Discover Farmhouse at Roger's Gardens:
A Farm-to-Table Gem in Newport Beach

Nestled within the lush, seven-acre oasis of Roger's Gardens in Corona del Mar (just a stone's throw from Newport Beach), Farmhouse at Roger's Gardens offers a dining experience that beautifully blends Southern California's garden heritage with exceptional seasonal cuisine. Opened in 2016, this charming restaurant has quickly become a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike, earning recognition as one of OpenTable’s 100 Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in America for 2025.

Origins: A Chef's Passion
Meets a Garden Paradise

Farmhouse is the vision of acclaimed Chef Rich Mead, a true pioneer of the farm-to-table movement in Southern California. Long before the term became trendy, Mead was forging direct relationships with local farmers and purveyors, famously making weekly treks to the Santa Monica Farmers Market during his years at beloved spots like Sage and Sage on the Coast.

In partnership with Roger's Gardens—a premier garden and lifestyle destination—Farmhouse represents the culmination of Mead's decades-long commitment to fresh, sustainable ingredients. What started as a quietly opened cafe has grown into a full-fledged restaurant and bar that feels like an extension of the surrounding gardens. The location itself tells a story: surrounded by vibrant plants, flowers, and green spaces, it embodies the "field-to-fork" ethos in every sense.

The Vibe and Environment:
Garden-Inspired Elegance

Step into Farmhouse and you'll immediately sense the relaxed yet refined garden vibes. The setting is idyllic—al fresco dining with views overlooking the manicured grounds of Roger's Gardens creates a romantic, immersive experience that can't be replicated elsewhere. Whether you're enjoying lunch under the California sun, a leisurely dinner as the light softens, or a special occasion, the open-air atmosphere invites you to slow down and connect with nature.

The restaurant strikes a perfect balance: casual enough for everyday meals but special enough for celebrations. Expect thoughtful details like seasonal decor, warm lighting, and an overall sense of community. It's a place where the beauty of the gardens flows seamlessly into the dining space, making every visit feel fresh and rejuvenating. Many describe it as "romantic" and uniquely tied to the Southern California lifestyle of wine, gardening, and living well.

Farm-to-Table Philosophy:
Freshness You Can Taste

At its heart, Farmhouse is all about celebrating the seasons. Chef Mead and his team source ingredients from the highest-regarded local and sustainable farms, fishermen, and producers—many of whom feel like extended family. The menu changes frequently to highlight what's at its peak, from specially grown vegetables to grass-fed meats and fresh seafood.

This commitment shines through in dishes that are simple yet flavorful and creative. Highlights from the current menu include:

• Asian Chicken Salad 2.0 (a Farmhouse Favorite): Savoy cabbage, red bell peppers, carrots, Persian cucumbers, baby bok choy, sugar snap peas, crispy wonton chips, cilantro, kumquats, mint, mandarin, and sesame vinaigrette.

• Farmhouse Market Salad (a Locals Favorite): Strawberries, burrata, Persian cucumbers, radishes, fennel, cherry tomatoes, arugula, balsamic vinaigrette, sweet basil pesto, and pickled green strawberries.

• Grilled Three Mustard Rubbed Autonomy Farms Grass Fed Hanger Steak: With sautéed spinach, shiitake mushrooms, cipollini onions, gorgonzola twice-baked potatoes, and port mustard jus.

• Herb Roast Jidori Chicken: Roasted carrots, cipollini onions, broccoli, fingerling potatoes, and chicken jus.

• Vegetarian standouts like Roast Mushroom, Braised Greens & Three Cheese Gratin and Roast Coriander & Cumin Spiced Carrots with burrata.

Brunch options (available Sundays 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.) and family-style takeout add even more versatility. Everything emphasizes quality, seasonality, and supporting small producers.Z

Head Chef Rich Mead:
A Legend in the Kitchen

Chef Rich Mead brings unparalleled expertise and passion to every plate. With a career spanning decades, he's built his reputation on curiosity, community-building, and an unwavering focus on the best ingredients. At Farmhouse, his philosophy is clear: support artisanal producers who care deeply about their craft, from farmers to winemakers.

Mead's dishes aren't just meals—they're a reflection of his relationships with suppliers and his love for incorporating unique finds from the farmers market, like kumquats or kalettes. His leadership extends beyond the kitchen through initiatives like the Swig for Selflessness program.

Wine List and Beverages:
Thoughtfully Curated

The wine list at Farmhouse is a standout, featuring an impressive selection of sparkling, rosé, white, and red wines from California, France, Italy, and beyond. Expect high-quality choices like:

• Sparkling & Rosé: Brut Champagnes, Proseccos, and lovely Sancerre rosés.

• Whites: Sauvignon Blancs (including Sancerre options), Chardonnays from Russian River Valley and Sta. Rita Hills, and more adventurous picks like Tocai blends.

• Reds: Pinot Noirs, Cabernets (Sonoma, Napa, Paso Robles), Syrahs, and classics like Barolo.

"Usual Suspects" like Flowers Chardonnay, The Prisoner red blend, and Austin Hope Cabernet provide familiar favorites. Corkage is available ($25/bottle, with limits). The cocktail program is equally creative, with weekly changing features for the Swig for Selflessness initiative—50% of proceeds from a featured cocktail go to a rotating local charity. Since 2019, this program has raised over $200,000 for community causes. Non-alcoholic options and local beers round out the list.

Why Visit Farmhouse?

Farmhouse at Roger's Gardens is more than a restaurant—it's a celebration of place, season, and community. Whether you're stopping by for a fresh salad after exploring the gardens, enjoying a romantic dinner with wine, or supporting local charities through a craft cocktail, you'll leave feeling nourished in every way.

Location: 2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd, Corona del Mar, CA 92625
Hours: 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m. (check for updates)
Phone: (949) 640-1415
Website: farmhouse.rogersgardens.com
Reservations: Highly Recommended via OpenTable.

Make a reservation, bring your appetite, and experience the freshest flavors of the season in one of Orange County's most beautiful settings. Farmhouse truly lets you taste the difference that farm-to-table dedication makes.