Hen of the Wood - Burlington

“Dinner at Hen of the Wood was the highlight of our Burlington trip. Our lovely waitress was patient and offered a number of recommendations. The kitchen was remarkably accommodating to dietary restrictions and the food was unmatched. I highly recommend the hanger steak in particular. Thank you for your kind hospitality! We hope to return soon.”

“Some of the best food we’ve had in New England and traveled here from Boston. We were in town the following weekend for a comedy show and had to stop by by again. Chef Nick is someone to look out for - he rocks! Everything is amazing.”

“Unbelievable meal. The salad and pate were a phenomenal way to start and would highly recommend the hangar steak. Great cocktails as well, service was exceptional. Our server made great recommendations. Would go again tomorrow”

“I grew up in the sf bay area, and its fair to say i came of age with the farm to table dining movement. My high school prom dinner was at Chez Panisse, for example. Since then I've dined all over the world and I appreciate street food as much (often more) than three star Michelin spots. Something I've leaned is that a great restaurant experience is way, way more than great food. The vibe of the restaurant is equally important. Boo and I dined here for NYE this year and it wad great! We couldn't get a reservation a month out (via resy and calling) but we followed the advice here to show up at 4 and ask to eat at the bar or chefs table. The bar was filled up at 405 for seats, so we got chefs table. My advice is that if you don't have a res you need to show up early. Chef's table experience was great. You could tell by the energy of the staff that they were happy to be there and proud of the product. They rolled with the fact that boo didn't want any big plates and they coursed out the meal with aplomb. Farm to table is a challenge in New England in winter (see Erin French's musings on this subject in her history HBO show) but the cabbage dish was fire. Not a Michelin star spot bc they don't come here (Boston paid for their stars, fyi) but it well could be based on my experience dining at those spots in cities like sf, la, NYC, Barcelona, Paris, London ETC.”

“Hen of the Wood is widely regarded as Vermont’s most celebrated restaurant, and the experience makes it immediately clear why. The space itself sets the tone: warm wood textures and thoughtful design create an intimate, grounded atmosphere that feels special even before the first dish arrives. I began with the scallop crudo, an appetizer defined by exceptional freshness and precision. The scallops were pristine, their delicate sweetness enhanced by carefully balanced seasonings and garnishes that added both contrast and textural interest without overwhelming the dish. For the main course, the duck breast was flawlessly executed—crisp skin giving way to tender, flavorful meat. The accompanying elements provided a welcome counterpoint to the richness of the duck, resulting in a dish that felt both indulgent and refined. Dessert was the chocolate almond cake served with ice cream, a standout finale that was truly memorable and easily among the best desserts I’ve had this year. Throughout the meal, service was attentive and polished, complementing an already remarkable atmosphere. Hen of the Wood is absolutely worth a dedicated trip and comes highly recommended.”