Oakes & Evelyn – Montpelier

Great place for patient, open-minded people who enjoy dining experiences. If you’re big on substitutions, hunting for “a good deal,” or need a quick meal, this probably isn’t your spot. The food is thoughtful — they seem to care about the tiny details, like a little chili crisp on a kimchee deviled egg for texture or the pickled veg and cilantro to balance the richness of the oxtail grilled cheese (so good). The duck-fat-washed bourbon, the fry on the mushrooms in the bao bun, the carefully placed basil on the top of my drink that I smell as I take my first sip, the almost savory sesame cookie on the dessert — everything is so intentionally done. Even when there’s something I wouldn’t normally order, it somehow works. Like, I’d never order that sesame cookie on its own, but with the rest of the dessert? Genius. Same with the “burnt toast” complaint someone mentioned… the char on mine actually balanced the dip perfectly. And if something doesn’t land, I'd just ask my server as everyone has been super nice. We’ve seen many of the same staff for over a year now, which says a lot. We keep coming back to see what new combos they come up with. So far, zero disappointments. Updating this post since the menu rotates - current favorite menu items are the raw bar items, jicama salad, and the duck for 2. We went to their Easter brunch today and my goodness you can tell the kitchen team are passionate about making awesome food. We had one of everything at our table including some special bar drinks and it was all well balanced, beautiful, and delish. They even gave us pointers on how to prevent our hollandaise from splitting at home when we try to make it. Great people.

One of our absolute favorite places to eat. The food quality, flavors, and atmosphere are top level. We've come here for many years, and the culinary experience is always out of this world. This is a "must visit" destination if you consider yourself a true food aficionado.

We dined at Oakes & Evelyn in Montpelier for New Year’s Eve, and the entire evening was spectacular from start to finish. The special prix fixe menu felt thoughtfully curated and celebratory without being overdone. Each course was creative and beautifully executed — dishes like crispy duck confit Caesar, king salmon crudo, housemade tagliatelle with ’nduja, and perfectly cooked ribeye showed both technical skill and imagination. The flavors were layered and balanced, and every plate felt intentional. The cocktails were just as inventive as the food. Their signature drinks — with combinations like mezcal and lavender, duck fat–washed bourbon, rhubarb amaro, or fig and stout — were playful yet refined. You can tell the bar program is just as serious as the kitchen. Beyond the food and drinks, the atmosphere made the night. It was lively and festive, but still intimate enough to enjoy conversation. There was a warm energy in the room — the kind of place where you feel like you’re part of something special rather than just dining out. Oakes & Evelyn delivered an elevated, creative, and celebratory New Year’s Eve experience. If you’re looking for upscale dining in Montpelier with originality, strong cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere, this spot absolutely delivers.

Though small, the intimate setting is perfect for a date night. The menu is limited but it's a great variety of thoughtful, elegant choices, and varies seasonally. The waitstaff was wonderful and the jazz band that evening added to the wonderful experience. Will be returning for sure.

We’ve eaten dinner here many times and it’s always been stellar. The atmosphere is cozy, the service is exemplary, and the food is delightfully creative without being overly complex or too filling. On our most recent visit, the staff insisted on giving us a table despite the fact that we were over 30 minutes late and had made a reservation at the wrong location, which truly exceeded our expectations for service! Overall, I highly recommend this place if you’re in the Montpelier area.