Written by Elicia Pinsonault of Wallingford, Vermont

What are the best places to eat?

This question is one of the things locals are often asked by vacationers and newcomers to the Rutland Region. It’s a good question, given that there are so many options for a delicious meal here. It can be a hard one to answer, and it usually requires a number of follow-up questions. The Rutland Region culinary scene is as diverse as our 27 towns and city. Here are 10 places we recommend you try when you’re here.

TASO on Center

If you’re looking for a place to share a good meal with family and friends, TASO on Center is your place. Located in the heart of Downtown Rutland, the restaurant is a go-to for dinner. Its menu is always changing and evolving and features traditional American, Mexican, and Asian cuisine. Its interior – with its deep navy blue walls, rustic wood accents, and metal bar – gives it a vibe that is different than any other restaurant in Rutland City. Bring a large group and take over the back corner, or people watch from the front window as a party of two. TASO’s owner Jay Sabataso knows a thing or two about serving good food and creating a good atmosphere. His family has been feeding the community at The Palms since 1933.

Mach’s Market

Mach’s Market is located in Pawlet, Vermont. Photo provided by Eightzero2 Productions.

Mach’s Market, located in the quaint town of Pawlet, isn’t a restaurant but is home to a wood-fired brick oven that serves organic baked goods and bread, wood-fired pizzas, and more. At Mach’s Market, you can find something to eat for every meal, including delicious breakfast sandwiches made with Vermont Cabot cheese, burgers and sandwiches, fresh salads, and those hand-shaped pizzas that you can make your own with different meats, cheeses, veggies, and more.

The Lake House Pub & Grille

If you’re looking for dinner with a view, this is the place for you. The Lake House Pub & Grille is located in Bomoseen, a hamlet of Castleton, and offers unparalleled views of Lake Bomoseen. You can choose to eat inside, but we recommend finding a spot on the deck and enjoying Vermont’s warm summer nights. Its menu offers something for every palate, with lobster rolls, clam strips, fried calamari, chili-crusted tuna tacos, and much more. The Lake House also welcomes local musicians that play throughout the week.

Mary’s Café

Mary’s Café is a hidden gem in the town of West Rutland. The café is small and loved by locals, so you’ll want to get there early to enjoy breakfast. But don’t worry if you sleep through your alarm. Their delicious breakfast is served all day. We recommend trying the French toast made with homemade bread and Vermont maple syrup, the raspberry pancakes, or Mary’s Egg Sandwich.

The Foundry at Summit Pond

Views of Killington’s peak are stunning no matter the season, but in the summer it’s spectacular. The Foundry at Summit Pond, located on Killington Road, has some of the best views of the mountain and its newfound shades of green. The Foundry at Summit Pond is a premier dining destination, with a menu full of creative dishes made with locally sourced meats and cheeses, fresh seafood, homemade pasta, and more. Enjoy dinner on the deck overlooking the pond or hang out inside and enjoy live music by local musicians.

Café Provence

Café Provence brings the French countryside to Vermont’s Green Mountains. Chef Robert Barral, who is from the Languedoc area of France, is dedicated to offering the freshest food in a creative way. Café Provence offers a diverse array of brunch, lunch, and dinner options. The menu features locally sourced meats, cheeses, fruits, and vegetables, with gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian alternatives to most menu items. Café Provence’s sister bakery, Gourmet Provence, offers mouth-watering pastries, cakes, desserts, and more.

Taps Tavern

Taps Tavern provides good food in the heart of historic Downtown Poultney. Its friendly atmosphere combined with its delicious food and extensive drink list featuring more than 14 Vermont brews and ciders makes it a favorite among locals. Share an app – like crispy Brussel Sprouts– and enjoy a burger made with Cabot Cheese on the deck with friends. Taps also offers live music by local artists.

Sugar & Spice is located in Mendon, Vermont. Photo provided by Eightzero2 Productions.

Sugar & Spice

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Sugar & Spice, located in Mendon, has you covered. Serving breakfast and lunch seven days a week, Sugar & Spice’s menu features all the things you would expect to find in a quintessential Vermont cabin surrounded by large maple trees and an old sugar house – blueberry pancakes served with Vermont maple syrup, maple walnut waffles, pumpkin pancakes, and more. Sugar & Spice makes their own maple ice cream and maple sugar candies, so you have to try the maple crunch sundae.

The Rustic Rooster

The Rustic Rooster is a hidden gem located in the small town of Cuttingsville. The Rustic Rooster is open for lunch and dinner, serving comfort food in a cozy atmosphere. The menu features original items like Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots, Turkey BLT with a Fried Egg, a Triple Decker Grilled Cheese, Pizza, and more. Owners Greg and Donna are excellent hosts, and you’ll feel like a friend as soon as you settle into your table.

Franklin’s

Franklin’s in Proctor brings together great food, friends, and fun. The restaurant serves dinner on weeknights and lunch and dinner on weekend days. Franklin’s offers delicious pub food, including chicken wings, chili, open-faced sandwiches, Philly cheesesteaks, prime rib, and more. Franklin’s also offers desserts made fresh daily. Beyond the great food, a trip to Franklin’s offers a chance to reflect on the rich history of the Rutland Region, with walls covered with memorabilia from the marble industry, as well as celebrating the accomplishments of its local sports teams.