Simple Italian-inspired dishes using locally grown ingredients are the mainstay at Lake Salem Inn (1273 Rte. 105, Derby, 802/766-5560, www.lakesaleminn.com [1], 5–9 p.m. daily, $25–35). The farm-raised venison, vegetarian specials, and desserts are particularly popular options.
There’s plenty more pasta where that came from at Lago Trattoria (95 Main St., Newport, 802/334-8222, www.lagotrattoria.com [2], 5–9 p.m. daily, $9–19), which serves carb-centric Italian specials (with several meat dishes thrown in for good measure) in a casual dining room.
It may look like your average red barn from the outside, but inside, The Belfry Restaurant and Pub (Rte. 242, Montgomery, 802/326-4400, $7–13) is more like a town meeting hall. The joint teems with families and pasta dishes on Italian night every Wednesday, and with the scent of fresh cod at the fish fries that take place every Friday.
Links:
[1] http://www.lakesaleminn.com
[2] http://www.lagotrattoria.com