The Tillerman Restaurant — Restaurant in Bristol

From the moment you step into The Tillerman you're whisked away on an unparalleled gastronomic journey that marries local flavors with world-class culinary craftsmanship. This establishment isn't just a restaurant; it's a celebration of fine dining and a testament to the magic that happens when passion meets plate.

Let's start with the libations. The Musar Jeune Rouge wine, a standout on their meticulously curated wine list, is a revelation. This wine, with its vibrant notes and impeccable balance, pairs beautifully with every dish, enhancing flavors and elevating the dining experience. The local Vermont IPAs on offer are a hop lover's dream, showcasing the best of the region's craft beer scene with their bold flavors and innovative brewing techniques.

Now, onto the culinary delights. The Diver Scallop Crudo with Meyer Lemon is a dish that stands out for its simplicity and elegance. The freshness of the scallops, paired with the subtle acidity of the Meyer lemon, creates a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate, offering a refreshing start to the meal.

The Oak Leaf Lettuce Caesar Salad is another triumph. It reinvents a classic with its fresh, local oak leaf lettuce, creamy dressing, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan, making it a dish that's both familiar and excitingly new.

The wood-fired pizzas are a journey to the heart of rustic, artisanal cooking. The smoky flavors from the wood fire, combined with fresh, local toppings, result in pizzas that are a cut above the rest. Each bite is a blend of crispy, chewy, and melty perfection.

And let's not forget the desserts. The Tillerman excels here too, offering exquisite desserts that strike the perfect balance between indulgence and elegance. Not too sweet, each dessert is crafted to be a fitting finale to the meal, leaving you satisfied yet yearning for more.

The Tillerman isn't just renowned for its culinary delights; it's the warmth and hospitality of the staff that truly sets it apart. From the moment you're greeted at the door to the last farewell, the friendly, inviting, and personable team ensures your experience is nothing short of exceptional. Their genuine smiles, attentive service, and keen eye for detail make you feel not just like a guest, but like a part of The Tillerman family. This atmosphere of warmth and coziness transforms a simple meal into a cherished gathering, making every visit a memorable one.

Adding to the unforgettable ambiance is the inspiring music that gently fills the space, complementing the dining experience to perfection. The carefully selected playlist sets a mood that's both uplifting and relaxing. This harmonious backdrop enhances the sensory delight of the meal, weaving together taste, scent, and sound into a symphony that delights the soul. It's this thoughtful touch that turns a visit to The Tillerman into an escape from the ordinary, inviting you to linger a little longer in its enchanting embrace.

In summary, The Tillerman isn't just a meal; it's an experience. It's a place where every dish tells a story, every sip is a journey, and every visit leaves you with memories that linger long after the last bite. If you're in Bristol, do yourself a favor and embark on this culinary adventure. You...

Edit, Apr, 2025* We've been back a number of times since the original review, and joined them tonight for a perfectly wonderful meal. As always, absolutely fantastic food and friendly service, strictly local- and small- farm imported produce, always a creative menu. They have been noted in major media reviews as one of the best pizza restaurants in the country, a well-deserved recognition...

We can confirm that they have done some things to control the acoustics of the main dining area, and we can also suggest taking early reservations and/or visiting mid-week if you are concerned about loud-ish restaurants. They are VERY popular, and during busy times such as summer, fall and winter ski tourist seasons, around college events, etc, they are often super, super busy. Definitely make reservations, their bookings through their website work very well.

*Original Review * Firstly, the food is delicious, very well conceived and prepared, served hot, our server was excellent. Only complements no complaints, really perfect. The pizza is amazing. We also tried a selection of the veg starters, which are also fantastic.

Unfortunately, we were there on a Friday evening, and the dining room is incredibly, distractingly, crazy loud. There is sort of loud-ish music from speakers that the guests have to talk over, and the dining room has absolutely nothing acoustic about it, hard walls, floors, tables, chairs, fireplace. The din was maddening. My elderly father was just lost, looking at us. The server was nice, turned the volume of the speakers down a bit, and a couple of the really loud show-offs at neighboring tables cleared out eventually, so after an hour or so, it was much more pleasant

It's a beautiful building and the current owners seem to be doing a great job with it. We're local, regulars there for many years with the previous hosts, we wish the new owners the best, we're sure they will do very well. But maybe they could gain some awareness or control of the volume of the place.

Anyway, we'll be back when hopefully they aren't so...

The Tillerman is a special place, and Kate and Jason are special people.

We discovered the Tillerman during a winter trip to Vermont in 2022. It's our favorite spot in the area to stay and eat - we love it so much that we decided to have our wedding there in Summer 2023.

If you’re looking for Vermont farmhouse wedding vibes with modern decor, beautiful gardens, green spaces, and cozy little nooks, this could be the venue for you.

Our wedding day, like many other couples’, tops our list of best days ever. No small part of that was the effort put into it by the Tillerman and their staff. To start, they made recommendations for several of our vendors, including our day-of coordinator and live musician, both of which were fantastic. The planning was easy, the Tillerman was flexible, and our point people Mackenzie and Merel were responsive, made excellent suggestions, and worked perfectly with our coordinator to make the day happen, with special touches along the way.

When I think of wedding food, I am often resigned to the reality that the meal will disappear into history as yet another average piece of chicken. But not a damn day goes by that I don’t think about the meal Justin, the head chef, and his team made for us OUTSIDE over A FIRE. Every single bite across the table was a delicious, tasty treat - and I regret only bringing home three containers of leftovers. I am a better, smarter, stronger person for having had that meal, and I sit more comfortably in this world knowing that my wedding guests are still talking about that chicken. We care a lot about food, and this food cared back.

If you’re like us, then this is the perfect place for you.

... And if you're not planning on getting married any time soon, I promise you that the team above will make your stay or your meal at the Tillerman...