The 10 Best Farm To Table Restaurants In New York

What does ‘farm to table’ actually mean? For some, it’s a direct relationship between a farm and a restaurant. For others, organic produce procured daily at local farmer’s markets. No matter the perception, everyone agrees it makes a huge difference. New York was one of the first cities to embrace this movement, and here are some of its most shining examples.

1. ABC Kitchen

Restaurant, American

The restaurants of chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten are New York institutions. Well known for seeking out the freshest, organic ingredients, the ABC Kitchen in Union Square is a prime example of this. This hot spot is all about sustainability and using local food providers whenever possible. The atmosphere here is unique and you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

2. Applewood

Restaurant, American

Perfectly situated just off of busy Seventh Ave in Park Slope, Brooklyn and snugly nestled along a row of brownstones, Applewood is a local favorite. The proprietors, David and Laura Shea, live upstate New York and deliver the produce from self-sustaining farms in their region. The restaurant has a homey feel and the menu is varied. Try the grilled New Hampshire pork or the sweet potato risotto.

3. The Farm on Adderley

Restaurant, American

The Farm on Adderley was showered with much acclaim and admiration when it opened its doors in 2006. This cozy spot put Ditmas Park on the culinary map with its reputation of great food and service. It is also one of the first Brooklyn dining establishments to embrace the local and organic movement. The Farm Burger is something to behold and the brunch is fantastic. This same team is also the brains and palate behind the best concert food concession in all of New York City with the Celebrate Brooklyn Summer Music Festival in Prospect Park.

4. Flatbush Farm

Restaurant, American

It’s hard to imagine while around walking Flatbush, but there was a time when these streets were peppered with farms. Chef Eric Lind of Flatbush Farm’s keeps that spirit alive through a local partnership with Satur Farms of Long Island. This special relationship helps to create seasonal dishes that will keep you coming back for more. The spaetzle and the salmon cake appetizer are exceptional.

5. The Good Fork

Restaurant, Korean

Red Hook, Brooklyn doesn’t feel like a normal neighborhood, but rather a secret club. One has to go a wee bit out of the way to get there. Those fortunate enough to venture over and find themselves on Van Brunt Street will be rewarded with The Good Fork. Chef Sohui Kim has done some remarkable work with her marvelous fusion creations culled from her Korean culinary background. She carries on the farm-to-table torch with the time she spent honing her craft at Blue Hill in Manhattan. The pork and chive dumplings are out of this world.

6. Gotham Bar and Grill

Restaurant, Dessert Shop, American

If there ever was an establishment that deserves to be given the moniker of ‘a classy joint,’ Gotham Bar and Grill is that place. They serve new American Cuisine here, and it’s local and fresh whenever possible. The Gotham has been an institution for as long as anyone can remember.

7. LIC Market

Market, Restaurant, American, Vegan, Gluten-free

Yes, there is culinary life outside of Manhattan and Brooklyn. The LIC Market in Queens is a destination worth seeking out. Owner Alex Shindler partners with local farmers and vendors to provide a varied and seasonal menu. The meats are humanely raised and antibiotic free, the coffee organic, and the wines natural. There is also a company store upfront just in case you want to bring something home as a memento from your visit.

8. Roberta’s

Bakery, Pizzeria, Restaurant, Italian

Is it possible for food to mirror a neighborhood’s attitude and style? The answer is yes. Roberta’s, an artisanal Bed-Sty staple, became an instant institution the moment its doors opened in 2006. Aside from the sublime pizza, Chris Parachini and Brandon Hoy have created quite an eclectic menu ranging from brunch, sandwiches and the property even houses a bakery.

9. Roman’s

Restaurant, Italian

If you ever wanted to walk into a restaurant and say to the staff, ‘Surprise me!’ then look no further than Roman’s. Chef Dave Gould amazes with his improvisational creations based solely on what was available that day at the local markets. Roman’s has a vague Italian theme if you’re in need of a culinary compass, but it’s best just to walk in and expect the unexpected.

10. Union Square Café

Cafe, Market, Restaurant, American

It shouldn’t be a surprise that a Danny Meyers restaurant is on this list. Union Square Café was one of the first establishments to use local produce. They take full advantage of close proximity with the world famous Union Square Green Market. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but if pressed, try the lamb or the Berkshire Pork.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.