With its farm-to-table sensibility, finding excellent cuisine in Vermont is easy to do. But fresh fish? Well, yes. Vermont may be land-locked, but is very close to Maine, Canada, and Lake Champlain, so fresh fish is abundant. Wondering where to start? These 19 restaurants will have your taste buds melting.
1. Tozier’s Restaurant, Bethel.
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Tozier’s has the best seafood in the area with large portions. If you don’t like to leave the table hungry after you eat, it won’t happen here.
2. Jeff’s Maine Seafood, Saint Albans.
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Jeff's Maine Seafood is located in the quaint town of St. Albans and offers fresh culinary delights that will make you want to come back soon. Its eclectic decor has elements of turn-of-the century elegance combined with edgy industrial touches, with local photographs and woodworking adorning the walls and tables.
3. Bleu Northeast, Burlington.
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Bleu Northeast is a perfect little boutique restaurant near the Burlington waterfront. The presentation of the sautéed squid (plate wiped with squid ink and garnished with edible flowers) is a work of art. Their free valet parking will make dropping in for dinner easy and worry free.
4. Lighthouse Seafood and Grill, Colchester.
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A busy restaurant is usually a good sign, and the lighthouse is very, very busy. The food is plentiful, reasonably priced and tasty, and the service is quick.
5. The Anchor, Wilmington.
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The Anchor is known for it’ excellent seafood. There are several non-seafood entrees, so there is something for everyone. The servers will tell you that "no one leaves hungry," and they aren’t kidding. Their French onion soup is not to be missed.
6. The Marina, Brattleboro.
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Every table upstairs has a nice water view at The Marina in Brattleboro. The swordfish is huge, fresh and cooked to perfection. The onion rings are a perfect accompaniment and come with a delicious dipping sauce.
7. Ray’s Seafood Market, Essex.
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Ray’s is a simple place where you can take-out or order at the counter and take a seat after. The perfect place for a good old-fashioned fish n’ chips.
8. Eastside Restaurant & Pub, Newport.
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Never a bad choice on the menu at the Eastside Restaurant & Pub. Whether you go for the superb Sunday brunch or dinner by candlelight, this place will be a hit. Expect no less than 60 items on the buffet and a beautiful view. Come by boat or car.
9. Fair Haven Inn, Fair Haven.
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The Fair Haven Inn’s menu touts the phrase "The Poets of Fish," and they sure are! This is a must try establishment.
10. Black Rock Steakhouse, Springfield.
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The Black Rock isn’t just recommended for the steaks. All their seafood entrees are delicious and the stuffed shrimp comes highly recommended. It also comes with a salad bar that has many items rarely seen on a salad bar. Excellent service, too!
11. White Cottage Snack Bar, Woodstock.
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The White Cottage Snack Bar is legendary in the area for good reason. It may be the kind of place that you order through a window, but some locals would go to the moon for the food here – especially the French fries.
12. Red Rooster at the Woodstock Inn and Resort, Woodstock.
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The Woodstock Inn is known for keeping everything from the flowers to the food fresh, and the meals at the Red Rooster are no exception. Whether you are there for a vacation or a conference, dining here will not disappoint.
13. Cajun’s Snack Bar, Lowell.
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It seems everyone in the Lowell area and beyond loves Cajun’s Snack bar as locals often see someone they know. The food is sometimes a bit slow coming, but good things come to those who wait. You can eat in the dining room, in your car, or at picnic tables. The parking lot is always full because the places that serve great food in the area are very few, if any. Stop in and enjoy...
14. 1846 Tavern and Restaurant, Dover.
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The 1846 is family-owned and operated, the staff is superb. The menu has the basics like burgers and steaks to the most creative new fish and handmade pasta dishes that rival anything you'll eat in NYC or Boston.
15. Riley’s Fish Shack, Saint Johnsbury.
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People who know Riley’s love all the fish, but the lobster roll is a popular favorite. Not into fish? No problem. Their pulled pork sandwich is out of this world.
16. Melaza Bistro, Woodstock.
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The Melaza Bistro was a lovely little restaurant on the main street in Woodstock. They are well-known for their Latin food and very friendly service. The majority of their entrees are gluten free, which provides gluten conscious diners with many choices.
17. The Silver Fork, Manchester.
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The Silver Fork has limited tables, but you might be better off sitting at the bar because you are able to chat with the lovely Melody, co-owner with her husband, the chef.
18. Lil Brittain, Bennington.
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The chip butty is the best thing you'll ever eat and is just $4! Their fish n chips are what's famous, but the chip sandwich is worth a try. French fries on a butter bun may sound weird, but it’s amazing.
19. Dorset Inn, Dorset.
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Try to get a table in front of the fireplace on a chilly fall evening in one of the prettiest villages in Vermont. The food and service are both delightful and will make a memorable evening.
What’s your favorite place for seafood in Vermont? We love to see our lists grow with reader recommendations.
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