The Downtown Grocery

This is definitely one of the top restaurants in Ludlow.
Just the two owners running the place, so not many seatings per night. But this is really a culinary delight - food is so well prepared - could have been eating at a top restaurant in NYC.
We had the Pappardelle Bolognese and Shrimp and Grits and both were some of the best we ever had. Everything homemade, including the bread that comes out for starters. Also, they add some top bartending skills to their repertoire. And given that they only have limited seating, its a very intimate and pleasant setting. The one downside is that the prices are high, but you are getting what you pay for. Just need to make reservations well in advance - we took the 5:30 seating just so we could get in.

The atmosphere of the restaurant was superb! Abby was extremely welcoming and obviously very passionate about their menu. We really loved the homey feel of the restaurant. We started with a dozen oysters ($40), which was also the highlight of the meal. Accompanied with a lot of gifts from the chef, such as a risotto ball and fresh made hummus and pita, we left stuffed after our entree of jumbo shrimp. We didn’t know about the changing seasonal menu but the food was still delicious. A definite must try in Ludlow!

Abby and Rogan are a dream team and this restaurant is one of the loveliest, most delicious meals and overall fantastic dining experiences we have had in a while. When I set up the reservation I got a text from Abby herself which I was shocked by.

Abby recommended the most delicious wines, and when she told us about the menu she made everything sound divine.
We ordered the prosciutto wrapped swordfish, tuna, heirloom tomato salad and gnocchi. Oh my heavens. Delicious is an understatement! A true culinary experience!!

When you come here make sure you have 2-3 hours to spend enjoying the dinner because they are a one man kitchen operation. It is worth it but more of an evening dinner than a quick in and out. Great for a special event, celebration or a wonderful way to treat yourself on vacation as it is a bit pricier. But again, entirely worth it!

We experienced an absolutely perfect evening. Abby and Rogan effortlessly blend together exceptional meals, drinks, and service, creating an unparalleled dining experience. I think this has become my all-time favorite restaurant.

Like their web site says, "Casual Fine Dining". Emphasis on Fine. Went on a Monday, buck a shuck Wellfleet oysters, fabulous! Also very good $5 rose' wine. Tried the specialty cocktail, The Rosebud. Very good! The halibut was spectacular as well as the rib eye poivre. All food is cooked to order so it takes longer BUT is well worth the wait. If you want a quick meal with fast service go to Longhorn or Outback. If you want an authentic home cooked meal go to The Downtown Grocery.

Friendly staff, great atmosphere and delicious food and drinks. The kitchen staff is very talented and the meals and drinks are superb. Highly recommend visiting!

Celebrated a birthday at the DG. Service was fabulous - attentive and informative. Food was great and looked beautiful.
Treat yourself and enjoy!

This was truly an unforgettable meal. The food was very high-end but not pretentious; the service was very welcoming. I would go out of my way to dine here again.

Oh my squash! Delightful, amazing intuition, food beyond great! Neat couple and place. One of the best special meals we have ever had in a niche place. It was that good! And so reasonably priced. The peach bourbon cocktail…a m a z i n g! I would go back 10 times over.

Superb!!! Fantastic food & drinks.

This place is awesome. Very well run and staff is extremely nice. 100% worth the wait:) Some of the best food. Phenomenal steak. If your near check it out.

Hostess was amazing! We were a little hesitant to stay as the menu did not seem suitable for our 8 and 11 year old children. The chef was able to accommodate for our needs and vary up the menu for their taste buds! The drinks and food were amazing! Fun atmosphere! It was a delicious meal for us all!

Fantastic southern style craft food from locally sourced products. The entire staff is super friendly and very attentive.

We were already big fans of Rogan’s cooking when we booked The Downtown Grocery for our wedding day, but the food on the day exceeded our wildest dreams! The appetizers, stationary boards and main dinner dishes were all stunning and memorable, showcasing beautiful local Vermont ingredients - it's been two months and I still occasionally daydream about the corn salad we had. Multiple guests spontaneously came up and told us it was the best wedding food they’d ever had, and folks were still raving about it days later. Abby was our main contact throughout the planning process and was so kind, flexible and great to work with. I would highly recommend booking The Downtown Grocery to cater your special event - thank you Rogan and Abby for helping make our wedding day so memorable!

I have searched through out Vermont for a really good restaurant and have had a hard time finding one that I would go back to frequently. Things are looking up with the expansion of the "local food" and "farm-to-table" movements.
Friends had recommended The Downtown Grocery and last night I tried it for the first, but hopefully not the last, time.
I recommend reservations. We arrived on time and were immediately seated as the tables around us began to fill. The service was attentive without being "lurking" and the food was some of the best that I have had
in years.
I had the special "shrimp and grits." On nights that I return please don't order this — they might run out. I would then be forced to order the filet — never mind, order what you want, you won't be disappointed. Save some room for the Late Night Breakfast (French toast with bacon ice cream and maple syrup.)

OK, It's now four years later. I have been back a number of times. Please read the review above: wash, rinse and repeat.

I wish I could give this place more stars. My wife and I eloped to Vermont, and the B&B we stayed at recommended this place. We got a cute table by the window, and the waitress was nice enough to take a photo for us.
The food was incredible. Even now, 3 years later, my wife still talks about it the best steak she ever had.
We forgot our leftovers when we left, and the restaurant called our B&B and said they would hold onto them for us. Their service went above and beyond, and made our wedding day that much more special.
We live far away in Oklahoma, but we plan on coming back!

We had one of the best dinners we have ever had! It was fresh, flavorful, and the service was excellent. We will come back again and again! Downtown Grocery takes going out to eat to an entirely different level. If you want to be impressed, eat here!

Unbelievable food with such a personal touch! We told Abby that we had gotten engaged and wanted to celebrate with Downtown Grocery for dinner. She came out to congratulate us and even included a personal note and prosecco for the occasion!! I cannot say enough wonderful things about this restaurant. We are so thankful for you all!

Amazing food, service and atmosphere! We didn't have a reservation so we went early and while there were people already at the bar seats, we said we would wait. When others came in to ask about the bar seats, they made sure to tell them that we had been waiting and would be given priority. They kept coming to refill our cocktails while we waited and offered us delicious frites with shallot dust. The cocktails had very heavy pours but were great. Everything we ordered for food came out delicious. Great place to go in the area and make sure you call in advance for a reservation!

Delicious food!!!! Warm and romantic atmosphere. Love that they let customers buy a round of drinks for the guys cooking in back. They were awesome and so deserving. Waitresses are absolutely amazing and sweet. Our best part was the chocolate soufflé! Ughh it was to die for! Definitely recommend!!!