Poco feels like someone brought a big-city chef into a neighborhood kitchen and told them to cook with their heart, not their ego. Tucked just off the Church Street bustle, this intimate spot delivers bold, seasonal small plates with the soul of a dinner party and the precision of a tasting menu—minus the pretense.

The menu shifts often but always feels grounded in Vermont’s bounty—think charred local vegetables, sustainably caught fish, and rich sauces that don’t shy away from acidity or heat. Dishes come out as they’re ready, meant to be passed, shared, talked about, remembered.

There’s no reservations—just show up, grab a drink, and wait your turn. Wine and cocktails lean natural and surprising, and the room itself is cozy but confident—wood, concrete, dim light, the right amount of hum. Staff are welcoming without being scripted, and somehow always seem to know when to jump in and when to let the table breathe.

Poco is the kind of place you take someone you care about—especially if you’re trying to show them what Burlington really tastes like.

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