Explore the Culinary World of Vermont’s NEK
While the farm to table tradition of our restaurants makes for fantastic flavor and wonderful culinary experiences, you’ll soon discover that there is more to NEK restaurants than that. There is this feeling one gets when dining at many local establishments – a feeling similar to the one people experience when looking across the mountains, rivers, fields, and farms of the region, and it keeps people coming back year after year, week after week…
The atmosphere of local restaurants, where everyone is greeted as a friend; the gentle banter that puts a smile on your face and eases travel weariness; the views through windows that were once homes or historic businesses; the vibrancy of the landscapes seen from those windows and of the people that make and serve your food; and that permeating feel of rural community ties that bind it all together – these are the things that make restaurants in the NEK so incredible.
The restaurants in Newport, Vermont have claimed much of the town’s historic Main Street. Taking advantage of the free parking areas, the beautiful Lake Memphremagog, and the fantastic boardwalk along its shores, Newport’s downtown provides a great date night or traveler’s checkpoint. For hearty family friendly dining, swing into Hoagies in the Waterfront Plaza. A pizzeria that specializes in house-made sauces, dressings, breading, and more – there is something for all tastes. Or check out the T-bar, a friendly sports bar with incredible food that will have you coming back for more. Restaurants farther away from downtown offer great views, more casual fare, and entertainment.
The restaurants in Saint Johnsbury take advantage of the beautiful old buildings in this old factory town. Located throughout former downtown warehouses, or in old store fronts, hardware stores, and mills, there is an energy to these restaurants that add to the atmosphere. Farther from the downtown district, some of the best seafood and other international flair can be found in a few hidden gems.
Drive through East Burke and dine at restaurants meant to fill the bellies of tired skiers and mountain bikers. Restaurants in Danville (such as Goodfella’s Restaurant) have a down home, diner feel where everyone seems to know everyone else’s name, but the food that graces the plates of these establishments will blow your taste buds away.
Looking for more a more laid back dining experience, Parker Pie Pizza in Glover offers a beautiful outdoor dining area where kids can run about, and a tap line up not to be missed. Or visit Village Pizza in Orleans for large sheet pizzas, many crowd favorites – and once the Covid Restrictions lift, the best lounge to be found in the region!
The restaurants of Hardwick, Greensboro, Lyndonville, Barton, Orleans, Westmore, Lowell, Derby, Derby Line, Troy, Jay, Island Pond, Colebrook and even Lower Waterford will shock and awe travelers and locals alike as culinary masterpieces leave kitchens created by experienced chefs that have been inspired by the quality of Vermont’s ingredients.
Browse our features and food tours to discover new locations, culinary treasures, and edible adventures throughout the NEK.
