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The Reluctant Panther Inn & Restaurant

17-39 West Rd, Manchester, VT 05254-0678
802-362-2568
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Ranked #6 of 52 restaurants in Manchester
Price range: $31 - $57
Cuisines: American, Contemporary
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Restaurant details
Good for: Romantic, Local cuisine, Special Occasion Dining
Dining options: Dinner, Reservations
Dining style: Fine Dining
Cross street: Seminary Road
Description: The Reluctant Panther Restaurant features locally sourced American cuisine in a relaxed yet elegantly upscale atmosphere. CIA trained Executive Chef Nick DeLauri prepares accessible, inspired plates for both a prix fixe and a la carte menu. Menus are complemented by a multiple year Wine Spectator award winning wine list. With excellent service and outstanding ambiance, the Panther dining room boasts the highest Zagat rating in northern New England.
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55 reviews from our community

92% Recommend
    38
    13
    3
    1
    0
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Fairfield County
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
8 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 June 2013 NEW

Ive stayed at the RP a few times. Rooms are lovely and charming like an old home. Bedding is very very comfy. Bathroom vanities are smallish, but elegant. Tubs and showers are good.The breakfast is great - hot muffins by a roaring fire..always a fine thing. The RP is perfect for a romantic weekend. Just remember its an 'inn' --... More

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See 3 more reviews by Stephanie L for Manchester
Northampton MA USA
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 February 2013

We chose The Reluctant Panther for a long-overdue romantic getaway. We had stayed there ten years ago when the inn was under different management and had a wonderful time. Since then, we discovered, the old inn, which was a quaint, intimate place, burned to the ground. The new facility is updated with the latest conveniences (Wi-fi, gas fireplace, whirlpool tub... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
New York City, New York
Top Contributor
52 reviews 52 reviews
13 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 24 cities Reviews in 24 cities
71 helpful votes 71 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 January 2013

Just fantastic from start to finish. We came in stressed because Delta cancelled our flight for our honeymoon, throwing our wedding plans into disarray. We left feeling happy and relaxed, because everything about this restaurant is fantastic. First, it's beautiful and inviting. We sat by the fire and enjoyed a great cocktail (on the house!) while we finished our tortured... More

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Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
6 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 December 2012

To begin with, the atmosphere is tremendous. Elegant, yet comfortable. For a sophisticated night out in Manchester, it's the best I've encountered. The staff is friendly and attentive, and also get top marks. Apetizers were excellent, and the salads were wonderful. The entrees were great as well, prepared exactly to requests. The wine list was modest, but had a good... More

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See 4 more reviews by Steve T for Manchester
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
8 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 November 2012 via mobile

Celebrated my 53 rd birthday here and it was very special. Great service, food and wine . Lovely setting with warm fireplace. Highly recommend

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 3 more reviews by Mary G for Manchester
Hyde Park, Vermont, United States
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
13 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 November 2012

Was there for a large gathering. Attentive staff at all times, really professional handling of cocktails and appetizers before sit down in very comfortable and attractive dining room. Every course was a delight... and I was pleased someone else was paying. This and Silver Fork are perhaps the best restaurants in Manchester.

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 7 more reviews by Brad B for Manchester
New York
Senior Contributor
38 reviews 38 reviews
26 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 November 2012

We fully enjoyed the food. Nice ambiance and good service. Should be willing to pay for the nice characteristics...

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 2 more reviews by OBofNY for Manchester
Connecticut
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
11 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
62 helpful votes 62 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 November 2012

The restaurant is tiny and very well-lit so it wasn't the romantic type of place that I envisioned. Our server was very nice but seemed kind of "ditzy" especially for only having to wait on a few tables. She never brought out our bread (which we then requested), never offered a soup or salad course, and seemed put off by... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Palm Beach, Florida
1 review
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 October 2012

We drove up from NYC based on a recommendation and we were not disappointed. The ambience was delightful. Elegant yet inviting, with cozy fireplaces and lovely table settings. The menu and wine selection were tantalizing and the food was fabulous. My venison was tender and perfectly cooked and the presentation and portion size was perfect. The wait staff and management... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Brooksville, Fl
Top Contributor
58 reviews 58 reviews
18 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 35 cities Reviews in 35 cities
31 helpful votes 31 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 October 2012

A wonderful meal .....presentation excellent and outstanding service. The restaurant is in an inn and appears to also host special occasions. Cozy fireplaces and elegant table settings. Look at the menu on line before you go. Very specialized dishes especially salads and appetizers.

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 2 more reviews by JudyDBrooksville for Manchester

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