Our area boasts a considerable and diverse number of restaurants per capita, many of them exceptional. The following short reviews of some of our favorites are meant to help you find a starting place on your quest for Vermont’s finest.
Three Tomatoes Trattoria — In 1992, Three Tomatoes began serving great Italian food on Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace. Both Three Tomatoes locations are landmarks for casual, fun family dining. At Three Tomatoes in Burlington, a custom-built, wood-fired brick oven bakes the best thin-crust pizza this side of Napoli. From pasta to panini, the chefs at Three Tomatoes prepare simply delicious, wholesome and healthy food. Menu specials include fresh seafood, lamb, chicken and sausage grilled on hardwood charcoal, as well as fresh salads, antipasti and lots of vegetarian pasta dishes. Serving lunch and dinner in Burlington, dinner only in Williston; summer and fall patio dining at both locations. The new Williston location is on the Marketplace in Maple Tree Place at the Majestic Ten Cinema Complex, 192 Boxwood St., Maple Tree Place in Williston. Call 857-2200. The Burlington location is at 83 Church St. in Burlington. Call 660-9533. www.threetomatoestrattoria.com/
Junior’s Italian — 85 South Park Drive, Colchester, left from Exit 16 off I-89 North. Known as “Vermont’s Little Italy,” Junior’s is family-owned and operated, offering classic recipes from the Old Country. This destination spot for authentic Italian has something for everyone: casual fine dining (inside or out), traditional pizzeria, scrumptious bakery, full-service bar, WiFi, and space for private events. Open for lunch and dinner; dinner reservations recommended. For dining room/reservations, 655-0000; pizzeria and catering, 655-5555; bakery, 655-5282. For more information and menu, go to www.juniorsvt.com.
Inn at Shelburne Farms — 1611 Harbor Road, Shelburne, VT 05482, one of Gourmet magazine’s “Best Farm-to-Table Restaurants in 2007.” Chef Rick Gencarelli showcases food of the season, grown sustainably at Shelburne Farms and on local Vermont farms. Menus reflect classic culinary techniques and traditions with regional influences and incorporate the freshest ingredients including Shelburne Farms’ own cheddar cheese, made from the milk of its Brown Swiss herd. The Marble Dining Room and its terrace, open to the public for breakfast, dinner and Sunday brunch, provide a spectacular view of Lake Champlain, the Adirondacks, and the formal gardens of the historic Inn, built in the 1880s as the home of the Webb family, who founded Shelburne Farms. Open May 10 through Oct. 19. Reservations: 985-8498. www.shelburnefarms.com
Foodee’s — Located in the Essex Shoppes and Cinemas on Vermont 15 in Essex. Foodee’s serves award-winning pizza, available on five kinds of crust, including San Francisco sourdough and whole wheat. Customers can choose from more than 35 combinations or make their own from a huge list of fresh toppings. All pizzas are available in a Take N’ Bake style to cook at home. Beverages include a large selection of specialty sodas, juices and waters and more than 60 domestic, imported, and micro-brewed beers. Foodee’s also offers fresh salads, appetizers and the signature Stuff N’ Baker sandwiches. Diners may enjoy their selections in the casual dining rooms or take them with. Open daily at 11:30 a.m. The menu can be found at www.foodeespizza.com. 878-3834.
Leunig’s Bistro — 115 Church St., on the Church Street Marketplace, Burlington. Experience Leunig’s and you’ll believe its motto: “The spirit of an Old World café in the heart of downtown Burlington.” It has charming decor, creative food and a well-appointed bar. At the corner of Church and College streets, Leunig’s offers a prime spot for downtown people-watching (or for being seen). Leunig’s special-blend coffee and fresh orange juice make a great start for Saturday or Sunday. Serving lunch, dinner and brunch. Open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m.. to 10 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday
9 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
863-3759. www.leunigsbistro.com.
Starry Night Café — 5371 U.S. Route 7, North Ferrisburgh. Midway between Middlebury and Burlington in a renovated cider mill sits this fine-dining restaurant. Chef David Hugo prepares creative American cuisine using traditional techniques with a focus on freshness and simplicity and featuring local, seasonal and organic produce wherever possible. Appetizers range from fresh Maine crab to steak tartare. A favorite entrée is grilled lamb chops with tequila, lime and chipotle butter. Prices start at $5.50 for appetizers and $15 for entrées. Desserts include crème brûlée with ginger shortbread. Reservations recommended. Open Wednesday through Sunday 5:30 to 9 p.m. 877-6316; www.starrynightcafe.com.
Mexicali — On the green at Maple Tree Place, Williston’s Mexicali Authentic Mexican Grill is a popular spot for lovers of the true, tangy flavors of Mexico. Inexpensive and casual, its menu covers the basics, with interesting variations on burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, chimichangas, tamales, nachos, chiles rellenos and quesadillas. Try one of the homemade salsas, with your choice of zing ranging from mild to XXX hot. Daily specials on food and drinks. Awesome food and fantastic margaritas. Catering available. Open daily 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 879-9492.
Windjammer — 1076 Williston Road, South Burlington. You can expect simple, classic cuisine at the Windjammer. The fish is fresh, steaks are hand-cut on the premises daily, and the salad bar has the freshest produce available. The Windjammer is known for its prime rib, slow-roasted all day with the right seasonings, making it juicy, tender and delicious. Try it alone or paired with combos of steak, seafood or the house favorite, teriyaki chicken. The restaurant features a boat-shaped salad bar, an abundance of fresh vegetables, and cold salads and fixings that complement each dinner entrée. Serving lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and dinner only on Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m. Reservations accepted. 862-6585. www.windjammerrestaurant.com
Leonardo’s Pizza — 83 Pearl St., Burlington; 1160 Williston Rd., South Burlington. Leonardo’s Pizza is a local, family owned and operated company, established in 1990. It has been voted “Best Pizza” by several local surveys. A member of the Vermont Fresh Network, Leonardo’s offers traditional or gourmet pizzas, whole wheat or white crust and a wide assortment of fresh toppings. Five new “favorite” pizzas have recently been added to the menu, including basil pesto chicken and four cheese fusion. Leonardo’s provides free delivery and business charge accounts. Open seven days a week. 862-7700 or 951-9000.
Tilley’s Café — is a nautical-themed restaurant serving creative seafood, American, and vegetarian fusion cuisine. Diners enjoy sipping Long Trail Tilley’s Ale or one of many tropical cocktails while sitting beside two saltwater fish tanks, or simply gazing at the island mural painted by internationally renowned hometown mural artist Lillian Kennedy. The brainstorm of Realtor Suzanne Johnson Munt and Hollywood stuntman/restaurateur, Newcomb Munt, Tilley’s Café will be sure to tempt the taste buds with daily specials to complement the already exceptional menu. Open 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Saturday; Sundays 5 to 10 p.m. Serves lunch and dinner. Fresh fish is flown in from Hawaii. Burlington’s only restaurant with valet parking, Wednesday through Saturday, 5 to 10 p.m. Tilley’s Café, 161 Church Street, Burlington 658-4553. The Web site has a complete list of menus: www.tilleyscafe.com or email tilleyscafe@comcast.net.
Toscano Café/Bistro — 27 Bridge St., Richmond. Opened by chef Jon Fath, a 1995 graduate of the New England Culinary Institute, and his wife, Lucie Bolduc-Fath, this cozy little bistro offers Old World charm in downtown Richmond, just 20 minutes from Burlington. Fresh flowers on the table and soft candlelight create a romantic ambiance. The menu features rustic Mediterranean cuisine with fresh seafood and veal, fine Italian wines and Vermont microbrews. Appetizers include crab cakes with saffron aioli, and Prince Edward Island mussels with white wine, plum tomatoes and basil. Entrées include wild mushroom ravioli with Gorgonzola sauce, Parmesan-crusted salmon with saffron risotto, and beef tenderloin with peppercorn demi. Soups and desserts, such as crème brûlée and cappuccino chocolate mousse, are made in-house. Open for lunch Tuesday through Saturday; dinner Tuesday through Sunday; brunch Sundays. 434-3148.
