By Julie Landry Laviolette

Known for its award-winning beaches and big-city lure of the Tampa area, Central West Florida also has a robust farm-to-table scene.

Quaint Plant City is home to countless strawberry fields and an annual strawberry festival. Family-owned farms throughout the area supply dairy, produce and wine to restaurants.

Here’s a sampling of eateries supporting the farm-to-fork movement:

 - Rooster & The Till

 

Dining

Rooster & The Till, Tampa – Celebrated, award-winning fixture with a contemporary vibe. Frequently changing menu, with adventurous, shareable plates and global influences. Uses thoughtfully sourced proteins, and local greens and veggies as much as they can. Boasts an open kitchen, a tasting menu with a wine pairing and was named a 2022 and 2023 Michelin Bib Gourmand.

Ulelele, Tampa – Buzzy, expansive destination on the Tampa Riverwalk celebrates Old Florida ingredients, like alligator, Gulf oysters and foods native to the land once home to many Native Americans. Plates features intricate flavors courtesy of the eatery’s 10-foot barbacoa grill. Ulele also has a microbrewery with pints crafted with local honey.

Charley’s Steak House, Tampa – Prime, hand-cut dry-aged steaks and a menu of not-so-typical steakhouse fare in this high-end outpost, which sources some of its produce from local farmers. There’s also an 800-bottle wine cellar.

Parkshore Grill, St. Petersburg – Polished waterfront eatery with outdoor seating overlooking the Vinoy Yacht Basin and North Straub Park. The kitchen turns out elevated American plates sourced from mindfully produced proteins, fresh sustainable seafood and local organic produce. Known for weekend brunch and happy hour.

Il Ritorno, St. Petersburg – Sleek, modern locale serving elegant takes on traditional Italian fare. The food menu changes according to seasonally available ingredients. A Chef’s Bar provides a front-row seat to the open kitchen and a tasting menu with a wine pairing.

MADE, Sarasota – Low-key downtown restaurant that supports local farms, growers and ranchers for its award-winning modern American comfort food in a laid-back atmosphere. It’s known for an innovative weekend brunch menu and creative cocktails in a no-frills setting, with covered outdoor tables.

Indigenous, Sarasota – Classy pick with outdoor seating offering a seasonal American menu focusing on sustainable seafood. Chefs work closely with local fishermen, artisans and farmers to maintain quality. Located in the historic Towles Court district in downtown Sarasota.

De Luka’s Restaurant & Bar, Clearwater - Warm, inviting destination with leather banquette seating turning out Croatian cuisine and handmade pastas. The renowned family-owned eatery sells a selection of cigars and uses organic ingredients and locally sourced fare.

Living Food Bakery, Zephyrhills – Homespun bakery and café in simple surrounds turning out casual American health-conscious and nutrient-dense eats and baked goods. The bakery relies on ingredients from its local farm and farmers’ markets.

Naked Farmer, Tampa and St. Petersburg - Small chain of fast-casual eateries focusing on New American eats sourced from small and medium-sized regional farmers.

- The Farmhouse at Gillman Farms

 

Farms

Fat Beet Farm Kitchen & Bakery, Tampa - A coastal farm dedicated to sustainability and education. The farm has created a closed-loop system where the food is grown on the farm, cooked in the kitchen, and food waste and scraps are used to create organic fertilizers for the next season of crops. Has a café and catering menu, a bakery, produce boxes and farm tours.

Meacham Urban Farm, Tampa – Organic urban farm developed on a two-acre downtown lot in the Encore redevelopment project, a mixed-use subsidized neighborhood. Holds farm-to-table dinners in collaboration with Buddha’s Garden. The multi-course themed events highlight seasonal, local, raw, fermented and cooked foods and include a farm tour. Has a farm store with local produce and products.

Dakin Dairy Farms, Myakka City – Multigenerational family dairy farm offering farm tours of its tree-shaded pastureland, plus a farm market with milk, cheese curds, eggnog, heavy cream and other dairy products, including local ice cream.

Parkesdale Farms, Plant City – Celebrated family-owned farm, U Pick strawberries and market since 1968 with a farmer’s market and expansive outdoor seating area. Customer lines snake through the parking lot for its seasonal strawberry shortcakes and strawberry shakes.

The Farmhouse at Gillman Farms, Plant City – Farm market selling local produce, plus strawberry shortcake, strawberry pizza, milkshakes and cookies.

Fancy Farms Market, Lakeland – Family-owned Plant City farm since 1974 with a spacious market serving seasonal fruit treats like strawberry shortcake, peach, blueberry and blackberry cobbler, milkshakes, cookies and bread.

Keel Farms, Plant City - Home to Keel + Curley Winery and Keel Farms Agrarian Ales and Ciders. The farm offers tours, tastings, low-key bar eats and events.

Resources

Localharvest – Lists local farms and produce buying clubs offering Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) produce boxes.

Fresh from Florida – Showcases seasonal produce and seafood.

PLACES TO REMEMBER

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