilled or blackened with house-made sauces that add layers of flavor.
What makes this place unique is how they apply barbecue philosophy to seafood low and slow cooking, careful seasoning, and respect for the ingredient.
The brewery attached to the restaurant produces beers specifically designed to pair with both smoked meats and delicate fish dishes.
12. The Reservoir Restaurant & Tap Room
When locals in Waterbury want reliable seafood in a relaxed setting, they head to The Reservoir. The name references the nearby water, but the menu travels all the way to the coast for inspiration.
Fish and chips here are done properly, with crispy beer batter that stays crunchy and flaky cod inside. Their seafood pasta changes seasonally, incorporating whatever fish is swimming into port that week.
I love that they offer half portions on most entrees, letting you try multiple dishes without leaving uncomfortably full. The tap room features an impressive selection of Vermont beers, and the staff can guide you toward pairings that enhance your meal’s flavors beautifully.
13. American Flatbread Burlington Hearth
Are pizza and seafood a strange combination? Not when American Flatbread gets creative with their wood-fired oven and fresh ingredients.
Their shrimp and garlic flatbread has converted countless skeptics, proving that seafood belongs on pizza when done right. The high heat of the wood oven gives shrimp a slight char while keeping them tender inside. Smoked salmon flatbreads appear as specials, topped with cream cheese, capers, and fresh dill. The casual atmosphere and communal seating make it a fun spot for groups who want to share different flavors.
Everything is made from scratch using organic ingredients, and you can watch the pizza makers work their magic through the open kitchen design.
14. Skinny Pancake
If you think crepes are just for breakfast, Skinny Pancake will change your mind completely. Their locations across Vermont serve savory crepes filled with unexpected ingredients, including plenty of seafood options.
The smoked salmon crepe comes loaded with capers, red onion, and dill cream cheese, rolled into a portable meal. Their shrimp and avocado combination brings California vibes to Vermont, with fresh ingredients wrapped in a tender buckwheat crepe.
What makes this chain special is their commitment to local sourcing whenever possible, even for seafood preparations. The Burlington waterfront location offers beautiful lake views while you enjoy affordable, delicious food that feels both healthy and indulgent at the same time.
15. Pascolo Ristorante
When you’re craving Italian seafood done authentically, Pascolo Ristorante in Stowe delivers the experience perfectly. Their chef trained in Italy and brings traditional techniques to Vermont’s dining scene.
Fresh pasta gets tossed with clams, mussels, and shrimp in white wine sauce that’ll transport you straight to the Mediterranean coast. The branzino is prepared whole and filleted tableside, showing off the kitchen’s technical skills and the fish’s pristine quality.
Everything feels special here, from the carefully curated wine list to the attentive service that never feels stuffy. Reservations are essential, especially during ski season when Stowe fills with visitors seeking memorable meals after mountain adventures.
