10 Top Farm-to-Table Raleigh Restaurants & Hot Spots

Let’s savor the flavors of fabulous farm-to-table Raleigh restaurants and experiences! The area boasts a mild climate, fertile soil, and a focus on local farmers. These factors combine to create farm-fresh dining that thrives on seasonal ingredients and sustainability. North Carolina’s capital has long been known for its Southern cooking, with comforting favorites like shrimp ‘n’ grits, barbecue, and fried chicken on many menus. In recent years, a surge of restaurants featuring international cuisines has come on the scene, too. Pull up a seat and get ready to eat!

This website sometimes receives compensation, hosted travel, or products related to blog posts. This article may include affiliate links at no extra cost to consumers. As an Amazon Associate, I earn money from qualifying purchases.

1. Irregardless

Irregardless Café is a must-visit for travelers seeking authentic farm-to-table cuisine in Raleigh. This charming eatery in the Warehouse District champions sustainability by sourcing fresh, local ingredients. Irregardless first opened as a vegetarian restaurant in 1975. Today, you can find fish and meat options on the menu but their vibrant vegetable dishes still appeal to diners of all sorts.

As a mostly gluten-free eater, I was thrilled to find lots of options here, including Chicken & Waffles! The fried, bone-in chicken was juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Menus change with the seasons but this star is always available.

Even as delicious as this dish was, I thought the salads and starters were even better. My husband, Phil, and I couldn’t get enough of the refreshing Watermelon Feta, light and crisp gluten-free Fried Green Tomatoes, and delightfully tangy House Ricotta & Zucchini.

2. Herons

Herons at The Umstead Hotel & Spa is THE place in the Raleigh area for a splurge-worthy meal. I ate the most innovatively presented meal of my life at this Forbes five-star restaurant.

For dinner, diners choose from a four-course, prix fixe seasonal menu. Upgrade the whole experience by opting for the wine pairings of specially selected local and international wines, beautifully presented and explained by a knowledgeable sommelier.

My husband and I dined at Herons at the end of August, enjoying the last bites of summer’s bounty. In addition to our menu selections for first, second, entrée, and dessert, we were treated to surprise mini-courses from amuse-bouches to handmade candies during our elegant meal. Pace yourselves so you can savor each morsel.

My favorite was the first course, simply named, “Tomato.” A tomato tart with goat cheese, peach gazpacho for sipping, tomato granita, and tomato “caviar” with fresh basil was served on a bed of verdant greenery. What simple yet bold flavors and freshness in every bite!

Much of the fruits, vegetables, and herbs served at Herons are grown at The Umstead’s own One Oak Farm. Herons Chef de Cuisine Spencer Thomson showed me around this all-organic, three-acre farm. I learned about okra caviar (made from okra seeds), pawpaws (Southern fruits that taste like a cross between banana and mango), dried dent corn (used to make homemade grits), and other edible plants. I also saw firsthand how passionate he and the rest of the Herons staff are about creating authentic food and experiences for guests.

Any meal at Herons (breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, or dinner) is a great reason to dress up. Jackets are requested but not required. Ripped clothing, shorts, casual sandals, and athletic wear are not permitted. Reservations are in order and complimentary valet is provided.

3. The Umstead Bar & Lounge

Even if you can’t afford a multicourse extravaganza at Herons, you can still taste The Umstead Hotel’s commitment to farm-fresh and sustainable cuisine at The Umstead Bar & Lounge. Similar to Herons, menus change with the seasons.

Innovative seasonal cocktails or non-alcoholic infusions add to the experience. Order tempting starters like award-winning fresh oysters on the half-shell from Oysters Carolina, or a charcuterie board with cheeses from Chapel Hill Creamery. Choose from entrées like an Umstead Burger with black truffle aioli and herbed fries or Miso Salmon with roasted root vegetables and ginger.

4. Press Coffee+Crepes+Cocktails

This chic creperie in Downtown Raleigh combines Southern cuisine with European flair. In addition to breakfast crepes, you’ll be tempted by their salads, toasts, sandwiches, and lunch crepes. There are plenty of options at Press for vegans as well as meat lovers.

Press prides itself on serving high-quality foods from local producers whenever possible. Look for flavorful coffees roasted in Durham from Counter Culture Coffee, pastries, and breads from the North Carolinian Guglhupf Bakery, and a rotation of beers from local breweries.

I highly recommend you split a savory crepe AND a sweet crepe with a tablemate to get the most out of your experience at Press. For brunch, my husband, Phil, and I got a filling BLT Morning Crepe, with smoked bacon, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, pimento cheese (a southern favorite!), basil aioli, eggs, and avocado. But we didn’t stop there…and I’m so glad we didn’t! We also ordered a delectable spiced peach crepe from the Seasonal Crepes menu.

All the crepes at Press are made with buckwheat flour, a naturally gluten-free ingredient with an earthy flavor and a hint of nuttiness. In France, buckwheat crepes are called galettes and are traditionally served in Brittany in the northwest part of the country.

5. State Farmers Market

Feast your sights on a buffet of colors and flavors at the State Farmers Market in West Raleigh. This vast covered, outdoor market features fresh produce and vibrant flower bouquets, plus potted herbs and other plants.

If visiting around summertime, you’ll see an abundance of fruits like giant juicy peaches. Keep your eyes open for North Carolina’s official state fruit, Scuppernong grapes, which are large, sweet, golden-green muscadine grapes.

Get a bag of briny and slightly soft, boiled peanuts to munch as you wander. As a souvenir, pick up a locally made jar of apple butter, pickled okra, or chow chow (a tangy and sweet Southern-style relish made with veggies like green tomatoes, onions, cabbage, and bell peppers).

State Farmers Market Restaurant

Even if you don’t buy any goodies at the State Farmers Market, you can still sink your teeth into the bounty of this community food fest at the State Farmers Market Restaurant. This breakfast and lunch diner sources many of its ingredients locally from onsite vendors and beyond in the Raleigh area, and throughout North Carolina.

For lunch, my husband and I split one of the Daily Specials (BBQ chicken), which comes with two freshly prepared sides. We chose real mashed potatoes with gravy and a cucumber salad. Plus, we ordered an extra Veggie Plate with a choice of three more sides so we could taste the fried green tomatoes, deviled eggs, and spiced apples.

The atmosphere was lively and friendly, and the food was filling. However, I wish we’d gone for breakfast to dig into specialties like their hotcakes or country ham and eggs. No matter when you go, be sure to try their signature “Real Biscuits,” made with local flour, buttermilk, and secret ingredients.

6. 42 & Lawrence

Kickstart your day or grab an afternoon pick-me-up at 42 & Lawrence in the Moore Square District. This small but stylish coffee shop features an impressive embossed metal ceiling, sleek subway tile backsplash, and a long white marble Italian-style espresso bar counter. In addition to drip coffees, cold brews, lattes, and other espresso drinks, you can order wine, beer, kombucha, and seasonal drinks. Come on Saturdays if latte art is what you seek.

This hip spot takes coffee and sustainability very seriously. All coffees are from Raleigh roaster Larry’s Coffee, which sells organic, fair trade, and shade-grown beans. Their gourmet pastries are locally sourced, too, from bakeries Union Special and Strong Arm.

I ordered a Golden Milk Latte made with turmeric, ginger, pepper, honey, and oat milk. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize there was no coffee in this concoction. Oh well, it was still a healthy and tasty start to the day. Was I jealous of my husband’s cappuccino? Yes, I was, especially after stealing a few sips!

7. La Farm Bakery

For delicious hand-crafted breads and pastries, head to one of La Farm Bakery‘s six locations in and near the city of Raleigh. All their baked goods are made fresh (twice daily!) from unbleached, unbromated flour without preservatives or artificial ingredients. In addition to using all wheat and rye flours grown and milled in North Carolina, this bakeshop uses locally sourced produce, honey, dairy, ham, and other ingredients in its dishes.

Sourdough bread made with their own starter is the house specialty. Personally, I found the La Farm White Chocolate Mini Baguette particularly addictive, made with Belgian white chocolate chunks swirled in a French mini-baguette.

For something more substantial, order items like a breakfast sandwich, quiche, or avocado toast from the counter for dine-in or take-out. Coffees from Counter Culture in Durhum make an excellent accompaniment. Sandwiches, salads, and kids meals are available for lunch, too.

Although those with a serious wheat allergy or Celiac Disease may want to steer clear, there are gluten-free macarons for sale in various flavors. Those with gluten sensitivity (like me), though, may tolerate breads made here better than those filled with fake ingredients.

8. Videri Chocolate Factory

Videri Chocolate Factory in Downtown Raleigh proudly focuses on using local products from small farms to ensure only the finest ingredients in every treat. In addition to artisanal chocolate bars and bonbons, this café and production facility serves coffee and soft-serve ice cream.

Embark on a 15-minute self-guided tour and discover the chocolate-making process at no charge. I enjoyed completing their scavenger hunt form and was rewarded with a free chocolate candy for my educational efforts. For a deeper dive into chocolate bliss, sign up for one of their reasonably priced, longer weekly guided factory tours.

9. Bond Brothers Beer Company

Downtown Cary’s Bond Brothers Beer Company blends craft beer excellence with sustainability. They’re committed to local sourcing, often using grains and produce from nearby farms in their brewing process. Additionally, their brewing philosophy emphasizes eco-friendly practices, ensuring minimal waste and energy use.

Belly up to the bar to get a couple of samples of beers or ciders before making your purchase. A favorite is their Local IPA, brewed with rotating hops in every batch. Non-alcoholic Devil’s Foot crafted sodas (made in North Carolina) and Pepsi products are available, too. Feeling hungry? Look for a rotation of local food trucks on-site to get your fill.

Bond Brothers offers a convivial vibe, both inside their tasting room and on the green umbrella-bedecked, dog-friendly beer garden. Children are welcome here (until bedtime at 8 pm) so read these tips for visiting breweries with kids if you want to go with the whole family in tow.

10. Geluna Gelato

All the gelatos and sorbets at Geluna Gelato in Downtown Cary are made fresh, in-house using real flavors and ingredients, with no artificial dyes or corn syrup. Plus, their milk and cream are sourced from the sustainable and family-owned Homeland Creamery in nearby Julian, NC.

The Australian couple who owns this mom-and-pop shop attended Carpigiani’s Gelato University in Bologna, where they trained with a master gelatiere to learn how to make their fantastic frozen treats using traditional Italian methods.

Look for flavors like Sea Salted Caramel, Strawberries & Cream, and Lemon Sorbet. I ordered an affogato, an Italian dessert made with ice cream drowned in espresso. At Geluna, it’s served in a cup with a concave scoop of gelato into which you pour the hot coffee. Typically, Geluna serves this treat with coffee-flavored gelato. Instead, I opted for the traditional Italian flavor, Stracciatella, made with a creamy milk base and fine chocolate shavings. Delizioso!

Learn More

For more frivolity in North Carolina’s capital, check out these activities in Raleigh for adults who love fun.

Taste farm-to-table cuisine in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Dig into farm fresh foods and drinks in Talkeetna, gateway to Denali National Park in Alaska.

Discover fun things for adults to do in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Save these Farm Fresh Spots in Raleigh

For future dining inspiration, keep this list of farm-fresh Raleigh restaurants and experiences. Simply pin the image above to Pinterest. I hope you’ll follow me on Pinterest while you’re at it!

Which of these farm-to-table Raleigh restaurants and dishes sounds tastiest to you? Share your picks in the comments below!

A Note from Colleen: Visit Raleigh partially hosted my visit to the City of Oaks with my husband. Also, some of our meals and activities were comped, including our dinner at Herons and our stay at The Umstead Hotel. I did not receive any monetary compensation related to this article. All opinions are mine, as always.

Sharing is caring!