14 North Carolina Farm-To-Table Restaurants Locals Can’t Get Enough Of
North Carolina’s culinary scene is blooming with restaurants that bring the freshest ingredients straight from local farms to your plate.
These farm-to-table spots aren’t just about good food – they’re about supporting local farmers, eating seasonally, and savoring flavors that truly represent the region.
1. The Market Place (Asheville)
Asheville’s culinary cornerstone has been serving farm-fresh fare since 1979, making it a true pioneer in the farm-to-table movement.
Chef William Dissen sources ingredients from over 200 local farms, crafting seasonal menus that change constantly. Every dish celebrates Appalachian flavors with creative twists.
Locals rave about the ever-changing tasting menus and the cozy, intimate atmosphere that makes every meal feel special.
2. Irregardless Café (Raleigh)
Since 1975, this Raleigh gem has championed vegetarian and farm-fresh cuisine before it was trendy.
The menu features locally-sourced produce transformed into creative vegetarian and vegan dishes that even meat-lovers adore. Their commitment to sustainability runs deep, from composting to supporting nearby farms.
Sunday brunch here is legendary – expect live music, mimosas, and plates piled high with goodness.
3. Farm Table Kitchen & Bar (Wake Forest)
Wake Forest locals can’t stop talking about this spot where Southern hospitality meets innovative farm cuisine.
Chef-owner Josh Hinton partners with local farms to create menus that shift with the seasons. The fried green tomatoes and shrimp and grits are absolute must-tries.
Their craft cocktails incorporate fresh herbs and house-made syrups that perfectly complement the farm-fresh menu.
4. Blu Farm to Table (Washington)
Nestled in the historic waterfront town of Washington, Blu combines coastal Carolina charm with farm-fresh philosophy.
This intimate restaurant sources from nearby farms and fisheries, creating dishes that highlight both land and sea. The menu changes weekly based on what’s freshest and most flavorful.
Locals appreciate the unpretentious vibe and the chef’s dedication to showcasing regional ingredients.
5. Herons at The Umstead Hotel (Raleigh)
Sophistication meets sustainability at this Forbes Five-Star restaurant where fine dining embraces local farming.
Executive Chef Steven Devereaux Greene crafts exquisite tasting menus featuring ingredients from the hotel’s own gardens and nearby farms. Each course is artfully presented like edible poetry.
The wine pairings and impeccable service make special occasions truly unforgettable here.
6. Dogwood: A Southern Table (Charlotte)
Charlotte’s Dogwood reimagines Southern classics using ingredients sourced within 100 miles of the restaurant.
Chef-owner Joe Kindred’s menu reads like a love letter to North Carolina agriculture, featuring everything from heritage pork to heirloom vegetables. The biscuits alone are worth the trip.
Reservations book fast, so plan ahead to snag a table at this neighborhood favorite.
7. Olivea Farm to Table (Charlotte)
Mediterranean flavors meet Carolina farms at this Charlotte hotspot where olive oil flows as freely as the conversation.
Olivea’s menu showcases local produce through a Mediterranean lens, creating dishes that feel both familiar and exciting. Their wood-fired pizzas topped with farm-fresh vegetables are legendary.
The outdoor patio provides the perfect setting for lingering over seasonal small plates.
8. The Hackney (Washington)
This Washington gem occupies a historic building where exposed brick meets farm-fresh philosophy.
The Hackney’s chefs work directly with local farmers and fishermen to create menus that change with the seasons. Their commitment to sustainability extends to composting and zero-waste practices.
The creative cocktail program features local spirits and fresh-squeezed juices that complement the farm-driven menu.
9. Benne on Eagle (Asheville)
Chef John Fleer celebrates African American culinary traditions using ingredients from Appalachian farms.
Named after benne seeds (sesame), this restaurant honors Southern foodways while supporting local agriculture. The menu features heritage grains, heirloom vegetables, and pasture-raised meats prepared with reverence and creativity.
Every dish tells a story, making dinner here both delicious and deeply meaningful.
10. The Corner Kitchen (Asheville)
Housed in a Victorian home, The Corner Kitchen feels like dining at your coolest friend’s place—if they happened to be amazing chefs.
The menu changes daily based on what local farms deliver, ensuring peak freshness and flavor. Brunch here is a weekend ritual for many Asheville locals.
The front porch seating offers mountain views that pair perfectly with their farm-fresh fare.
11. The Table (Asheboro)
Asheboro’s The Table proves that farm-to-table dining thrives beyond big cities.
This community-focused restaurant partners with nearby farms to create approachable, delicious meals that celebrate North Carolina’s agricultural bounty. The menu features comfort food elevated by quality ingredients and skilled preparation.
Locals love the welcoming atmosphere and the restaurant’s commitment to supporting regional farmers and producers.
12. The Table at Crestwood (Boone)
Perched in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this Boone restaurant offers stunning views and even more stunning farm-fresh cuisine.
Chef-owner Cynthia Gelderman sources ingredients from High Country farms, creating seasonal menus that reflect the mountain terroir. The cozy lodge atmosphere makes every meal feel like a special occasion.
Reservations are essential, especially during fall foliage season when visitors flock here.
13. Post 70 Craft Beer & Kitchen (Clayton)
Who says farm-to-table can’t include craft beer? Post 70 combines both passions with delicious results.
Their menu features locally-sourced ingredients transformed into elevated pub fare that pairs perfectly with their rotating craft beer selection. The burgers made with local beef and seasonal toppings are hometown favorites.
The laid-back vibe and community focus make this Clayton spot a neighborhood gathering place.
14. Local 22 Kitchen & Bar (Durham)
Durham’s Local 22 takes its name seriously – most ingredients come from within a 22-mile radius.
The restaurant’s hyper-local approach means the menu changes frequently, showcasing whatever’s freshest from nearby farms. Their commitment to sustainability extends to composting, recycling, and supporting fair-trade practices.
The creative cocktails and warm service keep Durham locals returning for more farm-fresh goodness.
