• Matthew Thorsen

Misery Loves Co. — The open kitchen dishes out seriously imaginative food, from Chinese-style pork buns to house-cured meat and fish. In 2013, the fare earned these chef-owners a James Beard Foundation Award nomination.

Other Finalists (Inside Chittenden County)

• Leunig's Bistro & Café
• Penny Cluse Café
• Red Onion
• Zabby & Elf's Stone Soup

Prohibition Pig — This destination restaurant may only serve lunch Friday through Sunday, but it's making a big impact in Waterbury. A soup and sandwich combo was never so indulgent.

Other Finalists (Outside Chittenden County)

• 3 Squares Café
• The Mad Taco
• Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge
• Wilaiwan's Kitchen