Brighton VermontRESTAURANTS & PLACES TO EAT
Listed below are some of the best restaurants and places to eat near Brighton, Vermont.
1. Essex House & Tavern
HISTORIC TAVERN WITH CHARACTER
Essex House & Tavern is a beautifully renovated establishment that has restored its lobby to historic grandeur and revitalized its tavern with a vintage, industrial atmosphere. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner Wednesday through Sunday with a menu designed to capture visitors' taste buds. Guests can enjoy the welcoming ambiance while dining in a space that balances historic charm with modern culinary offerings.
2. Cucina di Gerardo
AUTHENTIC ITALIAN CUISINE
Cucina di Gerardo offers authentic Italian cuisine made fresh to order in Island Pond. Their menu features freshly made sandwiches with homemade bread, pizza, and calzones, all served in a cash-only establishment. The restaurant provides both dine-in and takeout options, complemented by a selection of Italian wines and beers for lunch and dinner from Tuesday through Sunday.
3. Three Branches Cafe
COZY COFFEE AND BREAKFAST
Three Branches Cafe serves as a welcoming gathering spot for coffee and small breakfast items in Island Pond. Their cozy atmosphere provides the perfect setting to enjoy comforting cups of coffee and freshly baked goods. The cafe emphasizes community connection with their motto of 'People, Social Interaction, Fulfillment of needs in the community,' making it more than just a place to eat but a social hub.
4. The Yellow Deli
RUSTIC COMMUNITY EATERY
The Yellow Deli offers a unique dining experience in Island Pond with its community-focused approach to food service. The restaurant is known for its handcrafted meals made with simple, wholesome ingredients. Its rustic ambiance and warm atmosphere make it a distinctive dining destination in the Northeast Kingdom region.
5. Kingdom Taproom
CRAFT BEER AND COMFORT FOOD
Kingdom Taproom serves as a popular craft beer destination in the Northeast Kingdom, offering an extensive selection of Vermont brews alongside hearty comfort food. The restaurant's rustic yet modern atmosphere features exposed brick walls and wooden elements that create a welcoming environment for locals and visitors alike. Their menu emphasizes locally-sourced ingredients transformed into elevated pub fare that pairs perfectly with their rotating tap selection.
6. Burke Pub
MOUNTAIN VIEWS AND BREWS
Burke Pub provides a classic Vermont dining experience with stunning views of the nearby mountains and a menu featuring locally-inspired comfort food. The establishment offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere where tired mountain bikers and skiers can refuel after a day of outdoor activities. Their selection of Vermont craft beers and hearty portions make this a favorite gathering spot for both locals and visitors to the Kingdom Trails area.
7. Juniper's Restaurant
FARM-TO-TABLE FINE DINING
Juniper's Restaurant celebrates Vermont's agricultural bounty with its seasonally-changing farm-to-table menu that showcases the region's finest ingredients. The elegant yet unpretentious dining room provides an intimate setting for enjoying thoughtfully prepared dishes that highlight local flavors. Each plate reflects the chef's commitment to sustainable sourcing and creative presentations that elevate Northeast Kingdom cuisine.
8. Freighthouse Market & Cafe
HISTORIC RAILWAY DINING
Freighthouse Market & Cafe occupies a beautifully restored railway building that combines historical charm with casual dining comfort. The cafe offers an array of freshly prepared sandwiches, soups, and baked goods alongside specialty coffee drinks in a space filled with railroad memorabilia. Visitors can enjoy the unique atmosphere where the region's transportation history meets contemporary Vermont cuisine.
9. Northeast Kingdom Heirloom
VERMONT CULINARY TRADITIONS
Northeast Kingdom Heirloom celebrates the culinary heritage of Vermont with dishes that honor traditional recipes while incorporating modern techniques. The restaurant's warm, timber-framed interior provides a quintessential Vermont dining atmosphere with views of nearby Lake Memphremagog. Their menu changes with the seasons, highlighting heirloom vegetables, heritage meats, and foraged ingredients that tell the story of the region's food culture.
10. Maple Grove Farmhouse
SWEET VERMONT TRADITIONS
Maple Grove Farmhouse offers a genuine taste of Vermont with a menu centered around the state's most famous product: maple syrup. The restaurant is housed in a converted 19th-century farmstead where diners can enjoy classic breakfast dishes drizzled with house-made maple syrup year-round. Their farm-to-table approach extends to lunch and dinner service, where maple glazes, reductions, and infusions add a distinctive Vermont touch to locally-sourced ingredients.