Stowe is one of Vermont’s most beloved mountain villages, brimming with traditional New England charm and elegance. Stowe is most known for its plentiful recreational activities, which bring people all year, but it also boasts a thriving culinary scene. In a moment, I’ll spotlight some of the top Stowe eateries, but believe me when I say the town of Stowe knows how to feed hungry explorers!
This is the ideal stop on any New England road trip, particularly if you’re searching for some wonderful and unusual places to dine in Stowe. It’s just 36 miles outside of Burlington. Vermont did not develop the farm-to-table notion, but it surely embodies it.
Several restaurants get directly from local farmers, resulting in some of the most fresh products available. Combine it with some incredible chefs, and you have a foodie’s dream!
Apart from amazing cuisine, Stowe has a lot to offer in terms of attractions and activities. If you want to go sightseeing and learn more about this wonderful small town, you can read my guide to the top things to do in Stowe.
Check out the top breweries in Stowe if you’re like beer and want to taste some IPAs, but be careful!
When in Stowe, don’t miss out on the following activities that will let you immerse yourself in the city (get them while they’re hot!):
- Stowe, Vermont: Half-Day Local Brewery Tour
Contents
The Top 7 Stowe Restaurants
Piecasso
Mountain Road (802) 253-44111899 Mountain Rd
What began as a pizzeria over fifty years ago was founded on the notion that they were creating memories rather than just pizza.
Dining at Piecasso is a genuinely remarkable experience since it is much more than a pizza; it is a haven from the usual.
Chef Johnathan Nelson makes wonderful Italian cuisine utilizing locally sourced ingredients, drawing on the founder’s Sicilian roots.
While pizza and pasta are prevalent on the menu, there are also various all-American comfort meals such as burgers and wings. Most dishes and pizzas can be made gluten-free, and the menu also includes vegan and vegetarian options.
As I dropped here for lunch, I got the Piecasso original handmade black bean sweet potato burger. It was the ideal lunch-size meal, accompanied with fries or a side salad.
Skip the fries in favor of a side of Insalata Mista salad, which has grape tomatoes, carrots, red onion, and kalamata olives on a bed of mixed greens and a delicious homemade balsamic dressing.
If you’re looking for something special, go for the pan-roasted East Coast Halibut.
Seared to perfection and served on a butternut squash puree with wilted spinach, walnuts, and a delectable orange-scallion butter sauce, this is a must-try for any seafood enthusiast.
Piecasso is an excellent choice for those seeking something out of the norm. This is a must-try among the greatest Stowe eateries whether you desire pizza or all-American staples.
The Slim Pancake
Mountain Rd (802) 760-6588454
The Skinny Pancake, a casual Vermont creperie with a creative play on words, serves you more than just your typical crepe.
Your palate will be in for a treat with everything from salty to sweet.
The Vegetable Monster and the Red Curry crêpe are two healthy variants that are both nutritious and satisfying. I’ve had both, and I can’t decide which is my favorite.
It’s the ideal way to start the day when paired with a mimosa or a Bloody Mary.
On my most recent visit, I had the blueberry crisp, which was virtually delectable. Don’t tell Mom it comes with a dollop of vanilla ice cream on top! Total indulgence!
If you don’t like eating breakfast all day, don’t worry! Salads, burgers, paninis, and snacks like sweet potato fries and poutine are also available, as is a full bar with beer, wine, and cocktails.
Sure, it is OK to drink a martini with breakfast here if you so like; after all, this is Vermont!
If you’re searching for the ideal breakfast restaurant in Stowe, The Skinny Pancake is a safe bet.
Idletyme Brewing Co.
Mountain Road (802) 253-47651859 Mountain Road
Idletyme Brewery provides the whole eating experience, including just about everything you might desire in a dining experience.
Idletyme will keep you wanting more for wonderful cuisine combined with brewed-on-site beer, as well as a comfortable and family-friendly ambiance.
We began with the Fried Brussels Sprouts laced with balsamic and Parmesan, which were delicious and plenty.
The Pumpkin Spice Salad was like a warm autumn embrace in a dish, and the Butternut Squash Ravioli with maple cream sauce and slivered almonds was a delight.
While eating at a brewery, it almost seems like you have to drink one of their unique beers. The Pink n Pale, an American-style pale ale fermented with pink grapefruit, and the Oatmeal Stout, a full-bodied heavy with chocolate and coffee overtones, were our picks. I was so taken with the Pink n Pale that I purchased a four-pack, which was sold on the spot.
Idletyme is more than just a pub-food joint. Whether you want to take the entire family out for a quick lunch, a leisurely supper, or simply a delicious craft beer, visit one of the top Stowe restaurants.
Ranch Stay
Mountain Road (802) 253-2753311 Mountain Road
Ranch Camp Bikes, Beer, and Burritos had me from the moment I saw their sign. Who wouldn’t want to check out what type of interesting place mixes all three? We were not let down.
Ranch Camp, conveniently positioned trailside, is Stowes’ go-to mountain bike store. Not only can you purchase, mend, or demo a bike here, but if you’re out on the trails (either biking or hiking), you can also rehydrate and refuel, which means grabbing a nice meal to eat and an ice-cold drink at one of Stowe’s greatest restaurants!
It is not necessary to be a mountain biker or hiker to visit Ranch Camp; everyone is welcome. Ranch Camp, which is located under the same roof as their full-service bike store, has a fantastic menu that includes much more than burritos. Chef Joe Rock prepares incredible meals, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free alternatives.
We dropped over for lunch and ordered two small plates: vegan nachos and falafel nuggets. That was a difficult decision since I wanted to try practically everything on the menu.
The nachos were wonderful and generous, with enough of tri-colored tortilla chips to go around. The falafel was juicy and tasty, with a house-made sesame chili tzatziki sauce you’ll want by the gallon!
The menu is rounded up with sandwiches, power bowls, salads, dinner bowls, and desserts. The younger ones will find an equally astounding array of kid-friendly goodies.
Make space for dessert if at all feasible. The Chocolate Lava Cake (which is blissfully gluten-free) and the Peanut Butter Mousse Landslide, which is heaped high atop a chocolate brownie with peanut butter ganache, will be difficult to choose.
Stop by for lunch, dinner, or just a quick meal for a really unique Mexican eating experience in Stowe. Don’t forget to check around the bike store; it could might motivate you to ride the trails yourself!
Restaurant Cliff House
Mountain Road (802) 253-3665311
When you move to Vermont, you immediately realize that mountain vistas are the norm.
There is just one catch if you want to dine while taking in the most breathtaking vistas in Vermont. You must take the gondola to the summit of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak.
Not to fear; the fifteen-minute leisurely journey to the summit is in an enclosed gondola vehicle that takes you directly to the mountain’s restaurant.
And believe me when I tell the views from the floor-to-ceiling windows are unrivaled. The menu here is continually changing as cooks produce American-inspired food with the freshest seasonal ingredients.
On our visit, we enjoyed the Pan-Seared Scallops with Saffron Risotto. The New England-style Corn Chowder was rich, creamy, and served hot.
Your dining encounter is completed with a hand-selected wine selection and an excellent drink list. If you’re looking for exquisite dining in Stowe, this is one of the top Stowe restaurants!
While the Cliff House is a tad pricey, particularly when you factor in the expense of a round-trip gondola ride, eating here is a really unforgettable experience.
Reservations must be made in advance. Moreover, owing to the popularity of the restaurant, tables may only be occupied for a total of sixty minutes. So, honestly, don’t let this put you off. Cliff House, one of the top Stowe restaurants, is a must-try.
Yoshi Sushi
802.253.4135128 Mountain Rd
I knew I’d discovered a special location the instant I stepped inside Sushi Yoshi. This family-friendly restaurant in Stowe, Vermont, is half Japanese sushi house and part Chinese gourmet hibachi steakhouse.
Take your time perusing the extensive menu, which includes practically every kind of sushi known to man, as well as Asian fusion, tempura, Japanese dinner dishes, soups, and salads. Do you need assistance in making a decision?
The courteous staff is very knowledgable and happy to assist you in determining just what to try.
We began with the clear soup, a broth with mushrooms and onions that was without a doubt the greatest we had ever eaten.
The Sashimi Martini, not a cocktail, is a superb combination of tuna, salmon, sea bass, and mango with a house-made yuzu citrus sauce presented beautifully in a martini glass.
We tried various sushi roll combinations, each one a work of art and a treat to eat.
We didn’t get the Japanese hibachi experience, but we were near enough to appreciate the performance. Fire emitted from the blazing hot grill as talented chefs flung knives and food about, and the faces of people anxiously anticipating their masterpieces lighted up with delight.
Although reservations are not required for a table, a hibachi experience must be reserved ahead of time. This is one of the greatest Stowe eateries for a taste of the Orient.
Restaurant Von Trapp Brewery Bierhall
Luce Hill Road (802) 253-57501333 Luce Hill Road
The famed von Trappe Family, whose tale was immortalized in the musical The Sound of Music, immigrated to the United States in 1942 and settled in Stowe, Vermont.
The Baron and Maria’s youngest son, Johannes, who still lives here today, envisioned introducing Austrian-style beer to Vermont’s already congested craft beer market. After a few years of manufacturing beer, the Bierhall Restaurant was formed.
With mountain vistas in all directions, you can’t help but be inspired by the surroundings. It’s no surprise that it’s one of the greatest Stowe restaurants.
The large wood-beamed structure, inspired by Austrian architecture, has a central bar with seating on three sides as well as indoor and outdoor dining areas.
The Bierhall Restaurant’s motif is “A Bit of Austria, a Lot of Vermont!” as stated on their menu. The Brussels Sprouts Fritters with Horseradish Yogurt Sauce and Balsamic Reduction were our first course.
The platter only included five little burgers, and I hoped there were more since they were delicious!
We chose a flight to begin our taste-testing since Austrian-style beer was unfamiliar to us. We paired the flight with the Three Dips, another fantastic appetizer, and the smoked trout dip was out of this world.
While each pour was excellent, I picked the Dunkel for my pint because beer its creamy toffee taste. It has quickly become one of my new favorites.
There is also wine on tap, hard cider, and soft beverages.
If you like schnitzel or bratwurst, you’re in for a treat since they’re heavily featured on the menu. Sandwiches, salads, and side dishes round out the menu, which includes choices for vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free diners.
These hills are alive not just with the Sound of Music, but also with the flavors and temptations of Austria. Prost!
So there you have it: seven of the top restaurants in Stowe. Choose from Asian, Italian, Austrian, Mexican, or American cuisine. Fine dining or informal eating. Whatever your preferences are, there is a terrific Stowe restaurant to satisfy them.