Location: Middlebury
Top Restaurants in Middlebury
Where to Eat in Middlebury: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Middlebury survived being almost entirely destroyed during the Revolutionary War to become the home of Vermont's original marble quarries, as well as a popular vacation destination, filled with charming country inns. Middlebury offers visitors the opportunity to shop for crafts, folk art and locally grown produce amidst beautiful woods and farmland. The nearby village of Ripton features the Robert Frost Wayside Trail, leading poetry fans through the woods that inspired his most famous poems.
Things to do in Middlebury
1. Otter Creek Bakery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 146 reviews
Reviewed By leatravels2016 - Liberty Township, Ohio
I loved this place. Otter Creek Bakery is a tiny space, but the food was delicious and the ambience was welcoming and friendly. I ordered the Vermonter Sandwich, which is a vegetarian option with fresh Vermont goat cheese, watercress, tomatoes, and honey mustard. I never knew this combination could be so delicious. The fresh, tangy goat cheese is the star of the sandwich, complemented perfectly by the crisp vegetables and sweet honey mustard. I ate in the bakery rather than taking my food to go, and ended up striking up friendly conversation with people. I'd love to try another one of the sandwiches (if I return to Middlebury) but I'd probably order the Vermonter again.
2. Jessica's at Swift House Inn Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 140 reviews
A meal at Jessica's Restaurant is always memorable. The recently updated dining room is a reflection of the casual comfort and style of this New England country inn. Jessica's Restaurant is located in the Swift House Inn in Middlebury, Vermont. Jessica's is just two blocks from downtown Middlebury, set in an 1814 stately home, surrounded by beautiful lawns and gardens. Jessica's casual atmosphere is the perfect place for an dinner for two, or a celebratory dinner for four to forty! Come early and enjoy our bar; Tom, with his more than 30 years of bartending experience, can fix you a cocktail or help you choose the right bottle of wine. We have won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for our wine list for six straight years! We also have local beers on tap including Switchback, from Southern Vermont; and two brews from Middlebury, Wolaver's Organic India Pale Ale and Otter Creek Seasona.
Reviewed By Peter S - Oakland, California
We walked in, having made reservations, and were greeted by name before we said a thing! "Hi, you must be...." And things got better and better. The server as well as the hostess was charming and welcoming. The scallops and steak were top-notch.
Highly recommend Jessica's.
3. Carol’s Hungry Mind Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 40 reviews
Carol's Hungry Mind Café's motto is "Coffee Conversation Community" You get great coffee, lattes, teas, smoothies, as well as sandwiches Panini scones, etc. You also get to meet people. The tables are mostly small and close together so starting up a conversation is easy and happens often. With Middlebury being both a college town and a tourist stop the people there could be local or from the other side of the world. You never know
Reviewed By Michelle D - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Stopped here for a quick cup of joe...very friendly and quick staff. Knowledgeable of their menu items too. Fair prices and the shop has great seating if you wanna sit awhile. My coffee was delicious...full of flavor. Glad we stopped.
4. Storm Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 239 reviews
Reviewed By sstiehm - Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Found this cute cafe on trip advisor. Beautiful waterside seating. Lots of fresh local foods, beautiful salads, and since heartier fare too. We had the pear gorgonzola salad and greek salad. Very light, actually would have liked some protein on top. Dressing just a bit too acidic for me. Over all... Charming local spot, nice selection of lunch foods, local beers. Located in a neat old stone building. Walk across the pedestrian bridge after eating...a nice stroll!
5. Stone Leaf Teahouse
Overall Ratings
5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By GlobetrotterNYC212 - New York City, New York
The Matcha with maple syrup is DELICIOUS iced and makes any hot day bearable. The hot teas are also perfectly prepared and frequently refilled. I highly recommend this as a study spot and relaxing locale.
6. American Flatbread
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 158 reviews
Located in the historic Marble Works district, our front yard features a view of the Otter Creek falls while our back court yard offers dining by the fire circle. An old marble processing plant, our interior has marble walls and high ceilings. We have an open kitchen and the main attraction is our primitive wood-fired oven where we bake your flatbread before your very eyes! Weekly chef's specials highlight the seasonal bounty of our local farmers. Our new bar features 12 taps, fine wines, choice whiskeys and classic cocktails.
Reviewed By RocMom4 - Rochester, New York
We came here on the recommendation of our hotel and it exceeded all expectations. The wood oven is huge and located in full view of the dining room, next to the open kitchen. The ingredients are mostly locally sourced and very fresh. We ended up getting one large flatbread to share, but they let us split it into two different flavorways. Both were exceptional and so, so, so fresh tasting! We also went with a locally made root beer and fresh lemonade. Because we shared, we were able to save room for dessert.... blood orange, chocolate torte that must have been made in the heavens. Mmmmm.... I already want to go back!
7. Fire & Ice
Overall Ratings
4 based on 416 reviews
Since 1974, Vermont's Most Beautiful Restaurant & Pub has been specializing in slow roasted prime rib, hand-cut steaks, homemade mashed potatoes and live lobster. Chef's specials daily. Extensive salad bar with 50+ items, including peel & eat shrimp, Cabot cheddar cheese, local breads, homemade carrot cake and free Monument Farms milk (try the chocolate!). We offer 9 different dining areas, each with its own unique theme. Families are always welcome-ask about our children's theater area. The Big Moose Pub opens at 4:30, the dining rooms at 5pm, daily. We do serve lunch, but only on Friday & Saturday (beginning at noon) and Sunday (starting at 1pm). Reservations appreciated.
Reviewed By asg19 - Burlington, Vermont
Thank you Tripadvisor :) When we travel, we check out the best places and this place did not disappoint. On the contrary.
First of all, the ambience is fantastic. There are so many different themes to each room.
The buffet is one of the best ones I have had and I've travelled to 60 countries. The service was quick and cordial.
The only downside is that I had the wasabi crusted tuna and the tuna was chewy. I might be spoiled since I am used to great seafood where I used to live.
So having said that, everything else was excellent! On a final note, my wife had a the Epic Burger which was one of the best burgers she ever ate. If you're going to have that, come hungry!
8. Two Brothers Tavern
Overall Ratings
4 based on 366 reviews
Popular bar, restaurant and Lounge in the heart of Middlebury, featuring an award-winning menu of inspired Vermont Comfort fair and more than 24 beers on draught.
Reviewed By lamd98 - Lethbridge, Canada
While walking in the downtown area, this place got recommended by a local. It looked like a fun place, with dollar bills on the ceiling.
Very unfriendly service, overpriced and tried charging us twice on a few items. Getting those reversed was a time consuming affair.
I had a phillysteak sandwich and it was nothing special.
When we left we regretted going there!
9. Rosie's Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 194 reviews
Reviewed By VermontStrong - Rutland, Vermont
On 1/15/18 we stopped for lunch at Rosie's. Ordered the Hot Turkey Sandwich w/fries and gravy. When the meal was served the gravy was cold, as were the fries. Very minimal amount of Turkey and stuffing on the single piece of cold bread. So small a portion it only took two fork fulls to eat the turkey/stuffing top. For $9.25 I would have gotten more at a fast food restaurant and it would most likely be warm. Not up to expectations. I opted not to send the meal back as we had time constraints. Server was excellent as was the ambiance. I blame the kitchen staff for a failure.
10. Otter Creek Brewing
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
In 2015 we broke ground on a brand new, 120-barrel brew house. This state-of-the-art facility will expand our capacity and allow us to deliver more of our deliciously dank beers to bottles cans and kegs everywhere. Phase one of this project included a complete renovation of our pub and restaurant space. On the heels of upgrades to our packaging and production facilities, our brand new, mid-century inspired digs reflect the commitment we've made to our brand and the collective creative juices the keep our brewery running. We invite you to hop on the bus and join us on our cosmic journey of craft. Pub and Restaurant open daily from 11am - 6pm serving a locally-sourced selection of tasty treats with a healthy dose of delicious brews served straight from our stash to your glass.
Reviewed By Kelly T
I stopped even though I don't drink beer! You can see brewing and packaging process through large windows which was great. Small area to eat with tables, small bar area. The bar does close about 7pm every day. Very friendly staff. The bartender didn't charge me for my beer samples I saw later. He asked my opinion on a new brew vs others, and different types, since I don't drink he was interested in my opinions on the alcohol content and acidity numbers. Was fun.
