
Did you know that food and agriculture is the largest industry in Ohio? With more than 77,000 farms comprising nearly 14 million acres, the Buckeye State is a national leader in more than 35 product sectors.
The highest concentration of farms is in Northeast Ohio, so it's no surprise that the region is rich in farm-to-table dining. Enjoy food the way it was meant to be eaten at these innovative restaurants around Cleveland, Akron, and Canton.
3044 Wadsworth Rd., Norton, OH 44203
While farm-to-table may be a modern concept, Wolf Creek Tavern keeps one foot in the past. The bar, housed in a historic 1830s building, honors their speakeasy legacy with Prohibition-era cocktails made from the original recipes. Wolf Creek's food menu features upscale tavern favorites such as burgers, pasta, and fish and chips made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Follow them on Facebook for news on the weekly burger-and-beer pairings. The kitchen is open 4 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 4 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
14600 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107
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Farm-to-table meets gastropub at Forage Public House, a hip neighborhood restaurant focused on sustainable ingredients. Taco filling options include grilled Amish chicken, crispy walleye, and vegan cauliflower. Breakfast dishes, such as the popular Hash N Cure with beef brisket, are served all day long. And what would a gastropub be without creative cocktails like Blood Sangria and Black Walnut Manhattan? Forage Public House is open daily from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. with extended hours until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
4021 Mahoning Rd., NE, Canton, OH 44705
Hide-A-Way Buffalo Grill was actually ahead of the farm-to-table curve. Back in 1983, the family-owned restaurant used buffalo burgers as a novelty to build interest in their newly opened business. The high-protein, low-fat meat proved so popular that it's now the restaurant's signature item. Today, buffalo has found its way into menu items such as stew, meatloaf, and even chef's salad. With these dishes accounting for 40 percent of sales, the restaurant goes through one entire buffalo per month. Carryout is easy with the dedicated to-go window. Hours are 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
1970 State Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223
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When you're recognized by the New York Times, you must be doing something right. In 2020, The Blue Door Cafe & Bakery made the Times' list of "Best Brunch in Every State." This charming, European-style cafe features a half-ton Alsatian bread oven and an antique pine pastry case. Fans drive from all around Northeast Ohio to enjoy dishes such as chicken and waffles as well as their croissants, Danishes, sticky buns, and other delectable baked goods. Order ahead for pickup at their convenient drive-thru window. The Blue Door is open until 2 p.m. daily, with baked goods and coffee available starting at 6 a.m. while brunch begins at 8 a.m.
5929 Darrow Rd., Hudson, OH 44236
What's better than a hot, home-cooked meal? How about a hot, home-cooked meal prepared by a professional? Whether you want to try something new or you just need a break, Nosh Curbside offers fresh, made-to-order meals delivered right to your car. Mix and match entrées and sides such as vegan meatballs, gouda mac & cheese, cast iron beets, and their signature chicken parmesan. Feeding the family? Check out the dinners for four. Dishes are available Thursday through Saturday, with ordering from 4:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. for pickup from 5 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
2523 Market Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113
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Karen Small, owner and executive chef of Flying Fig, is truly committed to supporting Northeast Ohio. In 1999, Karen opened the eatery and its companion market next door as a way of contributing to downtown's rebirth. Build your own cheese and charcuterie board or enjoy some variety with several of the sharable small plates. Their signature sandwiches, including the popular grilled eggplant, make a perfect grab-and-go lunch for carryout. Lunch and dinner hours are 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with brunch served on weekends from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
16 N. Main St, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
James Balchak, the classically-trained chef at Aurelia, explains the restaurant's culinary attitude in five words: "I believe in Northeast Ohio." Aurelia's menu changes daily to make use of the freshest meat, seafood, and produce available from local suppliers. A typical dish might include fried brown basmati rice with organic carrots and broccolini along with Lake Erie perch or walleye. Chef Balchak sums up Aurelia's offerings as, "honest food and drink." Order online for curbside pickup or local delivery. Dinner is served 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with brunch served 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on weekends.
1846 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
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In case the name doesn't give it away, signs both inside and outside Butcher & Sprout proclaim their farm-to-table philosophy. The family-friendly bar and restaurant is known for its gourmet burgers, made with all-Ohio, grass-fed, non-GMO beef. If you prefer, substitute a chicken, turkey, or plant-based patty. Start with an order of pickle fries, which many customers find irresistible. Efficient diners go for the Colossal Bloody Mary, topped with bacon, pickle fries, celery, and a four-ounce cheeseburger. Butcher & Sprout is open 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday.
9145 Old State Rd., Hambden, OH 44024
At Osso Farm Restaurant, owners Scott and Tara Webster take the concept of farm-to-table one step further. Their pasture-to-plate menu includes scratch-made dishes using ingredients from the family's own Flying W Farm, where the restaurant is located. As one satisfied diner recently put it, the food is so fresh "you'll be daydreaming about your meal weeks after you've eaten it." With Angus and Wagyu steaks, gourmet burgers, and authentic BBQ, there's something on the menu for all tastes. Reservations are highly recommended. Hours are 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
Chicken, beef, or pork: What's for dinner on your farm-to-table meal?