Farmhouse at Descanso Gardens, the latest project from renowned farm‑to‑table chef Rich Mead, is cruising into its second week of operations since its May 30 opening. Nestled just inside the entrance to the 150‑acre LA landmark botanical garden, the long-anticipated restaurant offers a lush, seasonal California‑inspired dining experience in a space designed to enhance the natural surroundings.
Developed in collaboration with Descanso Gardens and helmed in the kitchen by Executive Chef Adam Cherney, formerly of A.O.C. and Saltie Girl, Farmhouse delivers a rotating menu of fresh, locally sourced fare.
The partnership unites Mead’s reputation—honored for his work at Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens—with Cherney’s culinary pedigree.
Descanso Gardens CEO Juliann Rooke has noted that the collaboration aims to “seamlessly blend locally sourced cuisine … with the botanically rich atmosphere of our Gardens.”
The 7,800‑square‑foot venue includes a spacious main dining room, open kitchen, and indoor‑outdoor lounge anchored by a wrap‑around bar constructed from oaks that fell in the gardens—the work of local artisan William Stranger. Hand‑painted botanical murals and plant installations from Descanso’s horticulture team blends the dining area with the surrounding lush gardens
The menu, revealed at a media preview Wednesday, showcased spring produce sourced from local farmers. One featured salad combined green beans, asparagus, mint, Persian cucumber, sun‑gold tomatoes, pickled scallions, pistachio and a Green Goddess dressing.
Other dishes included yummy coriander‑ and cumin‑spiced carrots with burrata, pistachio, and mint.
Yes, there was fish, chicken and beef—a seared salmon with ginger, leek, and Thai vinaigrette; a grilled grass‑fed culotte steak served with Weiser Farms potatoes, asparagus and cipollini onions, and herb-roasted Jidori Chicken, all reflecting the commitment to seasonal, sustainable sourcing.
Full disclosure: I needed to leave early for another commitment, so I served myself the seared salmon—wrapped to go—later that evening in my modest Los Angeles home. Suffice to say, it elevated my kitchen.
I also missed the dessert choices, which I feel confident were just as delicious as the rest of the evening’s menu.
You let me know.
Farmhouse serves lunch and dinner Monday through Friday (11:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m.) and offers brunch on weekends starting at 10:30 a.m.
The restaurant is open to both garden visitors and community members, though parking and garden entry remain separate.
Farmhouse also plans to host a range of seasonal dinners that will include produce harvested from Descanso’s own groundsFarmhouse’s morning through evening service, glowing ambiance, and menu celebrating California’s bounty, underscore its new role as both a garden destination and culinary landmark.
FarmHouse at Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. Mon–Fri 11:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; Sat–Sun 10:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m. Reservations Recommended; bookable via OpenTable or the restaurant’s website.
