Michael's on the Hill

From the moment we were greeted to the moment we left, everything was perfect!
The service was outstanding and the food was sensational!
Cannot wait to come back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Very disappointed. We had dinned here twice previously and thought it was fantastic unfortunately that was not the case this time. They seem to have lost their spark and are incredibly overpriced for the quality of the food. The kale Caesar salad was minuscule and soggy for an outrageous $20. The calamari appetizer was bland, poorly presented and once again tiny. The beef tenderloin while cooked to the correct temperature was unseasoned with nearly inedible sides. The smoked mushrooms were overwhelming, maybe they were tossed with liquid smoke and not actually smoked and the potato torte or whatever they call it seemed to have sat in a warming tray for days and was not fresh at all. Despite the beautiful setting and excellent wait staff this really was an underwhelming experience.

Michael's food was exquisite. I had the Coq au Vin, my wife had the duck breast. Both were incredible and so was the moelleux for dessert. Excellent wine selection. Service made us feel special, we celebrated our first year wedding anniversary and felt right at home. Don from Brass Lantern referred us (you should stay here, it's 10 minutes down the road).

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We fiancée and I went here yesterday for dinner to celebrate our engagement and my birthday. The ambiance and environment wa spectacular. Unfortunately, two things regarding the food left us a bit disappointed. We ordered a kale caesar salad and the sea bass. We received a romaine caesar salad and salmon. Not a big deal but when you are at a high end restaurant, paying high prices, it is very strange that after these things are pointed out, there is nothing done by the wait staff. In the future, if something like this happens, something as small as comping a drink or a dessert goes a really long way. Especially when you know someone is there to celebrate and engagement and a birthday. What is the purpose of knowing that if not even the smallest acknowledgement is given? Alas, the restaurant is stunning and would still recommend to those visiting.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 3

We visited Michael’s for their Christmas Eve set menu, priced at $145, + 20% service charge, per head. For this, I’d reasonably expect a good level of service and quality food.

Unfortunately we left, after several hours, disappointed. It took over an hour from being seated at 8pm until the first “amuse” and long waits between subsequent courses continued. Whilst the food itself tasted fresh, and I don’t doubt as being high-quality sourced ‘farm to table’, it was served lukewarm and on cold plates. The halibut was extremely dry and vegetables generally undercooked making them difficult to cut. This was put down to the restaurant kitchen being small vs the high number of covers that evening - dare I suggest limiting bookings to fulfil expectations of the premium price being charged?

Service was mixed. Some servers were clearly experienced and did an excellent job, others we can only presume were new to this style of service. On our table, plates were left uncleared before the next course arrived and cutlery was not replaced. Other tables were receiving fresh cutlery with each course.

It’s a shame as the atmosphere is brilliant, you could imagine being on the orient express. Looking at past reviews the restaurant has so much potential and I hope similar reviews from others are taken onboard by the owners.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 3

I really wanted to enjoy this place, but it fell short. The portions were small for the high prices, the food arrived cold, and the flavors didn’t quite work. Service was also very slow. Overall, not a great value.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

This is a very tough review to write. Michael's on the Hill was one of our favorite spots for years, but sadly, since the change of ownership, things have gone downhill. We visited a year ago—shortly after the transition—and noticed a drop in both service and food quality. We gave the restaurant another chance recently, but unfortunately, things have not improved.

​To start, our drinks arrived after the appetizers, and only after we asked about them. The bread was also served late, again only after we followed up. It was nearly impossible to get our server’s attention; in fact, our steaks were served without steak knives, and we had to wait to track someone down just to begin our main course. While the appetizers were okay, the mushrooms on the brioche were cold. The main dishes tasted fine, but they were not the same quality as before. Most notably, the potatoes served with the tenderloin appeared to be prepared without much care and were truly not tasty.

​It is likely our last time visiting, as there are now many other excellent options around Stowe that offer a better experience.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 2

Went with my girlfriend for a date night and everything was perfect. Had duck evening meal it was the best prepared meal I have ever tasted. I even asked where the chef went to school and to my prediction, it was the culinary institute of America. He graduated from one of the best culinary colleges!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The appetizer round was good. It was tasty and plentiful. The entrees, overpriced for what was served. My carrots were overcooked and fibery to chew. I would recommend this restaurant if you want to pay a lot for above average food.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Beautiful setting and delicious food. We loved the duck and halibut. Thanks for a great night!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We had the crab cake, duck, beef tenderloin, panna cotta, and sorbet. The beef tenderloin was cooked medium rare as requested, but not as moist as expected like it was cut open early and the juices ran out. The asparagus and a few of the carrots were not completely cooked…some of the carrots could not be cut with a knife. The sorbet was excellent, but the panna cotta was overly minty.

An update to the review, upon returning from vacation and going through credit card charges, I see that they doubled my tip. Completely inexcusable and hard to believe this could have been an accident. The credit card company took care of the issue.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 1

Accommodating and friendly staff.
We came very early and they set up the table for us.

Everybody was friendly and service was excellent.

Loved the halibut, fresh and tasty. Butternut squash ravioli also very good. Crab cake didn’t meet my expectations though, my husband did enjoy it.

One of the few fine dining options in Vermont with a very nice setting

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Mostly, the food is unfortunately bad. Fried calamari is only a few rings with 1/2 plate being red sauce. Crab cake is filled with starchy. Duck breast is plain and oily. Surprised to see a steak is this plain and dry. Plus, it is way over priced for its food quality.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 3

Wow! Romantic, historic, quaint perfection of a fancy dinner. We were immediately greeted upon walking in and sat right away. The butternut soup was delicious. The local cheese board is a must!!! The tenderloin was amazing with the cheesy potatoes. The wine selection is great! The service is 5 stars. Plan a date, take a friend, partner, parent, whoever and splurge. I also can’t stress enough to make a reservation way in advance especially during the busy seasons.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

My wife and I went for a meal here after driving by this Restaurant for the last 15 years. The food was amazing. Our waiter was great and the atmosphere was so quiet, romantic and special. Definitely will return.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5