Illinois’ climate and varied soil types enable farmers to grow and raise many agricultural
commodities making it a leader of farm fresh produce. With a focus on farm-to-table dining, Illinois
showcases some of the finest culinary experiences rooted in locally sourced ingredients. This
approach not only supports the local economy but also celebrates the freshness and rich flavors of
the region’s produce. From experiencing the culture firsthand at farms to savouring the taste of local
produce and meats at restaurants, Illinois’s farm-to-table culinary scene is a must-try for all food
lovers. It’s time to dine in the Middle of Everything, surrounded by the fields and crops that define
the menu.
Firefly Grill – Effingham
Firefly Grill is a modern roadhouse restaurant located on the shores of Lake Kristie in Effingham. This
wonderful place operates on an oasis of American fresh cuisine in the heart of the Midwest. Firefly
boasts a soulful, seasonal menu created with herbs and vegetables from their onsite organic farm.
Enjoy a meal in their main seating area, or cocktails in the Firefly’s “Farmacy,” bar & outdoor section
of their facility, which offers smaller portions and speciality drinks.
Epiphany Farms Restaurant – Bloomington
With 75 acres of farmland, orchards, and vineyards, and dedicated to regenerative farming
techniques, Epiphany Farms is the supplier for four restaurants including Epiphany Farms Restaurant
in nearby Bloomington. Their “Farm to Fork” concept represents a concern for every step of the
process linking the meal to the land that produced it. Epiphany Farms Restaurant is committed to
supporting, growing, and showcasing a thriving local food culture.
Locavore Farm – Chicago
Only 43 miles south of Chicago, this family-owned farmstead feels a world away. A four-hour Dine on
the Land experience brings guests together at a 107-foot-long table in the garden. The evening is
augmented with live music, dancing in the grass and roasted marshmallows as guests connect with
locally-grown food and the appeal of rural living, raising a glass to the slow life.
Heritage Prairie Farm – Elburn
The farm’s chef carefully prepares each dinner menu by selecting the very best fresh ingredients
from their Certified Organic Farm. They serve monthly dinners family-style as you take in the
beautiful surroundings many of which created your farm-to-table dinner. Monthly dinners celebrate
the seasonal themes happening on the farm- harvest moon, roots, and honey. Pizza nights are
especially popular.
Mio Mondo – St. Charles
Mio Modo is an Italian restaurant in St. Charles that’s focus is on delicious food made with farm-to-
table ingredients. They aim to serve a new generation of diners by offering more veggies, protein,
and gluten-free choices through their menu of new, lighter Italian food, twists on classic dishes,
favourite old-school recipes, plus contemporary additions.
Bakery and Pickle – Bloomington
Push beyond and discover a modern speakeasy providing hand-crafted cocktails and a farm-to-table
experience menu with refined service and a relaxed ambiance in Bloomington. With incredible prix
fixe dinner experiences, affordable late-night a la carte offerings, exquisite mixology, extraordinary
wine selection, local craft beers, domestic favourites, and more, B&P is just your local beyond-farm-
to-table modern speakeasy.
Blue Door Kitchen & Garden – Chicago
Blue Door Kitchen & Garden, home to celebrated Chef Art Smith, is a farm-to-table oasis in the heart
of Chicago’s Gold Coast and deeply rooted in the philosophy of letting the seasons dictate the menu.
The restaurant showcases American heirloom foods made from fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced
from Midwest farms, including its namesake and Oprah Winfrey’s former Indiana property, Blue
Door Farm. Blue Door Kitchen & Garden is dedicated to cultivating strong relationships with
sustainable purveyors to provide guests with a connection to the land and an honest representation
of local flavours and ingredients.
Engrained Brewing Company – Springfield
Engrained Brewing Company in Springfield is a locally owned micro-brewery and farm-to-table
restaurant. Brewed onsite, their beer lineup is crafted to bring friends together with a broad range
of styles while their menu features fresh and affordable food from local family farms.
Tangled Roots Brewing Company – Ottawa
Ottawa’s Tangled Roots Brewing Company offers a locally grown farm-to-table brewery restaurant
experience and a craft beer brand that complements the local area and people of Starved Rock
Country.
Anju Above – Bloomington
Also located in Bloomington, Anju Above promises to make farm-to-table dining more accessible by
offering seasonally sensitive, locally grown cuisine in a fast and casual setting. Their menu features
classic Neapolitan pizzas, sushi specifically created for the Midwestern palate, Asian dumplings, and
a modern and interactive bar with the purpose of blending internationally inspired small dishes with
socially responsible farming techniques to create a fast and fun, farm fresh experience for guests.
Bleuroot – Fox River
West Dundee’s farm-to-table restaurant is located right along the Fox River. Blueroot's farm-to-table
cuisine uses different seasonal ingredients resulting in a menu that is always evolving to bring the
freshest experience to the table.
Thyme Square – Quincy
In Quincy, a true farm-to-table experience awaits at Thyme Square. The restaurant features locally
grown produce, farm-fresh breakfast, house-made lunch, and more.
Carnivore Oak Park – Oak Park
his Oak Park farm-to-table butcher and fish shop proudly offers locally sourced and responsibly
raised meats, seafood, and produce in their range of prepared sandwiches. Working closely with
local farmers and foragers ensures that all of their products are fresh and of the highest quality.
