Farm to table restaurants

[betsy616]

I hope this doesn't sound too naive, but as an Easterner about to take my first LA trip, I was hoping to get ideas for great farm-to-table restaurants. Out here, they're fairly rare, but I'm sure in CA they're everywhere.

Would love some suggestions within about 20 minutes of Burbank, if possible.

Thanks!

[J.L.]

A lot of the vegetables used by Chef Niki Nakayama at her restaurant n/naka come from her own personal Farmscape Garden.

[JudiAU]

Most of the high end restaurants get their produce from the farmer's markets because it is so superior. Newly restaurants listed above and more classic choices would be Campanile, Lucques, Hungry Cat (farm to table booze), good cafe choice would Clementine. Most of them are going to be using some sustainable meat but not all. Providence is notable both for being wonderful but using sustainable seafood and market produce.

[maudies5]

Any restaurant owned by Josh Loeb and Zoe Nathan: Huckelberry, Milo and Olive, Rustic Canyon and Sweet Rose Creamery.

[PeterCC]

Some of the restaurants mentioned, actually just one (FIG) use RealTimeFarms.com to track their sourcing for their menus. You can search for restaurants here: http://www.realtimefarms.com/eateries

One restaurant chain that pops up a lot on the site is Tender Greens. Like Lemonade, it would not be considered a destination restaurant, but it is a great, affordable, example of fresh, simple, "Californian" cuisine.

Another place fairly close to Burbank (closer than all the excellent Westside places weinermobile posted, at least) that is on the RealTimeFarms.com website is JAR, which I would think would be considered a destination restaurant, but it's a steakhouse, so might not be the vision that you had of farm-to-table restaurants.

[Fru]

I'm going to go off topic just a bit in that it isn't farm to table but...if you want plenty of veggie options, try Lemonade. They call their food "Seasonal Southern California Comfort Food" and the service is cafeteria style. There is one in Pasadena. http://lemonadela.com/

[westsidegal]

be aware that Lemonade specializes in pre-prepared, pre-dressed, salads that they will scoop onto your plate.
Lemonade is not in the same league as any of the restaurants mentioned by weinermobile.
it is OK for a very CASUAL lunch, but imho not a destination restaurant.

[betsy616]

Thank you both so much. I am trying to stay on my diet for this vacation, and I thought the most delicious way to do this was to take advantage of the great CA produce!

[Dirtywextraolives]

Wienermobile gives an excellent list of what is on the west side, where I live too. But there are lots of them all over the city. One suggestion I have is to check with the concierge of your hotel where you are staying, they should be up to the job. But within 20 minutes of Burbank would include:

The Langham Hotel, Pasadena. The Royce is the name of the restaurant.
Canale - Which I believe is in Los Feliz
Hatfield's in mid city
Eveleigh in Hollywood/W Hollywood
Lazy Ox Canteen, downtown
Mendocino Farms Sandwich shop, downtown

[wienermobile]

My favorites are all on the westside in the Santa Monica and Venice area.
Gjelina in Venice (also open for Lunch) and open till midnight daily.
http://www.gjelina.com/

Fig in Santa Monica and 1/2 off their regular menu Tues-Sat 5pm to 6pm
http://figsantamonica.com/

and Rustic Canyon in Santa Monica (dinner only
)http://www.rusticcanyonwinebar.com/

plus a bit farther is Manhattan Beach Post in Manhattan Beach 3 miles south of LAX. (Dinner every night and lunch only on Fridays. Brunch on Sat and Sun
)http://eatmbpost.com/

Much much longer drive then 20 minutes but all are worth it. Make sure you get reservations first. Welcome to LA