One of Vermont’s most-loved mountain towns, teeming with quintessential New England charm and grace, is Stowe. Known mainly for the abundant outdoor activities drawing visitors year-round, Stowe also has quite the restaurant scene. We’ll highlight several of the best Stowe restaurants in a bit, but trust me when I say the town of Stowe has figured out how to feed hungry adventurers!
Located just 36 miles outside of Burlington, this is the perfect stop on any road trip through New England, especially if you’re looking for some great and unique places to eat in Stowe. Vermont may not have invented the “farm-to-table” concept, but it certainly exemplifies the idea.
With many restaurants sourcing directly from local farmers, you will find some of the freshest ingredients imaginable. Match that with some extraordinary chefs, and you have a food-lovers paradise!
Besides great food, Stowe has a lot to offer in terms of places to visit and activities to do. If you’re interested in sightseeing and learning more about this charming little place, you might want to check out my guide on the best things to do in Stowe.
If you’re more into the beer side of things and trying some IPA’s, check out the best breweries in Stowe – but be responsible!
While in Stowe don’t miss out on activities that will help immerse yourself with the city (hurry while they’re hot!):
The 7 Best Stowe Restaurants
Piecasso
1899 Mountain Rd // (802) 253-4411
What started as a pizzeria over fifty years ago was built on the belief that more than making pizza, they were making memories.
Eating at Piecasso is truly a memorable experience because Piecasso is much more than just a pizzeria; it’s a refuge from the norm.
By leaning on the founder’s Sicilian heritage, Chef Johnathan Nelson creates delectable Italian dishes using locally sourced ingredients.
Although pizza and pasta are featured prominently on the menu, so are several all-American comfort foods like burgers and wings. Most entrees and pizzas can be made gluten-free, and there are also vegan and vegetarian items on the menu.
When I stopped in for lunch, I ordered the homemade black bean sweet potato burger, a Piecasso original. It was the perfect lunch-size portion, served with a choice of fries or side salad.
My advice is to skip the fries and opt for a side of Insalata Mista salad, chock full of grape tomatoes, carrots, red onion, and kalamata olives atop a bed of mixed greens, with a homemade balsamic that is outstanding.
If you’re craving something exceptional, be sure to order the pan-roasted East Coast Halibut.
Seared perfectly and served atop a butternut squash puree, with wilted spinach, walnuts, and an orange-scallion butter sauce that is simply divine, it’s a must-try for any seafood fan.
When you’re looking for a step away from the ordinary, Piecasso easily fits the bill. If you want the choice of pizza or all-American classics, this is a must-try of the best Stowe restaurants.
The Skinny Pancake
454 Mountain Road // (802) 760-6588
Using a unique play on words, The Skinny Pancake is a casual Vermont creperie serving up more than just your average crepe.
From savory to sweet, your tastebuds will be in for a treat.
Healthy variations, including The Veggie Monster and the Red Curry crepe, are nutritious and filling. I’ve had both, but I can’t choose a favorite.
Paired with a mimosa or a Bloody Mary, it’s the perfect way to start your day.
During my last visit, I opted for the blueberry crisp, which was practically irresistible. Shh, don’t tell mom that it comes served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top! Complete indulgence!
Suppose you’re not a fan of breakfast all day, well, no worries! Salads, burgers, paninis, and munchies like sweet potato fries and poutine are also on the menu, along with a complete list of beer, wine, and cocktails.
Yes, it’s okay to have a cocktail here with breakfast if you so choose – it’s Vermont!
If you’re looking for the perfect breakfast spot in Stowe, The Skinny Pancake is a total crowd-pleaser for sure.
Idletyme Brewing Company
1859 Mountain Road // (802) 253-4765
Offering just about everything you could want in a dining experience, Idletyme Brewing delivers the total package.
For delicious food, paired with brewed-on-site beer, along with a cozy and family-friendly atmosphere, Idletyme will have you wanting to come back for more.
We started with the Fried Brussels Sprouts, drizzled with balsamic and Parmesan, which were delectable and more than enough to share.
The Pumpkin Spice Salad was like a warm autumn hug in a bowl, while the Butternut Squash Ravioli was a joy with maple cream sauce and slivered almonds.
When dining at a brewery, it feels almost a requirement to try one of their specialty brews. We chose the Pink ‘n Pale, an American-style pale ale fermented with pink grapefruit, and the Oatmeal Stout, a full-bodied stout with notes of chocolate and coffee. I was such a fan of the Pink ‘n Pale that I took home a four-pack, sold right on site.
Idletyme is much more than your average pub-food stop. If you’re looking for a place where the whole family can enjoy a quick bite, a leisurely dinner, or just a great craft brew, make sure to try one of the best Stowe restaurants.
Ranch Camp
311 Mountain Road // (802) 253-2753
They had me from the first time I saw their sign, “Ranch Camp – Bikes, Beer, and Burritos.” I mean, who wouldn’t want to stop in and see what kind of cool spot combines these three? We weren’t disappointed.
Ranch Camp is Stowe’s go-to mountain bike shop, conveniently located trail-side. Not only can you buy a bike, fix a bike, or demo a bike here, if you’re out on the trails (either biking or hiking), you can stop off to rehydrate and refuel, and by that – I mean grab a great bite to eat and an ice-cold beer at one of the best Stowe restaurants!
There’s no requirement to be a mountain biker or hike to Ranch Camp; everyone is welcome. Located under the same roof as their full-service bike shop, Ranch Camp offers a great menu with so much more than burritos. Chef Joe Rock creates the most fantastic food, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
We stopped by at lunchtime and opted to share two small plates, the vegan nachos, and the falafel nuggets. It was a tough choice because, honestly, I wanted to try almost everything on the menu.
The nachos were delicious and plentiful, served with tri-colored tortilla chips – plenty enough to share. The falafel was moist and flavorful, with house-made sesame chili tzatziki sauce that you’ll want to take home by the gallon!
Sandwiches, power bowls, salads, dinner bowls, and desserts round out the impressive menu. The little ones have an equally impressive selection of kid-friendly delights.
If at all possible, save room for dessert. You’ll have a tough time deciding between the Chocolate Lava Cake (which is gloriously gluten-free) and the Peanut Butter Mousse Landslide, piled high on a chocolate brownie with peanut butter ganache.
For a totally unique experience for Mexican dining in Stowe, stop by for lunch, dinner, or just a quick bite. Don’t forget to take a look around the bike shop; it may just inspire you to hit the trails, too!
The Cliff House Restaurant
311 Mountain Rd // (802) 253-3665
When you come to Vermont, you quickly find that mountain views are a way of life.
And if you want to dine while experiencing the most unparalleled views in all of Vermont, there’s just one catch. You have to ride the gondola to the top of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s tallest mountain.
Not to worry; the fifteen-minute leisurely ride to the top is aboard an enclosed gondola car that takes you right to the restaurant situated atop the mountain.
And trust me when I say the views through the floor-to-ceiling windows are beyond compare. The menu here is constantly rotating, as chefs use the freshest seasonal ingredients to create American-inspired cuisine.
During our visit, the Pan-Seared Scallops with saffron risotto was divine. And the New England-style Corn Chowder was thick, creamy, and perfectly piping hot.
A hand-selected wine menu, along with an impressive list of cocktails, rounds out this dining adventure. If you want fine dining in Stowe, this is one of the best Stowe restaurants for that!
Although the Cliff House is a little pricy, especially when you consider adding the cost of the ticket for a round-trip gondola ride, dining here is genuinely an extraordinary experience.
Be sure to call ahead for reservations. Also, due to the restaurant’s popularity, tables can only be occupied for a total of sixty minutes. But seriously, don’t let this deter you. You really should try Cliff House, one of the best Stowe restaurants.
Sushi Yoshi
1128 Mountain Rd // (802) 253-4135
From the moment I walked into Sushi Yoshi, I knew I had found a special place. Part Japanese sushi house, part Chinese gourmet hibachi steakhouse, this family-friendly restaurant in Stowe offers an outstanding array of options.
Take your time looking through the expansive menu of almost any sushi-style known to man, along with Asian fusion, tempura, Japanese dinner creations, soups, and salads. Need some help deciding?
The friendly staff is super knowledgeable and eager to help you pinpoint just what to try.
We started with the clear soup, a broth with mushrooms and scallions, and it was undeniably the best we had ever had.
Next up, we indulged in the Sashimi Martini, not a drink but rather a fantastic blend of tuna, salmon, sea bass, mango, with a house-made yuzu citrus sauce served elegantly in a martini glass.
We experimented with several sushi roll combinations, each one a masterpiece and a delight to devour.
While we didn’t opt for the Japanese hibachi experience, we were seated close enough to enjoy the show. As skilled chefs tossed knives and food about, fire emanated from the searing hot grill as the faces of those eagerly awaiting their creations lit up with joy.
While reservations are not necessary to grab a table, you must reserve a hibachi experience ahead of time. For a taste of the Orient, this is one of the best Stowe restaurants.
Von Trapp Brewery Bierhall Restaurant
1333 Luce Hill Road // (802) 253-5750
The legendary von Trappe Family, whose story was made famous in the musical “The Sound of Music,” emigrated to the United States and landed in Stowe, Vermont, in 1942.
The Baron and Maria’s youngest son, Johannes, who still lives here to this day, dreamt of bringing Austrian-style beer to an otherwise crowded craft beer scene in Vermont. After brewing beer for a few years, the Bierhall Restaurant was born.
You can’t help but be awe-inspired at the setting, with mountain views in all directions. No wonder it’s one of the best Stowe restaurants.
The massive wood-beamed building, modeled after Austrian architecture, has a center bar with seating on three sides and indoor and outdoor dining spaces.
As their menu states, “A Little of Austria, a Lot of Vermont!” is the Bierhall Restaurant theme. We started with the Brussels Sprouts Fritters with horseradish yogurt sauce and balsamic reduction.
The plate only had five small patties, and I wished it had more, as they were incredible!
Because Austrian-style beer was new to us, we opted for a flight to start our taste-testing. We paired the flight with another great appetizer, the Three Dips, and found the smoked trout dip to be out of this world.
Although each of the pours was quite good, I chose the Dunkel for my pint, with its creamy toffee flavor. It has become a new favorite of mine.
Wine on tap, hard cider, and soft drinks are also available.
If you are a schnitzel or bratwurst fan, you are in for a treat – they are featured prominently on the menu. Sandwiches, salads, and side dishes round out the menu with options for vegans and vegetarians, as well as those needing gluten-free.
These hills are not only alive with the “Sound of Music” but with the tastes and temptations of Austria, too. Prost!
So there you have it; seven of the best Stowe restaurants. Make your choice, Asian, Italian, Austrian, Mexican. or American. Fine dining or casual. Whatever your choice, there is a great Stowe restaurant to meet your needs.
Colleen O’Neill Mulvihill is a certified health coach and avid travel writer who is always on the lookout for the best places to visit while feeding the mind, body, and soul. And, if she can take her Great Danes with her, bonus! You can follow Colleen on Instagram @holistichealthtraveler or follow her and her husband (who is a travel photographer) on Facebook @Holistic Health Travelers.