The best restaurants in Burlington

“Local chain featuring breakfast, crepes, panini & live music in a casual, stylish space.”

“Casual joint specializing in hand-crafted pizza, calzones & craft beers, with an outdoor patio.”

“Boisterous game-day hangout with dozens of TVs, beers & American pub food served in comfy booths.”

“Restaurant Poco is the move this week when you want a night of globally inspired shared plates that actually deliver, plus unique cocktails, beer and wine. Born from the Dolce VT food truck, it keeps things lively and communal... save room for dessert specials and an espresso to seal the deal.”

From the Burlington newsletter, August 3, 2026

“Pho Son does downtown Vietnamese street food right, from steaming bowls of phở with fresh herbs you can pile on to crisp, toasty bánh mì and wok stir-fries, plus bubble tea for dessert. Perfect for a midweek mood lift or an easy lunch that actually hits.”

From the Burlington newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Pizzeria Verità is all about Neapolitan pizza, an engaged team, and inspired craft beverages, aka the kind of night out Burlington deserves. Or bring it home, because their takeout delivers that same dough-obsessed energy, and their mobile oven and bar catering can level up your next gathering.”

From the Burlington newsletter, August 19, 2026

“Popular restaurant chain with a variety of chicken wings, chicken tenders, boneless wings & sides for dine-in, takeout & delivery.”

“Whether you're plotting a twirl of pasta this week or rallying the crew for saucy, shareable plates and a good cocktail, Pascolo Ristorante hits that sweet spot of handmade Italian that feels special without trying too hard. File under reliable dinner happiness.”

From the Burlington newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Ruben James is the spot this week when you want all the games on HD TVs, a cold one in hand, and wings you can actually customize with 28 sauces. Add the RJ's Classic Burger with Vermont Cheddar, loaded nachos, plus karaoke, trivia, and weekend DJs for an easy win.”

From the Burlington newsletter, September 19, 2026

“Juniper Bar and Restaurant keeps things Burlington with fresh, local, ingredient-driven plates, refined takes on comfort classics, and cocktails worth lingering over, whether you snag a seat at the bar or hang on the terrace with friends.”

From the Burlington newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Casual eatery serving slow-cooked meats & classic sides on metal trays, plus beer, wine & cocktails.”

“For those nights when Burlington feels like Hokkaido-in-February, Gaku Ramen delivers comforting bowls of authentic Japanese ramen, plus rice bowls and shareable bao buns. The full bar brings sake and craft cocktails to the party, which pairs suspiciously well with slurping on Church Street energy.”

From the Burlington newsletter, September 5, 2026

“Sotto Enoteca is the intimate, tucked under Saint Paul Italian wine bar where the pours are thoughtfully sourced from traditional, sustainable, organic and biodynamic producers, including underrepresented winemakers. Pair a glass with food from Trattoria Delia and turn an ordinary weeknight into a tiny vacation.”

From the Burlington newsletter, August 29, 2026

“Because some nights just call for crispy-saucy satisfaction, Ichiban Restaurant delivers the hits like General Tso’s Chicken, savory dim sum, and spicy Kung Pao Shrimp, plus fresh Spring Rolls and fried rice that actually fills the fridge with leftovers. Solid, flavorful, no-fuss Chinese that keeps your week on track.”

From the Burlington newsletter, August 23, 2026

“Leonardo's Pizza keeps Burlington fed with creative, flavorful pies crafted with the finest ingredients, offering traditional, vegetarian, and gourmet combinations that actually hit.”

From the Burlington newsletter, August 26, 2026

“Sandwiches including focaccia and porchetta are offered at this quick-bite lunch spot at Church Street Marketplace.”

“Pho Hong is a family-run, highly rated BYOB spot serving authentic, homemade Vietnamese dishes, with pho as the star. Casual, welcoming, and consistently delicious, it’s the kind of Burlington standby you call on when you want real broth, fresh herbs, and a comforting slurp that resets your whole evening.”

From the Burlington newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Formerly Junior’s Downtown, Piesanos is a Vermont owned spot serving hand tossed New York style pies, house made tacos, and hot or cold sandwiches on Stewart’s Bakery bread.”

From the Burlington newsletter, September 1, 2026

“Relaxed, kid-friendly eatery pairing beer on tap with spicy, dry-rub and Buffalo wings plus more comfort food.”

“South End spot Majestic leans into thoughtful comfort, with plates like whipped ricotta with radish top pesto, lobster spaghetti, and patatas bravas that actually bite. Cocktails wink with names like Serenity Now, plus a VT-heavy beer list from Fiddlehead and Zero Gravity keeps weeknights feeling a little...”

From the Burlington newsletter, September 21, 2026

“Vermont’s first USDA Prime steakhouse is right here, and E B Strong's turns out perfectly charred cuts, fresh seafood, and well-made wine and cocktails that make midweek feel like a win. When you want a romantic dinner or a grown-up catchup spot, this is it.”

From the Burlington newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Farm-to-table gastropub & seasonal beer garden showcasing burgers & craft brews.”

“Deep City Brunch & Events keeps Burlington mornings interesting with a brunch menu built for comfort, grown up drinks, and easygoing waterfront energy right by Lake Champlain. Meet friends this week, linger a while, or plot your next private event...”

From the Burlington newsletter, August 10, 2026

“The Vermont Pub & Brewery has been pouring award winning beer since 1988, keeping Greg Noonan’s brewpub legacy alive with fresh taps and classic pub fare that actually hits the spot. Chill vibe, occasional live music and patio parties, perfect for post-shift debriefs or neighbor catch-ups.”

From the Burlington newsletter, August 31, 2026

“Lively choice for craft beer & inventive wood-fired pizzas loaded with organic, seasonal toppings.”

“Whether you want a pint and something satisfying or need a no-drama spot for the crew this week, Church Street Tavern has you covered with an extensive beer and wine lineup and some of the most affordable, better-than-you-expect pub food in town. More than a typical sports bar, it simply works.”

From the Burlington newsletter, August 21, 2026

“Chain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.”

“Whether you’re craving breakfast at 3 in the afternoon or dinner that doesn’t try too hard, Burl's Downtown Kitchenette delivers the hits. Expect all-day breakfast, dependable lunch and dinner, quick take-out between errands, and a full bar if your Tuesday requires a proper unwind.”

From the Burlington newsletter, August 24, 2026

“Local pizzeria chain offering classic & gourmet pies, plus roasted chicken, in a low-key setting.”

“Casual cocktail bar in Church Street Marketplace serving spirits like whiskey, beer, and food.”

“Butter Bar & Kitchen brings diner vibes to your week with smashburgers, griddled sandwiches, entree salads, and house made desserts, plus local brews and cocktails featuring Vermont distilleries. It’s a reliable go-to for mixed-diet crews, with lots of gluten free picks (even fried chicken) and vegan options.”

From the Burlington newsletter, September 14, 2026

“Relaxed eatery serving local dishes, seasonal food and charred delights alongside beer, wine and creative cocktails.”

“Trendy hangout serving all-day breakfasts in quirky surroundings, with vegan options.”

“Inventive American fare in a converted brick-walled mill with high ceilings & a riverfront patio.”

“Relaxed spot with a woodsy-chic interior offering a changing menu of thoughtfully sourced fare.”

“When you want weeknight spectacle with solid sushi to match, Koto Japanese Restaurant nails the flaming hibachi show, rolls that lean classic-over-fussy, and cocktails that keep pace. Local mainstay since 1999, complete with a koi pond the kids can’t ignore and multiple 'best sushi bar' nods.”

From the Burlington newsletter, September 4, 2026

“Casual eatery for customizable poke bowls and burritos, in addition to sushi.”

“Leunig's Bistro brings the panache of Paris to downtown with classic French bistro favorites, a lively bar for lingering, and some of the best people-watching around. Occasional live music and a community-minded spirit make it a reliable go-to from brunch to dinner.”

From the Burlington newsletter, September 18, 2026

“Craving something a little fancier than tacos but still easygoing? Bistro de Margot does seasonally inspired French classics with a modern twist, the kind of plates that make you text a photo to your group chat. Thoughtful cocktails and a tight wine list seal the deal for a proper Burlington treat.”

From the Burlington newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Local chain featuring breakfast, crepes, panini & live music in a casual, stylish space.”

“La Boca Woodfired Pizza keeps the weeknight dinner debate blissfully short with crackly, wood-fired pies and creative combos. Build your own, go Vegan Supreme with cashew queso and seitan, or grab a pasta with gluten-free options, all from a chef-owned kitchen that hits the spot this week.”

From the Burlington newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Craving a proper burger that tastes like somebody actually cares? The Shopping Bag is grinding 100% USDA beef in house, loading it up with fresh fixings, and it’s not just us saying it... Food Network Magazine crowned them Vermont’s Best Burger, and your weeknight dinner just won.”

From the Burlington newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Hana Japanese Restaurant is a South Burlington staple and a one-stop fix for Japanese cravings, from playful rolls to slurpable noodles, with smooth online ordering for pickup or delivery. Keep it classic or try something new, then call it a weeknight win.”

From the Burlington newsletter, August 25, 2026

“Whether you're plotting a low-key dinner or a catch-up that accidentally goes long, Honey Road leans into Eastern Mediterranean mezze with bright flavors, cocktails that play nice with the food, and creative desserts that finish strong. Cozy, lively, very Burlington.”

From the Burlington newsletter, September 3, 2026

“Farmers & Foragers Dockside serves a rotating lineup of tacos, stacked sandwiches, and crisp salads made with locally sourced ingredients, right on the Burlington Harbor Marina. It’s laid-back, reliably tasty, and perfect when you want waterfront views with food that actually tastes like Vermont. Check it out.”

From the Burlington newsletter, September 7, 2026

“When you want authentic Italian that actually feels special, Trattoria Delia leans into the cozy, romantic basement vibe with a crackling stone fireplace, serving regional dishes built from locally sourced and imported ingredients. Perfect for when pasta is the love language, and you want it spoken fluently.”

From the Burlington newsletter, September 1, 2026

“Shanty On The Shore keeps it old-school in the best way with oysters on the half shell, famous clam chowder, panko-breaded fish and chips, and Maine lobster by the pound, all with sweeping Lake Champlain views. Specials change daily depending on the tides, so swing by and see what rolled in.”

From the Burlington newsletter, August 13, 2026

“Zen Gardens nails the classic Chinese staples locals rely on, plus a surprisingly big lineup of mock meat dishes that make mixed-diet group orders actually easy. Sauces are on point, portions generous, and the plant-based options don’t feel like an afterthought.”

From the Burlington newsletter, September 6, 2026

“Roadside joint doling out fast food such as burgers, fries & shakes since the 1940s.”

“When the comfort food mood strikes, Asiana Noodle Shop comes through with an Udon Soup Combo, a Curry of the Day, House Stir Fry, and a full sushi lineup from Makimono to sashimi lunches. Treat yourself this week to something warm, fresh, and genuinely satisfying.”

From the Burlington newsletter, August 30, 2026

“Creative spot for eastern Mediterranean-inspired brunch standards such as shakshouka and falafel.”

“Locally sourced, wood-fired meats, plus casual tavern fare & handcrafted cocktails.”