As one of the top agricultural states in the country, Iowa has an abundance of fresh produce and farmers who want to share it. These restaurants and events embrace the importance of knowing where their food comes from in fun and creative ways that encourage visitors to thank their local farmers.
1. Harvestville Farm
Donnellson
This farm-to-table dinner series works with local chefs who transform Harvestville Farm's and other local farmers' produce into seasonal masterpieces. The dinners include five courses and draw travelers from throughout the Midwest, including major metros like St. Louis. The series' meals range from dinner and Mother's Day brunches to hog roasts and wine tastings.
2. Walker Homestead Farm & Winery
Iowa City
Located on the outskirts of Iowa City, Walker Homestead grows a variety of foods, including herbs, flowers and grapes for wine and also raises animals and honey. This field-to-fork farm and winery welcomes visitors every Thursday to enjoy food, drinks, farm fun and stunning sunsets. Their seasonal menu features the goodness of the farm in delicious pizzas and starter dishes like roasted veggies, hummus and focaccia. You also have the option to take the farm home with you by buying farm-fresh eggs, honey and dried herbs.
3. Wallace House
Des Moines
The Wallace Center of Iowa builds awareness for the benefits of local food, sustainable agriculture and civility. To enhance this message, they began offering weekly Farm to Table Thursdays that combine the Wallace farm's produce with protein from other Iowa farms and businesses and transforms them into tasty dishes. Be sure to reserve a spot, bring beverages and be hungry enough for a four-course meal.
4. Wallace Farm
Orient
Experience a variety of farm-to-table events at the Wallace Farm. Their summer Pizza on the Prairie events feature tasty personal pizzas packed with fresh meats and veggies along with a taste of some of Iowa's wines and desserts for purchase. After your meal, take a stroll around the prairie path or play a variety of yard games while enjoying live music.
5. Luna Valley Farm
Decorah
Home to some of the region's best wood-fired pizzas, this certified organic farm uses regenerative practices to grow food for the community, protect soil and water for future generations and produce 100% grass fed beef and lamb. This passion for good food is extended to the community with public pizza nights held on Friday's and Saturday's throughout the summer, May through October. Each pizza is topped with seasonal ingredients sourced from Luna Valley or neighboring farms. While enjoying their pizza, visitors can also try locally crafted beverages and explore the farm for a relaxing outing. Reservations for pizza nights are required.
6. Farm-to-Street Dinner
Iowa City
Experience the talent of Iowa City's chefs by attending the community's Farm-to-Street Dinner. This meal features six courses that are each prepared by different local chefs with locally sourced ingredients. The event's goal is to bring together members of Iowa City's diverse, vibrant community to share a table, a story and a tasty meal and a glass of wine all while supporting local food systems.
7. Harvest Gathering Farm-to-Table Dinner
Earlham
Started in 2018, Bricker-Price Block's Harvest Gathering dinner has since become a community staple event. The authentic farm-to-fork dinner is held in October and brings together family, friends and community members to enjoy an intimate, locally sourced four-course meal surrounded by décor that honors the town's agricultural roots. Every year, the event hosts a new and unique chef and all proceeds go directly back to Bricker-Price Block to help provide free and affordable programming for all ages and to provide entertainment opportunities for the community.
8. Lone Oaks Farm Dinner Series
Winterset
Every year, Lone Oaks Farm hosts a summer season filled with dinners sourced from local farms and crafted by Iowa chefs. Held inside the farm's beautiful historic 1850s barn, the dinners include a four-course meal featuring summer flavors, paired beverages and gorgeous views of the area's rolling hills. From fresh fish, vegetable salads and bison tenderloins, this event ensures a luxurious meal in a charming setting. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
9. Dinner on the Farm
Earlham
With a passion for sustainable agriculture in creating and maintaining a strong local economy and healthy ecosystem, Grade A Farms specializes in growing organic fruits and vegetables. Every year, the farm invites guests to indulge in a delicious, fresh homemade meal and accompanying surprises prepared by a local chef while also enjoying the beautiful views of Iowa's rural landscape. The event has 40 seats available, so be sure to buy your ticket in advance.
