Amy & Hap’s Favorite Dinner Recommendations

Offered here in no particular order...Find one that suits your whim or your desire to dress up or down.

* = A place more appropriate for a dressier, special-occasion dinner.

* Blue Moon Cafe: Innovative cuisine with a menu that changes weekly. Nice wine list. Cozy, romantic, upscale atmosphere. Smart casual to dressy. Reservations usually essential. 253-7006

* Michael’s on the Hill: Friendly service and a sophisticated menu with European flair. Menu changes every couple of months and emphasizes seasonal and local ingredients. Tables on the enclosed "porch" offer views of the sun setting over the mountains. Live piano music in the Lounge on Friday & Saturday evenings. Smart casual to dressy. Reservations recommended. Closed Tuesdays. Six miles South of Stowe on Route 100 but worth the drive. 244-7476.

Norma's: Light, casual, contemporary fare with a view of Mt. Mansfield and theh pool terrace at Topnotch Resort & Spa. Dine at a table inside, at the bar overlooking the open kitchen, or on the terrace, weather permitting. Best crab cakes in town! Reservations accepted. 253-8582.

* Hen of the Wood: Creative American Fare with an emphasis on local and organic ingredients. The aritisan cheese list is a nice touch. Well-chosen wine list. The atmosphere is upscale rustic, as the restaurant is located in a former grist mill. Smart casual to dressy. Reservations recommended. Closed Sunday. 244-7300. Located in Waterbury--about 15 minutes from the Inn.

Red Basil: This new restaurant’s service has yet to dazzle us, but the fantastic Thai food and martini menu have. Casual to upscale casual. Reservations accepted off season. In season no reservations between 6 PM and 8 PM. 253-4478.

Foxfire: Traditional Italian done well. Pasta, veal, chicken, beef, and seafood dishes. Very popular with the locals. Restored farmhouse setting. Consistently good service. Excellent Veal Saltimbocca, Eggplant Parmesan, Shrimp Fra Diavlo and other classics. Smart casual. Reservations recommended. 253-4887.

Gracie’s: Great burgers, steaks, salads, wings, casual American. Wonderful homemade bread. Casual. No reservations accepted. 253-8741

The Whip: Traditional American and New England Cuisine with several vegetarian items offered. Good homemade desserts. Cozy, casual atmosphere. The name comes from their collection of antique buggy whips. Located inside the Green Mountain Inn. Reservations not accepted. 253-7301.

The Restaurant Swisspot: It’s not fancy, but the fondue is great on a cold winter’s night. They also offer a variety of quiches, salads, burgers, and sandwiches. Save room for the Swiss Chocolate Pie! Casual. Reservations accepted. 253-4622.

Mr. Pickwick’s Pub: 150 kinds of ales and beers, 150 selections of wine, British specialties, and creative game entrees are what this eatery is known for. Casual pub setting. Outdoor dining in summer. Located at the Ye Old England Inne. Reservation accepted. 253-7558.

Tanglewood’s: The fact that this restaurant is in a restored barn gives it a rustic Vermont ambiance. Seafood, steaks, pasta and rack of lamb are creatively prepared and always fresh. The pace of the service here is leisurely. Closed Mondays. Reservations recommended. Located in Waterbury, which is about 15 to 20 minutes away. 244-7855

Piecasso: Pizza, pasta, salads, and paninis in a very casual, contemporary setting. Eat in, take out, or delivery. Just one mile away. No reservations accepted. 253-4411.

The Tavern: Located at the Stowe Inn. Charming dining room overlooking Stowe Village. Traditional and slightly contemporary American fare. There is a lot of variety--anything from foie gras to a burger. Casual to upscale casual. Outdoor dining in Summer. 253-4030.

And, of course, there are lots of other place we enjoy eating. Stowe has 40+ restaurants in total. But if we had to narrow it down to our list of personal favorites, this is the result. Your taste may be different from ours. Let us know if you need a recommendation for a favorite type of food you do not see listed here, and we will point you in the right direction. We are also happy to make reservations for you either prior to your arrival or once you are here. We can provide driving directions, too. If you would prefer not to drive, pick up a business card from Peg’s Pickup & Stowe Taxi Service from the table in the Solarium. Please realize some restaurants may be closed certain nights of the week, or some may be closed or have limited operating hours during the off-season. Calling ahead will prevent disappointment.