Montpelier Restaurants and Dining

(Montpelier, Vermont - VT, USA)



The dining scene in Vermont's capital of Montpelier is very much influenced by the presence of the New England Culinary Institute, which was established here in the city back in 1980. A number of the local restaurants are actually operated by the institute, such as the student-run Main Street Grill and Bar, and upstairs, the Chef's Table, as well as the La Brioche Bakery.

Considering its tiny size, with a population of less than 10,000 people, it is hardly surprising that Montpelier only comes with a fairly limited selection of restaurants and dining options. These are generally concentrated within the city center, along State Street and the intersecting Main Street.

Although there are some fast-food eateries of sorts based in Montpelier, interestingly, this is actually the only state capital in the United States not to be called home by a McDonald's restaurant.


Where to Eat

One of the most popular restaurants favored by locals in Montpelier is Sarducci's, an Italian eatery located on Main Street. This really is dining with a view, since many tables at Sarducci's overlook the adjacent Winooski River.

Also located on Main Street is the Three Penny Taproom, which stands just down the road from both the New England Culinary Institute and the Chef's Table. The Three Penny Taproom is the place to come for a filling, good-value lunch and beer (there are literally dozens to choose from). Specialties here include Welsh rarebit, pickled cabbage and beans, stout pot-roasted brisket and gourmet burgers.

If you are a visitor to Montpelier and planning some breakfast or brunch dining outside of your hotel, then Main Street's very own Skinny Pancake is certainly worthy of your consideration. The choice of mouthwatering crepes on offer here is quite bewildering and includes pork with caramelized onions, roasted red peppers and spinach, and sweet Italian sausage and apple.

During Montpelier's cold winter months, soup makes a frequent appearance on dining menus at local restaurants in the city. That's Life Soup on Elm Street is the number one restaurant for soup in Montpelier, while if you are simply after a quick snack, then the Birchgrove Baking Cafe is a safe bet, being known for its savory croissants, cheesecakes, pastries and cookies.

Both the Capitol Grounds Cafe on State Street and the nearby Coffee Corner are also worthy of a mention for light bites, suiting shoppers passing by.