2 Best Restaurants in Southern Vermont, Vermont

The Downtown Grocery

$$$ Fodor's choice

There's a cozy romance to this oasis of seasonal and local cooking, with its corner seats, tea lights, intimate bar, and chalkboard menu. It was the area's first farm-to-table restaurant when co-owners Abby and Rogan Lechthaler opened doors in 2010, and it has continued to be a mainstay thanks to excellent hospitality, warm-spirited creativity, and nightly-changing specials. The interesting wine list and cocktail menu are among the best in the state.

41 Depot St., Ludlow, Vermont, 05149, USA
802-228–7566
Known For
  • seasonal cocktails
  • small-producer-focused wine list
  • schedule changes month-to-month with limited seating
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues.-Thurs. and Sunday

The Left Bank

$$$$ Fodor's choice

For the best of French-inspired fine dining, look no further than the Left Bank, the signature restaurant of the luxury boutique hotel The Weston. The cozy wooden interiors give off major English countryside pub vibes, but the menu, which changes seasonally, is all French bistro; you might start with the exquisite onion soup gratineé, followed by the fantastically tender beef cheeks braised in red wine and served in creamy polenta. While seafood, chicken, and vegetables all make appearances on the menu and don’t ever miss (the Brussels sprout chips are a particular highlight), beef is really where the kitchen shines, with other stand-outs being the steak au poivre and a simple but pitch-perfect burger. And of course, don’t skip dessert—if it’s on the menu, go for the espresso crème brûlée.

630 Main St., Weston, Vermont, 05161, USA
802-824–5000
Known For
  • excellent wine list with rare and organic bottles
  • focus on local ingredients
  • spectacular beef dishes
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Wed. No lunch