5 South Florida Farm-To-Table Restaurants & Why You Should Try Them

The last couple of years in South Florida have seen an influx of organic foods and the localvore fanatics, those who mainly eat locally farmed raised meals. More and more you see the #ShopLocal tag on an Instagram post or on a car window and you might ask yourself, why or even where. As we aim to do with all your foodie needs; we are here to give you some direction.

Why does it matter where the food comes from? For starters, food that is locally grown spends less time traveling to its destination. This means that there are fewer preservatives.

Buying local boosts your local economy. According to Entrepreneur, if the city of San Francisco redirected its spending to local businesses, there would be almost 1,300 new jobs created and over $192 million would be generated in local economic activity. Here is an infographic from their article of how the circulation of money benefits your community.

Now that you are ready to try farm-to-table restaurants, we will help you by providing popular suggestions.

1.     Market 17 (Fort Lauderdale)

You can enjoy the farm-to-table experience in the dark at this location. Keeping it local, the full bar that serves locally brewed beer. This is a more elegant style restaurant that prides itself on a creative cuisine. Executive Chef Lauren DeShields searches the farm for ingredients and meals are based on the ingredients that are available to guarantee freshness.

2.     DIRT (Miami Beach)

DIRT, unlike its name suggests, offers clean grass-fed, gluten free, paleo, vegetarian and vegan options. With no dish over $16, Dirt is considered to be a fast-casual affordable Miami restaurant, something that is hared to find in South Beach. The menu changes by the season, but one thing remains: the plates are innovative and colorful. Expect to see a masterpiece of hues when your dishes come out. Popular dishes include the Spring Salad and the Dirty Steak and Cheese Sandwich. If you’re looking for a boost, a must try is the Lavender latte.

3.     Green Bar & Kitchen (Fort Lauderdale)

An all vegan-everything restaurant that suits even the non-vegan patrons. The menu is diverse from tacos to salads to burgers, and sometimes even locally made vegan cupcakes. Come for brunch and enjoy the chia pancakes, which can be served with seasonal fruit or chocolate chips. If you’re in for a twist on burgers, the coconut burger is a must. Consisting of field roast, garlic, coconut, lentils, porcini mushroom and more, this burger is everything with a little salsa on top.

4.     Paradigm Kitchen (Miami Beach)

Brought to you by the owner of JugoFresh, this kitchen brings you some favorites, such as pancakes and pokè, traditionally a seafood dish, but in an organic, colorful and even vegan twist. Packed with flavor, the dishes on the menu range from meat based meals, vegetarian and an assortment of creative sides and toasts. Brunch and breakfast items are the only things on the menu on the weekends, but with the variety of items, you are sure to find several things to try.

5.     Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink (Miami, Design District)

Pick from sitting indoors or in the refreshing courtyard and experience one of Miami’s decade old gems. The menu changes daily because meals based on which ingredients are freshest and available. Popular options on the menu range from deviled eggs, and short rib croquettes to popular corn fritters.