The Dorset Inn Restaurant

Susan R.
Arlington, VT
18 friends
340 reviews
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5.0 star rating 10÷5÷2015 Updated review
We lucked out getting a table in the Tavern in front of the fireplace on a busy Saturday night. Nuni was there with her friendly smile and oh so efficient service. I had a fab glass of Petite Sirah for $ 8.00 — a generous pour — and was very happy. Not being very hungry, I had a cup of delicious Butternut Squash soup with yummy toasted pumpkin seeds, and the appetizer portion of Crabcake as an entrée. It was the perfect portion size and loaded with delicious crab. My husband got very lucky trying the Crimini/​Cheddar soup. It was outrageously good. ‘Very thick creamy & loaded with savory mushroom flavor — and not too cheesy as I had feared. I would love to see it appear on the regular menu and not just as a special. He had their always superb burger. The plate is simply loaded with a decent sized burger, VT cheddar, & bacon on a brioche — hand cut fries, onion strings… Mmmmm. We shared an upside down apple cake fro dessert. It was tasty, but did not knock my socks off. The specials here range around $ 30.00 or so, but you can eat beautifully and less expensively. This is STILL our favorite go-​to place in the area. Reservations highly recommended.

This was our 2^nd time going to The Dorset Inn while staying in Manchester. I thought the first time was incredible but the 2^nd time was even better. From the warm and welcoming greeting to the tasteful décor to the delicious food to the amazing wine, everything exceeded our expectations. Possibly the best mussels ever. I loved my pork rib eye. So unique and perfectly prepared. The filet mignon melted in your mouth. Really, everything was perfect. A do not miss dining experience.

Spent New Years Eve here and had a 5 Star meal! The bread was hot, fresh & crispy– especially our second basket, which contained 4 rolls compared to the 2 in our first basket. I hate how some restaurants, and I mean pricey ones, have gotten an attitude about the amount of bread they give. Anyway, theirs was great, and the butter fresh, soft, and unsalted.
The amuse bouche & salad were very good.
My salmon was the best I can remember in a long time. His filet was raved over, as well. The side of Brussels sprouts was excellent. Tasted of just olive oil and a bit of lemon.
Service was excellent, even though it was busy, and the atmosphere festive but not wild. Live music in another room was just right.
The noise level in the room we were in was good for over 50s. Other rooms were a little too loud.
All in all, it was a lovely way to e d 2015!

The Dorset Inn is everything you’d hope for from a Vermont Inn. The atmosphere is quaint and inviting. The servers are attentive and friendly. The food is fabulous! Our group has been here twice while in town for the horse show; last August, and again last night. Both visits were wonderful from start to finish. The drinks were delicious. There were a few salad choices, and those we tried were very good. We ordered a variety of different dishes, from fish to steak, and everyone in our party of five enjoyed their dishes immensely. Leave room for dessert!

Nothing really unique. Food was average, though our waitress was excellent. Her name was Linda and I thought she was lovely.
The atmosphere has an air of haughtiness that speaks more to the retired, «second-​home» denizens that make up this village. There are more authentic places.
Side note, even with a full meal and cocktails, they have the audacity to charge for soda refills. Inexcusable.

We were very pleased when we went there last weekend. The food was very good, the service was excellent and the prices were very reasonable. We were staying at the Equinox in Manchester Village and the prices at their restaurants are just too high. I highly recommend the Dorset Inn Restaurant it if you’re in the area. It’s well worth the drive.

Note that this is in Dorset not Arlington and that more complete reviews are under The Dorset Inn

Cozy traditional Vermont Inn, restaurant, pub — perfect on a snowy Winter evening. Host was warm and friendly in his yellow cable sweater, a perfect welcoming made us all feel like old friends. The fare? Excellent, fresh, flavorful, an original menu, each dish arrived at table exactly as we requested. Ginger & carrot bisque was beautiful, as was the Special white bean & ham soup served in steamy bowls. My duck breast was crisp – exactly I ordered it, tender, rich. Jeannie loved her mussels served over a tasty pasta and clever sauce. Tom ‘s entrée of veal paillard was also a pure winner. Rich desserts: Kahlua cheesecake drizzled with chocolate & an English winter pudding with a delicious hard sauce & a scoop of whipped cream hit the spot. Nice wine offerings & great coffee. Mmmm Be Back One Day Soon! quaint, lovely Inn ~ dreamy place with twinkling lights, softly glowing fireplaces throughout & the feel of many years long ago and still Today, a very welcome respite from the world outside.

Excellent restaurant about 30 minutes from Stratton /​Bromley. Well worth the car ride.
It’s well decorated inside, with red wall paper and a fire lit. Cozy winter décor.
The food is truly top notch. Last night I had the mushroom gratin, filet mignon and brownie desert. Everything was top notch, the medium rare filet was cooked to perfection!
Strongly recommend making the trip from Stratton to the inn for dinner. It would also make a great place to stay.

This place was everything we were looking for in a traditional Vermont, snowy village restaurant and more! The in-​house smoked salmon, fish filet, vegan carrot soup, and butternut squash soup were all favorites by my party. Lovely wooden décor, friendly and attentive service, and an all around great lunch experience!