We have visited Woodstock, Vermont many times over the years. It is honestly one of our favorite spots in all of New England. Since we love good food, we always make it a point to find the best restaurants in Woodstock, VT during every visit. Sadly, a few of our old favorites have closed down. But the good news is that many great places are still open and going strong.
Below you will find honest reviews of the restaurants we visited during our 2025 trip, plus thoughts from our earlier visits too. All reviews are listed in alphabetical order to make it easy to browse. If you are planning a trip during the busy tourist season, we strongly recommend booking a table in advance.
Frazer’s Place
If you are exploring Woodstock, VT restaurants and the surrounding area, Frazer’s Place is worth a stop. It is a drive-in restaurant with a small indoor seating area located in the nearby town of Windsor. We stopped here for lunch one day between a hike up Mt. Ascutney and a visit to the American Precision Museum.
It is a small local spot with an interesting menu, and honestly we did not expect much going in. But the food and service both surprised us in the best way. We started with the homemade onion rings, which were excellent. Tom ordered the “Hawaiian Vermonter” sandwich, which came with grilled pineapple, grilled chicken, bacon, maple mayo, and cheddar cheese, all served with sweet potato fries.
It was a great choice. Joyce went with the fish and chips, which was fried haddock served with fries and coleslaw. The breading was light and tasty, but the fish itself was not as fresh as she usually likes.
Mangalista
This tiny little spot is one of our favorite restaurants in Woodstock, VT. It focuses on seasonal small plates, and everything always feels fresh and thoughtfully made. Unfortunately it was closed for renovations during our 2025 visit. But we have such good memories from our past trips that it still deserves a mention here.
During our 2021 visit, we ordered two main dishes and both were delicious. The first was Faroe Island salmon served with roasted cauliflower, tahini-lemon dressing, pomegranate, and everything bagel seasoning. The second was seared duck breast with coconut curry and a mix of butternut and delicata squash. We paired our meal with a 2018 Winderlea Dundee Hills Vineyard Pinot Noir, which was a lovely choice. The one letdown was the pumpkin cheesecake with rum caramel, walnut, and buckwheat crust. It came out undercooked. Thankfully, a glass of The Balvenie 14-year single malt scotch made up for it nicely.
On an earlier trip, we started with a roasted carrot dish served on carrot hummus with figs, pomegranate seeds, and toasted quinoa. It was simple but really good. For the main course, we had butter-poached lobster with autumn squash, coconut, hearts of palm, jalapeno jam, red onion, pumpkin seeds, and golden trout roe. Our friends ordered the swordfish and bavette steak, both prepared in creative and interesting ways.
Our server suggested a 2016 Selbach Incline Mosel Riesling to go with the lobster and swordfish, and it was a perfect match. The only miss of the night was dessert. We tried the homemade maple ice cream topped with caramel, pig fat, chicharrones, and peanuts. It sounded adventurous but none of us were really fans. Among all the Woodstock, VT restaurants we have tried, Mangalitsa remains one of the most creative and memorable, and we look forward to returning once it reopens.
Oakes and Evelyn
One of the newest Woodstock, VT restaurants worth checking out is Oakes and Evelyn. It is a modern farm-to-table spot that opened in 2025 inside the Jackson Inn, just outside of town. We visited for dinner and had a pretty enjoyable experience overall. We started with two appetizers. The pork belly bao bun was a clear winner, topped with yuzu mayo, chili crisps, and pickled carrot, daikon, and cilantro.
It was fresh, bold, and full of flavor. The second starter, a local mushroom toast with caramelized onion, bacon jam, whipped goat cheese, slow-cooked egg, and miso honey, was decent but did not excite us as much as the bao bun did. The highlight of the night was definitely the main course. We shared a pan-roasted halibut served with local corn puree, chorizo, asparagus, leeks, shishito peppers, and corn vinaigrette.
It was beautifully cooked and easily the best dish of the evening. For wine, we went with a 2023 Chateau de la Greffiere Burgundy Chardonnay. It was a solid and reasonably priced choice that paired well with the food. If you are looking for restaurants in Woodstock, VT with a fresh and modern vibe, Oakes and Evelyn is definitely one to add to your list.
Prince and Pauper
We have been coming to Prince and Pauper since our very first trip to town back in 1980, making it one of the best restaurants in Woodstock, VT in our opinion. Over the years the restaurant has grown, adding extra dining space to fit more guests. We still prefer the cozy feel of the bistro area or the original dining room, but the newer section works well and the food quality stays consistent throughout.
During our 2025 visit, among all the Woodstock, VT restaurants we tried, this one felt the most like home. Tom once again ordered his longtime favorite, a dish that is essentially a beef Wellington but made with boneless lamb loin instead of beef tenderloin, served alongside smooth whipped potatoes. Joyce enjoyed the oven-roasted Atlantic cod, topped with Parmesan aioli, panko bread crumbs, and a white wine sauce.
The real showstopper of the night though was the dessert, a light and airy cheesecake baked with Vermont cheddar and finished with a drizzle of local maple syrup and Chantilly cream. It was outstanding. Tom also kicked off the evening with a fun “Maple-tini” cocktail made with Smuggler’s Notch maple gin and fresh citrus juice. For wine we chose a Domaine du Vieux Lazaret Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2023, which was a very pleasant pairing.
Our 2021 stop was a bit of a mixed bag. As one of the well known restaurants in Woodstock, VT, we always come with high expectations. The evening started on a low note with a seafood crepe that used frozen lobster meat topped with Nantua sauce, which was disappointing. Things improved from there with a fresh salad, seared jumbo shrimp served over fennel risotto with vinaigrette, and a beautifully done boneless rack of lamb wrapped in spinach, mushroom duxelles, and puff pastry with sauce bordelaise. A solid recovery overall.
On another earlier visit, four out of five dishes were genuinely excellent, reminding us why this is consistently ranked among the best restaurants Woodstock, VT has to offer. Tom loved his baby spinach and arugula salad with beets, goat cheese, candied pecans, and a light sherry vinaigrette. Joyce’s house salad was fine but played it a little safe by comparison.
Tom’s roasted duck breast with corn cake and coleslaw was tasty once he set aside the BBQ sauce, which he felt was covering up the duck’s natural flavor. He also ordered the boneless rack of lamb done Wellington-style, wrapped in spinach, duxelles, and puff pastry with bordelaise sauce, and it was delicious as always.
The only miss of the night was Joyce’s Maine crabcake entrée, which unfortunately used watery frozen crab. A 2015 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir from Domaine Drouhin rounded out the meal beautifully.
On yet another trip, Tom went with the three-course dinner and it did not disappoint. He started with a country pate and a salad before moving on to the chef’s signature dish, three generous slices of grilled boneless rack of lamb wrapped in mushroom duxelles, spinach, and puff pastry, all finished with Sauce Bordelaise. It came with whipped squash, Lyonnaise potatoes with a toasted Parmesan crust, and broccoli.
Since they were seated in the bistro that evening, Joyce had the flexibility to order just a single entrée, a roasted Korean-glazed salmon fillet coated in black and white sesame seeds and served with Korean barbecue sauce. Everything was delicious and a bottle of Chianti Classico made it all feel complete.
Red Rooster
Red Rooster is one of the more upscale Woodstock, VT restaurants, located right inside the Woodstock Inn. On our most recent visit, Tom ordered the cioppino, which turned out to be more of a saffron Marseilles bouillabaisse than a traditional San Francisco style cioppino. It came with finfish, squid, mussels, and clams in a light saffron broth rather than the heavy tomato based sauce you might expect.
It was good but did not leave a lasting impression. Joyce had a much more memorable experience with her bowl of plump mussels served in a rich and flavorful white wine broth with smokehouse chorizo, white beans, local corn, and cilantro, all paired with Red Hen bread for soaking everything up. It was genuinely excellent. For wine we chose a Castello di Albola Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2021, which unfortunately turned out to be flat and lacking in character.
On an earlier trip we stopped in for lunch, and it reminded us why Red Rooster stands out among the best restaurants in Woodstock, VT. We shared two dishes that day. The first was cider-steamed Maine blue mussels with mustard, bacon, and garlic sourdough toast for dipping, and it was very tasty. The second was a comforting grilled Vermont cheddar cheese sandwich with apple and caramelized onion, served with a cup of tomato pumpkin soup. The sandwich was delicious but the soup was surprisingly bland and fell a little flat.
Sante
Sante is a great little spot to know about when exploring restaurants in Woodstock, VT. It is owned by Matt Lombard, the same chef behind Mangalitsa. The menu is kept small and changes regularly based on whatever seasonal and locally sourced ingredients are available, which keeps things fresh and interesting.
We stopped in for lunch and tried two different sandwiches. The Serrano ham and farm cheddar sandwich on a fresh baguette with maple mustard spinach salad was really enjoyable and hit all the right notes. The second option, an open-faced blackened shrimp toast with whipped feta cheese and roasted cherry tomato, was decent but did not excite us nearly as much as the first.
Simon Pearce Restaurant
Simon Pearce Restaurant is part of a working glass-blowing studio and store located in Quechee, Vermont, just a short drive from the best restaurants in Woodstock, VT area. We personally prefer coming here for lunch over dinner, and the experience gets even better when you land a window table overlooking the waterfall and the covered bridge. Every time we visit we make sure to browse the beautiful glassware in the store and head down to the basement to watch the craftsmen blow glass. It is a lovely experience all around.
During our 2021 lunch visit, we had a solid two dish meal that reminded us why this place keeps drawing us back. Tom had the pan-roasted halibut with sesame whipped potato, sweet onions, and miso butter sauce. Joyce went with the lamb burger with aioli and a baby spinach salad with red peppers and black olive vinaigrette. Both were quite good. Joyce sipped on iced tea while Tom enjoyed a Champlain Orchard Mac and Mac Hard Cider, a nice local touch.
On our 2018 visit, one of the more memorable lunches we have had among Woodstock, VT restaurants and the surrounding area. We started with a small flatbread appetizer loaded with hen-of-the-woods mushrooms and roasted heirloom cherry tomatoes, finished with a balsamic drizzle. It was simple and delicious.
Our main courses were equally impressive. The grilled swordfish came with pearl couscous, pickled fennel, and pomegranate vinaigrette, and the seared Scottish salmon was served with a sweet potato and cranberry hash, goat cheese, and a maple mustard cream sauce that worked beautifully with the fish.
Although we usually stick to lunch, we decided to try dinner on one of our trips. Dinner offers a wider menu, a well thought out wine list, and more elaborate dishes. The downside is that the darkness outside takes away most of the stunning view. We started with a Vermont cheddar soup, which needed to be sent back for reheating before it was enjoyable.
For mains, the horseradish-crusted Atlantic cod came on a bed of mashed potatoes topped with crispy leeks, but the balsamic shallot reduction did not add much to the overall flavor. The seared Faroe Islands salmon was the stronger dish, served with cauliflower, spinach, chevre gratin, and a brown butter puree with aged balsamic that complemented the fish really well.
We paired the meal with a 2013 Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir from Raptor Ridge. While the salmon saved the evening, dinner here did not quite meet our expectations. We will be returning to restaurants in Woodstock, VT for lunch next time, and this spot will remain a lunch-only destination for us.
During our 2011 visit, we started the way we often do here, with the squash bisque. It is rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying every single time. We followed it with two enjoyable main courses, the grilled steelhead with butternut squash hash and apple mustard sauce, and the sesame-seared chicken with spicy apricot sauce.
We enjoyed it all with glasses of Simon Pearce Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, which was a lovely match for both dishes. A simple but thoroughly enjoyable meal, and a reminder of why Simon Pearce remains one of the best restaurants Woodstock, VT has to offer for a relaxed and scenic lunch.
Long Trail Brewing Company
If you are looking for a casual and relaxed stop among the best restaurants Woodstock, VT and the surrounding area has to offer, Long Trail Brewing Company is a fun choice. It is a laid back brewpub that we have visited for lunch several times over the years. On our 2021 stop we kept things simple and shared a quick lunch. We ordered a cheddar cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, and red onion, a side of tasty sweet potato fries, and washed it all down with a Citizen hard cider. Nothing fancy, but exactly what you want after a morning of exploring.
Chef Brad’s Crazy Side Food Truck (now closed)
Some of the most unique Woodstock, VT restaurants come in unexpected forms, and Chef Brad’s Crazy Side Food Truck was certainly one of them. Our local friends recommended we give it a try. The setup was fun and casual. You place your order at a truck in the parking lot and then have the choice of eating outside or heading into a cute little building with indoor seating. The concept was charming and we went in with good expectations. Unfortunately the food did not quite deliver.
The lamb burger came out dry, though the tzatziki sauce helped rescue it a little. The mahi-mahi sandwich had a soy mayo sauce that tasted great, but the slice of fish inside was so thin that we had to fold it in half just to get any fish in each bite, especially with the thick bun, lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion stacked on top. On the brighter side, the French fries were perfectly crispy and the onion rings were thick, juicy, and lightly fried, which we really enjoyed.
The place did not serve alcohol but welcomed guests to bring their own drinks inside. We brought along some fresh apple cider we had picked up nearby, and another table came in with a bottle of wine. A fun and relaxed atmosphere, even if the food left a little to be desired. It has since closed down.
Angkor Wat
If you are searching for something a little different from the usual restaurants in Woodstock, VT, Angkor Wat is a wonderful little surprise. This small Cambodian fusion restaurant stands out from the crowd with its creative dishes made from fresh, quality ingredients. It is the kind of place that reminds you how diverse and exciting the local dining scene can be.
Conclusion
Woodstock, Vermont is a truly special place, and its food scene makes it even more worth visiting. Whether you are looking for an upscale farm-to-table dinner, a cozy bistro meal, fresh seafood, or a casual brewpub lunch, the best restaurants in Woodstock, VT have something for every taste and budget. From longtime classics like Prince and Pauper to newer additions like Oakes and Evelyn, the dining scene here continues to impress us visit after visit. We hope our honest reviews help you plan your meals and make the most of your trip. As always, book your table in advance during busy seasons and come hungry. Woodstock never disappoints.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best restaurants in Woodstock, VT?
Some of the best restaurants in Woodstock, VT include Prince and Pauper, Red Rooster, Simon Pearce, Oakes and Evelyn, and Mangalitsa for seasonal small plates.
2. Is it necessary to make a reservation at Woodstock VT restaurants? Yes, especially during peak tourist season. Most popular Woodstock VT restaurants fill up quickly, so booking a table in advance is strongly recommended.
3. Are there casual dining options among restaurants in Woodstock, VT?
Absolutely. Long Trail Brewing Company and Frazer’s Place offer relaxed and affordable meals that are perfect for a casual lunch or quick bite.
4. Does Woodstock VT have farm-to-table restaurants?
Yes. Oakes and Evelyn is a great farm-to-table option that opened in 2025, using fresh and locally sourced ingredients in every dish they serve.
5. What is the most romantic restaurant in Woodstock, VT?
Prince and Pauper is widely considered one of the most romantic dining spots, offering a cozy atmosphere, elegant dishes, and an impressive wine selection.
6. Are there any unique or ethnic restaurants in Woodstock, VT?
Yes. Angkor Wat is a small Cambodian fusion restaurant that offers creative dishes made with fresh ingredients, standing out from the typical New England dining scene.
7. What is the best restaurant in Woodstock, VT for seafood lovers?
Red Rooster at the Woodstock Inn is a great choice for seafood, known for its flavorful mussels, fresh fish dishes, and a well-curated wine list.
8. Are Woodstock, VT restaurants expensive?
Dining options range from budget friendly spots like Long Trail Brewing Company to upscale restaurants like Prince and Pauper, so there is something available for every budget.
9. Which Woodstock VT restaurant is best for lunch?
Simon Pearce Restaurant in nearby Quechee is an excellent lunch spot, especially if you can grab a window table overlooking the beautiful waterfall and covered bridge.
10. Do any best restaurants in Woodstock VT offer locally sourced ingredients?
Yes. Several restaurants including Sante, Oakes and Evelyn, and Mangalitsa pride themselves on using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients throughout their menus.
11. Is Simon Pearce Restaurant only a dining spot?
No. Simon Pearce is also a working glass-blowing studio and store. Visitors can browse glassware and watch artisans blow glass before or after their meal.
12. What happened to some of the older restaurants in Woodstock, VT?
Unfortunately a few beloved spots have closed over the years. Chef Brad’s Crazy Side Food Truck is one recent example that is no longer in operation.