A Farm-to-Table Restaurant Is Coming to Descanso Gardens in LA County

Chef Rich Mead’s Latest Farm-to-Table Concept Pairs Fresh California Cuisine With the Magic of Descanso’s 150-Acre Garden Haven

A new culinary chapter is taking root at one of Los Angeles’ most beloved botanical escapes. This spring, Farmhouse at Descanso Gardens will debut in La Cañada Flintridge, inviting visitors to dine among the oaks, camellias and seasonal blooms of Descanso’s 150-acre urban oasis. Helmed by celebrated chef Rich Mead—known for his sustainable ethos and standout restaurant, Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens in Orange County—this destination restaurant will bring garden-to-table dining to life in a way that’s both immersive and undeniably California.

Credit: Photos by John Dole

The collaboration between Mead and Descanso Gardens is a natural one. With decades of experience, Mead built his career on celebrating seasonal ingredients and working closely with boutique farms and purveyors. His menus feel like love letters to California’s bounty—rooted in local flavor and crafted with care for the land. Now, that same ethos is taking root beneath the canopy of one of SoCal’s most iconic gardens.

Credit: Photos by John Dole

“The beauty of the gardens, the incomparable taste of local ingredients and our ever-changing seasons have deeply influenced my approach to food. This concept is really about connecting people to the land, to the flavors of the season and to each other.”—Chef Rich Mead

Best Farm-to-Table Restaurants LA — Credit: Photos by John Dole

The restaurant itself is an experience before the first bite ever hits the table. Designed to blur the line between indoors and outdoors, the 7,800-square-foot new Los Angeles restaurant feels like an extension of the gardens themselves. Warm woods, hand-painted botanical murals and floor-to-ceiling windows are complemented by a stunning bar crafted from reclaimed fallen trees. These trees have been sourced directly from the property by local artisan William Stranger. With a mix of indoor and open-air dining areas—plus a lounge perfect for gathering over cocktails—the atmosphere invites guests to slow down and savor.

Credit: Photos by John Dole

As for the design inspiration? Think elevated farmhouse meets lush greenhouse. Seasonal plant installations curated by Descanso’s in-house horticulture team will evolve throughout the year. They designed the space to reflect the scene just beyond the patio. Every detail—from custom lighting to the open kitchen that lets diners watch the culinary magic—adds to the experience. The energy feels dynamic yet grounded, much like the food itself.

Chef Mead’s menu promises to be a celebration of everything fresh, vibrant and local. Lunch, dinner and weekend brunch dishes will rotate based on availability and seasonality. The team wants to ensure no two visits are quite the same. Expect plates inspired by what’s ripe now. Think heirloom tomatoes in the summer, citrus and root vegetables in the cooler months. Not to mention fresh seafood, sustainably raised meats and an inventive garden-to-glass cocktail program. Farmhouse will also host special events and seasonal dinners. It’ll be a go-to for intimate celebrations or unforgettable al fresco evenings.

Credit: Photos by John Dole

Farmhouse at Descanso Gardens is located just outside the main entrance to the gardens and will be open to the public. There’s no garden admission required for guests. So whether you’re here for a stroll through the camellias or a long lunch with friends, this new culinary destination invites you to linger, explore and savor every bite.