Best Farm-to-Table Restaurants in New York City
Free-range chickens, cattle and rows of organic produce probably aren’t the first images that come to mind when you think about New York City. But even though the Big Apple is famous for mammoth skyscrapers, Lady Liberty and an impressive docket of Broadway shows, it is also home to an ever-growing list of chefs and restaurateurs who are passionate about sourcing local, seasonal ingredients when designing their menus. Our recommendations for the best farm-to-table restaurants in New York City could go on for days, but here are five of the top dining experiences you need to have on your bucket list.
View this post on Instagram
1. ABC Kitchen
35 E. 18th St., New York, NY 10003
Boasting seasonal produce free from pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, insecticides and GMOs, the mouthwatering dishes at Chef Jean-Georges’ ABC Kitchen are guaranteed to leave your palate begging for more. The culinary team here is passionate about eating with the seasons – and eating well – and equally dedicated to introducing their guests to the beauty of the slow food movement.
For those unfamiliar with the term, the slow food movement prioritizes food that is good, clean and fair. Many influencers, promoters and followers of this growing trend believe in the power of sustainable farming and seasonal eating. They enjoy gathering around the table to cultivate community over healthy, wholesome food.
All of that to say, you’re in for a real treat when you settle in at ABC Kitchen. Be sure to bring friends or family members along so you can savor the complete experience – relationships and all.
View this post on Instagram
2. Blue Hill Restaurant
75 Washington Pl., New York, NY 10011
If you want to experience a rich and satisfying meal created by one of the strongest advocates for ethical farming and seasonal eating, look no further than Blue Hill Restaurant in Manhattan. Chef and co-owner Dan Barber is the genius behind each menu, working directly with local farmers to develop unique grains and produce for his award-winning eatery.
While customers will find inspiration in the detail and craftsmanship that goes into creating each visually stunning plate, the most impressive aspect of these decadent dishes is where they come from. Featured in the popular Netflix documentary series Chef’s Table, Barber believes the farm-to-table movement is more than a passing trend; it’s a way of life. That’s why he partners with neighboring purveyors like Halloran Farm and Samascott Orchards to support local businesses and cook with only the finest and freshest ingredients available.
See more: How a Chicago Chef Transitioned From Big-City Cooking to Rural Growing
View this post on Instagram
3. Friend of a Farmer
77 Irving Pl., New York, NY 10003
If the name Friend of a Farmer (FOAF) doesn’t pique your curiosity, just wait until you lay eyes on the menu. This rustic eatery is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner – and boasts an impressive wine, cocktail and beer list for those wanting to meet up with friends for an after-work happy hour social. Their warm and friendly atmosphere will leave you feeling like you’ve been whisked out of the city and delivered into the idyllic French countryside.
FOAF has a decades-old reputation for seasonal ingredients, and the meal choices rotate regularly. But considering you can order everything from braised beef short rib and old-fashioned chicken pot pie to mushroom cavatelli and roast chicken with root vegetables and figs, you will always find something on the menu that calls your name.
View this post on Instagram
4. Clay NYC
553 Manhattan Ave., New York, NY 10027
Nestled in the heart of Harlem, you will find a restaurant named, rather simply, Clay, that boasts an ever-changing menu driven by the rhythm of the seasons and availability of ingredients from local purveyors. The culinary team sources all the restaurant’s meat, fish and produce from small, local suppliers in the region. Because nothing on the menu comes in bulk or travels thousands of miles before arriving at your table, you can rest easy knowing that every single option on the menu will satisfy both your stomach and your conscience.
While not every restaurant can pull ingredients from within the state itself, the majority of Clay’s sourcing does come from The Empire State. Among the list of suppliers are Battenkill Valley Creamery in Salem, Finger Lakes Farm in Ithaca, and Byrne Hollow Farm in Cortland.
See more: What’s In Season? New York Produce Calendar
View this post on Instagram
5. Gramercy Tavern
42 E. 20th St., New York, NY 10003
Gramercy Tavern has earned more accolades and praises than we have time to elaborate on (including the No. 1 most popular restaurant in New York City on Zagat in 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2011 and 2015). And you are guaranteed to enjoy everything about your dining experience when you pull up a chair and place an order at this hopping tavern. From the contemporary American cuisine to the warm hospitality, you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
Depending on what sort of mood you’re in, you can even choose between the restaurant’s two dining areas. If you’re craving a little rustic fare from the wood-burning grill, the à la carte menu in The Tavern is ready to indulge you with everything from wagyu beef meatballs and burgers to caramel flan and rhubarb sundaes. If you’re in the mood for something a little fancier, the Dining Room offers first and second course options. And trust us – you’ll want to save room for dessert.