Farmhouse at Descanso Gardens, the new farm-to-table dining destination nestled within the botanical garden and living museum located in La Cañada Flintridge, announced its grand opening on Friday, May 30, 2025. Developed in collaboration with Southern California’s Chef Rich Mead, Farmhouse will open daily for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, offering an immersive, seasonal culinary experience in Descanso Gardens’ 150-acre urban oasis.
“Farmhouse will enhance the guest experience here at Descanso Gardens,” said Juliann Rooke, CEO of Descanso Gardens in a statement. “Through this partnership with Chef Mead, we hope visitors will join us in cultivating a space where nature, great food, and community come together.”
The Farmhouse at Descanso Gardens culinary program is a harmonious collaboration between two Southern California chefs: Chef Rich Mead, the restaurant’s visionary, known for his pioneering work in sustainable cuisine and passion for supporting local farmers; and Chef Adam Cherney, who will lead the kitchen as Executive Chef. Sharing Chef Mead’s deep commitment to farm-to-table principles, Chef Cherney is known for his creativity and precision, honed over more than 15 years in top Los Angeles restaurants, including A.O.C., Pace and Saltie Girl. He now embarks on his next chapter at Farmhouse at Descanso Gardens, where he will bring this shared vision to life.
“I was immediately inspired by the mission behind Farmhouse and the captivating gardens, which offer an unmatched opportunity to merge sustainability and artistry in a truly meaningful way,” said Chef Cherney. “Our team has developed a farm-to-table experience that not only highlights local agriculture but also invites guests to connect more deeply with the land and the gardens around them.”
Inspired by the exceptional ingredients produced by California farmers and thoughtful purveyors, the seasonal menu is complemented by a garden-to-glass cocktail program and a carefully curated wine list. Start with a selection of shareable plates, including the Farmhouse Charcuterie Board with pickled veggies, house-made seasonal jam & grilled Larder Baking Co. ciabatta; and the Coriander & Cumin-Spiced Carrots served with burrata cheese, carrot top pistou, pistachios and mint. Entrée highlights include the Grilled Autonomy Farms Grass-Fed Coulotte Steak with asparagus, cipollini onions, spinach, crispy fried smashed Weiser Farms potatoes, shiitake mushroom puree & red wine jus; and the Seared Salmon, accompanied by Tehachapi Grain Project Sonora grain, ginger, leek, mushroom, spinach, green beans and Thai vinaigrette.
The Farmhouse at Descanso Gardens is set within a 7,800-square-foot space. The restaurant blends into the surrounding botanical landscape, featuring a spacious main dining room, an indoor/outdoor bar crafted by local artisan William Stranger using fallen trees reclaimed from the Gardens, and a relaxed lounge area perfect for both casual relaxation and lively conversation. Throughout the space, hand-painted murals, rich wood textures, and lush greenery curated by Descanso’s own horticultural team create a dynamic environment that evolves with the seasons. An open kitchen invites diners to witness the creativity and care behind each dish.
Farmhouse at Descanso Gardens will open for dinner service at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 30. After opening night, the restaurant will open daily for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. In addition to regular dining, Farmhouse will host seasonal events such as Orchard Dinners and will be available for special celebrations, offering a distinctive setting for memorable culinary experiences surrounded by the gardens’ natural beauty.
