You often crave fresh, tasty food straight from the source. But finding real farm-to-table spots in Florida feels hard. Chain stores and fast food dominate your choices. This leaves you stuck with bland meals that lack flavor and story.
Florida’s Central East region shines as a hub for farm-to-table dining. It boasts U-pick farms for blueberries, muscadine grapes, and Indian River citrus.
This post guides you to top groves, markets, and eateries across the state. You will discover hidden gems and tips to plan your trip. Get ready for fresh adventures.
Key Takeaways
- Schacht Groves in Vero Beach runs since 1913 and hosts the 2025 Farm to Table Dinner Series with tickets at $200 each, featuring Chef John Chianis and a steak dinner on April 5, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
- West Palm Beach GreenMarket operates Saturdays from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM, October to April, with over 130 vendors offering organic produce and artisan goods.
- St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market, the largest in the Southeast U.S., features over 170 vendors and earns a 4.6 out of 5 rating from 329 reviews, running Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, October to May.
- Cress Restaurant in DeLand earns a 4.5 out of 5 Yelp rating from 290 reviews and ranks #9 among 175 restaurants, using local seasonal ingredients for farm-to-table dishes.
- Kai-Kai Farm in Indiantown spans 40 acres and grows organic vegetables for same-day harvest, hosting events like chef dinners and weddings.
Top Farm-to-Table Groves in Florida
Farmers in Florida grow fresh, organic fruits on sustainable lands. Travelers seek these spots for direct access to local produce and community vibes.
Schacht Groves, Vero Beach
Schacht Groves operates as a family-owned orange grove and farm store in Vero Beach, Florida, since 1913. The grove excels in Indian River citrus agriculture. It provides fresh juice and artisanal products to visitors.
This spot also functions as an event venue and citrus fruit gift shipper.
Schacht Groves hosts themed farm-to-table dinners in its 2025 Farm to Table Dinner Series. Tickets cost $200 per dinner. The venue partners with local chefs, such as Chef John Chianis, and Pepper & Salt BBQ for these culinary events.
Dinners feature local, organic produce grown onsite. Events promote community participation and support for local producers. A Farm to Table Steak Dinner takes place on April 5, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Alachua Family Farms
Swallowtail Farm in Alachua operates as a 28-acre family-owned biodynamic farm. Owners emphasize biodynamic agriculture to promote sustainable agriculture and biodiversity. They grow local produce through organic farming methods.
The farm contributes to the local food economy and the farm-to-table movement. It collaborates with area chefs to strengthen the local food ecosystem.
The farm hosts farm-to-table dining events with local restaurant chefs. These culinary events feature products and dishes made with locally grown ingredients. Dining events occur seasonally to highlight the freshest regional produce.
Swallowtail Farm offers produce boxes through community supported agriculture. It provides educational farm tours for visitors. Alachua County supports this work with public-private partnerships and policies that boost the food economy.
Guests enjoy seasonal dining experiences at the farm.
Kai-Kai Farm, Indiantown
Kai-Kai Farm sits in Indiantown, Florida, and spans 40 acres of land dedicated to sustainable farming. Farmers grow organic vegetables with a focus on taste over transport efficiency.
They harvest fresh produce the same day for markets and dining events. This approach supports local agriculture and provides high-quality food to the community. Customers praise the exceptional service in their testimonials.
The farm serves as an event venue for weddings, corporate events, chef dinners, wine tastings, and farm markets. It offers culinary experiences like farm-to-table chef dinners and seasonal cuisine.
Community events foster local dining and connections. Planners have scheduled new events for July 2025.
Now explore the must-visit farmers markets in Florida.
Must-Visit Farmers Markets in Florida
Florida farmers markets burst with fresh, local produce from sustainable farms. Visitors discover organic fruits, artisan goods, and community vibes that make each trip rewarding.
West Palm Beach GreenMarket
Visitors flock to the West Palm Beach GreenMarket as a top farmers market in Florida. This seasonal market operates on Saturdays from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM, October to April. It features over 130 vendors.
These vendors offer organic produce, handmade crafts, and fresh food. Shoppers find a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, breads, cheeses, plants, and honey. The market emphasizes community support for local farmers, artisans, and small businesses.
Vendors include food producers, bakers, and local artisans. Experts recognize it as one of the best farmers markets in the country. Locals and visitors enjoy it as a popular destination.
Community engagement drives the core values of this GreenMarket.
The market fosters small business growth through local produce and crafts. It builds strong ties among community members. Head next to the St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market for more fresh finds.
St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market
Head north from the West Palm Beach GreenMarket, and you reach another gem in Florida’s farmers market scene. The St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market stands as the largest farmers market in the Southeast U.S. It features over 170 vendors who rotate through 135 spaces.
This outdoor market operates from October to May, every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. A summer market runs from June to August in Williams Park. People rate it 4.6 out of 5 from 329 reviews.
Tripadvisor ranks it #16 out of 234 attractions in St. Petersburg. The market has earned the Travelers Choice award from Tripadvisor.
This community event offers food from 13 different countries. Vendors sell local produce alongside arts and crafts, plants, and artisan goods. Food vendors add to the cultural diversity.
Guests enjoy live music and community seating during their visits. They often spend 1-2 hours here. Parking stays limited, so arrive early or use nearby parking garages. The market sits near attractions like The Dali Museum and Chihuly Collection.
It provides perfect weekend activities for all.
Winter Park Farmers’ Market
The Winter Park Farmers’ Market operates every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Central Park West Meadow at New York Ave & Morse Blvd. It ranks as the #1 produce and plant market in Central Florida.
This community market closes on the third Saturday in March and the second Saturday in October for art festivals. Vendors offer fresh fruits, vegetables, and agricultural products.
They include food producers, bakers, local artisans, and weekly pop-up vendors. People visit this farmers market as a weekend destination for local produce and homemade goods.
Vendors must hold a sales tax number and follow Florida regulations. The market bans cottage food items and nationally distributed packaged foods. Vegetable vendors and artisans sell fresh-picked fruits alongside homemade treats.
Contact the market at 407-599-3328 or saturdaywpfm@cityofwinterpark.org for details. Popup shops add variety each week.
Farm-to-Table Restaurants Worth the Drive
Travelers drive to Cress Restaurant in DeLand for its fresh, seasonal dishes made from nearby farms. Chefs at The Local in Naples craft meals with organic ingredients sourced directly from local growers.
Urban Farmer in Tampa serves sustainable plates that highlight Florida’s bounty. Explore these spots and more in the full blog post.
Cress Restaurant, DeLand
Cress Restaurant sits in Historic Downtown DeLand at 103 W Indiana Ave, DeLand, FL 32720-4209. The eatery specializes in farm-to-table cuisine. Chefs use local produce and seasonal ingredients for every dish.
They offer vegetarian options, vegan cuisine, and gluten-free meals. Guests enjoy a true culinary experience with organic dining and sustainable practices. The restaurant earns recognition in the ZAGAT Guide as a Top Orlando Restaurant.
Cress Restaurant holds a Yelp rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 290 reviews. It ranks #9 among 175 restaurants in DeLand. Staff engages diners in dialogue about ingredients and their producers.
The spot opens Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. It closes on Sundays and Mondays. Head south for another gem, The Local in Naples.
The Local, Naples
The Local serves as Naples’ first farm and sea-to-table restaurant. Owner and award-winning Executive Chef Jeff Mitchell created this spot. It emphasizes sustainability and supports local farming practices.
The menu features simple, nourishing dishes. Chefs focus on health-conscious cooking techniques. Daily rotating specials highlight seasonal dishes made with local ingredients.
This farmtotable eatery connects with local farmers, ranchers, sea mongers, artisans, and brewers. It offers culinary options that celebrate the intersection of local food communities.
Guests enjoy fresh produce in a community-supported setting. The restaurant includes a cozy wine bar. It provides a casual ambiance for all.
Urban Farmer, Tampa
Urban Farmer in Tampa supports sustainability and fresh local ingredients in its menus. It leads in local sourcing and farm-to-table practices. Family-owned farms supply dairy, produce, and wine to restaurants across the area.
Rooster & The Till earns Michelin Bib Gourmand status for shareable plates with organic produce and seasonal ingredients. Ulele uses “Old Florida” ingredients and runs a microbrewery with local honey.
Fat Beet Farm Kitchen & Bakery builds a closed-loop system for sustainable agriculture and eco-friendly practices. Community-supported agriculture thrives here through resources like Localharvest and Fresh from Florida.
These tools help diners locate food transparency and culinary innovation from agricultural producers. Tampa stands out for its farm-to-fork movement and connects eateries with producers.
Florida also provides unique farm-to-table experiences beyond these spots.
Unique Farm-to-Table Experiences
Florida offers special events that connect people with fresh, local food sources. Travelers join hands-on activities and enjoy lively gatherings that highlight sustainable practices.
Themed farm dinners at Schacht Groves
Schacht Groves hosts themed farm dinners as part of the 2025 Farm to Table Dinner Series in Vero Beach. These events feature locally grown, organic cuisine and high-quality local produce.
Chef John Chianis stars as a featured local chef. His collaboration with Pepper & Salt BBQ boosts the dining experience. The dinners promote community participation and support for local dining and producers.
Schacht Groves serves as both a farm store and event venue for these unique gatherings.
Tickets cost $200 each and sell online only. The Farm to Table Steak Dinner takes place on April 5, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Guests enjoy farmtotable gastronomy that highlights sustainability and agriculture.
Locavores appreciate the culinary focus on fresh, organic ingredients. These dinners build community ties through shared meals.
U-pick farms for seasonal berries and fruits
U-pick farms let visitors harvest seasonal berries and fruits themselves. Ever After Farms in Mims stands as the largest U-pick blueberry farm on Florida’s east coast. This spot boasts over 30,000 blueberry bushes on 17 acres.
Visitors pick fresh blueberries during the harvest season. Williams Blueberry Farm in Mims also offers U-pick blueberries and blueberry-based products. These farms promote agriculture and hands-on harvesting experiences.
River House Vineyard in Palm Bay features U-pick muscadine grapes and art workshops. Guests harvest grapes while joining community events. Ye Ole Davis Farm in Sebastian operates as an organic, seasonal U-pick farm with a café.
It provides local produce like berries and fruits. Common Ground Farm in DeLand supplies organic produce boxes, classes, and a Saturday market. True Trail Farms in DeLand sells fresh eggs, goat products, and other items.
Local resources and Yelp listings guide consumers to the best U-pick farms in Palm Bay and surrounding areas. These spots foster farm-to-table connections through seasonal activities.
Live music and dining at Seed to Table
Seed to Table in Naples offers live music every night. This venue combines a fun, informal restaurant and organic grocery. Visitors enjoy a lively atmosphere with live entertainment.
Multiple in-store restaurants and bars serve made-from-scratch meals. Customers get steak cooked at the meat counter. The upstairs bar, Hops & Vines, stays open until 2 AM on select nights.
Seed to Table operates from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM Wednesday through Sunday. It extends hours to 12:00 AM on Friday and Saturday. The location sits at 4835 Immokalee Rd, Naples, FL 34110-2400.
Weekly events feature a Wine Flight Tasting each Thursday from 2 PM to 4 PM for $35 per person. Tripadvisor gives it a 3.7 out of 5 rating based on 417 reviews. It ranks #32 of 187 things to do in Naples.
Seed to Table holds a Travelers Choice award in the top 10%. Some reviews point out political themes, pricing, and customer service as critiques. This spot creates a unique farm-to-table experience with dining, live music, and organic options.
Tips for Planning a Farm-to-Table Trip in Florida
Plan trips around peak harvest seasons to enjoy the freshest local produce. Choose sustainable farms and markets that support community agriculture for a richer experience.
Best times to visit local markets and farms
Visitors find the best times to visit local markets and farms during harvest season in summer and early fall. They pick seasonal fruits like blueberries, grapes, and strawberries at U-pick farms then.
Farmers’ markets offer fresh foods and local produce on specific days. Markets such as the St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market and West Palm Beach GreenMarket run mainly on Saturdays.
Check market hours to plan your trip. Some spots close for festivals or off-seasons, so verify closure dates ahead.
You arrive early for the top selection of fresh foods at farmers’ markets. Confirm directions and hours of operation before you head to local markets and U-pick farms. Engage with vendors to learn about in-season items during your visit.
Agricultural events like Wine Flight Tastings at Seed to Table happen on Thursdays from 2 to 4 PM for $35. These boost community engagement in farm-to-table experiences. Use sites like Localharvest and Fresh from Florida to check schedules.
Supporting generational farms and small producers
Family-run U-pick farms in North Central Florida promote local produce like strawberries, blueberries, and grapes. These operations support smallscale farming and sustainability through hands-on harvesting experiences.
Backwoods Crossing in Tallahassee aids local farmers with a weekly menu that shifts based on available local proteins. Kool Beanz Café boosts agriculture by featuring diverse menu offerings from nearby producers.
Sweet Pea Café crafts dishes from locally sourced, organic, and vegan ingredients to advance organic farming.
The Red Hills Small Farm Alliance links consumers with local growers and runs an online market for artisanal products. Serenity Acres Farm in Pinetta provides goat milk, cheese, yogurt, and farm tours to foster communitysupported agriculture.
Monticello Vineyards & Winery makes organic wines from over 18 Muscadine grape varieties and hosts seasonal tastings. Swallowtail Farm in Alachua and Orchard Pond in Tallahassee offer U-pick chances and back food education for farmtotable awareness.
Conclusion
Florida offers vibrant groves like Schacht Groves and Kai-Kai Farm that deliver fresh citrus and produce. Farmers markets in West Palm Beach and St. Petersburg provide easy access to local goods.
Restaurants such as Cress in DeLand serve dishes with seasonal ingredients straight from nearby sources. Plan your trip during peak seasons to support small producers and enjoy unique events like themed dinners.