Discover our favorite Italian restaurants in Vermont.
The Green Mountain State may be best known for its maple syrup, cheddar cheese, and robust farm-to-table dining scene, but Vermont is home to an extremely diverse array of cuisines. This includes our personal favorite: authentic Italian.
In honor of “National Vermont Day,” American Domani has explored five of the best Italian restaurants in Vermont. Whether you crave homemade pasta in a fine-dining setting or a homey, neighborhood spot beloved by local families, these are the restaurants to add to your must-try list during your next visit to Vermont.
Trattoria Delia, Burlington, Vermont $$$$
The best fine-dining experience
For the best fine dining, Trarroria Delia is the place to go in Burlington (Photo Credit: Natalli Marie Amato)
Vermont history and Italian tradition intersect at Trattoria Delia. The restaurant is located in the historic Vermont House, which was the state’s largest (and most prestigious) hotel at the turn of the century. The building’s old charm and splendor are still apparent in the restaurant: the focal point of the elegant, dimly lit dining room is a grand fireplace built from local Panton stone. For over 25 years, Trattoria Delia has been serving up traditional Italian fare inspired by local and seasonal ingredients. The menu features delectable house-made pasta as well as an exclusively Italian wine list that’s known for its organic, farmer-made selections. This year, it was awarded the local Seven Daysies Award for Best Italian Restaurant.
Papa Frank’s, Winooski, Vermont $
The best neighborhood joint
This family-owned restaurant since 1984 was a finalist for best Italian Restaurant (Photo Credit: Natalli Marie Amato)
Since 1984, this family-owned restaurant has been serving up hearty Italian dishes in a warm, casual atmosphere. Located in the heart of downtown Winooski, Papa Frank’s has a no-frills dining room that’s always bustling with the hum of locals. The beloved neighborhood spot has an affordable menu and is generous with its portion sizes. Whether you’re opting for pizza and antipasto or veal and eggplant parm dinners, you’re sure to leave Papa Frank’s feeling full and satisfied. This year, the restaurant was a finalist for the local Seven Daysies Award for Best Italian Restaurant.
Pulcinella’s, South Burlington, Vermont $$
The best spot for family dinner
Located in what was once an old house, Pulcinella’s is a chef-owned restaurant that specializes in southern Italian cuisine. Chef-owner Samuel Palmisano is a fourth-generation chef, and this sense of legacy is deeply felt at Pulcinella’s. While the restaurant just recently moved into its current location, Pulcinella’s has been feeding Vermonters for 15 years. Perhaps it's the history of the old house or perhaps it's the sense of tradition that lives on in dishes like Braciole, which has the words “My dad’s recipe” next to it on the menu, but walking into Pulcinella’s feels much like walking into Sunday dinner.
Trattoria La Festa, Stowe, Vermont $$$
The best wine selection
It’s no secret that we Italians love our wine. While Vermont is famous for its craft beer scene, you can still discover beloved Italian wines if you know where to look. One of the best destinations for wine lovers is Trattoria La Festa, an intimate Italian eatery located in Stowe. The restaurant has received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for its wine list and a favorable review by Gourmet magazine. Of course, its wine selection is not the only draw. Trattoria La Festa serves regional Italian dishes using seasonal and local ingredients – some of which are grown in the eatery’s very own garden.
Al Ducci’s, Manchester Center, Vermont $$
The best classic Italian market and deli
Located in Manchester Center, Al Ducci’s is your classic Italian market – that just happens to be located in Vermont. The market is an essential resource for authentic Italian home cooks but what truly makes Al Ducci’s such a treasure is its Deli section and offerings of prepared meals, fresh and frozen. For a delicious lunch, you can enjoy specialty sandwiches like the Param Prosciutto with a bowl of piping hot Pasta Fagiole. While you’re there, you can even pick out dinner for later, say, chicken Francaise with zucchini or vegetable lasagne. Al Ducci’s menu changes daily, so you can follow the market’s Facebook page to stay informed.
Natalli Marie Amato
Natalli Amato is a music and lifestyle journalist from Sackets Harbor, New York. Her bylines include Rolling Stone, Vice, and The Boot. She is also the author of several collections of poetry.