fancy's — Restaurant in Burlington

Rivaling many progressive European establishments in their sourcing of locally grown foods and their innovative preparation and presentation, Fancy’s is hands down the best restaurant we’ve been to in Vermont. Located in Burlington’s Old North End—the oldest section of the city and a rough melange of cultural diversity—this restaurant is nowhere near the more traveled thoroughfares of the city. It is, however, certainly worth the short drive through the neighborhood and pleasant walk from your street-side parking spot. My wife and I arrived for their first seating at 5pm and the small interior soon filled up (had it been a little cooler, we would have opted for a front sidewalk table). For drinks my wife ordered the Pink Panther and I got the ‘non-boozy’ Frisky Sour, which was deliciously refreshing and mildly sweet. Food is served tapa-style, on small plates meant to be shared, the next dish brought to the table soon after the prior one is finished. This timing was great, allowing for some interim conversation and a few sips of our drinks as a palate cleanser in preparation for the next gustatory revelation, each different from the last in terms of ingredients and flavor, but consistent with regard to the use of extremely fresh and aromatic plant-based foods and seasonings in an array of brilliant colors and creative combinations. We chose the following plates: Black Chickpea Hummus, Charred Romano Beans, Crispy Lentil Pancake, Squid & Shishito Peppers, and Ginger Scallion Broccolini. Each was as flavorful as its predecessor, and I sense we could have ordered five totally different plates and they all would have been equally delicious. And, yes, aside from the squid, the Black Cod, and two vegetarian options, each of the dishes on the menu was vegan. For dessert: Vanilla Creemee Sundae, made from an oat milk base. In addition, the service was exceptional—all the waitstaff seemed genuinely relaxed and happy to be there. If you’re anywhere near Burlington, VT I highly recommend you set aside some time for a...

Fancy’s is an absolute must-go. If this place isn’t already critically acclaimed or James Beard–recognized, it truly should be. In my experience, it outshines most of the Beard-nominated spots I’ve visited and easily rivals the rest.

What sets Fancy’s apart is the extraordinary attention to flavor, texture, and balance. Every dish feels deeply thought out. The halloumi was crisped to perfection on the outside yet tender inside, paired with herbs and vegetables so fresh they tasted just-picked. The duck kebab? One of the best things I’ve ever eaten—layers of flavor brought together by perfectly toasted walnuts that elevated the dish to another level. And the zucchini with rice cakes and tahini—oh my god. Add to that the lentil pancakes, the olive oil cake… every single plate had me savoring every bite and longing for more.

I also love that Fancy’s isn’t just about incredible food—they’re committed to sourcing carefully and supporting local farms. That’s the kind of standard every restaurant in a region this abundant should strive for. And the pricing? Incredibly fair given the artistry and care that goes into every detail.

I don’t have a big dining-out budget, but this is a place worth investing in. If you’re hesitating because of the price, trust me—every dollar supports not just unforgettable food, but local farmers and makers. Fancy’s is the kind of restaurant that makes you excited about eating again. I can't imagine another restaurant with better price to quality (artistry) ratio. I was so excited I only took pictures of two of the dishes over...

We had a delicious meal and drinks at Fancy's! My wife and I went there for dinner on "Opening Night." What a great addition to the Old North End neighborhood.

From the minute we walked inside, I appreciated the atmosphere and vibe of the place. The ambiance was warm and welcoming. The staff were friendly and engaging. There was a nice mix of seating options, from window seats to tables. And the people at the other tables all seemed to be having fun.

We were seated immediately and the waitstaff brought us glasses of "spa water." The menu was well-balanced with small, medium, and large plates. Our appetizers and drinks came out quickly. The mocktails and cocktails were unique and refreshing. Each dish we got was a work of art. My personal favorite item was the grape leaves.

For dessert, we had a piece of cake and creemee twists. Although coffee is not on the menu, the bartender David went out of his way and kindly brewed me a cup to go along with our treats. The desserts were an absolute showstopper. I ended up getting a second piece of cake to go.

Since our meal at Fancy's, I keep thinking about what I'm going to get next time. I look forward to going there again for dinner, but I can also imagine myself popping by for a drink or grabbing a creemee with the neighborhood families. Fancy's was an...