Woodstock, VT has an incredible culinary scene. From casual fare to fine dining, these chefs are using local ingredients of the highest quality. There are many reasons to visit this quintessential New England town, but the food is right at the top of the list. Read on to learn about the best restaurants in Woodstock, VT!
The Prince and the Pauper
Our dinner at The Prince and the Pauper was fantastic. The vibe is cozy, and the building is circa 1820, with an antique wooden bar, pine floors, and hand-hewn beams.
They have an extensive cocktail list that highlights spirits made in Vermont, like Wild Hart gin from Shelburne (we have the pear and ginger one at home) and Silo vodka from Windsor.
The dinner is a three-course prix fixe meal of elevated American food, and the menu changes every night to reflect available ingredients.
For appetizers, we got a cheese plate and cream of asparagus soup, and for entrées, we both got filet mignon. For dessert, we got vanilla crème brûlée and grapefruit sorbet.
Price: $$$$
Meal: Dinner
Reservations: Yes – Book at least 3 weeks in advance
Phone number: (802) 457-1818
Melaza Bistro
Melaza Bistro is one of the best restaurants in Woodstock, VT and serves Caribbean fare using local ingredients. The atmosphere is relaxed and perfect for a more casual dining experience.
We decided to order tapas and got nachos, plantain crisps with guacamole, beef empanadas, and a Cuban sandwich. For dessert, we got tres leches cake, and everything was fresh and delicious!
The prices here are reasonable, and they also have a kids’ menu with items like quesadillas and chicken tenders. You can sit inside or outside on the front patio or back terrace.
Price: $$
Meal: Dinner
Reservations: Yes
Phone number: (802) 457-7110 (note that they prefer emails)
Santé
Santé is partnered with a local farm and offers globally inspired cuisine with a regional focus. The ingredients are fresh, and the menu features craft cocktails, small bites, and entrées.
They have classics like a Manhattan or a Negroni as well as seasonal drinks. For bar snacks, you can order things like Marcona almonds, marinated olives, and ricotta crostini with basil and lemon zest.
For something more substantial, you can order dishes like crab toast with red onions on potato bread or seared scallops with polenta, but keep in mind that dishes often change.
Price: $$$
Meal: Dinner
Reservations: Yes
Phone number: (802) 698-2566
Mon Vert Cafe
Mon Vert Cafe serves casual American food made with organic ingredients from local vendors.
For breakfast, they have items like french toast and egg sandwiches as well as coffee, espresso, and tea.
My husband and I loved it so much that we went three times for lunch, with some highlights being the Sage (chicken salad with grapes and pecans on multigrain toast) and the Parisian (black forest ham, swiss, and mustard on a baguette).
It is definitely one of the best restaurants in Woodstock, VT, and you can sit inside or outside or take it to go!
Price: $
Meal: Breakfast or lunch
Reservations: No but definitely crowded at peak hours!
Phone number: (802) 457-7143
Cloudland Farm
Cloudland Farm has been in the same family since 1908. The restaurant is only open Fridays and Saturdays and offers elevated American fare using many ingredients from the farm itself.
The menu changes with each meal and is a three-course prix fixe that can include dishes like pumpkin soup with spiced pepitas or a salted maple tart.
The site is also BYOB, with the wine purveyor at F.H. Gillingham and Sons in town choosing complements for each menu.
The building is a post-and-beam structure made with pine harvested from the farm and has beautiful views of the surrounding hills.
Price: $$$
Meal: Dinner
Reservations: Yes – Book at least 3 to 5 weeks in advance
Phone number: (802) 457-2599
Ransom Tavern
Ransom Tavern serves authentic Italian cuisine in the lovely Kedron Valley Inn.
Here, they have plenty of options for drinks, including wine, beer, and cocktails. For appetizers, they have items like burrata, focaccia, or a tasty salad.
For dinner, they have wood-fired pizzas with classics like margherita or specialties like gorgonzola, prosciutto, caramelized onions, and maple syrup. For dessert, try the affogato or the tiramisu.
The interior is inviting, and the patio is nice if the weather is good!
Price: $$
Meal: Dinner
Reservations: Yes
Phone number: (802) 457-1473
The Red Rooster
The Red Rooster is tucked inside the historic Woodstock Inn and has food with a distinct New England feel. The bar is small but very cute, with delicious cocktails that perfectly reflect the season.
For appetizers, we got a cheese fondue with accompaniments like bread, charcuterie, and grapes. For entrées, my husband got rib-eye with rösti potatoes, and I got pasture-raised chicken with gnocchi in brown butter. For dessert, the maple cake was absolutely phenomenal.
It is definitely one of the best restaurants in Woodstock, VT, and the building is beautiful too, with a massive stone fireplace and old herringbone floors.
Price: $$ to $$$
Meal: Lunch or dinner
Reservations: Yes – Sometimes they are only serving Woodstock Inn guests so definitely call!
Phone number: (802) 457-6671
White Cottage Snack Bar
White Cottage Snack Bar is a diner and my favorite kind of place.
You order at the window from a menu with things like clam strips, burgers, fries, and onion rings, and everything we got hit the spot.
For dessert, they have an extensive ice cream selection with over two dozen flavors (we got coffee and mint chip). They also have soft serve, root beer floats, banana splits, and sundaes with toppings like hot fudge or butterscotch.
You can sit inside or outside at picnic tables along the Ottauquechee River.
Price: $ – Cash only with ATM on site
Meal: Lunch or dinner
Reservations: No
Phone number: (802) 457-3455
Mangalitsa
Mangalitsa is one of the best restaurants in Woodstock, VT and renowned for both creative American dishes and a relaxing ambience.
The owner sources the majority of the ingredients from his own farm and relies on an extensive network of local producers otherwise.
The menu is ever-changing and seasonal, with items like kohlrabi with caraway vinaigrette or strip steak with miso butter and turnips. They also have a great wine list and flavorful cocktails.
The space is small and inviting, and diners often rave about the exceptional service.
Price: $$$$
Meal: Dinner
Reservations: Yes – Closed for renovations
Phone number: (802) 457-7467
Worthy Kitchen
Worthy Kitchen is a popular spot that is committed to using local ingredients. The atmosphere is lively and casual, with lots of devoted patrons stopping by.
For drinks, they have a wide selection of craft beers from Vermont breweries. The menu is full of comfort food like pretzel bites, mac n’ cheese, a smash burger, and a fried chicken sandwich.
For dessert, try the cinnamon sugar donuts! They also have a kids’ menu with staples like hot dogs.
There is plenty of seating either at the bar or in tables and booths.
Price: $$
Meal: Lunch or dinner
Reservations: Yes
Phone number: (802) 457-7281
Honorable Mention: The Mill at Simon Pearce
The Mill at Simon Pearce is a gorgeous restaurant in nearby Quechee, VT that sits next to a lovely covered bridge and waterfall. You can either stop at the cozy bar for drinks or stay for some delicious American fare.
For appetizers, we got charred cumin carrots and Vermont cheddar soup. For entrées, my husband got roasted duck with mango chutney, and I got horseradish-crusted cod. For dessert, we got maple crème brûlée and pavlova with balsamic macerated strawberries.
Before you eat, you can peruse the handmade glass in their flagship store or even head downstairs to watch the glass blowers in action. We picked out two goblets from the Seconds area (items with barely noticeable flaws that are less expensive).
I highly recommend the whole experience!
Price: $$ to $$$
Meal: Lunch or dinner
Reservations: Yes
Phone number: (802) 295-1470
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best casual dining in Woodstock, VT?
I think the best casual dining in Woodstock, VT is at Melaza Bistro.
Where is the best fine dining in Woodstock, VT?
I think the best fine dining in Woodstock, VT is at The Prince and the Pauper.
Where is the best outdoor dining in Woodstock, VT?
I think the best outdoor dining in Woodstock, VT is at Santé.
Where is the best lunch in Woodstock, VT?
I think the best lunch in Woodstock, VT is at Mon Vert Cafe.
What are the best restaurants in downtown Woodstock, VT?
I think one of the best restaurants in downtown Woodstock, VT is The Red Rooster.
What are the best Italian restaurants in Woodstock, VT?
I think one of the best Italian restaurants in Woodstock, VT is Ransom Tavern.
I hope you enjoyed this post and that it will lead to some great meals at the best restaurants in Woodstock, VT! For another trip, check out the best restaurants in Stowe, VT!