California Farm-To-Table Restaurants To Check Out Now

California’s farm-to-table restaurants have evidently started taking over the culinary landscape in the last decade. Long-winded, elaborate descriptions of menu items are now the go-to way of upscale eateries hoping to outdo their competitors. But the essence of the revolution is about two main things: sustainability and crafting deliciously wholesome, locally-grown food.

WHAT DOES FARM-TO-TABLE MEAN?

Although the concept is by no means new, a recently ignited fire in its prioritization beckons a revisit to the farm-to-table meaning. Returning to the roots has laid the foundation for understanding the importance of gardening in California. Indirectly contributing to farmers' living, paying fair-trade prices for goods, and treating animals humanely, bring you one step closer to improving your carbon footprint. All of these separate missions aim to address the biggest thing we look for in our products — transparency.

Bridging values to business, many of the most respected California restaurants have adopted the farm-to-table movement, to the extent of establishing their own personalized farms too.

HOW FARM-TO-TABLE RESTAURANTS STARTED IN CALIFORNIA

When talking about the farm-to-table movement in California, it’s only too fitting with Chez Panisse. Founding her world-renowned restaurant, Alice Waters (owner of Chez Panisse) pursued her goal of showing diners the vibrant and exciting flavors that fresh, organic produce can provide. Though Waters may not have known it at the onset, she was creating a community of like-minded individuals with the passion and power to transform the face of California’s culinary landscape forever.

1. Chez Panisse

Location: Berkeley

It all began in the early 1970s when Alice Waters opened Chez Panisse in Berkeley. Paving the way for the local food movement, Chez Panisse created more than just the awareness of healthy choices and tasty flavors. Inspired by her recent trip to France, Waters aimed to create an oasis where she and her friends could appreciate incredible conversation and even better food. Taken away by the taste of handcrafted apricot jam and freshly baked baguettes, Waters brought her passionate journey into the kitchen. 

2. The French Laundry

Location: Napa Valley

Traveling in Napa, you’re bound to hear about The French Laundry. Collecting ingredients from NorCal farms, this three-star Michelin restaurant is the talk of the town. Bask in a fine dining experience as the chefs deliver your plate straight from the farm grounds. Make sure to plan your visit right, and reserved a table as the place fills up months in advance.

3. A. R. Valentien

Location: San Diego

Located right at The Lodge Torrey Pines in La Jolla, A.R. Valentien is considered one of America's Top restaurants by the Zagat Survey. Bringing all it has to the table, the restaurant also ranks in the Top 10 list of Farm-To-Table Restaurants by Epicurious Conde Nast Traveler, making it a must-try! With San Diego’s warm weather, the Pacific at its doorstep, and California’s healthy produce, A. R. Valentine’s menu is strictly seasonal, serving only fresh and locally attainable harvest.

4. Farmer's Table Chula Vista

Location: San Diego

“Honest food done right”. That’s how the movement is defined at Farmer's Table Chula Vista, where you can savor locally sourced ingredients in the exceptionally pleasant San Diego atmosphere. The restaurant boasts family recipes retrieved from the owners’ Sicilian roots. From chandeliers and a 1940 tractor sitting in the diner to the Stefano Ferrara pizza oven imported directly from Napoli, the place overflows with authenticity. 

Relish the Napoli-style, wood-fired pizzas and flatbreads topped with farm-fresh, organic ingredients. Let the locally harvested, farm-to-table Chula Vista flavors dance on your tongue as they sing the love and authenticity of the establishment’s cooking methods and philosophies.

FARMER-TO-CHEF EVOLUTION

Farmer's markets have existed in California since the 1930s and have enabled local growers to interact with individuals regardless of their profession. Beginning with U-pick farms, the farm-to-table movement expanded and transformed farmers' markets into gathering places. Inspired home chefs were able to pick up the same high-quality ingredients available to restaurants.

Farmers themselves are also receiving the recognition they deserve now. Many farm-to-table eateries take yet another page out of Waters’ playbook and recognize the individual farms where each ingredient on the menu comes from. 

5. Terra American Bistro

Location: San Diego

Voted as the best new American restaurant in 2013 by the San Diego A-List, the Terra American Bistro is a great depiction of farm-to-fork awareness. With a menu dedicated to serving farm-to-table foods for lunch, brunch, and dinner, Terra is a local favorite. Make sure to reserve a table before your next visit and take your pick from the rich menu; we recommend you start with the Gorgonzola Brie Bites from the shareables and be careful not to get your fingers with the bites! Continue with the Top Sirloin with the chimichurri and the Yukon potato mash from the entrees, and reserve a table for your next visit.

EDUCATING FUTURE GENERATIONS

While Chez Panisse’s impact on the state’s culinary landscape and restaurant industry has been astounding, its vision extends much further. Not only do farm-to-table chefs focus on honing their skills and expertise, but they also serve numerous communities as part of the Edible Schoolyard Project. 

Formed by Waters in 1995, this organization partners with schools around the world to implement organic gardens that can be used to transform children’s relationship with food. Students can learn how to garden, develop cooking skills, use the garden to perform science experiments, and nourish their bodies with healthy foods. 

6. Madera

Located: San Francisco Bay Area

Harbored in the elegant Rosewood Sand Hill Hotel, Madera is the signature restaurant characterized by its unique culinary specialization. Madera, meaning “wood” in Spanish, honors the history of the local region not only by its name but even through its cuisine and cooking methods. Operating a wood-burning kitchen from the early Spanish missionary days and serving breathtaking views of the Santa Cruz mountains along with a refined menu, this farm-to-table restaurant also boasts a well-deserved Michelin star. 

7. American Beauty

Location: Los Angeles

Visit Chef Elisha Ben-Haim at American Beauty, where farm-to-table Los Angeles harvests await to introduce you to the riches of California soils. Embrace the chef’s take on vegetable-forward dishes at this neighborhood steakhouse that showcases Southern Californian-farmed goods. Have a pick from the wide range of beef, seafood, and seasonal vegetables from the restaurant's wood-grilled kitchen, making almost every dish the star of the show. 

8. Fish and Farm

Location: San Francisco

Although farm-to-table restaurants in San Francisco are aplenty, Fish and Farm restaurant is highly worth the mention. Located in San Francisco’s Financial District, this restaurant sources its ingredients and produce from within a 100-mile radius, serving nothing but the freshest and most sustainable seafood. With small biodynamic producers making up the majority of its vendors, the restaurant is a beautiful portrayal of the oh-so successful farm-to-table movement.

FARM-TO-TRANSPARENCY

The trend toward heightened food transparency continues today with more gusto than ever before. Farm-to-table restaurants are becoming increasingly common. Farm tours are offered throughout California, and school lunches are getting healthier too.  More community gardens are popping up every year, and exhibition kitchens are allowing diners to see how their food is being made.

The farm-to-table movement has come a long way since its inception, but there is still plenty of ground to cover. With awareness and application, the terms “organic”, “seasonal”, and “local” evolve to become so universal that they are no longer major differentiators in the culinary scene.

Disclaimer: California.com is not receiving any type of compensation for reviewing any of the products or services mentioned in this article.