Local Eats: Farm to Table Restaurants Near You
Winter doesn’t mean the end of local food. Minnesota Grown meats, cheeses, honey, syrup, eggs, and produce are available throughout the year. Don’t have time to stop at a farmers market? Restaurants create an easy way to access local food year-round, and leave you with a clean kitchen at the end of the day. We collaborated with Minnesota Farmers Union’s Minnesota Cooks Program to bring you a few of their +75 restaurant suggestions with delicious Minnesota Grown dishes. Check out this quick list!
Bluefin Grille – Tofte $$$
Located on the shore of Lake Superior, this restaurant offers local delicacies with a side of scenery. Find plates inspired by regional products and the changing seasons that are sure to impress the entire family. In 2018, this restaurant earned the Northern Wilds Readers’ Choice Award with the help of executive chef Luis Cortes. Serving a true fine dining experience, the Bluefin Grille is the perfect place for a date night, or a celebratory dinner. The breathtaking view is a bonus!
Estelle’s Eatery and Bar – Harmony $$-$$$
Sitting in the southern corner of the state, this local eatery offers a fun experience for the whole family! The reasonably priced menu offers dishes from a wide variety of cultures in a cozy setting. Local ingredients take center stage and the menu changes with the seasons. Additionally, Minnesota products can be found on the drink menu, with multiple local breweries on tap.
Farm Market Café – Onamia $$
This local enclave in the center of the state foregrounds Minnesota Grown ingredients and side steps products grown with pesticides, added hormones, and antibiotics. Everything from the meat, eggs, and veggies to the maple syrup they use are produced right here in Minnesota. On top of being delicious, the Farm Market Café emphasizes the right to clean, healthy, and local food for all. Check out their website to see a full list of producers that supply the café.
La Ferme – Alexandria $$-$$$
Nestled in downtown Alexandria, La Ferme, or “The Farmhouse”, aims to support local farmers while honoring the land, food, and work that goes into the end product. Real food is the star of the show and the menu continually features seasonal, sustainable, and healthy choices throughout the year. Pop in for lunch from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm Tuesday through Saturday or dinner from 5:00 pm to 9:00pm Thursday through Saturday. Want more info about their ingredient sources? Take a look at their website.
Main Street Farmer Eatery – St. Michael $$-$$$
This locally-sourcing and family-owned community business is a great place to find local dishes in a casual environment. Located just North of the Twin Cities, the Eatery offers an eclectic atmosphere with a focus on good food. At lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday, find creative sandwiches, pastas, and northern inspired entrees. A frequently changing menu and craft cocktail bar make this a fun place to eat time and time again. Moreover, all of their producers are listed on their website, providing a transparent eating experience.
River Rock Coffee – St. Peter $$-$$$
Breakfast and lunch are the stars of the show in this southern Minnesota coffee shop. Aside from a great cup of coffee, you’ll find simple dishes made with high quality, local ingredients. In addition to a wholesome breakfast, the baked goods can’t be missed. Homemade is the name of the game and it shows. Want more info on the farmer behind the food? Check out their list of producers on their website.
Already thinking about your next locally sources meal? Use #MinnesotaGrown on Facebook and Instagram to share your delicious finds with us. We can’t wait to see what ends up on your plate!
Price Key*:
$= fast food, self-service, cheap
$$= casual, sit-down, moderately priced
$$$= formal dining
*based on Trip Advisor rating scale
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