Michael’s On The Hill
4182 Waterbury-Stowe Rd, Waterbury Center, VT, 05677
Michael’s On The Hill Menu
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Address :
4182 Waterbury-Stowe Rd
Waterbury Center, VT, 05677 - Phone (802) 244-7476
- Website https://www.michaelsonthehill.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :5:30 pm - 9:00pm
- Mon : 5:30 pm - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Romantic
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Mandar A.
Cute, well run, small place. Great food. Carefully crafted menu, great wine selection. Went on a Monday in early September without reservations Will go again.
(4)Caitlin S.
My husband knows the way to my heart is with food. As a family, we have driven past this wonderful hilltop restaurant for literally 17 years, never once trying it. For shame!! lol We arrived at sunset for my birthday celebration dinner and were warmly greeted and offered a cocktail in the lounge to start. I had a delicious cherry bourbon manhattan, they had my husbands favorite Trapp beer on tap! The view from our (quickly ready!!) table was phenomenal- definitely very special. We started with yellow watermelon and fresh mozz salads, which blew our minds it was so GOOD !!!!!!! The special that evening was a local Venison tenderloin served over a farrow-like grain with ratatouie and I was sold. My steak was seared perfectly, and I felt spoiled rotten to have the opportunity for such a dish. My husband got chicken that tasted like heaven (ie: REAL chicken- never going back to Tyson haha), served over the most pillowy mashed potatoes I've ever had (sorry Mom! lol) with succotash and veggies. I have never in my LIFE had a more luxurious meal in such a gorgeous setting. They finished with an unexpected and appreciated "Happy Birthday" fruit and chocolate fondue dessert, with some of the BEST coffee I have ever tasted. ...WOW...
(5)Davi B.
OUTSTANDING... Full of flavour... Caring and attentive staff. Diverse and exciting menu...Not to be missed. The ambiance is quaint and cozy.
(5)Meagan B.
We had a wonderful dinner last night. This was our first time here for dinner after hearing great things for years. It was the last night of Restaurant Week and the menu was not only wonderful but fun and so well priced. We started with a bite of biscuit with piece of fried chicken and honey sauce, yummy. We had a tomato soup and grilled cheese, the bread was amazing. Then the main course was a short rib meatloaf with mashed potatoes, peas and carrots. It was thoughtful and tasted great. For dessert they created a s'more experience. Can't wait to go back !
(5)Eva T.
I give them 5 stars. Great food great service. We came to Stowe for vacation and found the restaurant on the local magazine. The chef was originally from Switzerland and worked in NYC for 5 star hotel and ended up in Vermont. What a nice story! The food definitely has the 5 star restaurant quality. My husband's pork chop was so tender and juicy he asked me to write about it. My duck with white asparagus as the appetizer was the best duck meat that I have ever had. Beef tenderloin was from the local grass fed cow, so tender and juicy. I am not a dessert person, but the desert that I had -Blue berry buttermilk upside down cake with fresh berries and Grand Marnier ice cream was so wonderful. I wish I can had more. Most ingredients are from local. That's why we like about it so much. Worth to visit!
(5)Susan M.
Had a lovely Christmas dinner at Michael's. They had a special Christmas menu, but they allowed you to order any item ala carte, which I appreciated. Their regular menu was available too. If those aren't enough choices, there are two chef's tasting menus, available with wine pairings. I'm pretty hard to please, but I was very happy with the entire experience. Our server was knowledgeable and efficient, but also casually friendly--which is nice in a resort town. The food was excellent, and well-sourced. You could taste the care the staff took in coming up with the dishes & executing them very competently. Our server suggested glasses of wine that were perfect, and our cocktails were very well prepared. I can't think of a single thing I didn't like. Definitely a 5 star experience.
(5)John F.
One of my best meals in years! For a romantic, quiet, peaceful dinner it was worth the short 45 min drive from Williston. I have driven by this place countless times, and have always wanted to go. It was my wife and my 10th wedding anniversary, and wanted to do something special. This totally met, and exceeded my expectations. I am usually very cheap on compliments for restaurants, and it takes something to make me comment or compliment. My wife was asking me why I was making faces and moaning during the appetizer, and the main course. I apologized; I was just LOVING the food and couldn't help myself! Splurged on the Platinum tasting menu - considering how much the beef tenderloin would cost with an appetizer and desert, it was about the same price. And they threw in a few small tasty bites that the chef had come up with for other items. It was a delightful surprise. Very intimate; very quiet, nice soft music. Loved everything about the place. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Karen W.
While the food was great, I was incredibly disappointed with the service. We got minimal attention and saw other guests getting service while we waited. What a disappointment for a night we had been looking forward to for so long! I will be sending people to other restaurants in the area in the future.
(1)Fewd E.
I was part of R.W.'s group on 10/15, but felt there should be added or reinforced commentary. Not a cheapskate here, but I am still ruing over a dish where the price starts with a "4." It should knock your socks off and if you're serving hundreds of lobsters in broth, you should know how to get it right. Break open the pastry crust to find unevenly cooked veggies, unpleasant lobster and mediocre broth... ok, so make due with the other little treats on the plate..... wait, just a bowl of "fell short shellfish." Was looking forward to this from Virginia and now it's what I remember anyway...
(2)n t.
While spending a few days in Stowe, we decided at the last minute to try this restaurant on the hill - and I am so glad we did. We'd a long day of sight seeing, so opted for an early dinner so there was no problem getting a table - turns out, it was a lovely table by a window, with gentle, warm air blowing by my feet (a plus in the dead of winter!) I wish I was up to trying a cocktail - they had a lovely selection - but i chose a glass of red wine. My husband had a local gin and rosemary cocktail, which he enjoyed, and i tried.... :-) We shared the mushroom tartine appetizer, while trying to decide what to have as an entree -- this dish was so well put together. Because we were sharing, the chef was kind enough to make this into two servings and plated on lovely planks of what I assume were Vermont slate. I love it when I taste all kinds of flavors, and have trouble identyfing them because they are so perfectly melded - but this was above average in that respect - a variety of wild mushrooms cooked to perfection and served over a buttery brioche toast. I want more! We were debating on sharing a salad - of cress, roasted beets, spiced walnuts and pork belly. Our fabulous waitress quickly said they would be happy to make a smaller portion so I could enjoy that (while the husband looked on with envy). I will say this combination of cold and warm, bitter and buttery - it was just hands down among the top 'salads' of my life -- beautifully presented, perfectly dressed with a pomegrante vinegarette. Entree - trying to decide between Atlantic Char - and a braised pork shank....our server again came to my rescue - she explained the pork shank in great detail - and when I told her my choices - she subtly nodded, and said "pork". Here is my thought - when someone recommends a braised shank of any kind - go for it! So glad I did - this was a braised shank with a carmalized coating of whole grain mustard - served over a choucroute - a lovely sauerkraut with rainbow carrots and colorful potatoes. Fair warning - this is a big dish - I managed half of it - good news, the rest is now in my refrigerator for another meal. The husband had a venison loin - and I know he will fully cover it in his own review. (oh, and when he writes his and says the place was too dark, know that I thought the lighting was perfect!) Dessert - sadly, we did not get to find out - as scrumptious as everything sounded, we were just to full from the meal to take on another round. Next time! A final note - there is an option for a Chefs selection - 3 courses for a fixed price - a very wonderful way to sample through the menu - I will be prepared for that on the next visit.
(4)Susan L.
From the first taste of the chef's choice morsel of green tomato jam on crostini - no, from the greeting we received at the door - to the otherworldly chocolate fondue dessert, this meal was exquisite. Absolutely. Hooray to the chef/owners, the servers, and even the person who jumped to find out whose voice was on the tasteful jazz recording in the background. This restaurant is a gem.
(5)Patty S.
The restaurant itself is lovely in a house on a hill (get it.....michaels on the hill)....wink wink. Can I say that their water was the freshest cleanest water I have ever had? I noticed it right away and heard another table comment on it too. Anywho the wine selection was solid and the apps we enjoyed were mushroom tartine (soooooo good) and their sunchoke soup with beet (our favorite). For dinner we enjoyed the deconstructed clam chowder which my husband loved and I had the lobster with gnocchi which I thought was better (we will agree to disagree). But dessert.......oh dessert......their banana cream coconut layer cake was definitely a standout amongst desserts and we will remember it. It was one of the tastiest desserts we have had in a long time. I would definitely come back here. It pleased this food snob.
(5)Sean R.
Just hands down one of the best meals I've had. We were all really pleased with what we were served (venison tenderloin sliced over spaetzle and braised red wine cabbage, duck two ways, butter poached lobster over grits). My favorite was the venison followed closely by the duck which was a medium rare breast and leg confit. We shared the fondue for desert which was nice and refreshing after a big meal. They have a nicely curated wine list and the service is top notch. It's expensive, but the prices truly reflect the quality of the experience. I would recommend to anyone who is looking for a kick ass meal!
(5)Nancy S.
Staff is rude and snobbish. Wish a pro was behind the bar or behind the booking tank. Maybe Michael will take care of that one day. For the money we spend we expect courtesy at all time. Young college chicks should stay in college.
(3)Michelle H.
Second time eating at Michaels and still not disappointed. All tables are wonderful and the views are nice. There were four of us and we each ordered the Restaurant Week price fix. Great choice! My husband and I each had a glass of delicious wine that went well with our meal. The chefs tasting of a chicken biscuit with honey was tasty, but not to worry...serving was small enough to not take away from the rest of the meal. Next was the tomato soup served with a quarter of grilled cheese. Best soup. The main course was short rib meatloaf with creamed potatoes, carrots, peas, pea shoots, and a wonderful gravy. Desert was a baked s'more and we each had coffee with ours. The soup and meatloaf were so good, it's unfair to even call them such.
(5)Ms. S.
This place is my new favorite restaurant. We came here for my birthday dinner, and it was simply spectacular. The duck pate was phenomenal, as was the lobster. My fiance had the carrot soup and trout. I had no idea that carrot soup could taste so good. Phenomenal. We were too full from the meal to even attempt dessert, but from the sounds the other patrons were making, I'm assuming that it's the same quality as everything else we were served.
(5)Pat F.
Wow. Went here on New Years Eve for the 2nd time in 8 years and we were blown away again. First off, the atmosphere here is really really cool. We sat in the dining room that looks like a renovated barn with lots of really cool artwork on the walls, very dim lighting, and just an overall very chic atmosphere that you would not expect to find in northern Vermont. The service is first rate. Their attention to detail is exceptional. Our experience started with a very imaginative cocktail list. Their wine list - while not extensive - is very thoughtful. Their staff clearly puts a lot of thought into aligning unique, hard-to-find, superb value wines with their changing seasonal menu. Since we went on New Year's eve, it's hard for me to review food that probably doesn't appear on their normal menu. What I can say is that each of the four of us ordered different appetizers and entrées and we were all blown away. The presentation is imaginative, the flavors were very diverse and the taste was exceptional. Simply put everything worked. We cannot wait to visit this place again in the near future.
(5)Anya K.
All I have to say is: AW YISS. I've been here twice with my family, and all four of us were blown away both times. Seriously, hands down some of the best dishes I've ever tasted, and I've blown through a few paychecks going out to eat in Boston (where I currently live/work).
(5)Margaret C.
My husband and I have loved going to Michael's the past several years. We visit Stowe bi-annually, and always make the effort to go there. The service, the food, the decor are all excellent. It is a special place. I recommend it highly to anyone looking for a romantic, special occasion meal. On our last trip, there was an error made when we made our reservation, and when we called several hours before the time of our dinner reservation to see if we could come a bit later, we were told the restaurant was closed to the public that evening for a private event and that we couldn't have had a reservation. We were shocked -- and angry. It turned out that somehow the reservation had been put in the book for the following Friday night. (Which we believe was an uncharacteristic error.) But we were so disappointed -- it was our wedding anniversary and it was almost 6 PM on a Friday night -- the odds of getting in anywhere at such last notice were not good. Well, the manager agreed to call and find us reservations elsewhere, and within moments called us back with a special reservation he was able to get for us. We ended up having a lovely meal elsewhere, and it ended with a dessert that Michael's arranged for us. It really made a difference, and our sour impression fade away. We will continue to go back to Michael's -- that kind of care for customer satisfaction is not so easy to come by these days.
(4)Diane C.
I can't even describe in words how delicious this place is. It's a must try if you are in the Stowe,VT area. The prices may seem steep to you given the location, but it's totally worth it. The portions are very reasonable, the quality of food is above average and the ambiance is nothing short of romantic. I will absolutely go back when I visit again. Check it out...I promise you won't regret it!
(5)David H.
We made a reservation at Micheal's while we were staying in Waterbury. Other than the fact we had to eat earlier than we would have chosen (the place us really popular so the best times are reserved a ways in advance) everything was pretty much perfect. Our server was really nice and professional and looked after us really well. The wine list isn't huge but some very good choices. The markups don't seem to be too bad either, some pretty good prices on many bottles. The food is excellent. We both ate from the Platinum menu. Could not find any fault with the food. All in all, a very nice evening. Highly recommended. We would certainly not hesitate to go back.
(5)Chris M.
We saw Michael's on the Hill while driving into Stowe for a fall foliage vacation. Seeing the "Chef Owned" sign I decided to investigate, since in my experience those are either really, really, good or really, really bad. Michael's definitely falls into the former. This is about a 20 minute drive from Stowe. If you can do the drive to get to Ben and Jerry's you can easily do the drive to get to here. If you are in the area and planning on a special meal, make your reservations. Make them as soon as you know you'll be in the area. You won't be disappointed. For appetizer I had a wonderful whitetail venison that must have been slow roasted all day. It was incredibly tender and the flavor was outstanding, easily one of the best venison dishes I've ever eaten and I love venison. My wife went with the vegetable Tagine. Let me start by saying I'm a carnivore. As the ever quotable Ron Swanson says vegetables are what food eats. That being said the moroccan spices in that dish were out of this world. I could have actually sat down and eaten a serving of that as a meal. Coming from me that is the highest possible praise I can give to a meal. A dessert of the chocolate fondue shared with my wife were an excellent cap to the evening. Pros: - Wonderful view of the mountains - Wonderful ambience with real candles burning on the wall. - Farm Fresh to Table food was fresh and flavorful - Wait staff and manager were friendly, provided outstanding service and made you feel welcome. - Nice menu variety with something for everyone Cons: - Some minor maintenance issues they should take care of - Parking is a typical VT gravel lot with no lined spaces Ok I admit I was reaching to find cons.
(5)Tara M.
My husband and I had a wonderful meal at Michael's on the Hill. When you first walk into the restaurant you can't help but notice the attention to detail spent decorating. From the beautiful fresh flowers everywhere to the candles placed throughout the building, the place exudes care. Of course decorations matter little if the food isn't good. I can say from our appetizers through our meal, everything was terrific. The hostess and the waitstaff were very attentive and couldn't gave been more helpful. I wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Melissa M.
I'm feeling the way I did when we ate here three years ago: underwhelmed. The positives: lovely atmosphere, farm to table menu (though I am not certain that all proteins were, as only the limited number that were specifically called out), a fabulous amuse bouche, a perfectly crusted baguette, a very mean martini, and good service. The negatives: for the price point, the food was just meh; overdressed, tired salad; tagine was ok; and the fondue: disappointing. There are so many amazing restaurants on Vermont, and this is certainly in the top 15 in terms of food, but the top of the heap in terms of price. I really wanted to be blown away, we just weren't.
(3)Lauren T.
I went to Michael's last night for dinner with my husband. After having driven by it many times on my trips to Stowe - I decided to Yelp it and seeing how many great reviews it got, it seemed a no-brainer. The restaurant is lovely. Quite large...deceiving from the outside. We went on a wintry night in January and the lot was full at 7pm but I had no problem getting a reservation earlier that day. We were promptly seated. I had a blood orange cocktail which was such a pleasant surprise. It had a taste of warm cinnamon...so different that anything else I've had. My husband had their classic Smuggler's Notch dirty martini. Using SND vodka already is a +++. For appetizers, he had the brussel sprouts with pork belly and I had the crab cake on a bed of cabbage with blood orange. Very different but delicious. Every dish is presented like a work of art. For the main he had the venison and said it was the best he's had. Pan seared and cooked to perfection. I had the lobster. Nice, hearty chunks of lobster on a bed of risotto with spinach. We didnt think we had room for dessert but....we did. We enjoyed a trio sampler of the Vermont sorbet. 3 different apple flavors. Probably no better way to end the meal...so refreshing. Service was great. Spot on. Very attentive and nice waiters. Yes, it is pricey but check their site as all their prices are posted. I don't mind paying for a nice meal when it's excellent quality. I would def come back on my next visit to Stowe!
(4)Cheeky M.
This place is terrific! Really a treasure up in stowe.A guest at our hotel recommended this place, you can definitely tell there is a great chef and a watchful owner close by, excellent meal! We can't wait to go back, everything is delicious!
(4)Christina V.
We went here on a recommendation for our anniversary dinner and were absolutely thrilled with our experience. The atmosphere is gorgeous, as Michael's has a small but not cramped farmhouse feel with amazing views of the green mountains. Everything we ate was delicious--from a shared burrata appetizer to our individual dinners of skillet chicken and lamb to the coconut cake dessert. Our waitress was sweet and knowledgeable and was attentive without being too involved. When she found out it was our anniversary, she brought us a little sorbet dessert; a nice finishing touch to a wonderful meal. I would highly recommend Michael's on the Hill to anyone looking for a special meal in Stowe.
(5)Gerard S.
I dithered over 4 or 5 stars, and chose to err slightly on the down side. Why? The place was quite pricy and the signature lamb dish was done somewhat more than the purported medium rare. That said, the rest was 5 star and the fondue dessert elicited a spontaneous "Oh my". Service was fine - friendly, but not intrusive. I actually got wine service, a rarity these days. I had a very fine Ch. Gloria at a fair enough price. Wine lists in the area seem to be on the high side of reasonable (my standard is twice retail), and tend toward the esoteric. The room is beautiful as is the view. I enjoyed the unobtrusive, but not boring, background jazz. I'll definitely return and hope to be able to give a fifth star.
(4)Eric S.
Ate at Michael's on the Hill for the second time last night, and like the first I come away feeling that it was very good. Why three stars you ask? Though the atmosphere is lovely, and the service great, there is far too much competition to justify the prices. My calamari appetizer was delicious, as was the tenderloin. The wine menu is good, but should be more extensive and lacks some of the more esoteric offerings I would expect from a Wine Spectator listed restaurant (e.g., a Toro red, Viognier as I don't recall seeing one, or a few more Zins to choose from). As for the pricing- I know this is Stowe which is frequented by wealthy New Yorkers, but when you are 30% more expensive than an outstanding restaurant down the road, you better deliver. One last note, we were 20 minutes early for dinner and waiting for another couple. We sat in the lounge area and would have loved a cocktail while we waited. We were never asked if we would like anything which doesn't reflect well on the front of house. The food is good, the service friendly and attentive, but I am just not sure Michael's is worth the price of admission.
(3)Asa A.
Really good interesting cocktails. Inspiring menu and good service. Had to wait a little too long for our dessert and wasn't informed why until it was served, that's why the "only" 4 stars. Will absolutely go back again on my next visit to Stowe.
(4)Naomi E.
Cozy space, beautiful decor, and a welcoming sunset. Michael's was able to accomodate us last minute and provided a lovely seat overlooking the beautiful summer mountains. We began with warm bread- a tasty baguette with both butter and olive oil. Followed by the appetizer of a simple salad- delicious sherry vinagrette dressing and the crab mango tar tar. Dinner proved even more impressive. I ordered the pan roasted chicken, which was succulent, moist, crips, and super tasty on a bed of pan roasted root veggies and a light cream sauce. We passed on desert due to full bellies but will be sure to return next time in Stowe!
(5)Susan F.
We did Valentines night here and it was really great food, good service and the atmosphere was just right (except for a crying baby that was not the problem of the staff or venue, but rude customers). I had a pan roasted chicken with smoked cheddar potatoes and rabe , delicious! My husband had a smoked pork loin with polenta that was terrific. The dessert was special a white tres leche type cake with a bit of meringue on top. Great meal!
(5)Tara W.
Ate here for two out of three dinners while visiting Stowe. It's the best restaurant in the area and has a nice romantic atmosphere. Last night started with the sublime calamari and frisée salad with capers and Parmesan. Then had the butter poached lobster with Meyer lemon mascarpone gnocchi. Little pillows of heaven! Michael will even make special orders for you. We called in advance for lobster mac n' cheese two nights ago. I dream about these dinners the rest of the year.
(5)Tara K.
Fabulous experience, from start to finish every detail was attended to carefully. The waiting area is inviting, with a fireplace and high backed chairs arranged in small groups. The decor is warm and romantic, with candles artfully hanging on the walls and tables refreshingly not on top of one another. The way the dining area wraps around makes for a cozy atmosphere. Our waitress was friendly and very informed on the menu choices and wines. We went with the Gold menu and wine pairing, which was fantastic. The amuse bouche with prosecco was delicious- I wanted more! Pumpkin soup was spiced perfectly,and the pork loin a very generous serving. The desserts were amazing- especially the cheese plate. 4 different cheeses, blue, brie, manchego and tete du moine accompanied by fig bread, jam, assorted fruits and a glass of Port. I was amazed that the waitress who heard about us missing our anniversary because of business travel brought out my chocolate fondue with a marzipan plaque reading 'Happy Anniversary."
(5)lesiel l.
Perfect, perfect, perfect. We went to Michael's for our anniversary and were seated at a window table overlooking the hills at sunset. The setting is pleasant and the restaurant is nicely decorated and clean. Our waitress was great and very helpful. We had martinis that were just right, along with the the charcuterie tray that was scrumptious. It had various sausages, pâté, truffle toasts and pickled vegetables that were so nice and crisp. We ordered the fillet and the pork loin and we were both very pleased with our meals. We ended our evening sharing the profiterole and chocolate ice cream desert. It came with a marzipan sheet that said Happy Anniversary! A great ending to a 40th anniversary dinner.
(5)Dan A.
I came here with my mom while we were vacationing at Stowe. It has a Vermont country Inn type feel, but a little upscale, and it's kind of in the middle of nowhere outside of Waterbury. The food is very expensive. I ordered a salad and their duck, both of which were good but not spectacular. The duck was fresh and nicely cooked on a bed of reg cabbage, but not exactly the decadent, juicy crispiness I've experienced other places. The service was occasionally lagging and not the warmest, as others have already said. We had heard about their wine pairing service but it was never brought up by our server, so we just picked our own wine (a Riesling, quite good). Overall it was not a bad experience, we dined well in a quiet, serene setting, but for the cost I'd expect better service and better food.
(3)Devin B.
The food is spectacular. Locally sourced ingredients (lobster from Nantucket, butter from Cabot, etc), the dishes are innovative yet approachable. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and nice. It's a tiny restaurant that looks/feels like a home. Great place to go for a celebratory dinner with a date or small group.
(5)Joe M.
Wow!!!! Atmosphere is always subject to the patrons and older folks tend to talk louder. First 15 minutes I was slightly worried. Then the food started coming and wow. From the calamari to the lobster, combinations with local fruits and vegetables I would have never guessed could go together. My wife had the trout which was more than perfect. The chocolate torte was the cherry on top. Well it almost stole the show. Great staff. Can't wait to go back!!!
(5)Emily L.
My husband and I attended Michael's on the Hill for dinner on the 2nd night of our honeymoon in Stowe, VT. When we made the reservation the woman asked if we were celebrating a special occasion. I said yes, figuring they would just give us a good table, but they went above and beyond! When we arrived, not only did we have a cozy little table lit with candles by the window, but our hostess also brought us a glass of prosecco to make a toast before we ordered. It was a lovely touch and we greatly appreciated it! Though it may sound strange, I often judge the quality of service by how many times my water glass is refilled. A server came by 3 times to do his before our order was even taken! Andrew ordered a Harpoon pumpkin ale and his meal was pasture-raised beef tenderloin with gratin potatoes, roasted rainbow carrots, and browned spice butter. I ordered herb butter poached lobster with roasted garlic polenta, lemon truffle vinaigrette, and a bed of baby spinach. I asked our server to make a wine selection for me that would pair well with my meal and she recommended the Laetitia Estate Chardonnay from the Arroyo Grand Valley in California. This wine had a smooth finish with oak notes and was absolutely fabulous with my meal. Andrew and I had our eyes closed 1/2 the time we were eating because we were trying to savor every bite! For dessert we decided on an apple blueberry crisp served with ouse made cinnamon ice cream. The dessert came on a little black slate with the crisp being served in a miniature cast iron skillet. The small dish of ice cream was topped with a thinly sliced apple chip and a little note written on a fondant-covered cookie that said "Congratulations!" Now folks, I prefer a chocolate dessert to a fruit dessert any day if the week but this crisp and ice cream combination was heavenly! The bill was pricy but oh so worth every cent! The service was impeccable and the food was phenomenal! We even got a little cheesy and asked our server to take our picture by the fireplace. What a special way to end our 2nd night in Stowe! I highly recommend Michael's for a special date night splurge. You won't be disappointed!
(5)Wayne Y.
Michael's On the Hill is a wonderful gem tucked away in the rural countryside. This is fine cuisine meets country geniality. The staff is warm and inviting. And the restaurant is a renovation of an old farmhouse. Look forward to small, comfortable rooms with 8 tables or less, soft lighting, and the feeling that you're an honored guest in a private residence. The '09 Provenance S. Blanc paired beautifully with the rabbit and ramp terrine. It was my first time trying rabbit and I couldn't have been more pleased. The maple glazed trout with heirloom beans & pickled ramp creme fraiche was almost better than maple glazed pork loin entree that followed. Looking back, however, if I didn't know any better, I would say that these other dishes were served just to whet my appetite for the most incredible dessert I've ever tried: Maple Pudding with Rhubarb Compote, Chantilly Creme and Maple Sugar. This is definitely on my list for my last meal. Wonderful staff. Locally farmed ingredients. Impeccable execution. You will leave Michael's wanting to come back for more.
(5)Greg L.
Came here with my wife for our 1st anniversary. I got the pork tenderloin with pork belly and bread pudding. Everything was cooked to perfection. One of the best meals I've had. Hopefully will be back for future anniversaries.
(5)Stefan P.
I just returned from my annual pilgrimage to Stowe and once again, I had the pleasure of dining and celebrating my birthday at Michael's. There is a lot to like about this restaurant. Rustic yet charming decor, well spaced tables so you don't feel put upon by other diners and a romantic feel that is perfect for that special night out. The service is good but not outstanding. Yes, it was a busy evening but there were times I felt ignored. Nothing major but it could have been better. I decided to go with the Gold tasting menu which gives you a prix fixe of an appetizer, meal and dessert (alcohol not included). I chose the mixed green salad and asked for a different dressing which was substituted after an initial mixup. Michael's is part of the Vermont Food Network and Slow Food movement so everything is locally grown and you can really taste the difference. For my entree, I went with the Maple crusted Pork Tenderloin with Guyere Bread Pudding. Simply outstanding. The sauce was a killer. I should have asked for more to use in dipping the bread that came with the meal. Everything was prepared perfectly although part of my tenderloin was a bit dry. For dessert, I went with the chocolate profiterole with chocolate hazelnut ice cream. The ice cream was great; the shell not so much. Still, it was a great choice. One small annoyance. When I ordered wine, my glass came less than a quarter full. And it was a glass you would use for pinot or merlot meaning it was a larger glass (I chose pinot - excellent). I didn't want to pay for another glass and get the same result so I asked my server for another quarter glass more. She seemed less than thrilled and actually got a smaller glass that was filled and poured it into my glass. Not the way to go in an upscale restaurant. If you are looking for a romantic night out or just an excuse to have a great meal prepared with care and with fresh ingredients, this is the place to go. I will most definitely return on my next visit to Stowe.
(4)Queen B.
Went here on a quiet Monday evening . The waitress was nice but very curt , did not make us feel warm and welcome the way the guy who showed us our seats did , I ordered the chef s tasting menu but she did not specify that it also comes with paired wines ...I ended up ordering a bottle of wine and then she told me...oh well, the wine was great so.no harm done ..... I was impressed with my roasted mushroom soup for appetiser but not as much with Chicken Navratil Dessert was nice , a cake with lots of whipped cream The decor was very inviting , perfect for a special evening . They also were playing nice romantic music so perfect for a couple . I can see myself coming back
(3)David S.
Michael's on the Hill has yet to disappoint. They have excellent food and friendly waitstaff. Their tasting menu is fantastic as it allows you to sample a few plates. Their food is always fresh and well prepared. They have a very nice wine selection well. This is one of my favorite restaurants in the greater Burlington area. I highly recommend it, you will not be disappointed.
(5)Liz P.
For my 100th review (and also our 1-year wedding anniversary), I was really excited to visit Michael's before concluding our weekend getaway in Stowe. Perhaps our hopes were too high... For the prices, the food was just ok. We both got the pumpkin soup, which while creamy and smooth, was rather flat and plain tasting. My husband was extremely disappointed with his skillet chicken, which was mostly brussel sprouts and one small dry piece of chicken with not a drop of sauce to accompany. The unseasoned chicken was a light beige, unappetizing color. He mainly ordered the dish for the smoked cheddar bread pudding that it came with, but was disappointed to only receive a cubic inch of it (and it wasn't even that good). I did like my lobster pot pie, however. The lobster pieces were tender, the thick broth savory, and the light buttery crust was delicious. The service was fine. Our waiter kept our drinks filled and even fixed our table when he noticed it was wobbly, without us having to say anything. The restaurant was clean and had a simple decor, and the windows overlook the beautiful Green Mountains. On to the experience. It was god awful, though not entirely the fault of the restaurant. The restaurant itself was near empty, but for some reason they seated us right next to a table with two couples. Two horribly loud, inappropriate, annoying couples. One of the guys was the worst of them all, swearing constantly, talking about spanking the other woman, and discussing to some graphic extent pornography. I wish I was exaggerating, but they just had no care for anyone else around them. Of course, by the time we couldn't take it anymore, we were halfway through our meal. Looking back, we probably should have asked for another seat, but we had no idea how insanely horrible those people would make our night. We couldn't even enjoy each other's company. All I could think about was "I can't wait to get out of here". I truly wish I had more positive things to say about the meal. Despite the bad experience, which we've chalked up to bad luck, we tried to remain objective about the food. For the $100 we spent, the food itself should have been a lot better. Though we'll be returning to Stowe, we won't be returning to Michael's.
(2)John B.
Michael's on the Hill was nice. For some reason, I ordered a crab cake. I was very pleased that it didn't come stuffed with red bell pepper. The venison was quite good. As you can tell from my order, I'm in that weird phase of my life where I feel compelled to eschew what I really want in favor of, say, my 3rd choice. Either way, everything was cooked well and flavorfully except for dessert. I appreciated that the root vegetables accompanying the meat weren't over cooked. But the dessert: an early autumn stone fruit cake should have lots of stone fruits. Ours was a strange pound cake with about 3 millimeters of what I suppose was stone fruit paste. And the coffee was one of those hotel brands, but slightly burnt. Obviously, the first two courses were good enough that I'm not really complaining. The woman next to us wanted to be assured that she could have "any menu meat or fish served with just plain vegetables." Her husband was literally three times her size. It must be a bummer if your spouse doesn't share your defining interest.
(4)Jennifer R.
I love this restaurant! I wish I could kidnap the chef and make him open a restaurant in Dallas! It was beyond incredible! First of all, Michael's is a member of the Vermont Fresh Network, Slow Food and Local First Vermont...this locavore was IMPRESSED! I also like the 20% discount I received on my Thursday night dining venture for saying that I dine locally. Another big smile! The menu has two sides, one for ordering ala carte and another with the tasting menu. I didn't know about the two sides of the menu, so we ended up ordering ala carte. I would have preferred to order from the tasting menu, but our waitress didn't point out this feature and I didn't notice until I asked for a copy of the menu to take home. Grrrr.... Our meal...I began with the Maine Crab Salad with Tomatillo Fennel Tart and Garden Cress. Divine. It was big for an appetizer, so I should have stopped there but I'd already ordered an entree. My entree was the Roasted Summer Squash, Whole Grains and La Luna Goat Cheese Gratin with Spinach and Squash Blossom Salad. J-E-S-U-S...it rocked! It was beyond rich, and since my appetizer had filled me up, most of the entree came home for the next day's lunch. It was lovely as a left over. Sugar Bear began with a Roasted Corn Soup with Mint and Corn Shoots. It sounds like an odd dish, but the flavors melded beautifully and created an artful soup. His entree was the Open Ravioli of Maine Lobster with Roasted Mushrooms, Leeks, Sherry and Hazelnuts. I couldn't believe he ordered this dish because he does not enjoy lobster. He wanted to experiment since we were so close to Maine. I was pretty sure that this $43 entree would not be eaten. He loved it. There was a BUNCH of lobster in this dish, and the shellfish hater at EVERY last morsel of it while moaning with delight. I may have a convert! I believe we actually had to pass on dessert because we were so full. We'll be back and try dessert then. Move to Dallas Michael!!
(5)Tara W.
Ate here for two out of three dinners while visiting Stowe. It's the best restaurant in the area and has a nice romantic atmosphere. Last night started with the sublime calamari and frisée salad with capers and Parmesan. Then had the butter poached lobster with Meyer lemon mascarpone gnocchi. Little pillows of heaven! Michael will even make special orders for you. We called in advance for lobster mac n' cheese two nights ago. I dream about these dinners the rest of the year.
(5)Sunflower G.
Absolutely delicious delicious food with romantic ambience too boot! Cooked just right served on warmed plates. Often overlooked due to the higher-profile Hen of the Wood - Michael's is not-to-be missed.Simply amazing! Delectably delicious!!
(5)Dave B.
First time at Michael's the other day for date night and it was great. Atmosphere, dining room and our waitress were all great. Appetizer, salad and entree were all terrific. The bill was pretty damn expensive, but I would go back for special occasions. This is one of those restaurants that has it all: great service, great vibe and great food. Everything sounded good on the menu which is not the case very often...
(4)Bailey Z.
Maple and ramp. This unusual duo headlined a creative tasting menu for Vermont Restaurant Week at Michael's on the Hill. I have been wanting to try this restaurant for a while now, but the price tag was a strong deterrent. Luckily, $35 for a four course meal makes the cost of dinner much more manageable. Once we were seated in the indoor porch, the view atop the hill of the mountains and the rolling countryside was stunning from our table. It's one of the benefits of dining in a charming Vermont-style farmhouse from the 1800s. The tasting menu was off to a good start with a rabbit and ramp terrine with maple mustard. I loved the strong meaty flavor of the terrine, which was reminiscent of duck and I thought the sweet maple mustard had a nice finish. The meal went downhill from there as the maple-smoked trout and maple glazed pork loin proved to be epic failures. The trout texture was mush, the beans were inconsistently cooked, and I found seven bones in the fish. Bones in fish is understandably normal, but fish from this caliber of restaurant should be deboned; or the waitress should have at least given guests forewarning of imminent prickly danger. The pork loin was even more painful to swallow. It was overcooked, dry, and unappetizing. The dry texture clearly overshadowed the maple glaze. The saving grace of the dish was the delicious potato-ramp roesti, which resembled a large potato pancake. A wonderful maple pudding with rhubarb compôte completed the save from a potentially disastrous dining experience. The familiar dark maple flavor had me digging around the small glass jar for more pudding, to no avail. Dinner ended with a nice cup of Green Mountain coffee. The meal had its ups and downs tonight and everything averaged out. The regular menu has a couple of other tasting menus including one for $42 and another for $65. Otherwise, à la carte appetizer and entrée items can get expensive. Restaurant Week gave me good value for my meal, but a regular meal here would sting my wallet too much for a return visit.
(3)Rosie Z.
My bf and I loved this place. The decor was simple but intimate. The waitress was very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. We got the gnocchi appetizer which melted in our mouths and the mushroom sauce was so rich and flavorful. Since we were sharing the gnocchi, they put it in two plates for us, a nice touch. For entree, we ordered the duck confit and pork shank. Both were delicious and cooked to the right tenderness. It was a rich dinner, perfect after a long drive or a day on the slopes. Plus, the vermont butter alone was well worth it.
(5)JACKIE E.
We dined at Michaels on The Hill in Stowe this past October with two other couples, all celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary. It was a truly memorable experience. Situated in an old barn, the restaurant has an old world charm with modern flair. The service was terrific, helpful and never rushed us even when we probably "overstayed our welcome" closing up the restaurant. The food, however, was the standout. I wanted to savor every dish and couldn't point to one being better than another. They were all distinct and delicious! No, i take that back. The minute I got home, I wrote Michael's, asking for their Tagine recipe. It was exceptional. I am hoping to replicate it as we live in California and probably won't make it back to Michael's for a while. when in Stowe, VT, make sure to pay Michael's a visit. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Alyson S.
We splurged when we ate here on vacation and it was worth it. The menu changes every day, but I was thrilled to find that I could eat vegetarian (not a requirement, but my preference) and gluten-free. The waitress brought out a chef's taste of the day and realized I couldn't eat it because of the breading. She returned with something else that was gluten-free and delicious. I had a fabulous (!) salad with roasted pumpkin and toasted pumpkin-seed dressing (not sure if that's exactly right, but you get the point). And then a yummy squash with beet reduction, root veggies, and risotto. It wasn't a giant bowl of risotto, with the rest, but the focus was on the vegetables, which I appreciated. My only complaint (and it is minor) was that the music was a little loud and contained vocals. I think vocal-less would have created a better atmosphere for conversation.
(5)Annie M.
Love this restaurant. Great food, with nice but unpretentious ambiance. Lobster-pot pie was the standout - generous helpings of lobster, amazing flaky, almost croissant-like pie crust, and savory (verging on too buttery) seafoody broth inside.
(4)Harry S.
We were at Michaels on the Hill for Valentine's dinner and it was fabulous! The wild mushroom tartine is heaven on a plate!! My wife had the white winter vegetable soup and that was outstanding as well. For entrees, I has the arctic char which had the skin seared crunchy but the flesh still super moist - a trick VERY hard to accomplish. My wife had the lobster knuckles and instead of the garlic mashed, she requested the gnocchi which they happily substituted and it was great as well. For dessert, the chocolate bread pudding is outstanding, as was the apple tart. Though we didn't partake of their tasting menus, of which they had three the evening we visited, they seem to be a good value. We recommend Michael's on the Hill highly and can't wait to return ourselves!
(5)Steven B.
We were staying in Stowe and Michael's is a bit of a drive on a snowy night, but are we glad we did. The table we had was a cozy and on the porch decorated tastefully, but cleanly. We started with the baby greens with the sherry mustard vinaigrette - all extremely fresh and the dressing enhanced the flavors of the greens nicely. For the main course we both went with the roasted organic duck breast & leg confit with red wine and blue cheese risotto and black currents for thirty five dollars. Never had duck better, rare breast, medium rare leg, the gorgonzola and red wine sauce complemented not only the duck, the risotto, but also the surprising and perfectly cooked rabe - which I love. We had been skiing all day, so we stayed with the martini selections and to warm up we had a perfectly dry local "green mountain organic sunshine" vodka. An orange vodka that holds its own with any premium I have tasted, and finished off "desert" with an espresso martini that was just delish. The only draw backs would be that the air of the place was the chef knows best. In this case I would say he was right. The wait staff is friendly, attentive, and helpful in making suggestions and also knowing the correct distance to keep. The dinner with drinks was in the 200 range for 2 so go there with your wallet, but if you do....it is well worth it. Best meal this year!
(5)kathleen c.
i really, really, REALLY wish that I wasn't sick when we ate here. I could only taste after I had blown my nose or sneezed all over the food. What I CAN say about the restaurant is that the host was accommodating and gracious. We called late after bailing out on another reservation, showed up 35 minutes early for our 8 pm reservation, and she still seated us by 7:45. Nice. The ambiance, the cleanliness of the place, the jazz pianist, the candle lighting all lent themselves to a fantastic dining experience. As for the food (what I could taste of it!), we had the cheaper of the two tasting menus and it had a LOT of food. Including a morsel of cheesy goodness that the chef created especially for that night, a tasty appetizer, main course, and dessert with coffee or tea. Vermont is huge on the Slow Food movement right now, and this place is no exception. We came back the next day on our way home to see the view from the place during the day and they were getting deliveries from the local bakery. There's a very extensive list of partner-farms from the area, and it makes you feel really good that 1) you're supporting the small farmer who is doing everything he can to live and farm sustainably and 2) the food is at its maximum possible freshness. It doesn't get better than that! It was a well rounded experience for $65, and if I could, I would totally go ALL THE WAY BACK TO STOWE to eat here again.
(5)Tabitha B.
Went to Michael's on the Hill this Sunday night after a weekend in Stowe with my fiancee. We went to Michael a year before on our anniversary and couldn't wait to get back. The food, service, and atmosphere were once again nothing beyond perfect. After seriously contemplating the menu we were able to decide on what we wanted. My fiancee got the platinum tasting menu with the wine pairing (we LOVE our wine!). We started off the night with him getting gouda fritters and me with a mushroom soup. While I did not have a wine pairing I asked the waitress for her opinion on what would be best with my appetizers. She had the perfect suggestion. After the first appetizer we both had the calamari salad to split which the kitchen was nice enough to put on two plates for us without us doing it ourselves. Dinner was the next course...me with the best vension (and first) while my fiancee had the beef tenderlion. We could barely talk with how great the food was. And ohh the waitress gave us both two more awesome pairings (she changed my fiancee's so that he had a different wine then me cause she thought that the wine with the tenderlion would better compliment the vension...boy was she right!). Dessert we rounded out with a fondue that had cognac mixed with the chocolate (HEAVEN!!). Overall, the night was amazing, despite the loud New Jersey people directly next to us (not Michael's fault!). It was totally suprising when we asked if the chef could come out so we could thank him for two awesome years in a row just to find out that Michael was out on a chef cruise and that our awesome meal with the work of the Su Chef. Needless to say we were allowed to step inside the kitchen doors and personally thank the cooking team. Nice of them to allow us to do this, because the kitchen staff never gets enough thanks. Can't wait to make it back next year as this has become our anniversary spot in November!
(5)Cat S.
My first exposure to Michael's on the Hill was at a Bite Club event, but I've been back time and time again since then and it is always excellent. I'm usually a hard to please diner, but the cuisine is mostly spot-on. The maple creme brulee is my favorite, stiff caramelized maple sugar that gives way to creamy maple custard that's sweet without being cloying. The things I don't like as much could be chalked up to personal preference. The smoked gouda fritters, though not greasy, were a little too salty for my taste and could have used a lighter sauce (vidalia onion?) than the chili sauce with which they were served. The salmon salad tasted of lemon and vinegar which, while cut nicely with bacon, overpowered the salmon's taste. The chocolate truffle torte, while interesting, confused my tongue - I enjoyed it more when I ate the peanut and sugared orange peel in one bite and the chocolate and concord grape compote in the next. That said, the roast pumpkin gnocchi was a delight, blending sage and black truffle oil with a delicate roast pumpkin and a slight touch of garlic. The Maine crab cake melded sweet, salty, sour, and bitter effortlessly into what was in conversation described as "full spectrum flavor." The foie gras was served on honeyed brioche with pears and my tongue was in love. I wanted to keep the lamb navarin in my mouth forever. I could continue the praises, but I've devolved into expressions of ardor... I can completely understand why Chef Michael was voted the "Best Chef in Vermont" by the Vermont Hospitality Board.
(5)John B.
Michael's on the Hill was nice. For some reason, I ordered a crab cake. I was very pleased that it didn't come stuffed with red bell pepper. The venison was quite good. As you can tell from my order, I'm in that weird phase of my life where I feel compelled to eschew what I really want in favor of, say, my 3rd choice. Either way, everything was cooked well and flavorfully except for dessert. I appreciated that the root vegetables accompanying the meat weren't over cooked. But the dessert: an early autumn stone fruit cake should have lots of stone fruits. Ours was a strange pound cake with about 3 millimeters of what I suppose was stone fruit paste. And the coffee was one of those hotel brands, but slightly burnt. Obviously, the first two courses were good enough that I'm not really complaining. The woman next to us wanted to be assured that she could have "any menu meat or fish served with just plain vegetables." Her husband was literally three times her size. It must be a bummer if your spouse doesn't share your defining interest.
(4)Jennifer R.
I love this restaurant! I wish I could kidnap the chef and make him open a restaurant in Dallas! It was beyond incredible! First of all, Michael's is a member of the Vermont Fresh Network, Slow Food and Local First Vermont...this locavore was IMPRESSED! I also like the 20% discount I received on my Thursday night dining venture for saying that I dine locally. Another big smile! The menu has two sides, one for ordering ala carte and another with the tasting menu. I didn't know about the two sides of the menu, so we ended up ordering ala carte. I would have preferred to order from the tasting menu, but our waitress didn't point out this feature and I didn't notice until I asked for a copy of the menu to take home. Grrrr.... Our meal...I began with the Maine Crab Salad with Tomatillo Fennel Tart and Garden Cress. Divine. It was big for an appetizer, so I should have stopped there but I'd already ordered an entree. My entree was the Roasted Summer Squash, Whole Grains and La Luna Goat Cheese Gratin with Spinach and Squash Blossom Salad. J-E-S-U-S...it rocked! It was beyond rich, and since my appetizer had filled me up, most of the entree came home for the next day's lunch. It was lovely as a left over. Sugar Bear began with a Roasted Corn Soup with Mint and Corn Shoots. It sounds like an odd dish, but the flavors melded beautifully and created an artful soup. His entree was the Open Ravioli of Maine Lobster with Roasted Mushrooms, Leeks, Sherry and Hazelnuts. I couldn't believe he ordered this dish because he does not enjoy lobster. He wanted to experiment since we were so close to Maine. I was pretty sure that this $43 entree would not be eaten. He loved it. There was a BUNCH of lobster in this dish, and the shellfish hater at EVERY last morsel of it while moaning with delight. I may have a convert! I believe we actually had to pass on dessert because we were so full. We'll be back and try dessert then. Move to Dallas Michael!!
(5)Dan A.
I came here with my mom while we were vacationing at Stowe. It has a Vermont country Inn type feel, but a little upscale, and it's kind of in the middle of nowhere outside of Waterbury. The food is very expensive. I ordered a salad and their duck, both of which were good but not spectacular. The duck was fresh and nicely cooked on a bed of reg cabbage, but not exactly the decadent, juicy crispiness I've experienced other places. The service was occasionally lagging and not the warmest, as others have already said. We had heard about their wine pairing service but it was never brought up by our server, so we just picked our own wine (a Riesling, quite good). Overall it was not a bad experience, we dined well in a quiet, serene setting, but for the cost I'd expect better service and better food.
(3)Bailey Z.
Maple and ramp. This unusual duo headlined a creative tasting menu for Vermont Restaurant Week at Michael's on the Hill. I have been wanting to try this restaurant for a while now, but the price tag was a strong deterrent. Luckily, $35 for a four course meal makes the cost of dinner much more manageable. Once we were seated in the indoor porch, the view atop the hill of the mountains and the rolling countryside was stunning from our table. It's one of the benefits of dining in a charming Vermont-style farmhouse from the 1800s. The tasting menu was off to a good start with a rabbit and ramp terrine with maple mustard. I loved the strong meaty flavor of the terrine, which was reminiscent of duck and I thought the sweet maple mustard had a nice finish. The meal went downhill from there as the maple-smoked trout and maple glazed pork loin proved to be epic failures. The trout texture was mush, the beans were inconsistently cooked, and I found seven bones in the fish. Bones in fish is understandably normal, but fish from this caliber of restaurant should be deboned; or the waitress should have at least given guests forewarning of imminent prickly danger. The pork loin was even more painful to swallow. It was overcooked, dry, and unappetizing. The dry texture clearly overshadowed the maple glaze. The saving grace of the dish was the delicious potato-ramp roesti, which resembled a large potato pancake. A wonderful maple pudding with rhubarb compôte completed the save from a potentially disastrous dining experience. The familiar dark maple flavor had me digging around the small glass jar for more pudding, to no avail. Dinner ended with a nice cup of Green Mountain coffee. The meal had its ups and downs tonight and everything averaged out. The regular menu has a couple of other tasting menus including one for $42 and another for $65. Otherwise, à la carte appetizer and entrée items can get expensive. Restaurant Week gave me good value for my meal, but a regular meal here would sting my wallet too much for a return visit.
(3)Rosie Z.
My bf and I loved this place. The decor was simple but intimate. The waitress was very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. We got the gnocchi appetizer which melted in our mouths and the mushroom sauce was so rich and flavorful. Since we were sharing the gnocchi, they put it in two plates for us, a nice touch. For entree, we ordered the duck confit and pork shank. Both were delicious and cooked to the right tenderness. It was a rich dinner, perfect after a long drive or a day on the slopes. Plus, the vermont butter alone was well worth it.
(5)JACKIE E.
We dined at Michaels on The Hill in Stowe this past October with two other couples, all celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary. It was a truly memorable experience. Situated in an old barn, the restaurant has an old world charm with modern flair. The service was terrific, helpful and never rushed us even when we probably "overstayed our welcome" closing up the restaurant. The food, however, was the standout. I wanted to savor every dish and couldn't point to one being better than another. They were all distinct and delicious! No, i take that back. The minute I got home, I wrote Michael's, asking for their Tagine recipe. It was exceptional. I am hoping to replicate it as we live in California and probably won't make it back to Michael's for a while. when in Stowe, VT, make sure to pay Michael's a visit. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Devin B.
The food is spectacular. Locally sourced ingredients (lobster from Nantucket, butter from Cabot, etc), the dishes are innovative yet approachable. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and nice. It's a tiny restaurant that looks/feels like a home. Great place to go for a celebratory dinner with a date or small group.
(5)Joe M.
Wow!!!! Atmosphere is always subject to the patrons and older folks tend to talk louder. First 15 minutes I was slightly worried. Then the food started coming and wow. From the calamari to the lobster, combinations with local fruits and vegetables I would have never guessed could go together. My wife had the trout which was more than perfect. The chocolate torte was the cherry on top. Well it almost stole the show. Great staff. Can't wait to go back!!!
(5)Karen W.
While the food was great, I was incredibly disappointed with the service. We got minimal attention and saw other guests getting service while we waited. What a disappointment for a night we had been looking forward to for so long! I will be sending people to other restaurants in the area in the future.
(1)Fewd E.
I was part of R.W.'s group on 10/15, but felt there should be added or reinforced commentary. Not a cheapskate here, but I am still ruing over a dish where the price starts with a "4." It should knock your socks off and if you're serving hundreds of lobsters in broth, you should know how to get it right. Break open the pastry crust to find unevenly cooked veggies, unpleasant lobster and mediocre broth... ok, so make due with the other little treats on the plate..... wait, just a bowl of "fell short shellfish." Was looking forward to this from Virginia and now it's what I remember anyway...
(2)David H.
We made a reservation at Micheal's while we were staying in Waterbury. Other than the fact we had to eat earlier than we would have chosen (the place us really popular so the best times are reserved a ways in advance) everything was pretty much perfect. Our server was really nice and professional and looked after us really well. The wine list isn't huge but some very good choices. The markups don't seem to be too bad either, some pretty good prices on many bottles. The food is excellent. We both ate from the Platinum menu. Could not find any fault with the food. All in all, a very nice evening. Highly recommended. We would certainly not hesitate to go back.
(5)Alyson S.
We splurged when we ate here on vacation and it was worth it. The menu changes every day, but I was thrilled to find that I could eat vegetarian (not a requirement, but my preference) and gluten-free. The waitress brought out a chef's taste of the day and realized I couldn't eat it because of the breading. She returned with something else that was gluten-free and delicious. I had a fabulous (!) salad with roasted pumpkin and toasted pumpkin-seed dressing (not sure if that's exactly right, but you get the point). And then a yummy squash with beet reduction, root veggies, and risotto. It wasn't a giant bowl of risotto, with the rest, but the focus was on the vegetables, which I appreciated. My only complaint (and it is minor) was that the music was a little loud and contained vocals. I think vocal-less would have created a better atmosphere for conversation.
(5)Harry S.
We were at Michaels on the Hill for Valentine's dinner and it was fabulous! The wild mushroom tartine is heaven on a plate!! My wife had the white winter vegetable soup and that was outstanding as well. For entrees, I has the arctic char which had the skin seared crunchy but the flesh still super moist - a trick VERY hard to accomplish. My wife had the lobster knuckles and instead of the garlic mashed, she requested the gnocchi which they happily substituted and it was great as well. For dessert, the chocolate bread pudding is outstanding, as was the apple tart. Though we didn't partake of their tasting menus, of which they had three the evening we visited, they seem to be a good value. We recommend Michael's on the Hill highly and can't wait to return ourselves!
(5)Steven B.
We were staying in Stowe and Michael's is a bit of a drive on a snowy night, but are we glad we did. The table we had was a cozy and on the porch decorated tastefully, but cleanly. We started with the baby greens with the sherry mustard vinaigrette - all extremely fresh and the dressing enhanced the flavors of the greens nicely. For the main course we both went with the roasted organic duck breast & leg confit with red wine and blue cheese risotto and black currents for thirty five dollars. Never had duck better, rare breast, medium rare leg, the gorgonzola and red wine sauce complemented not only the duck, the risotto, but also the surprising and perfectly cooked rabe - which I love. We had been skiing all day, so we stayed with the martini selections and to warm up we had a perfectly dry local "green mountain organic sunshine" vodka. An orange vodka that holds its own with any premium I have tasted, and finished off "desert" with an espresso martini that was just delish. The only draw backs would be that the air of the place was the chef knows best. In this case I would say he was right. The wait staff is friendly, attentive, and helpful in making suggestions and also knowing the correct distance to keep. The dinner with drinks was in the 200 range for 2 so go there with your wallet, but if you do....it is well worth it. Best meal this year!
(5)kathleen c.
i really, really, REALLY wish that I wasn't sick when we ate here. I could only taste after I had blown my nose or sneezed all over the food. What I CAN say about the restaurant is that the host was accommodating and gracious. We called late after bailing out on another reservation, showed up 35 minutes early for our 8 pm reservation, and she still seated us by 7:45. Nice. The ambiance, the cleanliness of the place, the jazz pianist, the candle lighting all lent themselves to a fantastic dining experience. As for the food (what I could taste of it!), we had the cheaper of the two tasting menus and it had a LOT of food. Including a morsel of cheesy goodness that the chef created especially for that night, a tasty appetizer, main course, and dessert with coffee or tea. Vermont is huge on the Slow Food movement right now, and this place is no exception. We came back the next day on our way home to see the view from the place during the day and they were getting deliveries from the local bakery. There's a very extensive list of partner-farms from the area, and it makes you feel really good that 1) you're supporting the small farmer who is doing everything he can to live and farm sustainably and 2) the food is at its maximum possible freshness. It doesn't get better than that! It was a well rounded experience for $65, and if I could, I would totally go ALL THE WAY BACK TO STOWE to eat here again.
(5)Michael C.
Went there for the first time with another couple last night. We sat in the barn room and had an great dining experience. Highlights were the winter vegetable bisque and wild mushroom's for appetizers. Tenderloin, Pork Loin, Char and Lobster dinners were all excellent - all good choices. Definitely a step above the other restaurants in Stowe and worth a special night out....
(5)Tabitha B.
Went to Michael's on the Hill this Sunday night after a weekend in Stowe with my fiancee. We went to Michael a year before on our anniversary and couldn't wait to get back. The food, service, and atmosphere were once again nothing beyond perfect. After seriously contemplating the menu we were able to decide on what we wanted. My fiancee got the platinum tasting menu with the wine pairing (we LOVE our wine!). We started off the night with him getting gouda fritters and me with a mushroom soup. While I did not have a wine pairing I asked the waitress for her opinion on what would be best with my appetizers. She had the perfect suggestion. After the first appetizer we both had the calamari salad to split which the kitchen was nice enough to put on two plates for us without us doing it ourselves. Dinner was the next course...me with the best vension (and first) while my fiancee had the beef tenderlion. We could barely talk with how great the food was. And ohh the waitress gave us both two more awesome pairings (she changed my fiancee's so that he had a different wine then me cause she thought that the wine with the tenderlion would better compliment the vension...boy was she right!). Dessert we rounded out with a fondue that had cognac mixed with the chocolate (HEAVEN!!). Overall, the night was amazing, despite the loud New Jersey people directly next to us (not Michael's fault!). It was totally suprising when we asked if the chef could come out so we could thank him for two awesome years in a row just to find out that Michael was out on a chef cruise and that our awesome meal with the work of the Su Chef. Needless to say we were allowed to step inside the kitchen doors and personally thank the cooking team. Nice of them to allow us to do this, because the kitchen staff never gets enough thanks. Can't wait to make it back next year as this has become our anniversary spot in November!
(5)Michael C.
Went there for the first time with another couple last night. We sat in the barn room and had an great dining experience. Highlights were the winter vegetable bisque and wild mushroom's for appetizers. Tenderloin, Pork Loin, Char and Lobster dinners were all excellent - all good choices. Definitely a step above the other restaurants in Stowe and worth a special night out....
(5)Kate R.
We ate here on 1/15/12, and really had a wonderful experience. We had the wild mushroom tartine, the duck confit, arctic char and maple glazed pork loin - each were very good. The mushroom tartine was absolutely outstanding - it was served on a bed of perfectly soft-in-the-middle and crispy/flaky on the outside bread, the mushrooms themselves were so flavorful and the truffle honey drizzled across the top was the perfect accompanyment. None of the other dishes quite lived up to that opening note, but each were very good. The char was really well cooked with a perfect crisp to the skin and was served on a bed of brussels sprouts and lentils with a whole grain mustard sauce which was quite good, though the lentils detracted from the dish somewhat. The pork loin was delicious - and the portion HUGE - the braised greens were a bit of a flat note next to the well-prepared pork and delicious cheddar sausage bread pudding. Overall, though, the food was very good. Having read prior reviews, we knew service could sometimes be an issue. We didn't have too long to linger, and informed our server of it right away - and she was friendly, efficient and immensely helpful. I absolutely intend to make a return trip the next time I'm in the Stowe area, and would enthusiastically recommend it to others in the area.
(5)Bethania P.
A fantastic place! Delightful food and a great atmosphere.
(5)Laura G.
The meal I had at Michael's ranks as one of THE BEST meals I've EVER had. Everything was bursting with flavor and creatively prepared with locally-sourced ingredients. As part of the Slow Food movement, each meal is made fresh to a small number of diners and can take awhile to prepare. We enjoyed our meal from the tasting menu for 3 hours (we ordered wine, Chef's choice, appetizer, entree, dessert, tea). LOVED: the maple balsamic fresh greens, squash soup, vegetable gnocchi, fresh bread/butter, apple gallette, and chocolate torte with peanut ice cream. The atmosphere was so inviting, homey, and cozy in the 1820s farm house. A special touch was the live pianist. The waitstaff were incredibly friendly and accommodating. NOTE: splitting a bill can result in a 20% fee.
(5)Katharine B.
My husband and I went to Michael's last night for VT Restaurant week. The menu is very well conceived and the wait staff are knowledgeable and courteous. Each dish was extremely well executed with a very well balanced flavor profile. All that said I still think it's a bit pricey, and if not for Restaurant Week we would have skipped the splurge.
(4)thomas c.
The wait staff were great. Relaxed yet professional. Had the crab cake for starter, and just for fun I blurted out "and the gnocchi" Holly poop the gnocchi was good. The pork was cooked just right. We were torn on the dessert because we wanted to taste the cheese cake ice cream but were is the mood for chocolate. So they brought the chocolate with a side of the ice cream. Dudes you rock. By the way the ice cream was OK.
(4)Martin B.
Spectacular - fifth year coming back (time-share!), and unquestionably the best of all the local restaurants. (The only serious competition for serious foodies is Hen if Woods, but Michaels has far friendly waitstaff, far less pretentiousness, a children's menu and, most importantly, better food!). Last night had an incredible lamb stew with winter vegetables and my wife had an equally fantastic chicken dish with a red wine and blue cheese risotto (and our eight year old said the chicken fingers are better than those she gets at the Four Seasons in the City!). The wine list is first rate, the desserts sublime -- already looking forward to coming back next year!.....Okay, back for 6th year, and better than ever!!! The calamari appetizer was devine, and then my wife and I ordered the lobster and sirloin which they split for a phenomenal surf and turf. My nine old's tastes have matured beyond chicken fingers and she ordered the sirloin on the Kids menu which comes with pasta and a sundae for dessert - loved every bite! Must add that the waitress was just great! -- already looking forward to coming back next year!
(5)Bob R.
I love this place! It's by far my favorite restaurant in the area. The Chef of the Year award is well-deserved. The gnocchi with mushrooms is amazing, and the steak must be two inches thick - fabulous! I also love the lobster which is a decadent treat. I was surprised to see the review from R.W. How could anyone give this place two stars??? Obviously this is not the kind of restaurant you go to for a cheap bite, but I always felt that the prices were reasonable considering the ingredients are local and organic with large portions, and it's less than you would spend for a far inferior meal in NYC. As for the rissole comment, I just checked their website and the rissole is $14, not $20. And I don't think a rissole is supposed to have potato: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ri… I've dined at Michael's several times and I've always had a wonderful experience. Highly recommended.
(5)cb P.
What an amazing meal! But first, let's talk "welcoming". We were looking for a dinner place during our roadtrip in Vermont and found ourselves in the empty parking lot of the closed-on-Mondays Bluebird Tavern. A quick search on yelp turned up Michael's on the Hill, and although it was a bit of a detour, the slow food approach convinced us. We called them to make sure they were open and could seat us and were welcomed right off the bat, the lady taking down our name and phone number. When we arrived at Michael's, we were promptly seated right next to the window. Lovely views! We picked the potato leek soup with truffled oxtail rillette and the baby greens with maple lavender vinaigrette as appetizer. Hands down the best potato leek soup either of us ever had! We then had the skillet chicken with summer squash ratatouille & crispy onion rings and the sautéed gnocchi with heirloom tomato confit & goat cheese, both incredibly delicious. We rounded up the meal with a fruit tart and coffee, which was the only disappointment to this otherwise perfect evening: the espresso was more like a strong drip than espresso, and the regular coffee was just weak. But the food was so amazing we will be driving up from New York for it!
(5)Annie M.
Love this restaurant. Great food, with nice but unpretentious ambiance. Lobster-pot pie was the standout - generous helpings of lobster, amazing flaky, almost croissant-like pie crust, and savory (verging on too buttery) seafoody broth inside.
(4)James D.
Truly exceptional, seasonal menu. Attentive service. Great sunset view from the wrap-around porch (enclosed). I will be back. I had the Gnocchi with Swiss Chard and Sausage and the Venison Chop (rare). Both dishes were rich and complex with carefully chosen accompaniments. Portions are a bit large actually, so you will probably not need or want dessert.
(5)Wm M.
Outrageously overpriced pretend gourmet food. I think a chef owns this place but he certainly doesn't cook the food. Everything we ordered was way below average in taste and creativity. I would definitely save your money and try somewhere else.
(2)Evan G.
This restaurant's food and service is superb. My most recent meal (Aug 2009) was simply incredible. The ingredients were local, fresh, and expertly prepared. My wife and I have been to Michaels four or five times and have never been disappointed. We generally go for the prix fixe meals which provide a great representation of the menu. A recent meal included roasted corn soup and a pate assortment as apps; open faced lobster ravioli and an incredible chicken (yes, chicken dish); followed by a dessert of chocolate torte and a cheese plate. The cocktails are well done and the wine list extensive. Worth a visit to Stowe/Waterbury VT just for the meal.
(5)k n.
This is the best food I have had in New England, which makes me really happy because Boston reviewers can be so unjustifiably snobbish- and this place is in Vermont. This restaurant is neither snobby nor pretentious, and it is excellent, with simply perfectly prepared and presented food with a French slant and a lot of local and organic ingredients. The prices are very reasonable- about 25% less than top places in Boston, and it is much better. This is food done right, like only Europeans know how to prepare it, creative, but not overdone. I had the tagine, which was better than I have had at any number of Moroccan restaurants. My husband had the venison and was almost brought to tears by how good it was. We both went with the tasting menu and were really pleased with the winter vegetables and the gnocci (homemade, of course). But the dessert was what almost made me cry- especially the chocolate fondue. But don't just eat here for the food; Michaels is also in a charming old house, which is very cozy and romantic. The service was warm and hospitable. We will be back again and again.
(5)R W.
My review is a bit harsh, but it is driven by the prices. Michael's served three of us a $43 lobster pot pie in a cognac sauce -- in all three cases, the loster was rubbery and the vegetables were cut unevenly. We also got a crab rissole for $20 or so that looked and tasted like a frozen wonton (according to my food dictionary, a rissole is supposed to be a potato and crab cake - nothing like what Michael's served us). A pumpkin soup was sort of interesting, with a dark, almost brick-like flavor, but a couple of spoonfuls was enough. We really wanted to like the restaurant, but it simply wasn't as good as it thought it was.
(2)trish s.
OMG, we hiked mt. hunger on a foggy drizzly day and what a great reward. the pumpkin soup was outstanding. they= wait staff was very gracious and accomodating of my friend and i, the apple gallette (sp?) i shared , but i could have eaten 3. great to sit a the bar and watch the dance in the kitchen. definitley a place to return to.....
(5)Linda Z.
I heard so much about Michael's on the Hill when I moved to Vermont that I had to try it. The crab cakes and calamari salad were wonderful. The entrees were of mixed quality -- the fish was not very flavorful at all but the venison was superb. I was a bit fearful to use salt because I witnessed a waitress instruct a nearby diner, "Chef prepares the food the way it is intended to be eaten. We offer the salt as a courtesy but .." the diner was essentially shamed into not using salt though she clearly wanted to (you would have had to have heard the waitress' tone of voice to fully get this). I have dined in many establishments across our country as well as Europe, Asia, Canada where you often only receive salt upon request but I was on the verge of tears from holding in the laughter at this experience. While the atmosphere was lovely, I found things to be a bit too much on this visit.
(3)Cat S.
My first exposure to Michael's on the Hill was at a Bite Club event, but I've been back time and time again since then and it is always excellent. I'm usually a hard to please diner, but the cuisine is mostly spot-on. The maple creme brulee is my favorite, stiff caramelized maple sugar that gives way to creamy maple custard that's sweet without being cloying. The things I don't like as much could be chalked up to personal preference. The smoked gouda fritters, though not greasy, were a little too salty for my taste and could have used a lighter sauce (vidalia onion?) than the chili sauce with which they were served. The salmon salad tasted of lemon and vinegar which, while cut nicely with bacon, overpowered the salmon's taste. The chocolate truffle torte, while interesting, confused my tongue - I enjoyed it more when I ate the peanut and sugared orange peel in one bite and the chocolate and concord grape compote in the next. That said, the roast pumpkin gnocchi was a delight, blending sage and black truffle oil with a delicate roast pumpkin and a slight touch of garlic. The Maine crab cake melded sweet, salty, sour, and bitter effortlessly into what was in conversation described as "full spectrum flavor." The foie gras was served on honeyed brioche with pears and my tongue was in love. I wanted to keep the lamb navarin in my mouth forever. I could continue the praises, but I've devolved into expressions of ardor... I can completely understand why Chef Michael was voted the "Best Chef in Vermont" by the Vermont Hospitality Board.
(5)Kate R.
We ate here on 1/15/12, and really had a wonderful experience. We had the wild mushroom tartine, the duck confit, arctic char and maple glazed pork loin - each were very good. The mushroom tartine was absolutely outstanding - it was served on a bed of perfectly soft-in-the-middle and crispy/flaky on the outside bread, the mushrooms themselves were so flavorful and the truffle honey drizzled across the top was the perfect accompanyment. None of the other dishes quite lived up to that opening note, but each were very good. The char was really well cooked with a perfect crisp to the skin and was served on a bed of brussels sprouts and lentils with a whole grain mustard sauce which was quite good, though the lentils detracted from the dish somewhat. The pork loin was delicious - and the portion HUGE - the braised greens were a bit of a flat note next to the well-prepared pork and delicious cheddar sausage bread pudding. Overall, though, the food was very good. Having read prior reviews, we knew service could sometimes be an issue. We didn't have too long to linger, and informed our server of it right away - and she was friendly, efficient and immensely helpful. I absolutely intend to make a return trip the next time I'm in the Stowe area, and would enthusiastically recommend it to others in the area.
(5)Bethania P.
A fantastic place! Delightful food and a great atmosphere.
(5)Laura G.
The meal I had at Michael's ranks as one of THE BEST meals I've EVER had. Everything was bursting with flavor and creatively prepared with locally-sourced ingredients. As part of the Slow Food movement, each meal is made fresh to a small number of diners and can take awhile to prepare. We enjoyed our meal from the tasting menu for 3 hours (we ordered wine, Chef's choice, appetizer, entree, dessert, tea). LOVED: the maple balsamic fresh greens, squash soup, vegetable gnocchi, fresh bread/butter, apple gallette, and chocolate torte with peanut ice cream. The atmosphere was so inviting, homey, and cozy in the 1820s farm house. A special touch was the live pianist. The waitstaff were incredibly friendly and accommodating. NOTE: splitting a bill can result in a 20% fee.
(5)Katharine B.
My husband and I went to Michael's last night for VT Restaurant week. The menu is very well conceived and the wait staff are knowledgeable and courteous. Each dish was extremely well executed with a very well balanced flavor profile. All that said I still think it's a bit pricey, and if not for Restaurant Week we would have skipped the splurge.
(4)thomas c.
The wait staff were great. Relaxed yet professional. Had the crab cake for starter, and just for fun I blurted out "and the gnocchi" Holly poop the gnocchi was good. The pork was cooked just right. We were torn on the dessert because we wanted to taste the cheese cake ice cream but were is the mood for chocolate. So they brought the chocolate with a side of the ice cream. Dudes you rock. By the way the ice cream was OK.
(4)James D.
Truly exceptional, seasonal menu. Attentive service. Great sunset view from the wrap-around porch (enclosed). I will be back. I had the Gnocchi with Swiss Chard and Sausage and the Venison Chop (rare). Both dishes were rich and complex with carefully chosen accompaniments. Portions are a bit large actually, so you will probably not need or want dessert.
(5)Wm M.
Outrageously overpriced pretend gourmet food. I think a chef owns this place but he certainly doesn't cook the food. Everything we ordered was way below average in taste and creativity. I would definitely save your money and try somewhere else.
(2)Martin B.
Spectacular - fifth year coming back (time-share!), and unquestionably the best of all the local restaurants. (The only serious competition for serious foodies is Hen if Woods, but Michaels has far friendly waitstaff, far less pretentiousness, a children's menu and, most importantly, better food!). Last night had an incredible lamb stew with winter vegetables and my wife had an equally fantastic chicken dish with a red wine and blue cheese risotto (and our eight year old said the chicken fingers are better than those she gets at the Four Seasons in the City!). The wine list is first rate, the desserts sublime -- already looking forward to coming back next year!.....Okay, back for 6th year, and better than ever!!! The calamari appetizer was devine, and then my wife and I ordered the lobster and sirloin which they split for a phenomenal surf and turf. My nine old's tastes have matured beyond chicken fingers and she ordered the sirloin on the Kids menu which comes with pasta and a sundae for dessert - loved every bite! Must add that the waitress was just great! -- already looking forward to coming back next year!
(5)Bob R.
I love this place! It's by far my favorite restaurant in the area. The Chef of the Year award is well-deserved. The gnocchi with mushrooms is amazing, and the steak must be two inches thick - fabulous! I also love the lobster which is a decadent treat. I was surprised to see the review from R.W. How could anyone give this place two stars??? Obviously this is not the kind of restaurant you go to for a cheap bite, but I always felt that the prices were reasonable considering the ingredients are local and organic with large portions, and it's less than you would spend for a far inferior meal in NYC. As for the rissole comment, I just checked their website and the rissole is $14, not $20. And I don't think a rissole is supposed to have potato: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ri… I've dined at Michael's several times and I've always had a wonderful experience. Highly recommended.
(5)cb P.
What an amazing meal! But first, let's talk "welcoming". We were looking for a dinner place during our roadtrip in Vermont and found ourselves in the empty parking lot of the closed-on-Mondays Bluebird Tavern. A quick search on yelp turned up Michael's on the Hill, and although it was a bit of a detour, the slow food approach convinced us. We called them to make sure they were open and could seat us and were welcomed right off the bat, the lady taking down our name and phone number. When we arrived at Michael's, we were promptly seated right next to the window. Lovely views! We picked the potato leek soup with truffled oxtail rillette and the baby greens with maple lavender vinaigrette as appetizer. Hands down the best potato leek soup either of us ever had! We then had the skillet chicken with summer squash ratatouille & crispy onion rings and the sautéed gnocchi with heirloom tomato confit & goat cheese, both incredibly delicious. We rounded up the meal with a fruit tart and coffee, which was the only disappointment to this otherwise perfect evening: the espresso was more like a strong drip than espresso, and the regular coffee was just weak. But the food was so amazing we will be driving up from New York for it!
(5)Evan G.
This restaurant's food and service is superb. My most recent meal (Aug 2009) was simply incredible. The ingredients were local, fresh, and expertly prepared. My wife and I have been to Michaels four or five times and have never been disappointed. We generally go for the prix fixe meals which provide a great representation of the menu. A recent meal included roasted corn soup and a pate assortment as apps; open faced lobster ravioli and an incredible chicken (yes, chicken dish); followed by a dessert of chocolate torte and a cheese plate. The cocktails are well done and the wine list extensive. Worth a visit to Stowe/Waterbury VT just for the meal.
(5)k n.
This is the best food I have had in New England, which makes me really happy because Boston reviewers can be so unjustifiably snobbish- and this place is in Vermont. This restaurant is neither snobby nor pretentious, and it is excellent, with simply perfectly prepared and presented food with a French slant and a lot of local and organic ingredients. The prices are very reasonable- about 25% less than top places in Boston, and it is much better. This is food done right, like only Europeans know how to prepare it, creative, but not overdone. I had the tagine, which was better than I have had at any number of Moroccan restaurants. My husband had the venison and was almost brought to tears by how good it was. We both went with the tasting menu and were really pleased with the winter vegetables and the gnocci (homemade, of course). But the dessert was what almost made me cry- especially the chocolate fondue. But don't just eat here for the food; Michaels is also in a charming old house, which is very cozy and romantic. The service was warm and hospitable. We will be back again and again.
(5)R W.
My review is a bit harsh, but it is driven by the prices. Michael's served three of us a $43 lobster pot pie in a cognac sauce -- in all three cases, the loster was rubbery and the vegetables were cut unevenly. We also got a crab rissole for $20 or so that looked and tasted like a frozen wonton (according to my food dictionary, a rissole is supposed to be a potato and crab cake - nothing like what Michael's served us). A pumpkin soup was sort of interesting, with a dark, almost brick-like flavor, but a couple of spoonfuls was enough. We really wanted to like the restaurant, but it simply wasn't as good as it thought it was.
(2)trish s.
OMG, we hiked mt. hunger on a foggy drizzly day and what a great reward. the pumpkin soup was outstanding. they= wait staff was very gracious and accomodating of my friend and i, the apple gallette (sp?) i shared , but i could have eaten 3. great to sit a the bar and watch the dance in the kitchen. definitley a place to return to.....
(5)Linda Z.
I heard so much about Michael's on the Hill when I moved to Vermont that I had to try it. The crab cakes and calamari salad were wonderful. The entrees were of mixed quality -- the fish was not very flavorful at all but the venison was superb. I was a bit fearful to use salt because I witnessed a waitress instruct a nearby diner, "Chef prepares the food the way it is intended to be eaten. We offer the salt as a courtesy but .." the diner was essentially shamed into not using salt though she clearly wanted to (you would have had to have heard the waitress' tone of voice to fully get this). I have dined in many establishments across our country as well as Europe, Asia, Canada where you often only receive salt upon request but I was on the verge of tears from holding in the laughter at this experience. While the atmosphere was lovely, I found things to be a bit too much on this visit.
(3)David R.
There are relatively view consistently excellent chefs in any region, and when I find them like to give recognition. After a decade [ has it been that long] of eating at Michaels I've found a constant high quality, attention to detail and a talent than many restaurants in the entire northeast, including New York City, don't posses. The chefs loves food, and it shows.
(5)Patty S.
The restaurant itself is lovely in a house on a hill (get it.....michaels on the hill)....wink wink. Can I say that their water was the freshest cleanest water I have ever had? I noticed it right away and heard another table comment on it too. Anywho the wine selection was solid and the apps we enjoyed were mushroom tartine (soooooo good) and their sunchoke soup with beet (our favorite). For dinner we enjoyed the deconstructed clam chowder which my husband loved and I had the lobster with gnocchi which I thought was better (we will agree to disagree). But dessert.......oh dessert......their banana cream coconut layer cake was definitely a standout amongst desserts and we will remember it. It was one of the tastiest desserts we have had in a long time. I would definitely come back here. It pleased this food snob.
(5)Sean R.
Just hands down one of the best meals I've had. We were all really pleased with what we were served (venison tenderloin sliced over spaetzle and braised red wine cabbage, duck two ways, butter poached lobster over grits). My favorite was the venison followed closely by the duck which was a medium rare breast and leg confit. We shared the fondue for desert which was nice and refreshing after a big meal. They have a nicely curated wine list and the service is top notch. It's expensive, but the prices truly reflect the quality of the experience. I would recommend to anyone who is looking for a kick ass meal!
(5)Nancy S.
Staff is rude and snobbish. Wish a pro was behind the bar or behind the booking tank. Maybe Michael will take care of that one day. For the money we spend we expect courtesy at all time. Young college chicks should stay in college.
(3)Michelle H.
Second time eating at Michaels and still not disappointed. All tables are wonderful and the views are nice. There were four of us and we each ordered the Restaurant Week price fix. Great choice! My husband and I each had a glass of delicious wine that went well with our meal. The chefs tasting of a chicken biscuit with honey was tasty, but not to worry...serving was small enough to not take away from the rest of the meal. Next was the tomato soup served with a quarter of grilled cheese. Best soup. The main course was short rib meatloaf with creamed potatoes, carrots, peas, pea shoots, and a wonderful gravy. Desert was a baked s'more and we each had coffee with ours. The soup and meatloaf were so good, it's unfair to even call them such.
(5)Ms. S.
This place is my new favorite restaurant. We came here for my birthday dinner, and it was simply spectacular. The duck pate was phenomenal, as was the lobster. My fiance had the carrot soup and trout. I had no idea that carrot soup could taste so good. Phenomenal. We were too full from the meal to even attempt dessert, but from the sounds the other patrons were making, I'm assuming that it's the same quality as everything else we were served.
(5)Caitlin S.
My husband knows the way to my heart is with food. As a family, we have driven past this wonderful hilltop restaurant for literally 17 years, never once trying it. For shame!! lol We arrived at sunset for my birthday celebration dinner and were warmly greeted and offered a cocktail in the lounge to start. I had a delicious cherry bourbon manhattan, they had my husbands favorite Trapp beer on tap! The view from our (quickly ready!!) table was phenomenal- definitely very special. We started with yellow watermelon and fresh mozz salads, which blew our minds it was so GOOD !!!!!!! The special that evening was a local Venison tenderloin served over a farrow-like grain with ratatouie and I was sold. My steak was seared perfectly, and I felt spoiled rotten to have the opportunity for such a dish. My husband got chicken that tasted like heaven (ie: REAL chicken- never going back to Tyson haha), served over the most pillowy mashed potatoes I've ever had (sorry Mom! lol) with succotash and veggies. I have never in my LIFE had a more luxurious meal in such a gorgeous setting. They finished with an unexpected and appreciated "Happy Birthday" fruit and chocolate fondue dessert, with some of the BEST coffee I have ever tasted. ...WOW...
(5)Davi B.
OUTSTANDING... Full of flavour... Caring and attentive staff. Diverse and exciting menu...Not to be missed. The ambiance is quaint and cozy.
(5)Meagan B.
We had a wonderful dinner last night. This was our first time here for dinner after hearing great things for years. It was the last night of Restaurant Week and the menu was not only wonderful but fun and so well priced. We started with a bite of biscuit with piece of fried chicken and honey sauce, yummy. We had a tomato soup and grilled cheese, the bread was amazing. Then the main course was a short rib meatloaf with mashed potatoes, peas and carrots. It was thoughtful and tasted great. For dessert they created a s'more experience. Can't wait to go back !
(5)Eva T.
I give them 5 stars. Great food great service. We came to Stowe for vacation and found the restaurant on the local magazine. The chef was originally from Switzerland and worked in NYC for 5 star hotel and ended up in Vermont. What a nice story! The food definitely has the 5 star restaurant quality. My husband's pork chop was so tender and juicy he asked me to write about it. My duck with white asparagus as the appetizer was the best duck meat that I have ever had. Beef tenderloin was from the local grass fed cow, so tender and juicy. I am not a dessert person, but the desert that I had -Blue berry buttermilk upside down cake with fresh berries and Grand Marnier ice cream was so wonderful. I wish I can had more. Most ingredients are from local. That's why we like about it so much. Worth to visit!
(5)Susan M.
Had a lovely Christmas dinner at Michael's. They had a special Christmas menu, but they allowed you to order any item ala carte, which I appreciated. Their regular menu was available too. If those aren't enough choices, there are two chef's tasting menus, available with wine pairings. I'm pretty hard to please, but I was very happy with the entire experience. Our server was knowledgeable and efficient, but also casually friendly--which is nice in a resort town. The food was excellent, and well-sourced. You could taste the care the staff took in coming up with the dishes & executing them very competently. Our server suggested glasses of wine that were perfect, and our cocktails were very well prepared. I can't think of a single thing I didn't like. Definitely a 5 star experience.
(5)John F.
One of my best meals in years! For a romantic, quiet, peaceful dinner it was worth the short 45 min drive from Williston. I have driven by this place countless times, and have always wanted to go. It was my wife and my 10th wedding anniversary, and wanted to do something special. This totally met, and exceeded my expectations. I am usually very cheap on compliments for restaurants, and it takes something to make me comment or compliment. My wife was asking me why I was making faces and moaning during the appetizer, and the main course. I apologized; I was just LOVING the food and couldn't help myself! Splurged on the Platinum tasting menu - considering how much the beef tenderloin would cost with an appetizer and desert, it was about the same price. And they threw in a few small tasty bites that the chef had come up with for other items. It was a delightful surprise. Very intimate; very quiet, nice soft music. Loved everything about the place. Can't wait to go back!
(5)David R.
There are relatively view consistently excellent chefs in any region, and when I find them like to give recognition. After a decade [ has it been that long] of eating at Michaels I've found a constant high quality, attention to detail and a talent than many restaurants in the entire northeast, including New York City, don't posses. The chefs loves food, and it shows.
(5)Mandar A.
Cute, well run, small place. Great food. Carefully crafted menu, great wine selection. Went on a Monday in early September without reservations Will go again.
(4)Susan L.
From the first taste of the chef's choice morsel of green tomato jam on crostini - no, from the greeting we received at the door - to the otherworldly chocolate fondue dessert, this meal was exquisite. Absolutely. Hooray to the chef/owners, the servers, and even the person who jumped to find out whose voice was on the tasteful jazz recording in the background. This restaurant is a gem.
(5)Tara K.
Fabulous experience, from start to finish every detail was attended to carefully. The waiting area is inviting, with a fireplace and high backed chairs arranged in small groups. The decor is warm and romantic, with candles artfully hanging on the walls and tables refreshingly not on top of one another. The way the dining area wraps around makes for a cozy atmosphere. Our waitress was friendly and very informed on the menu choices and wines. We went with the Gold menu and wine pairing, which was fantastic. The amuse bouche with prosecco was delicious- I wanted more! Pumpkin soup was spiced perfectly,and the pork loin a very generous serving. The desserts were amazing- especially the cheese plate. 4 different cheeses, blue, brie, manchego and tete du moine accompanied by fig bread, jam, assorted fruits and a glass of Port. I was amazed that the waitress who heard about us missing our anniversary because of business travel brought out my chocolate fondue with a marzipan plaque reading 'Happy Anniversary."
(5)n t.
While spending a few days in Stowe, we decided at the last minute to try this restaurant on the hill - and I am so glad we did. We'd a long day of sight seeing, so opted for an early dinner so there was no problem getting a table - turns out, it was a lovely table by a window, with gentle, warm air blowing by my feet (a plus in the dead of winter!) I wish I was up to trying a cocktail - they had a lovely selection - but i chose a glass of red wine. My husband had a local gin and rosemary cocktail, which he enjoyed, and i tried.... :-) We shared the mushroom tartine appetizer, while trying to decide what to have as an entree -- this dish was so well put together. Because we were sharing, the chef was kind enough to make this into two servings and plated on lovely planks of what I assume were Vermont slate. I love it when I taste all kinds of flavors, and have trouble identyfing them because they are so perfectly melded - but this was above average in that respect - a variety of wild mushrooms cooked to perfection and served over a buttery brioche toast. I want more! We were debating on sharing a salad - of cress, roasted beets, spiced walnuts and pork belly. Our fabulous waitress quickly said they would be happy to make a smaller portion so I could enjoy that (while the husband looked on with envy). I will say this combination of cold and warm, bitter and buttery - it was just hands down among the top 'salads' of my life -- beautifully presented, perfectly dressed with a pomegrante vinegarette. Entree - trying to decide between Atlantic Char - and a braised pork shank....our server again came to my rescue - she explained the pork shank in great detail - and when I told her my choices - she subtly nodded, and said "pork". Here is my thought - when someone recommends a braised shank of any kind - go for it! So glad I did - this was a braised shank with a carmalized coating of whole grain mustard - served over a choucroute - a lovely sauerkraut with rainbow carrots and colorful potatoes. Fair warning - this is a big dish - I managed half of it - good news, the rest is now in my refrigerator for another meal. The husband had a venison loin - and I know he will fully cover it in his own review. (oh, and when he writes his and says the place was too dark, know that I thought the lighting was perfect!) Dessert - sadly, we did not get to find out - as scrumptious as everything sounded, we were just to full from the meal to take on another round. Next time! A final note - there is an option for a Chefs selection - 3 courses for a fixed price - a very wonderful way to sample through the menu - I will be prepared for that on the next visit.
(4)Pat F.
Wow. Went here on New Years Eve for the 2nd time in 8 years and we were blown away again. First off, the atmosphere here is really really cool. We sat in the dining room that looks like a renovated barn with lots of really cool artwork on the walls, very dim lighting, and just an overall very chic atmosphere that you would not expect to find in northern Vermont. The service is first rate. Their attention to detail is exceptional. Our experience started with a very imaginative cocktail list. Their wine list - while not extensive - is very thoughtful. Their staff clearly puts a lot of thought into aligning unique, hard-to-find, superb value wines with their changing seasonal menu. Since we went on New Year's eve, it's hard for me to review food that probably doesn't appear on their normal menu. What I can say is that each of the four of us ordered different appetizers and entrées and we were all blown away. The presentation is imaginative, the flavors were very diverse and the taste was exceptional. Simply put everything worked. We cannot wait to visit this place again in the near future.
(5)Anya K.
All I have to say is: AW YISS. I've been here twice with my family, and all four of us were blown away both times. Seriously, hands down some of the best dishes I've ever tasted, and I've blown through a few paychecks going out to eat in Boston (where I currently live/work).
(5)Margaret C.
My husband and I have loved going to Michael's the past several years. We visit Stowe bi-annually, and always make the effort to go there. The service, the food, the decor are all excellent. It is a special place. I recommend it highly to anyone looking for a romantic, special occasion meal. On our last trip, there was an error made when we made our reservation, and when we called several hours before the time of our dinner reservation to see if we could come a bit later, we were told the restaurant was closed to the public that evening for a private event and that we couldn't have had a reservation. We were shocked -- and angry. It turned out that somehow the reservation had been put in the book for the following Friday night. (Which we believe was an uncharacteristic error.) But we were so disappointed -- it was our wedding anniversary and it was almost 6 PM on a Friday night -- the odds of getting in anywhere at such last notice were not good. Well, the manager agreed to call and find us reservations elsewhere, and within moments called us back with a special reservation he was able to get for us. We ended up having a lovely meal elsewhere, and it ended with a dessert that Michael's arranged for us. It really made a difference, and our sour impression fade away. We will continue to go back to Michael's -- that kind of care for customer satisfaction is not so easy to come by these days.
(4)Dave B.
First time at Michael's the other day for date night and it was great. Atmosphere, dining room and our waitress were all great. Appetizer, salad and entree were all terrific. The bill was pretty damn expensive, but I would go back for special occasions. This is one of those restaurants that has it all: great service, great vibe and great food. Everything sounded good on the menu which is not the case very often...
(4)Chris M.
We saw Michael's on the Hill while driving into Stowe for a fall foliage vacation. Seeing the "Chef Owned" sign I decided to investigate, since in my experience those are either really, really, good or really, really bad. Michael's definitely falls into the former. This is about a 20 minute drive from Stowe. If you can do the drive to get to Ben and Jerry's you can easily do the drive to get to here. If you are in the area and planning on a special meal, make your reservations. Make them as soon as you know you'll be in the area. You won't be disappointed. For appetizer I had a wonderful whitetail venison that must have been slow roasted all day. It was incredibly tender and the flavor was outstanding, easily one of the best venison dishes I've ever eaten and I love venison. My wife went with the vegetable Tagine. Let me start by saying I'm a carnivore. As the ever quotable Ron Swanson says vegetables are what food eats. That being said the moroccan spices in that dish were out of this world. I could have actually sat down and eaten a serving of that as a meal. Coming from me that is the highest possible praise I can give to a meal. A dessert of the chocolate fondue shared with my wife were an excellent cap to the evening. Pros: - Wonderful view of the mountains - Wonderful ambience with real candles burning on the wall. - Farm Fresh to Table food was fresh and flavorful - Wait staff and manager were friendly, provided outstanding service and made you feel welcome. - Nice menu variety with something for everyone Cons: - Some minor maintenance issues they should take care of - Parking is a typical VT gravel lot with no lined spaces Ok I admit I was reaching to find cons.
(5)Tara M.
My husband and I had a wonderful meal at Michael's on the Hill. When you first walk into the restaurant you can't help but notice the attention to detail spent decorating. From the beautiful fresh flowers everywhere to the candles placed throughout the building, the place exudes care. Of course decorations matter little if the food isn't good. I can say from our appetizers through our meal, everything was terrific. The hostess and the waitstaff were very attentive and couldn't gave been more helpful. I wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Melissa M.
I'm feeling the way I did when we ate here three years ago: underwhelmed. The positives: lovely atmosphere, farm to table menu (though I am not certain that all proteins were, as only the limited number that were specifically called out), a fabulous amuse bouche, a perfectly crusted baguette, a very mean martini, and good service. The negatives: for the price point, the food was just meh; overdressed, tired salad; tagine was ok; and the fondue: disappointing. There are so many amazing restaurants on Vermont, and this is certainly in the top 15 in terms of food, but the top of the heap in terms of price. I really wanted to be blown away, we just weren't.
(3)Lauren T.
I went to Michael's last night for dinner with my husband. After having driven by it many times on my trips to Stowe - I decided to Yelp it and seeing how many great reviews it got, it seemed a no-brainer. The restaurant is lovely. Quite large...deceiving from the outside. We went on a wintry night in January and the lot was full at 7pm but I had no problem getting a reservation earlier that day. We were promptly seated. I had a blood orange cocktail which was such a pleasant surprise. It had a taste of warm cinnamon...so different that anything else I've had. My husband had their classic Smuggler's Notch dirty martini. Using SND vodka already is a +++. For appetizers, he had the brussel sprouts with pork belly and I had the crab cake on a bed of cabbage with blood orange. Very different but delicious. Every dish is presented like a work of art. For the main he had the venison and said it was the best he's had. Pan seared and cooked to perfection. I had the lobster. Nice, hearty chunks of lobster on a bed of risotto with spinach. We didnt think we had room for dessert but....we did. We enjoyed a trio sampler of the Vermont sorbet. 3 different apple flavors. Probably no better way to end the meal...so refreshing. Service was great. Spot on. Very attentive and nice waiters. Yes, it is pricey but check their site as all their prices are posted. I don't mind paying for a nice meal when it's excellent quality. I would def come back on my next visit to Stowe!
(4)Cheeky M.
This place is terrific! Really a treasure up in stowe.A guest at our hotel recommended this place, you can definitely tell there is a great chef and a watchful owner close by, excellent meal! We can't wait to go back, everything is delicious!
(4)Christina V.
We went here on a recommendation for our anniversary dinner and were absolutely thrilled with our experience. The atmosphere is gorgeous, as Michael's has a small but not cramped farmhouse feel with amazing views of the green mountains. Everything we ate was delicious--from a shared burrata appetizer to our individual dinners of skillet chicken and lamb to the coconut cake dessert. Our waitress was sweet and knowledgeable and was attentive without being too involved. When she found out it was our anniversary, she brought us a little sorbet dessert; a nice finishing touch to a wonderful meal. I would highly recommend Michael's on the Hill to anyone looking for a special meal in Stowe.
(5)Gerard S.
I dithered over 4 or 5 stars, and chose to err slightly on the down side. Why? The place was quite pricy and the signature lamb dish was done somewhat more than the purported medium rare. That said, the rest was 5 star and the fondue dessert elicited a spontaneous "Oh my". Service was fine - friendly, but not intrusive. I actually got wine service, a rarity these days. I had a very fine Ch. Gloria at a fair enough price. Wine lists in the area seem to be on the high side of reasonable (my standard is twice retail), and tend toward the esoteric. The room is beautiful as is the view. I enjoyed the unobtrusive, but not boring, background jazz. I'll definitely return and hope to be able to give a fifth star.
(4)Eric S.
Ate at Michael's on the Hill for the second time last night, and like the first I come away feeling that it was very good. Why three stars you ask? Though the atmosphere is lovely, and the service great, there is far too much competition to justify the prices. My calamari appetizer was delicious, as was the tenderloin. The wine menu is good, but should be more extensive and lacks some of the more esoteric offerings I would expect from a Wine Spectator listed restaurant (e.g., a Toro red, Viognier as I don't recall seeing one, or a few more Zins to choose from). As for the pricing- I know this is Stowe which is frequented by wealthy New Yorkers, but when you are 30% more expensive than an outstanding restaurant down the road, you better deliver. One last note, we were 20 minutes early for dinner and waiting for another couple. We sat in the lounge area and would have loved a cocktail while we waited. We were never asked if we would like anything which doesn't reflect well on the front of house. The food is good, the service friendly and attentive, but I am just not sure Michael's is worth the price of admission.
(3)Asa A.
Really good interesting cocktails. Inspiring menu and good service. Had to wait a little too long for our dessert and wasn't informed why until it was served, that's why the "only" 4 stars. Will absolutely go back again on my next visit to Stowe.
(4)Naomi E.
Cozy space, beautiful decor, and a welcoming sunset. Michael's was able to accomodate us last minute and provided a lovely seat overlooking the beautiful summer mountains. We began with warm bread- a tasty baguette with both butter and olive oil. Followed by the appetizer of a simple salad- delicious sherry vinagrette dressing and the crab mango tar tar. Dinner proved even more impressive. I ordered the pan roasted chicken, which was succulent, moist, crips, and super tasty on a bed of pan roasted root veggies and a light cream sauce. We passed on desert due to full bellies but will be sure to return next time in Stowe!
(5)Susan F.
We did Valentines night here and it was really great food, good service and the atmosphere was just right (except for a crying baby that was not the problem of the staff or venue, but rude customers). I had a pan roasted chicken with smoked cheddar potatoes and rabe , delicious! My husband had a smoked pork loin with polenta that was terrific. The dessert was special a white tres leche type cake with a bit of meringue on top. Great meal!
(5)Diane C.
I can't even describe in words how delicious this place is. It's a must try if you are in the Stowe,VT area. The prices may seem steep to you given the location, but it's totally worth it. The portions are very reasonable, the quality of food is above average and the ambiance is nothing short of romantic. I will absolutely go back when I visit again. Check it out...I promise you won't regret it!
(5)lesiel l.
Perfect, perfect, perfect. We went to Michael's for our anniversary and were seated at a window table overlooking the hills at sunset. The setting is pleasant and the restaurant is nicely decorated and clean. Our waitress was great and very helpful. We had martinis that were just right, along with the the charcuterie tray that was scrumptious. It had various sausages, pâté, truffle toasts and pickled vegetables that were so nice and crisp. We ordered the fillet and the pork loin and we were both very pleased with our meals. We ended our evening sharing the profiterole and chocolate ice cream desert. It came with a marzipan sheet that said Happy Anniversary! A great ending to a 40th anniversary dinner.
(5)Emily L.
My husband and I attended Michael's on the Hill for dinner on the 2nd night of our honeymoon in Stowe, VT. When we made the reservation the woman asked if we were celebrating a special occasion. I said yes, figuring they would just give us a good table, but they went above and beyond! When we arrived, not only did we have a cozy little table lit with candles by the window, but our hostess also brought us a glass of prosecco to make a toast before we ordered. It was a lovely touch and we greatly appreciated it! Though it may sound strange, I often judge the quality of service by how many times my water glass is refilled. A server came by 3 times to do his before our order was even taken! Andrew ordered a Harpoon pumpkin ale and his meal was pasture-raised beef tenderloin with gratin potatoes, roasted rainbow carrots, and browned spice butter. I ordered herb butter poached lobster with roasted garlic polenta, lemon truffle vinaigrette, and a bed of baby spinach. I asked our server to make a wine selection for me that would pair well with my meal and she recommended the Laetitia Estate Chardonnay from the Arroyo Grand Valley in California. This wine had a smooth finish with oak notes and was absolutely fabulous with my meal. Andrew and I had our eyes closed 1/2 the time we were eating because we were trying to savor every bite! For dessert we decided on an apple blueberry crisp served with ouse made cinnamon ice cream. The dessert came on a little black slate with the crisp being served in a miniature cast iron skillet. The small dish of ice cream was topped with a thinly sliced apple chip and a little note written on a fondant-covered cookie that said "Congratulations!" Now folks, I prefer a chocolate dessert to a fruit dessert any day if the week but this crisp and ice cream combination was heavenly! The bill was pricy but oh so worth every cent! The service was impeccable and the food was phenomenal! We even got a little cheesy and asked our server to take our picture by the fireplace. What a special way to end our 2nd night in Stowe! I highly recommend Michael's for a special date night splurge. You won't be disappointed!
(5)Sunflower G.
Absolutely delicious delicious food with romantic ambience too boot! Cooked just right served on warmed plates. Often overlooked due to the higher-profile Hen of the Wood - Michael's is not-to-be missed.Simply amazing! Delectably delicious!!
(5)Wayne Y.
Michael's On the Hill is a wonderful gem tucked away in the rural countryside. This is fine cuisine meets country geniality. The staff is warm and inviting. And the restaurant is a renovation of an old farmhouse. Look forward to small, comfortable rooms with 8 tables or less, soft lighting, and the feeling that you're an honored guest in a private residence. The '09 Provenance S. Blanc paired beautifully with the rabbit and ramp terrine. It was my first time trying rabbit and I couldn't have been more pleased. The maple glazed trout with heirloom beans & pickled ramp creme fraiche was almost better than maple glazed pork loin entree that followed. Looking back, however, if I didn't know any better, I would say that these other dishes were served just to whet my appetite for the most incredible dessert I've ever tried: Maple Pudding with Rhubarb Compote, Chantilly Creme and Maple Sugar. This is definitely on my list for my last meal. Wonderful staff. Locally farmed ingredients. Impeccable execution. You will leave Michael's wanting to come back for more.
(5)Greg L.
Came here with my wife for our 1st anniversary. I got the pork tenderloin with pork belly and bread pudding. Everything was cooked to perfection. One of the best meals I've had. Hopefully will be back for future anniversaries.
(5)Stefan P.
I just returned from my annual pilgrimage to Stowe and once again, I had the pleasure of dining and celebrating my birthday at Michael's. There is a lot to like about this restaurant. Rustic yet charming decor, well spaced tables so you don't feel put upon by other diners and a romantic feel that is perfect for that special night out. The service is good but not outstanding. Yes, it was a busy evening but there were times I felt ignored. Nothing major but it could have been better. I decided to go with the Gold tasting menu which gives you a prix fixe of an appetizer, meal and dessert (alcohol not included). I chose the mixed green salad and asked for a different dressing which was substituted after an initial mixup. Michael's is part of the Vermont Food Network and Slow Food movement so everything is locally grown and you can really taste the difference. For my entree, I went with the Maple crusted Pork Tenderloin with Guyere Bread Pudding. Simply outstanding. The sauce was a killer. I should have asked for more to use in dipping the bread that came with the meal. Everything was prepared perfectly although part of my tenderloin was a bit dry. For dessert, I went with the chocolate profiterole with chocolate hazelnut ice cream. The ice cream was great; the shell not so much. Still, it was a great choice. One small annoyance. When I ordered wine, my glass came less than a quarter full. And it was a glass you would use for pinot or merlot meaning it was a larger glass (I chose pinot - excellent). I didn't want to pay for another glass and get the same result so I asked my server for another quarter glass more. She seemed less than thrilled and actually got a smaller glass that was filled and poured it into my glass. Not the way to go in an upscale restaurant. If you are looking for a romantic night out or just an excuse to have a great meal prepared with care and with fresh ingredients, this is the place to go. I will most definitely return on my next visit to Stowe.
(4)Queen B.
Went here on a quiet Monday evening . The waitress was nice but very curt , did not make us feel warm and welcome the way the guy who showed us our seats did , I ordered the chef s tasting menu but she did not specify that it also comes with paired wines ...I ended up ordering a bottle of wine and then she told me...oh well, the wine was great so.no harm done ..... I was impressed with my roasted mushroom soup for appetiser but not as much with Chicken Navratil Dessert was nice , a cake with lots of whipped cream The decor was very inviting , perfect for a special evening . They also were playing nice romantic music so perfect for a couple . I can see myself coming back
(3)David S.
Michael's on the Hill has yet to disappoint. They have excellent food and friendly waitstaff. Their tasting menu is fantastic as it allows you to sample a few plates. Their food is always fresh and well prepared. They have a very nice wine selection well. This is one of my favorite restaurants in the greater Burlington area. I highly recommend it, you will not be disappointed.
(5)Liz P.
For my 100th review (and also our 1-year wedding anniversary), I was really excited to visit Michael's before concluding our weekend getaway in Stowe. Perhaps our hopes were too high... For the prices, the food was just ok. We both got the pumpkin soup, which while creamy and smooth, was rather flat and plain tasting. My husband was extremely disappointed with his skillet chicken, which was mostly brussel sprouts and one small dry piece of chicken with not a drop of sauce to accompany. The unseasoned chicken was a light beige, unappetizing color. He mainly ordered the dish for the smoked cheddar bread pudding that it came with, but was disappointed to only receive a cubic inch of it (and it wasn't even that good). I did like my lobster pot pie, however. The lobster pieces were tender, the thick broth savory, and the light buttery crust was delicious. The service was fine. Our waiter kept our drinks filled and even fixed our table when he noticed it was wobbly, without us having to say anything. The restaurant was clean and had a simple decor, and the windows overlook the beautiful Green Mountains. On to the experience. It was god awful, though not entirely the fault of the restaurant. The restaurant itself was near empty, but for some reason they seated us right next to a table with two couples. Two horribly loud, inappropriate, annoying couples. One of the guys was the worst of them all, swearing constantly, talking about spanking the other woman, and discussing to some graphic extent pornography. I wish I was exaggerating, but they just had no care for anyone else around them. Of course, by the time we couldn't take it anymore, we were halfway through our meal. Looking back, we probably should have asked for another seat, but we had no idea how insanely horrible those people would make our night. We couldn't even enjoy each other's company. All I could think about was "I can't wait to get out of here". I truly wish I had more positive things to say about the meal. Despite the bad experience, which we've chalked up to bad luck, we tried to remain objective about the food. For the $100 we spent, the food itself should have been a lot better. Though we'll be returning to Stowe, we won't be returning to Michael's.
(2)