The Top 10 Farm to Table Dining Destinations in Brentwood and Contra Costa

The farm-to-table movement isn't just a trend in Brentwood and Contra Costa County—it's a way of life. With some of the most fertile agricultural land in California right in our backyard, local restaurants have embraced the philosophy of sourcing fresh, seasonal ingredients from nearby farms.

Here's our guide to the best farm-to-fork dining experiences in the area.

1. Attraversiamo (Brentwood)

Classic Cal-Ital restaurant known for using fresh local ingredients with a seasonal, farm-driven approach.

Our Favorite Dishes:

Truffle Fries — Crispy and delicate, topped with fringy Parmesan curls and truffle oil. The perfect starter to share.

The Mainstay Cheeseburger — Often cited as the restaurant's signature staple, featuring high-quality beef and local toppings on a freshly baked bun.

Gnocchi della Casa — A fan favorite, typically served with your choice of creamy bolognese, pesto, or a rich gorgonzola cream sauce. Pillowy potato dumplings made fresh daily.

Why we love it: The pasta is made in-house, and the menu changes with what's fresh from local farms.

2. Eight Acres Kitchen & Bar (Brentwood)

Newer local favorite emphasizing produce harvested from the property's gardens and orchards, blending wine-country seasonal flavors with rustic comfort food.

Our Favorite Dishes:

"BFC" Brentwood Fried Chicken — Drizzled with hot honey and served with a trio of house-made sauces. Crispy, juicy, and utterly addictive.

Seasonal Vegetable Plate — Whatever is fresh from their garden that day, prepared simply to let the ingredients shine.

Wood-Fired Pizza — Topped with house-made mozzarella and seasonal vegetables.

Why we love it: The restaurant grows much of its own produce right on the property—you can't get more farm-to-table than that!

3. Brentwood Ice Cream Co. (Brentwood)

Of course we had to include ourselves! We're proud to be part of Brentwood's farm-to-fork community, sourcing fresh fruit from local farms and transforming it into small-batch ice cream.

Our Signature Items:

Jammy Strawberry — Made with strawberries from Chao's Farm, picked at peak ripeness.

NY Blueberry Cheesecake — Featuring blueberries from Victoria Island Farms.

Peach Royale Sundae — Made with peaches from Bacchini's Farm.

Why people love us: We believe ice cream should reflect the place it comes from. Every scoop tells the story of Brentwood's agricultural heritage.

4. The Farmer (Brentwood)

A cozy spot that celebrates the bounty of East Contra Costa County with a menu that changes with the seasons.

Must-Try:

• •Weekend brunch featuring local eggs and produce
• •Seasonal soups made from scratch
• •House-baked breads using local grains

5. Vine & Grain (Brentwood)

Combining a passion for wine with a commitment to local sourcing, Vine & Grain offers an elevated dining experience.

Highlights:

• •Wine list featuring local Livermore Valley wineries
• •Cheese and charcuterie boards with artisanal products
• •Seasonal small plates perfect for sharing

6. First Street Cafe (Brentwood)

A local institution serving breakfast and lunch with a focus on fresh, quality ingredients.

Popular Items:

• •Farm-fresh omelets
• •Seasonal fruit plates
• •House-made pastries

7. Delta Bound (Brentwood)

Bringing Southern comfort food to Brentwood with a California twist, using local ingredients whenever possible.

Standouts:

• •Buttermilk fried chicken
• •Seasonal vegetable sides
• •House-made biscuits

8. Rocco's Ristorante (Brentwood)

Family-owned Italian restaurant serving classic dishes made with fresh ingredients.

Favorites:

• •Handmade pasta
• •Wood-fired pizzas
• •Seasonal risottos

9. The Streets of Brentwood Food Scene

The local shopping center has become a hub for casual dining with several restaurants embracing fresh, quality ingredients.

Notable Spots:

• •Mike's Grill — Classic American fare
• •Brentwood Pizza Company — Hand-tossed pies
• •Yogurtland — For a sweet treat after dinner

10. Local Farm Stands

Don't overlook the simple pleasure of buying produce directly from farm stands throughout Brentwood. Many offer prepared foods, baked goods, and even ready-to-eat meals.

Our Favorites:

• •Gursky Ranch — Country store with local products
• •Smith Family Farm — Year-round stand with seasonal offerings
• •Three Nunns Farm — Fall festivals and summer fruit

The Farm-to-Fork Philosophy

What ties all these destinations together is a commitment to:

• •Supporting local farmers by purchasing directly from them
• •Reducing food miles by sourcing ingredients close to home
• •Celebrating seasonality by featuring what's fresh right now
• •Building community by creating gathering spaces

When you dine at these establishments, you're not just enjoying a meal—you're supporting a local food system that benefits farmers, chefs, and the entire community.

Plan Your Food Tour

Make a day of exploring Brentwood's culinary scene:

1. Morning: Start with breakfast at First Street Cafe

2. Midday: Visit a u-pick farm for fresh fruit

3. Lunch: Enjoy wood-fired pizza at Eight Acres

4. Afternoon: Stop by our shop for a scoop of seasonal ice cream

5. Dinner: Savor handmade pasta at Attraversiamo

Brentwood's farm-to-fork scene is waiting to be discovered. Come hungry!