The 14 Best Restaurants Serving Locally Grown Food In New York & New Jersey
On average, your food travels nearly 1500 miles between the farm where it is grown and your refrigerator. An easy way to cut down on your carbon footprint and eat fresh products is to shop local. You don't have to stay in the kitchen to have a locally grown meal, here are our picks for enjoying local produce and ingredients while dining out in New York City, Westchester, Long Island and New Jersey.
Manhattan
BLT Fish
21 West 17th Street
New York, NY 10011
646-666-3067
e2hospitality.com/blt-fish-new-york
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This Flatiron favorite is split into two restaurants. For a more upscale dining experience head upstairs to order fish by weight and have it de-boned and served table side. Downstairs relax in the laid back BLT Fish Shack and enjoy lobster rolls and clam chowder. Some find the prices to be too high, though we hear the fresh fare is worth the extra cash.
Bread Tribeca
301 Church Street
New York, NY 10013
212-334-0200
breadtribeca.com
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This modern neighborhood spot serves up Italian fare and we hear brunch is the time to stop by. Try the fresh ciabatta or seven-grain sandwiches.
City Bakery
3 W. 18th St(between Fifth and Sixth Aves.)
New York, NY 10011
212-366-1414
thecitybakery.com/city-bakery
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This large Flatiron hangout is considered by some to be an NYC breakfast institution. Don't leave without trying the homemade pretzel-croissant.
Union Square Cafe
21 E. 16th St(nr. Union Sq. West)
New York, NY 10003
212-243-4020
unionsquarecafe.com
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Chef Carmen Quagliata's menu serves American cuisine with an Italian flair, using fresh ingredients from the local farmer's market. Don't forget to check out the award-winning wine list.
Brooklyn
iCi
246 DeKalb Ave(at Vanderbilt Ave.)
Brooklyn, NY 11205
718-789-2778
icirestaurant.com
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Brooklyn natives are well aware of iCi's rotating brunch and dinner menus tucked away in a converted brownstone. Head over to this Fort Greene hideaway for fresh local ingredients. We hear service can be a little slow, but the food is worth the wait.
Rose Water Restaurant
787 Union St.
Brooklyn, NY 11215
718-783-3800
rosewaterrestaurant.com
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This tiny Park Slope favorite serves up local American fare. Check out the brunch menu too, but be sure to get there early to avoid the lines.
Queens
Quaint
4610 Skillman Ave.
Sunnyside, NY 11104
917-779-9220
quaintnyc.com
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This open kitchen design complete with garden dining offers a chance to watch your food being prepared. Some say the minimalist menu could use some variety, but we hear the Monday night all you can eat mussels and fries are a must.
La Flor Bakery & Cafe
53-02 Roosevelt Ave.
Woodside, NY 11377
718-426-8023
laflorrestaurant.com
For an exotic take on traditional Mexican fare head to this tiny neighborhood hang out just below the 7 train. We hear the relaxed atmosphere offers reasonable priced dishes. Stop by for brunch too.
Bronx
The Riverdale Garden Restaurant
4576 Manhattan College Parkway
Bronx, New York 10471
718-884-5232
theriverdalegarden.com
This revamped garden hangout serves up unique American fare. Enjoy the dinner-only menu in a large garden but expect Manhattan prices.
Westchester
Blue Hill at Stone Barns
630 Bedford Road
Tarrytown, NY 10591
914-366-9600
bluehillfarm.com/food/blue-hill-stone-barns
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This pioneer in the "farm to table" restaurant concept is a locally grown foodie delight. Prices are high and reservations are scare, but if you're lucky enough to snag a time slot, expect a 3 hour feast. Dinner choices start at five courses for $108. Drive through Stone Farms and check out your dinner's ingredients on your way to the restaurant.
Long Island
Fifth Season
34 East Broadway
Port Jefferson, New York 11777
thefifth-season.com
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Enjoy the views and relaxed decor at this buzzing Port Jefferson spot. All menu ingredients are organic and be sure to check out the extensive wine list and prix-fixe menu deal.
Mirabelle Tavern Restaurant
150 Main St.
Stony Brook, NY 11790
631-751-0555
lessings.com/restaurant_home.aspx?uniid=22
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We hear the French influenced menu features a cheese plate worth checking out. Cozy up to the fireplace with your choice of lager in this rustic neighborhood tavern.
New Jersey
Fresh
562 Allen Rd.
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
908-719-9100
iwantfreshfood.com
This little sandwich shop and bakery features sandwiches, salads, soups, homemade ice cream sandwiches, cupcakes and more. We hear it's a bit pricey for portion sizes, but the fresh ingredients are worth the cost.
Mediterra
29 Hulfish St
Princeton, NJ 08542
609-252-9680
mediterrarestaurant.com
Be sure to try the basket bread dipped in olive oil and check out the bar scene. Enjoy the modern decor, but expect Manhattan prices.
