Farm-to-table dining is a culinary experience you definitely shouldn’t miss when you’re in Cleveland, OH. The city has rich urban agriculture and some of the best small farms in the region, paving the way for creative, organic dishes served fresh at their many local restaurants.
Here are several fantastic farm-to-table dining venues you should check out around Cleveland:
Aurelia
Located in Chagrin Falls, Aurelia is a classic American-style bistro committed to sourcing only the finest ingredients from local farms, fisheries, and suppliers. Their masterfully crafted dishes are always fresh, and their tailored menu regularly rotates depending on what is available during the season, the week, the day, and occasionally during service.
At the helm of the restaurant is classically trained Chef James Balchak, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, an institution which emphasizes quality of ingredients and technique.
Spice Kitchen & Bar
Spice Kitchen & Bar offers brunch and dinner items made with ingredients harvested from their very own farm in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Their bar menu features fresh takes on Ohio party food, such as a tasty house-made pickle board and fried cheese curds straight out of Lake Erie Creamery. Their regular menu is no slouch as well, with must-try dishes such as wood-grilled bok choy, Tea Hills chicken leg confit, mushroom beignets, Ohio beef burger with smoked onion jam – we could go on and on.
The Flying Fig
The Flying Fig is one of Cleveland’s most critically acclaimed restaurants. This superb culinary destination specializes in locally and regionally sourced dishes, as well as innovative cocktails.
Some must-try items include caramelized broccoli, hoisin-glazed tofu and bacon-wrapped dates with fried rice, cheddar chive biscuits, and lemon-blueberry pancakes. Their best sellers include their vegan grilled eggplant dish and artisanal cheese board with crostini.
Toast
Located in the city’s vibrant Gordon Square Arts District, Toast is a farm-to-table restaurant highlighting selections sourced from local farmers, purveyors, and artisans. In addition to their enticing selection of creative small plates, they offer shareable dishes such as seared scallops with celery root puree and potato paired with sides like tasso and sprouts, almonds, and olives.
Diners at Toast can also enjoy pub food and drink specials in the afternoon and during late-night happy hours throughout the week.
Urban Farmer Steakhouse
Known as one of the best modern steakhouses in Cleveland, Urban Farmer Steakhouse prides itself in their craftsmanship, high quality local and organic sources, and emphasis on the finest Midwest food traditions.
Their main goal is to redefine the modern steakhouse, partnering with some of the top local farms, ranches, and fisheries in order to craft creative takes on traditional dishes.
Be sure to try top sellers like their mouthwatering Ohio Proud ribeye or their butternut squash soup with spiced cream, Frangelico, hazelnut, and a side of fresh pumpkin bread. After you’re done, wash it all down with their unique signature cocktails and assortment of local craft beers.
The Greenhouse Tavern
Located in downtown Cleveland, The Greenhouse Tavern serves traditional American fare made with locally sourced proteins, produce, and grains, along with a variety of interesting craft cocktails.
One of their must-try items is their one-of-a-kind lamb burger topped with tangy yogurt, aged cheese fondue, and champagne shallot mignonette. The Tavern is also a favorite spot for vegetarians, who flock to the place to enjoy items like their veggie burger, which is made out of beans, brown rice, and beets, topped with aged cheddar cheese and served with a side of homemade pickle.
Looking for more great restaurants around Cleveland, Ohio? Be sure to check out our other blog articles on dining destinations.
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