Best Restaurants for Romantic Dining in Burlington, Vermont

Church Street, a busy pedestrian mall lined with restaurants and shops, is the center of the downtown Burlington, Vermont scene. It's the main area where tourists and natives alike tend to congregate. However, it's hardly the only place to find a good spot for romantic dining. If you're willing to venture just outside the downtown area, you'll broaden your choices considerably.

Some general tips: Regardless of the restaurant's location, be sure to make reservations if you're dining out on a weekend night or on Valentine's Day. If you opt for a downtown restaurant, plan on building in an extra half-hour to find parking. Burlington, Vermont may be a small city, but it can present many of the hassles of a larger city. The popular spots are really popular, and parking is a real challenge.

In no particular order, here are my top 3 picks for romantic dining in Burlington, Vermont:

Sweetwaters, 118 Church Street, Burlington

(802) 864-9800

http://www.SweetwatersBistro.com

Average entrée: $10-$15

It's been voted"Best Hot Spot/Bar/Singles/Couples/1^st Date" restaurant by readers of the Burlington Free Press, so wherever you fall along the dating spectrum, you'll probably feel comfortable at Sweetwaters. Housed in an historic brick building directly on Church Street, Sweetwaters offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere-perfect for those first-date or marriage-proposal jitters. For a romantic dining experience, request a quiet table on the heated candlelit patio, away from the busy bar area.

Dress up, dress down-pretty much anything goes. One caveat: If you're looking for exceptional cuisine, I'm afraid you won't find it at Sweetwaters. The food is mostly your standard, hearty American fare, with a few notable dishes. I highly recommend the artichoke dip, chicken medallions with capers, and teriyaki steak.

Tuscan Kitchen, 1080 Shelburne Road, South Burlington

(802) 862-1300

Average entrée: $12-$17