Michael’s is the most romantic restaurant in town and one we never miss when we are in the area.

You enter the old converted farmhouse down a stone walk bordered by colorful flowers (or snow!). The living room, has comfortable seating while waiting for your table and it’s where a pianist entertains behind a baby grand on weekends.

The walls are a soothing taupe, arched doorways and wall openings provide a line of sight from room to room and fresh flowers and vivid artwork provide the color. Stickel style tables and chairs are set with crisp linens, silver, crystal and china.

Chef/owner Michael Kloeti was born raised and trained in Switzerland. After stints in NYC, Hawaii he opened Michael’s on the Hill in 2002. An early proponent of the farm to table movement, Kloeti is a member of the Vermont Fresh Network, Slow Food & Local First Vermont.

The menu changes seasonally, but here are some recent highlights: Crispy Rhode Island Calamari with Frisée, Reggiano & Capers, Skillet Chicken with, Smoked Cheddar Polenta, Roasted Asparagus & Shallot Confit, Local Pork Shank Pot au Feu with Pickled Mustard Seeds and Warm Carrot Pistachio Cake with Vermont Cream Cheese Ice Cream.

There are about 16 wines by the glass, priced reasonably at $9-$16. The rest of the list is varied and interesting and very fairly priced.

The 4 table patio is the place to sit when the weather cooperates. The sunset over the mountain range is breathtaking.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: High. In the nicer weather sit on the patio. Otherwise opt for the side porch.

WHAT OTHERS SAY…

Wine Spectator Award Winning List

“The Green Mountains provide the romantic backdrop at chef-owner Michael Kloeti’s atmospheric Continental, set in an 1820s farmhouse in Waterbury Center, with an enclosed wraparound porch. The locally sourced fare changes with the season, and dishes like herb butter-poached lobster with white beans and preserved lemon can be ordered à la carte or as part of a tasting menu.” ZAGAT