Discover Farm-to-Table Dining in Michigan
Michigan is known for its abundance of farmland mixed into its beautiful landscape, which has allowed it to become one of the best places to experience true farm to table dining.
In Michigan, we have a huge variety of crops produced, so when a restaurant offers farm to fork dining here it could mean a wide range of things. From any cuisine, any course, any craving you have – farm-to-table dining in Michigan will exceed your expectations.
So, what is this farm-to-table concept? Farm-to-table refers to food that is made with produce and livestock that is sourced locally, meaning it is grown by farmers and ranchers near you.
Health Benefits of Eating Farm-to-Table in Michigan
The health benefits that come with this concept are plentiful; nutrients in our food begin to dwindle 24 hours after they are harvested, so by moving quickly from the farm to our tables, we are getting the most out of our food’s nutrients.
By getting the most out of our nutrients, we also get the most taste and flavor from our food. And of course, this process helps to strengthen the local economy since buying local means supporting the farms and ranches the food comes from, thereby supporting local businesses.
I’ve been to other states where farm-to-table dining is advertised but the food is bland and boring, which is the opposite of my experience in Michigan. Here you can taste the difference. Michigan has the second most variety in their crops out of all the other states, second only to California.
Farm-to-Table Variety
Because of this variety, the choices are endless for farm to table dining in Michigan – and the best part is that you can come back time and time again to experience new things since the menu changes with the seasons.
Check out our list of the best farm-to-table dining restaurants in Michigan so you can experience locally sourced and expertly prepared cuisine near you. You can also scroll to the bottom for a map of farm to table restaurants near you.
Farm-to-Table Restaurants in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Milkweed Inn
Address: Near Munising
What happens when a top Chicago chef from a Michelin-starred restaurants meets Michigan’s upper peninsula? You’ll find out if you’ve got both the time and luck to score a reservation at this remote Bed and Breakfast serving both food and drinks. Chef Iliana Regan creates some amazing meals from berries and greens both grown and foraged on property. The Milkweed Inn combines the best of glamping and farm-to-table for an unforgettable experience.
Moofinfries
Address: W11623 US Hwy 2, Naubinway, MI 49762
This family-owned restaurant is more than just farm-to-table, it’s also lake-to-table. All of their fish is freshly caught from Lake Michigan, and all of their burgers are sourced from ranchers nearby. The owner will guide you through the menu if you have any specific dietary or allergy restrictions, and you’re guaranteed to find something you like while you’re here.
PRO-TIP: The hand-cut french fries here are amazing! If you’re taking a road trip to Kitch-Iti-Kipi, put this restaurant on your bucket list!
Northern Michigan Farm to Table Restaurants
Forrest: A Food Studio
Address: 408 S Union St, Traverse City, MI 49684
This cozy, neighborhood natural wine shop and eatery was recommended to me by a friend, and I’m so grateful. As someone who prefers organic wines (I think I might have a sulfite allergy. It’s really rare to find a spot that caters to both my eating and drinking habits! The food studio is a really unique spot: you can reserve a spot for a multi-course, prix-fixe meal on Fridays and Saturdays. Prepare to be delighted: entrees include delicacies like Beef Wellington with Black Truffle potato and Mole Lacquered Duck, with some amazing desserts too.you can also sign up for cooking classes, too.
Grey Gables Restaurant & Catering
Address: 308 Belvedere Ave, Charlevoix, MI 49720
Grey Gables is a well-known establishment in the Lake Charlevoix area since they have been in business for 29 years and have been perfecting their craft the entire time. They serve American food in an elegant setting and offer menu pairings to ensure a perfect meal. Come here for filet mignon, walleye, and of course plenty of fresh produce. You can also have Grey Gables cater your wedding for a home-cooked, elegant plate setting for your special day.
Hearth and Vine at Black Star Farms
The stunning Leelanau Peninsula setting is just one more things to love about Hearth and Vine, the casual eatery at Black Star Farms Winery in Suttons Bay, MI. This is a great pick if you’re doing a Traverse City wine tour or simply want to feast on delicacies like the Apple-Beet Salad with an unforettable cinnamon-vanilla dressing.
Pond Hill Farm
Address: 5699 S Lake Shore Dr., Harbor Springs, MI 49740
This dog-friendly working farm is more than just an amazing farm-to-table dining experience. It’s also a beer garden, winery, market and family-fun farm. In addition to mouth-watering meals like a lemon kale salad (with fresh kale grown on the property), you’ll find seasonal events like sledding in the winter and a pumpkin patch in the fall. Located north of Petoskey near the famous Tunnel of Trees, this is a Michigan must-visit.
Taproot Cider House
Address: 300 E Front St #104, Traverse City, MI 49684
Taproot was the first farm-to-table dining experience that I had in Michigan, and I immediately fell in love with this Traverse City spot. Starting with their hummus made with garbanzo beans, to their cider braised pork shoulder, to their wild mushroom pizza – it’s all amazing. Even the kids have plenty to choose from here, making it a perfect family-friendly, farm to table restaurant.
West Michigan Farm-to-Table Restaurants
Blue Cow Café
Address: 119 N. Michigan Ave, Big Rapids, MI 49307
This restaurant has a wine list that appears larger than their actual menu (don’t get me wrong, the wine is great, too!) but that’s only because the owners prepare a brand-new selection of meals each week to stay up to date with the seasonal food that they source from the farmers nearby. They have plenty to choose from since their weekly selections strive to include Italian, American, and even Thai style entrees.
The Green Well
Address: 924 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Advertised as an eco-friendly gastropub, this restaurant in East Grand Rapids is a personal favorite of mine. It can sometimes be difficult to find true farm to table restaurants in the city, but The Green Well is an excellent example of farm to table. Be sure to stop in during happy hour, Tuesday through Friday from 3 pm to 6 pm for $8.00 rotating shareable snacks and drink specials.
Southwest MI Farm-to-Table Restaurants
The Garden Griddle
Address: 217 E. Michigan Ave, Paw Paw, MI 49079
The mother and daughter duo at Graden Griddle in southwest Michigan is a dynamic team. They’ve been very successful in their dream of creating a cozy atmosphere with creative menu items sourced locally. This is an excellent brunch spot for all ages. They specialize in a large variety of breakfast skillets and lunch sandwiches, but everything on their menu is fantastic.
600 Kitchen & Bar
Address: 600 E. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Located in the heart of downtown Kalamazoo, this farm-to-table restaurant will exceed your expectations. They advertise all 10 farms that they source their livestock and produce from, encouraging all of their patrons to visit the farms for their families as well. 600 Kitchen & Bar has done a lot of work in strengthening the local farming economy, and a lot of work to create a fun dining experience for their customers.
Farm-to-Table Restaurants in Southeast Michigan
Fresh Forage
Address: 5060 Jackson Rd Suite A, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
This farm-to-table restaurant in Ann Arbor is an environmentally conscious, healthy, and enjoyable option with something for everyone. They have their own farm where they get most of their ingredients, but they also source from local farms and some ingredients are even foraged from the woods throughout the state.
Coriander Kitchen & Farm
Address: 14601 Riverside Blvd, Detroit, MI 48215
Located right on the canal of the Detroit River, this is a one-of-a-kind establishment. Along with a menu that changes frequently to keep up with the seasonal produce changes, they have their own farm where they get a lot of their ingredients.
What they can’t source from their own farm, they get from local food purveyors. On top of that, however, they also have a mason jar subscription service for monthly bouquets of flowers that are truly gorgeous. Their atmosphere is one of a kind as well, since they offer “patio chill Sundays” from noon to four, and light snacks during their bar hours from 11 am to 3 pm on Saturdays.
Zingerman’s Roadhouse
Address: 2501 Jackson Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
One of the best foods I’ve ever tasted was the Warm Spinach and Mushroom Salad at this west Ann Arbor restaurant. The salad, still crispy wev though warm, features roasted red peppers and fennel, too. An expansion of the famous Zingerman’s Deli, the Roadhouse offers a full menu featuring home-grown and locally-sourced foods.
Farm-to-Table Restaurants in Mid MI
Hearthstone Oven Bakery & Café
Address: 126 S Pine River, Ithaca, MI 48847
Ever since 2007 Hearthstone Oven has been delivering made-from-scratch meals with local produce and other locally sourced ingredients, earning them several awards over the years. They specialize in baked goods and they’re famous for their various rolls – cinnamon, pecan, raspberry cream cheese, and more – along with their unique ambiance.
They have perfected the family style gathering place for the whole community, and they have grown over the years to accommodate the growing population in Ithaca and surrounding areas. The owners, the Gable family, even offer their signature casseroles frozen so you can bring them home for your own family gatherings.
Thumb-Area Farm-to-Table Restaurants
The Farm
Address: 699 Port Crescent Rd, Port Austin, MI 48467
The Farm, owned by chef and culinary expert Pamela Mary Gabriel-Roth, has been in business since 1993. Pamela is passionate about curating unique and fresh menu items that change as the season’s produce changes, ensuring that each visit to The Farm will be a new experience with exciting new menu options. Just last year, The Farm won the 2021 Travelers’ Choice Award for being in the top 10% of restaurants worldwide.
PRO-TIP: Plan a visit to this Port Austin eatery during cherry-picking season so you can try the Balsamic & Michigan Cherry BBQ Glazed Salmon – the best salmon I’ve had in Michigan.
Map of Michigan Farm to Table Restaurants
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About The Author-
Casey Johanson is a senior at Grand Valley State University and is passionate about writing and reading. An avid traveler around Michigan, Casey enjoys gardening and running. Her favorite places are typically the hidden beaches and secret scenic overlooks throughout Michigan that most people don’t know about. She loves trying to find places that people haven’t been before and loves writing about those places even more.
