Farm-to-Table Dining in Southwest Florida

By Julie Landry Laviolette

Folksy fishing villages, a sophisticated arts scene and miles of wide, white-sand beaches are the signature symbols of Southwest Florida.

But the area has deep agricultural roots as well, with a thriving farm-to-table movement driven by hundreds of acres of farmland, some tended by generations of the same families.

Here’s a sampling of farm-to-fork options, from restaurants to farms.

Dining

The Local, Naples – A farm and sea-to-table staple with a relaxed dining room, cozy wine bar and rotating blackboard specials based on that day’s delivery. The menu highlights the products of sustainable ranchers, farmers and sea mongers, and is inspired by Florida’s long growing season. The Local cures and smokes its own meats and makes sauces, ice cream, pickles, dressings and jams in-house.

The Bay House, Naples – Nestled in a wildlife preserve, The Bay House offers waterfront dining directly on the Cocohatchee River with Old Florida charm and live music. Cuisine ranges from seafood to Southern dishes to regional fare. Signature plates highlight locally grown and sourced ingredients.

Chez Boet, Naples – Classic bistro for French home cooking by Lisa and Philippe Boet, two Parisian imports who opened the eatery in 2003. The menu offers familiar French recipes crafted with locally sourced fare and a wine list of French selections sourced from grower-producers personally known by the Boets.

Sea Salt, Naples – Elegant dining room in the historic downtown turning out elevated Venetian-inspired seafood and mains focusing on seasonal, organic and sustainable ingredients from local farmers and day boat fishermen. The menu changes daily in this serene interior with spacious patio dining.

Veranda E, Naples – Global haute cuisine in a romantic tropical setting, with al fresco dining under a pergola or beneath a fringe of palm trees at The Escalante hotel. This fine dining locale has an on-site sustainable organic garden.

The 239, Naples – Family-owned eatery with a vibrant, welcoming vibe and a light-filled eating area turning out casual American plates sourced from local purveyors and growers. Outdoor seating and cocktails are available.

Caffe Toscano, Naples – Italian-born chef/owner Antonio Durante and his wife, Diana serve Tuscan-inspired cooking using fine imported ingredients and locally sourced, high-quality meats, produce and seafood. Hearty plates are served in warm, inviting surrounds.

A Table Apart, Bonita Springs – A mixture of global influences, from American regional to East Asian and South Pacific, steer the menu at this dining destination with a polished interior and a welcoming feel. Chef Jarrod Davis is passionate about sustainable seafood, humanely raised meat and poultry and organic produce. Local sources are noted on its website and there is an extensive wine list.

Harvest & Wisdom, Bonita Springs – Located at Shangri-La Springs hotel, this refined, organic farm-to-table outpost crafts seasonal dishes using produce from its on-site organic garden, as well as locally sourced organic, sustainable proteins and drinks. Brunch is available daily.

Blue Dog Bar & Grill, Matlacha – Down-home neighborhood standby with bar seating dishing up American classics sourced from local fishermen, farmers, ranchers and brewers to highlight the quality of ingredients coming from Pine Island and Southwest Florida.

Labelle Brewing Company, Labelle – Family-owned, convivial craft brewery using seasonal ingredients to create innovative brews. The brewery also offers farm-fresh fare in its casual bar bites food menu.

Harold’s, Fort Myers – Informal, cozy eatery with a weekly changing menu of innovative American cuisine. Seasonally inspired farm-driven recipes are complemented with a full bar and extensive wine list.

Farms

Buckingham Farms, Fort Myers – Scenic 85-acre farm and wedding/event venue with a casual farm-to-table restaurant serving breakfast and lunch, plus Friday to-go dinners. A market and pantry sells produce, artisanal local and Amish products and wine.

Oakes Farms, Naples – Expansive 3,500-acre farm growing more than 70 types of fruits and vegetables. Oakes Farms Market is currently closed due to Hurricane Ian. Oakes also operates Seed to Table, a market, food hall and watering hole with entertainment featuring organic and local wares. Food & Thought is an organic general store with a café serving organic, mindfully sourced food and a juice bar.

Inyoni Organic Farm, Naples – Organic six-acre farm creating products like pesto and soups from its 50 varieties of farm-fresh ingredients, available for pickup. It hosts occasional farm-to-table dinners, farm tours and concerts.

Blossom & Brie, North Fort Myers – Unique working farm with animals and a freight produce farm – which uses 40-foot shipping containers for year-round, climate-controlled growing. It’s farm-to-office catering service furnishes breakfast and lunch entrees crafted from farm meats, eggs and produce. Special events at its onsite venue feature farm-fresh ingredients.

Worden Farm, Punta Gorda – 125-acre organic family farm run by Chris and Eva Worden, a husband-and-wife team who are both scientists and educators. They run a farm box program and a members-only farm stand.

Resources

Local Harvest – Lists local farmers, markets and producers.

Fresh From Florida – Showcases seasonal produce and seafood.

Slow Food Southwest Florida – Nonprofit that promotes clean food. Lists farmers markets and hosts events like cooking classes.