Farm To Table Restaurants in NYC (Your Food Was Picked Yesterday)
Farm-to-table it's a movement that connects you directly to where your food comes from. Your salad greens? Picked yesterday at a nearby farm.
Farm-to-table restaurants in NYC aren't just a trendy buzzword—it's a movement that connects you directly to where your food comes from.
This movement took root in 1971 when Chef Alice Waters opened Chez Panisse in Berkeley, California. She was inspired by the fresh, seasonal eating she experienced in France and wanted to bring that philosophy to the United States. By the 1980s, the concept spread across the country, and NYC embraced it wholeheartedly.
Now, more and more restaurants are bringing the concept into their kitchens.
Farm to Table: What does it matter?
According to research, over 75% of consumers are willing to pay more for locally sourced food, and studies show farm-to-table practices significantly reduce environmental impact.
What to expect?
- Fresher Food: Ingredients travel shorter distances, arriving at your plate at peak freshness and flavor.
- Environmental Benefits: Less transportation means a smaller carbon footprint—producing traveling under 400 miles dramatically reduces emissions.
- Economic Impact: Your purchase directly supports local farmers, strengthening regional economies.
- Health & Safety: You know exactly where your food comes from, with transparency about farming practices.
Booking Tips
- Reserve 3-4 weeks in advance.
- Try for off-peak times (early dinner, weekdays) for better availability.
- Always mention dietary restrictions when booking.
Now, let's explore NYC's best farm-to-table restaurants!
Top 4 Farm-to-Table Restaurants in NYC
Blue Hill (Family Meal at Blue Hill)
- 📍 Address: 75 Washington Place, Greenwich Village, New York, NY 10011
- ⭐ Michelin Status: One Michelin Star + Michelin Green Star
Blue Hill opened in 2000 and is owned by the Barber family: Dan, David, and Laureen. Chef Dan Barber is a true pioneer of the farm-to-table movement and one of its most passionate advocates. He didn't just open a restaurant—he created an entire philosophy about how we should think about food and farming.
Dan Barber also operates Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Westchester (which has two Michelin Stars), where the restaurant is literally on a working farm. Many ingredients used at the NYC location come from this upstate farm and other local producers.
This restaurant isn't about showing off expensive imported ingredients. Instead, it celebrates the natural flavors of seasonal produce. Expect dishes like roasted root vegetables with farm-fresh herbs, sustainable fish preparations, and innovative uses of the entire vegetable (root to leaf). The presentation is simple yet sophisticated, letting the ingredients speak for themselves.
You can book on their official website or call: +1 212-539-1776.
You must know
- Hours: Dinner 7 days a week from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm with 4 courses.
- $145 per guest. Optional Wine Progression: $95 per guest.
- Lunch: Saturday & Sunday, 11:30 am to 2:00 pm with 3 courses. And $85 per guest.
- Reservations for Family Meal are bookable 28 days in advance, beginning at 12:00 am.
- Dress code: Smart casual.
Dietary Accommodations
- The seasonal menu is heavily plant-based, making it excellent for vegetarians.
- They can accommodate gluten-free diners and other dietary restrictions—just mention your needs when booking.
- The focus on vegetables means there are plenty of options for various diets.
Gramercy Tavern
- 📍 Address: 42 East 20th Street, Flatiron District, New York, NY 10003
- ⭐ Michelin Status: One Michelin Star
Opened in 1994 by legendary restaurateur Danny Meyer (founder of Union Square Hospitality Group) in a historic landmark building just north of Union Square. Since 2006, Chef Michael Anthony has led the kitchen, earning the restaurant nine James Beard Awards, including "Outstanding Restaurant" (2008) and "Outstanding Chef" (2015).
Chef Anthony's philosophy centers on "evolution over revolution"—constantly adapting while staying true to the restaurant's roots. His ever-evolving seasonal menu showcases deep relationships with local farms and purveyors. Every dish balances simplicity with sophistication.
This farm-to-table restaurant in NYC has two dining options: the more casual Tavern (walk-ins accepted) with à la carte options centered around wood-burning grill cooking, and the elegant Main Dining Room offering seasonal tasting menus.
Signature dishes include heirloom tomato salads, roasted beet presentations with toasted pistachios and goat cheese, grilled fish with seasonal vegetables, and perfectly executed American classics.
You can book on their official website.
You Must Know
- Dining Room: 7 days a week from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm with 5 courses.
- Lunch 7 days a week from 11:45 am to 2:00 pm, customizable.
- Once your reservation is made, a $35 fee will be charged to confirm your appointment. You have up to two hours before the reserved date and time to cancel.
- Try the Tavern for walk-in seating.
- Open from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm.
- Serves an à la carte menu of soulful fare from the open, wood-burning grill in a lively, casual setting.
Dietary Accommodations
- They offer gluten-free options and work with vegetarians and other dietary restrictions.
- The seasonal focus means plenty of vegetable-forward dishes.
- Inform them when booking.
ABC Kitchen
- 📍 Address: 35 East 18th Street, Union Square, New York, NY 10003
- ⭐ Michelin Status: Michelin Star Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten
ABC Kitchen is the brainchild of acclaimed Michelin-starred Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, who has built a global empire of restaurants. Located inside the iconic ABC Carpet & Home store, this restaurant shares its beautiful space with sister restaurants ABC Cocina (Latin cuisine) and abcV (vegetarian).
Chef Jean-Georges created ABC Kitchen with a passionate commitment to organic, sustainable dining. Everything on the menu is free from pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, insecticides, antibiotics, hormones, and GMOs.
This farm-to-table restaurant in NYC takes farm-to-table seriously while maintaining an artistic, contemporary flair. Ingredients are sourced from regional farmers and fair-trade cooperatives. They even have a rooftop garden providing herbs and microgreens.
The changing menu features seasonal American cuisine with creative presentations. Standout dishes include the famous crab toast, whole roasted fish with seasonal vegetables, roasted carrot and avocado salad, truffle pizzettes, and creative pasta preparations.
You Must Know
- Brunch: Saturday-Sunday 11:00 am -3:00 pm.
- Lunch: Monday-Friday 12:00 pm - 4:30 pm.Dinner: Daily 5:00 pm-10:00 pm.
- Reservations: Recommended via Resy, OpenTable, or Tock. Call (212) 475-5829.
- Prices range from $ 31 to 50.
- Dress code: casual chic.
- Ideal for lunch.
Dietary Accommodations
- EXCELLENT for dietary restrictions.
- The menu already features many vegetarian options, and they offer gluten-free alternatives.
- Sister restaurant abcV is entirely vegetarian/vegan if you prefer.
- Very accommodating to special requests.
Rosemary's
- 📍 Address: 18 Greenwich Avenue, West Village, New York, NY 10011.
- ⭐ Michelin Status: Highly acclaimed by The New York Times, Time Out NY, and Eater.
Opened in 2012 by Carlos Suarez, who named the restaurant after his mother, Rosemary. The restaurant was inspired by his parents' home and the warmth of family meals that brought everyone together. What started as a single West Village location has grown into a beloved neighborhood institution with multiple locations (including Stuyvesant Town and Midtown).
Rosemary's is famous for its rooftop garden overlooking Jefferson Market Garden. Working with Brooklyn Grange, they grow tomatoes, herbs, edible flowers, and produce that goes directly into dishes served below. They even have beehives producing honey for the kitchen!
This is the closest you'll get to dining in Tuscany without leaving NYC. Signature dishes include truffle focaccia, handmade orecchiette pasta with sausage and broccoli rabe, Risotto alla Milanese, whole roasted fish, and their famous lemon mascarpone pancakes at brunch. The handmade pasta is exceptional.
You Must Know
- Brunch: Saturday-Sunday 10:00 am -3:30 pm.
- Lunch: Monday-Friday 11:30 am-3:30 pm.
- Dinner: Monday-Wednesday & Sunday 4:00 pm-10:00 pm; Thursday-Saturday 4:00 pm-11:00 pm.
- Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 4:00 pm-6:00 pm.
- Book via OpenTable, Resy, or call (212) 647-1818.
- Dress Code: Casual.
Dietary Accommodations
- Very good for dietary restrictions.
- Gluten-free pasta available.
- Plenty of vegetarian options, including fresh salads and vegetable-forward dishes.
- They're accommodating to various dietary needs.
- Ask when booking.
To improve your experience, you can request a rooftop garden tour to see where your ingredients are grown!
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FAQS
What was Frank Sinatra's favorite restaurant in NYC?
Patsy's Italian Restaurant (236 West 56th Street) was his absolute favorite. The legendary crooner was a regular from the 1940s until his death, and his family still dines there today. Sinatra would order his go-to dishes: arugula salad with olive oil and red wine vinegar, littleneck clams Posillipo, and veal Milanese fried extra crispy—but always with less garlic!
Is farm-to-table still popular?
Absolutely! Farm-to-table isn't just popular—it's evolved from a trend into a standard practice in the restaurant industry. In 2025, the movement is stronger than ever and continues to grow for several compelling reasons:
- Consumer Demand is Strong: Over 75% of consumers are willing to pay more for locally sourced food.
- Beyond Fine Dining: These restaurants work with hundreds of farmers across their locations.
- Innovation Continues: In 2025, farm-to-table is merging with new technologies like hydroponic tables, rooftop gardens, and smart agriculture.
- Global Influence: The Michelin Guide and major food trend reports consistently highlight sustainable sourcing, locally grown ingredients, and farm partnerships as defining characteristics of contemporary dining.
Is Blue Hill a Michelin-starred restaurant?
Yes! Blue Hill holds one Michelin Star and has also been awarded the prestigious Michelin Green Star, which recognizes restaurants at the forefront of sustainable gastronomy.
What is Taylor Swift's favorite restaurant in New York?
Taylor Swift doesn't have just one favorite—she has a whole roster of NYC spots she frequents! However, a few stand out as her most-visited:
- Via Carota (West Village).
- The Corner Store (SoHo).
- Mēdüzā Mediterrania.
- Zero Bond (NoHo).
Pamela Herrera
