Manchester's Finest Dining

Reluctant Panther

Dining & Restaurant

The Reluctant Panther Restaurant creates an intimate atmosphere offering the best of Southern Vermont’s local foods. We strive to showcase the best of what Vermont has to offer in a unique and exciting way. We believe in sustainability, working with our farmers, cheesemakers and producers to bring you a memorable experience. Under the direction of executive Chef Sigal Rocklin, the menu features innovative, farm-fresh classics that change with the seasons. The expansive list of fine wines, Vermont beers and specialty cocktails perfectly complements the decadent menu. 

From the outdoor terrace to the cozy bar, the restaurant exudes an approachable sophistication that enables all of our guests to feel welcomed.  The outdoor covered terrace is open seasonally offering Al Fresco dining with views over the gardens and Mount Equinox, the terrace is a picturesque venue for a casual dinner or drinks with friends.

The Restaurant caters to events as large as 65 guests for a seated dinner.

The Panther Pub, our private event space with two rooms and dedicated bar, is the perfect space for cocktails and holiday parties for up to 60 guests and seated dinners for up to 30 guests.

For information about hosting your private event at the Panther email us: [email protected]

Chef Sigal Rocklin

Executive Chef Sigal Rocklin grew up in a small town in northern Israel. After finishing service in the Israeli Navy, Sigal came to the United States to travel. She began her kitchen career as a dishwasher but quickly realized she shared her father’s passion for cooking. This same passion led her to Vermont, where she attended the New England Culinary Institute. During her time at NECI, Sigal not only fell in love with Vermont, but her husband as well. Graduating at the top of her class, she continued her travels through the United States, working in numerous regions including California, South Carolina and Wyoming. Sigal worked in small private restaurants and bigger hotels like the Four Seasons and The Equinox Resort.

Once it was time to settle down, Sigal and her husband knew, without question, that Vermont was their first choice. The sense of community and abundance of local farms and purveyors was the main draw to Vermont, as Sigal remained focused on her culinary career. For Sigal, coming to the Reluctant Panther Inn and Restaurant felt like coming home. In 2017, Chef’s Lobster and Brie Fondue was awarded best tasting dish at the ‘Taste of Vermont’ event as well as being featured in the Small Luxury Hotel cookbook. Her passion for food grew as she created a strong farm-to-table kitchen through close relationships with local farmers, producers, and the team at the Reluctant Panther. For that, Sigal was awarded “Vermont Chef of the Year” in 2018.

CALL TO RESERVE NOW: 1-800-822-2331
Open Tuesday through Saturday. Menus subject to change.

Our Menus

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Main Dining Room at the Reluctant Panther

THE RESTAURANT

The Main Dining Room features the panther’s renowned gourmet cuisine and offers a sophisticated dining experience that is among the highest rated in New England.

Dine on the Patio at the Reluctant Panther

THE PATIO

The Patio is open seasonally offering outdoor dining in a less formal atmosphere. With views over the gardens & Mount Equinox from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Patio is a relaxing venue for a casual dinner.

The Panther Pub at the Reluctant Panther

THE PANTHER PUB

The Panther Pub is open for special events, private parties and group receptions. It offers an intimate private dining experience and is a wonderful venue for holiday celebrations.

Award-winning Gourmet Cuisine

Prepared by Executive Chef Sigal Rocklin
We are delighted to assist with reservations.

Planning Your Evening

We highly recommend planning your evenings in advance of your arrival.  Our Restaurant, as well as numerous local options, fill up quick!  We are delighted to assist with reservations in our Restaurant and favorites throughout Manchester and the area.

Our Dinner hours are 5.30pm – 9.00pm Tuesday through Saturday.  Please note, the Restaurant is generally closed on Sundays and Mondays, except for Public Holiday weekends where we will open Sunday evening.

Executive Chef Sigal Rocklin named this year’s Vermont Chamber Chef of the Year: Learn more about Chef Sigal Rocklin