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.

– Jimmy Shen

We had a wonderful dinner at Hen of the Wood with my wife and son. We arrived on time and were seated immediately, even though it was fairly crowded for a Sunday evening. Our table was close to the kitchen, and you could feel the warmth and energy from the back—something I actually enjoyed, as it added to the atmosphere.

We started with seltzer water and drinks, and our server went above and beyond by making a homemade Shirley Temple for my son, which he absolutely loved. For appetizers, we ordered the pork pâté wrapped in bacon, served with charred bread. It was rich, flavorful, and beautifully done.

For my main course, I ordered the 16-ounce ribeye, cooked medium rare. It came with potatoes and a delicious jus, along with mustard seeds that added a fantastic pop of flavor. My wife ordered the duck, which she found incredibly tasty and well prepared.

One unique and thoughtful touch was on the menu itself—items labeled something like “kisses to the cooks” and “hugs to the kitchen.” Curious, I asked our server and learned these are tips that go directly to the kitchen staff. I really appreciated this gesture, recognizing the people who work hard behind the scenes and aren’t usually visible to guests.

To finish the meal in classic Vermont style, we ordered three different cheeses from the cheese menu. They were served with hazelnuts and crackers lightly sweetened with almond—an outstanding and memorable ending to the meal.

The ambiance was warm and inviting, and the restrooms were exceptionally clean and well maintained. My wife is usually hesitant to use restrooms in crowded places, but she was pleasantly surprised and even praised how clean they were.

Overall, this was a fantastic dining experience. If you’re in Burlington, Vermont and looking for a high-quality dinner spot, I highly recommend Hen of the Wood. It’s family-friendly as well—we saw other families with young children—making it a great choice for both special occasions and relaxed evenings out.

– Rohit Ranjan

Hen of the Wood was a fabulous experience. Although reservations were fully booked, our party of 2 made an attempt at bar seating, and we were delighted that after just 10 minutes we were seated at the chef’s table.

The food is incredible, of course. Don’t miss the cheese selections. If you’re dining with someone willing to share, I recommend ordering several plates and splitting them to taste as much of the menu as possible.

Service was wonderful, our server was attentive, helpful, and kind. The whole evening was a treat and a highlight of our weekend visit to Burlington.

– Vivian Nicastro