These Local Farms and Restaurants Offer a Taste of the Land and Sea
Orange County is a culinary hub for farm-to-table dining destinations and we are here for it. There are an array of exciting restaurants celebrating the ingredients of land and sea. From Costa Mesa to San Clemente and everywhere in between, we have a slew of farm-to-table restaurants in Orange County to fulfill all your fresh foodie fantasies. Whether you are plant-based or part-carnivore, thereās something for everyone on this list of highly credible eateries. So sit back, relax and get ready to make a reservation or two!
Malibu FarmĀ
The same founder (Helene Henderson) who brought us SkĆ„l is responsible for this OG: Malibu Farm. Naturally, she embraces the same approach here with farm-fresh ingredients that are presented in their purest form. And, yet, thereās a plot twist: nachos. And while this might not sound like a signature farm-to-table dish, we can assure you that Malibu Farm does them right.Ā
The vegan coconut curry is like a hug in entree form, and youāll be dreaming about the miso tahini salmon for weeks. We never say no to dessert hereāthe carrot coconut cake is basically a salad in cake form, right? The atmosphere is cool and coastal with views of the harbor, making it an easy place to sip on a beverage or two. Speaking of, the papaya margarita is a must.
Location: Newport Beach
Campesino Cafe at The Ecology CenterĀ
Located just outside of the main drag in San Juan Capistrano, this 28-acre Regenerative Organic Certifiedā¢ farm takes pride in its sustainable agriculture practices and hosts educational programs and community events aimed at promoting ecological awareness and environmental stewardship. The property includes organic gardens, a native plant nursery, solar-powered facilities, as well as spaces for workshops and demonstrations. It serves as a hub for regional sustainability initiatives, engaging visitors in learning about sustainable living practices and environmental conservation.
Their on-site eatery, Campesino Cafe, is the opposite of fast foodāitās food done right and grown slow. They have gut-friendly sourdough with five different dips, like honey crunch, cultured butter and jam. Fresh salads are a given, and the San Juan blue masa tamales are a taste of heaven. This place literally means āof the land,ā so you know itās going to be just about as fresh as it comes!
Location: San Juan Capistrano
Farmhouse at Rogerās GardensĀ
Farmhouse at Rogerās Gardens epitomizes the farm-to-table ethos, especially because the restaurant is situated on the grounds of a plant nursery. Their commitment to quality is among the reasons why it was named one of Open Tableās 100 Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in America. The vibe is upscale while the food is simple and elegant. This is a great spot to grab a drink with an old friend, brunch on the weekend with the gals or spend a date night over some Voodoo Childs.
Chef Rich Mead has curated an excellent menu of small plates, salads and surf-to-turf entrees. We particularly love the Asian chicken salad and the flat iron steak. The cocktails are as fresh as the dishes they are created to compliment. How you like them apples? No, really, thatās the name of a drink. Order it. And repeat after us: Regier Farms peach crisp to end the meal. Donāt skip dessert!
Location: Corona del Mar
Fermentation FarmĀ
Fermentation Farm in Costa Mesa has a cult following and for good reason. While the chefs here take food seriously, the setting is relaxed and casual. Everything they serve has some special purpose or health benefit. If an ingredient isnāt soaked or sprouted, itās fermented. If itās not pasture-raised, line-caught or grass-fed, itās not on the menu. They even have this special salt that seems to make everything taste better. Take our word for it: you need to order the tuna melt. It may just be the best version this side of the Mississippi. Grab a side of the grass-fed beef chili to warm yourself up, too, and donāt forget to peruse the goodies in their prepared food section before you go. This place is a local gem!
Location: Costa Mesa
Farm-to-Table Events at Tanaka FarmsĀ
If youāre looking for something experiential when it comes to farm-to-table dining, check out the events at Tanaka Farms. This farm is a beloved destination for cookout tours, summer soirĆ©es and afternoon teasānot to mention the amazing goods they produce. Spanning over 30 acres, Tanaka Farms offers seasonal U-pick opportunities where visitors can harvest their own fruits and vegetables. They emphasize agriculture education and healthy eating through guided tours, educational programs and special dining events. These events showcase sustainability by using seasonal, farm-grown ingredients produced on site to create a memorable culinary experience.. Itās all about living off the land and celebrating the fruits of the farm’s labor.Ā
Location: Irvine
SkĆ„l PizzaĀ
This relative newcomer to Newport Beach is serving up some of the freshest pies in town. Not only that, the owners prioritize locally sourced, seasonal ingredients as a way to elevate one of Americaās favorite comfort foods. Simplicity is at the core of this bayside pizza joint in Lido Marina Village, with their Insta-famous avocado pizza paving the way. This pie features jalapeƱo ricotta, sliced avocado, cilantro and an agave drizzle. Only four ingredients atop a housemade crust. Itās savory, sweet, spicy and so good! The magic at SkĆ„l is in not overcomplicating their dishes. The pastas are divine, the woodfire veggies are insane and the salads are sensational. You really canāt go wrong with anything on the menu. Want to drool? Check out their Instagram.Ā
Location: Newport Beach
Harvest at The RanchĀ
The Ranch in Laguna is a hidden oasis near Aliso Beach that stands as the secret staycation spot we all crave. Situated in a little valley with a 9-hole golf course, this coastal ranch-style boutique hotel has plenty of property to explore. And once you work up an appetite, youāll want to head to Harvest to cure those hunger pangs. This ultra cozy culinary destination is serving up seasonal California cuisine with a rotating menu that integrates ingredients grown and gathered from their very own half-acre farm, appropriately called Harvest Farm.Ā
The milk bread rolls are a great place to start when perusing the full menu. The panzanella is a party in your mouth, and anything with stone fruit will have you singing. They also serve breakfast, brunch and lunch for those who prefer eating on the early side. The restaurant is also a great escape when the weather cools down, and try to score one of their coveted outdoor fire pits, where you can order off the menu and enjoy live music.
Location: Laguna Beach
Poppy & SeedĀ
Anaheim is home to a lot of things (*cough Disney cough*) but Poppy & Seed is possibly the freshest thing in town. Farm-to-table is not just a concept at Poppy & Seed, it’s a way of life. Dynamic Duo, Chef Michael and Kwini Reed, are passionate about incorporating seasonal, local ingredientsāfrom fresh-caught fish to garden-picked herbs and hand-rolled pasta. Every bite at this farm-to-table restaurant in Orange County is a celebration of the stateās local farmers.Ā
In terms of the menu, there is so much good happening here, like the rosewood Texas wagyu steak tartare toast and the aged white cheddar cheese dip that foodies go crazy over. The menu is plentiful and everything is hand-craftedāthereās even a chefās tasting menu and a zero proof libations list. Located in Farmerās Park next to the Anaheim Packing House, this gorgeous husband-and-wife owned restaurant is worth the drive to Disney town.
Location: Anaheim
The PlotĀ
The Plot is a plant-based pit stop in The CAMP in Costa Mesa that’s making veggies sexy. This place is known for its innovative and health-conscious approach to vegetarian and vegan cuisine without putting off your meat-loving friends. This is an eatery anyone can enjoy. The butternut squash cake is a total winner, and the goddess salad will have you feeling like one. Their Proper Plates, a section on the menu, is playing all the greatest hits, too. The Plot is actively involved in promoting sustainable food practices and educating the community about plant-based eating. They often host events, workshops and collaborations with local farmers and food producers to support the broader mission of sustainable living. We promise this restaurant will turn your carnivore crew into plant-based believers.Ā
Location: Costa Mesa
The Peel Craftbar & KitchenĀ
Itās impossible to talk about Anaheim eateries without mentioning The Peel. This eatery is located inside Hotel Fera and takes pride in bringing the freshest ingredients to the table. Quintessential California flavors shine through on the menu, with dishes like the farmers market beets and grains power bowl, the pork belly sandwich and the pear salad (donāt skip the Skuna Bay salmon add-on!). Their signature cocktail is called Como La Florāa paloma with a colorful twist. The addition of butterfly pea flower makes it a brilliant blue! This spot is a great place to share snacks and drinks before a night out, enjoy a date night, or just have a full-on solo foodie foray where you can power through a poke bowl sans audience.Ā
Location: Anaheim
Heirloom a Modern FarmhouseĀ
We love a family-owned and operated restaurant, so when we heard about the mother-daughter duo running Heirloom, we knew we had to check it out. This place feels like home cooking at its finest. Itās a little bit French, a little bit Italian, maybe even a tad Thaiāand everything is made with a whole lotta love. They serve up a short rib bourguignon that would make even Julia Child do a double take, and the share plates are so tasty that you might have to get one of everything. The interior is homey yet elevated, and the food is divine. This Huntington Beach farm-to-table spot might just work itself into your weekly restaurant rotation.Ā
Location: Huntington Beach
