Restaurants

There are numerous restaurants to choose from in the Mad River Valley: these are our favorites. The descriptions are derived from their own write-ups followed by our own West Hill House (WHH) comments.  We have given some approximate guidance on pricing, not including tax and gratuity. The restaurants we recommend are all members of the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce.

You can also check Trip Advisor for reviews on several Warren and Waitsfield Restaurants, and leave your own comments.

We would be happy to help you by making reservations on your behalf, where required.

Fine dining (reservations recommended and usually required):

The Common Man
Over 150 years old, the soaring hand hewn rafters of the timbered interior are lit by crystal chandeliers, soft candlelight, and a huge open-hearth manor fireplace in season. (See the photo alongside.) Dining is elegantly casual and casually elegant, definitely romantic, and is applauded by Vermonters and visitors alike. The restaurant has earned scores of prestigious awards. It is not associated with the chain with the same name in NH. (WHH comment: our favorite restaurant when we get a chance for a nice dinner out. Reservations are essential at weekends and on holiday weeks.)
Evenings of operation vary seasonally - usually closed Sundays and Mondays, but WILL BE OPEN all of Presidents Week, including Valentines Day. Price for dinner for 2 including a glass of wine and dessert is about $120.

275 Main
275 Main is new name and new format for the restaurant at The Pitcher Inn. The restaurant focusses on local, regional and global cuisine with a Mediterranean flair, and boasts an exceptional wine list. Intimate dinners can also be arranged in the private wine cellar. All baked goods are prepared daily on the premises. The restaurant is dedicated to using locally farmed produce, meats and dairy products in an effort to offer a fresh, authentic dining experience while honoring the local economy. (WHH comment: The Pitcher Inn is the only restaurant in the valley where most people wear more formal clothing to go out for dinner. It is at the high end of the price range, but if you don’t mind the price the experience is worth it. Reservations are essential at all times.)
Closed on Tuesdays. Price for dinner for 2 including a glass of wine and dessert is $160+.

Chez Henri Restaurant (Skiing season only - now open!)
A Parisian Bistro in the Sugarbush Village since 1964 featuring romantic fireplace (for warming the bread), Italian marble bar, 1850's mirrors, "Speakeasy" booths, VT Scenes murals.  Delicious cuisine for lovers, weddings, parties, and families. (WHH comment: During ski season you need to eat here at least once, if only to chat to Henri.  A fun evening out and good food.  Reservations are a good idea, and essential at weekends and on holiday weeks. They do not have a website; phone is 802-583-2600.)
Open daily in season. Price for dinner for 2 including a glass of wine and dessert is about $120.

More casual atmosphere (no reservations required except for Tracks, reservations are preferred at Mint, and note the special arrangements at the American Flatbread):

The Hyde Away
Enjoy delicious, carefully-prepared American cuisine. The freshest ingredients. Affordable prices. The atmosphere throughout the Hyde Away is comfortable, casual and unpretentious. Enjoy dining on the outdoor deck, in the tavern or in the dining room. They have a selection of chicken, pork, fish and beef, burgers as main courses along with salads, daily specials, and desserts. (WHH comment: This is the restaurant we go to for a friendly and unpretentious dinner when we don’t have the energy to cook for ourselves! They do not take reservations. )
Open seven nights a week.  Price for dinner for 2 including a glass of wine and dessert is about $60.

The Terra Rossa Ristorante
Billed as a Tuscan Grill, focusing of course on Italian food and with its own specially designed brick oven.  (WHH comment: We have enjoyed eating here a few times since this restaurant opened in mid 2008 and the reports from our guests are also very positive. Reservations are taken but not required for between 5PM and 6PM only. They have a wide menu selection and a friendly atmosphere.)   Currently open Thursday though Monday nights during ski season.  Price for dinner for 2 including a glass of wine and dessert is about $90.

American Flatbread Restaurant
American Flatbread is all-natural pizza baked in a wood-fired earthen oven. Vermont Magazine voted American Flatbread best hometown restaurant in the pizza division for 1998. Reservations are taken only in person at the restaurant starting at 4:00 PM, and are essential during holidays and holiday weekends. (WHH comment: A local icon. Everyone needs to eat here at least once!)
Open only on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and sometimes Sundays on holiday weekends, from 5:00 to 9:30 pm.  Price for dinner for 2 including a glass of wine and dessert is about $60.

Easy Street Café
Creative homemade food in a casual café setting. Selections will vary based on seasonal availability. (WHH comment:  Lacks the atmosphere of the other fine restaurants but their menu is excellent. They do not take reservations.)
Dinners served from 5:30 PM Tuesday through Sunday. Price for dinner for 2 including a glass of wine and dessert is about $85.

Tracks (at the Pitcher Inn)
Offers a small plate dinner menu and cocktails, ideal for something a little more casual whilst perhaps playing a game of pool or shuffle board in the Maple Room or just enjoying the warmth of an open fire. (WHH comment: Less well known than the formal restaurant upstairs at the Pitcher Inn, Tracks is a great place for a light meal with great service and atmosphere.  Reservations are essential at all times and Tracks is sometimes closed for special events.) Closed on Tuesdays. Price for dinner for 2 including a glass of wine and dessert is about $85.

The Purple Moon
Join your friends at the handcrafted mahogany bar or on one of the comfortable couches. The pub offers the finest cocktails, martinis and wine. Pub menu offers unique fare and is served all night. Watch for live entertainment and special events. Raw Bar on Thursday nights. (WHH comment: An informal place for good beer and bar type food. They do not take reservations. )
Closed Mondays. Price for dinner for 2 including a glass of wine and dessert is about $40.

The Big Picture Theater Café
Waitsfield has a unique movie theater with an attached informal restaurant.  They have Tapas, a full menu, espresso & cappuccino, an outdoor Biergarten in summer and Thursday night Sushi. The theater shows current movies in a very comfortable setting, and also hosts a variety of special events. (WHH comment: For a casual evening out it’s a great place to go. It's popular with families so can sometimes be a bit noisy. They do not take reservations. )
Open every evening.  Price for dinner for 2 including a glass of wine and dessert is about $75.

Mint
A new Restaurant and Tea Lounge, focusing exclusively on Vegetarian fare. It is located where the Spotted Cow used to be. Emphasis is on organic, local ingredients. It has outdoor seating seasonally. (WHH comment: We have met the owners and they have excellent credentials as a chef and tea lounge manager respectively. Several of our guests have provided excellent reports, including non-vegetarians!! Reservations are preferred.)
Open daily from 12-9 PM except Tuesday. Price for dinner for 2 including a glass of wine is about $70.

Click here for a more extensive listing of area restaurants.