Boston Suburbs' Best Farm-To-Table Restaurants
Farmstead Table
71 Union St.
Newton Centre, MA 02459
(617) 928-6000
www.farmsteadtable.com
Established in 2012, Farmstead Table in Newton prides itself on offering up a menu that uses French techniques to create American favorites. It boasts that it is "actively involved in the community, contributing sustainable, responsibly sourced products and knowledge" to locals and visitors alike. Farmstead serves lunch, dinner and brunch with highlights on the menu including a cheese plate featuring New England selections, organic trout, rosemary lamb chops and house-made soups.
The Blue Ox Restaurant
191 Oxford St.
Lynn, MA 01901
(781) 780-5722
www.theblueoxlynn.com
Also offering American cuisine, with locally sourced products when possible, is The Blue Ox in Lynn. The award-winning menu has appetizers perfect for sharing like the Rhode Island calamari or the local Salem, Mass. farm Maitland Mountain's fried farm pickles with balsamic and a grilled lemon and thyme aioli dipping sauce. This kid-friendly spot also has a children's menu with pizza, pasta and chicken dishes for the little ones. But it is the burgers that are the best. Indulge on the Blue Ox special burger featuring two quarter-pound burgers stuffed with gorgonzola dolce topped with applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato and grilled lemon and thyme aioli.
Scratch Kitchen
245 Derby St.
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 741-2442
www.scratchkitchensalem.com
Speaking of Salem, Scratch Kitchen focuses on regional and local farm fresh ingredients. The menu offers up sandwiches made with house-smoked meats, homemade bacon, breads, pickles and condiments to complete the dishes. The menu also showcases where some of the ingredients come from. Dig into the Murray's Farms grilled chicken breast, Wild Maine Mussels or the house-cured chicken wings. Scratch serves Sunday brunch with favorites including Vermont yogurt with house-made granola, house-cured salmon and locally raised eggs cooked your way.
Scarlet Oak Tavern
1217 Main St.
Hingham, MA 02043
(781) 749-8200
www.scarletoaktavern.com
Scarlet Oak Tavern in Hingham is the kind of place that appeals to everyone from the couple out for date night to the family looking for a hearty brunch to even friends out for burgers and beers at the bar area. It strongly believes in and participates in creating a menu featuring farm-to-fork dishes and sources healthy, fresh, local and seasonal ingredients for the recipes on the menu. The main source of the produce comes from Gibbet Hill Farm located in Groton. Local oysters, New England clam chowder, pot pie and lobster risotto are just a few of the standouts from the many selections, as are the steaks including New York sirloin or filet mignon.
Madrona Tree
315 Broadway
Arlington, MA 02474
(781) 859-5551
www.themadronatree.com
Located in Arlington, Madrona Tree has a locally focused menu as well. Nosh on burgers made with hormone- and antibiotic-free beef or a Syrian wrap sandwich featuring house-made hummus alongside an order of organic hand-cut fries and a milkshake to go along with it. A variety of burgers fill the menu including the Christine featuring locally made blue cheese, American cheese, bacon, fried onions and Madrona's own tangy sauce. There is also a kid's menu, salads, hot dogs, grilled cheeses and many more options on the menu for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Related: Ask A Boston Chef: Farm-To-Table Roasted Chicken (& Beer Pairing)
Michelle Levine is a creative energetic, young professional that is passionate about everything Boston has to offer. She loves to attend local events, dine out, and cook and wants to share her findings with you. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
