The farm-to-table movement is sweeping the country. More and more restaurants are opting to source their ingredients locally and directly support the growers and artisans that surround them. While bigger cities in the nation might have a reputation for farm-to-fork dishes, this movement has made an impression on the Southern Maryland food scene as well. Here are some of the best restaurants with a local focus in the region:

Silver Diner

Where: 3081 Festival Way, Waldorf, MD

 

While the term diner doesn’t necessarily bring to mind fresh local ingredients, Silver Diner is an exception. Inside you’ll find a classic retro diner interior with a great menu. Expect classic diner and brunch food made with locally-sourced ingredients. Chef Ype is the mind behind these dishes and offers a shifting seasonal menu to highlight fresh local ingredients. One featured dish from their current seasonal menu is their Summer Watermelon & Carolina Shrimp dish, with sustainable, wild caught shrimp. Best of all, they serve locally-sourced food at a reasonable price. They have several locations throughout the state, as well as locations Virginia and one in New Jersey.

 

The Charles

Where: 417 Charles St., La Plata, MD

 

The Charles Farm Table and Public House is a spot in La Plata that you won’t want to miss. Here you’ll find a clean comfortable atmosphere and a true farm-to-table restaurant that sources much of its produce from their own local EatWell Natural Farm. They also support other local purveyors as much as possible, with beer from local microbreweries and fresh locally-sourced seafood options. If you eat meat, I recommend ordering one of their delicious burgers made with grass-fed beef with a Hancock Farms fried egg or Hancock Farms bacon. They have plenty of vegetarian options here as well.

 

 

Brick Wood Fired Bistro

Where: 60 Sherry Ln., Prince Frederick, MD

 

Over in Prince Frederick, you’ll find Brick Wood Fired Bistro, a restaurant which prides itself on supporting Calvert County companies to source their local ingredients. Their menu features a blend of different cultural dishes to suit diverse tastes and ingredients that highlight the local flavors of the Chesapeake Bay region. With their commitment to sustainability, they source from businesses like Chesapeake’s Bounty, Spider Hall Farm, Bay Forrest Farm, Lyon Bakery, Chesapeake Bay Roasting Co., and Sassafras Farm. Try their Patuxent River Oysters or their Chicken Under a Brick entree, served with a free-range half chicken, whipped potatoes, and braised kale. They craft delicious desserts and drinks and offer lots of local craft beer options. Check their event calendar for live music and other special events.

 

Elements Eatery & Mixology

Where: 46580 Expedition Dr., Lexington Park, MD

 

Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner out or a casual spot to grab a drink, check out Elements Eatery & Mixology. This farm-to-table restaurant in Lexington Park might be the star of the local food scene in the region, with seasonal dishes and delicious cocktails to pair with them. Their commitment to small family farms and sustainability is clear. Their menu changes frequently, so you know you’ll always get a chance to try something new. One current dish to try is their Rockfish with Crab Entrée. No matter what you choose, you know you’ll be getting the freshest ingredients around. They also have a popular monthly brunch with fresh farm-to-table courses to try. As their name suggests, this is also a great place to grab a drink with a friend.

 

Whether you’re passionate about supporting your local businesses or eating the freshest food around, there are plenty of great farm-to-table spots in the area. Do you have any favorites? Share them with us in the comments.