The Best Farm To Table Restaurants In PA
When you eat at a farm-to-table restaurant, you reap a few benefits. First of all, you're guaranteed fresh and in-season ingredients. These top-notch ingredients result in delicious dishes. Secondly, you're supporting the region's family farmers and other small purveyors, and therefore channeling your dollars into the local community. Thirdly, the chefs typically change the menu to reflect the seasons, so there's always something new to try — even long after you've become a regular.
With its large community of farmers, Pennsylvania plays host to many eateries that source their ingredients from within state boundaries. If you're interested in tasting some of this farm-fresh fare for yourself, it'll require a trip across the state, from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, and several stops in order to do so. But given the quality of the food that you'll enjoy along the way, it's well worth the journey. Here are six of the best farm-to-table restaurants in Pennsylvania that devoted foodies shouldn't miss.
Legume, Pittsburgh
Legume, tucked away in the largely residential Pittsburgh neighborhood of Oakland, makes you feel like you've left the city. That's because its chef sources ingredients from farms just beyond Pittsburgh, including grass-fed meats and organic produce. The French fare changes on a daily basis in order to incorporate whichever ingredients are currently available locally, so you won't really be able to plan your meal too far in advance. The chef posts the next day's menu after 5 p.m. the evening before.
Talula's Garden, Philadelphia
From the teal antique chairs to the twinkling lights hanging overhead, the atmosphere within Talula's Garden is magical. True to its name, this Philly eatery specializes in elevated forms of American comfort food—artisan cheeses star on the menu, so don't miss the cheese plates, which take up their own menu. Its chef's emphasis on sustainably raised, seasonally inspired, locally sourced ingredients, results in a menu of playful and colorful creations that are almost as enchanting as the atmosphere at Talula's.
Bricco, Harrisburg
The next time you're in the state's capital, get a taste of what farmers in the area are cultivating. This farm-to-table restaurant, which resides right near the center of the state, switches up the menu each week. Its kitchen team allows the region's farmers to lead the way, debuting a new list of Italian primi, secondi, pasta and pizza on Monday mornings. Whether you're looking for a place for date night or a spot to take the entire family, this award-winning eatery in Harrisburg is the perfect option for all occasions.
Sprig and Vine, New Hope
Back on the eastern edge of the state in the quaint, waterside town of New Hope, Sprig and Vine shows off plant-based fare that even carnivores will be able to appreciate. In fact, according to an interview with its owner, the majority of its patrons don't even follow a meat-free diet. They come to Sprig and Vine because its seasonal vegetarian cuisine is simply delicious, even without the meat. The proof is in dishes like the PB and J French toast, the grilled oyster mushroom, and the green onion pancake roll.
The Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm, Holicong
Just a few miles down the road from New Hope, another of Pennsylvania's top farm-to-table eaters resides. It's The Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm in Holicong. Although the inn functions as an event venue and hotel first and foremost, many people come here just to enjoy a meal. Its kitchen opens directly into a beautiful dining room, so you can actually watch as the chef transforms local ingredients into delightful dishes like the Rohan duck breast at dinner and the bacon-glazed cinnamon bun at brunch.
Ma(i)son, Lancaster
If you're a fan of the Food Network, then you've probably heard of Alton Brown. And if you're a fan of Alton Brown, then you're also going to be a fan of Ma(i)son in Lancaster. Given that Lancaster is known across the country for its thriving agricultural community, it makes total sense that a farm-to-table restaurant would put down roots here and that Alton Brown would take notice. In 2016, the well-traveled food critic called this eatery one of his two favorite restaurants anywhere across the globe.
Thanks to the devoted agricultural community in Pennsylvania, the state plays host to a full slate of farm-to-table spots — and this list only skims the surface. If you want to eat your way across PA, start with this list and feel free to branch out and check out the many other restaurants also committed to sourcing ingredients locally. With each dish, you'll not only get to taste what local farmers have been growing but also contribute to the community and support small businesses. What are you waiting for? Pick up a fork!