Back to Search
June 1 kicks off Local Food Week in Ontario, and there’s no better time to highlight some of the incredible options throughout Durham Region. Local Food Week is an annual celebration of the agri‑food industry and the hardworking people who grow, raise, harvest and prepare the food that comes from right here in Durham Region.
Eating local not only supports farmers and producers, but also strengthens our communities, helps reduce environmental impact and ensures access to fresh, high‑quality food. Whether you’re dining out, shopping at a market or visiting a local farm, there are so many ways to experience Durham Region’s vibrant food scene.
Discover Local Ingredients Through Durham’s Restaurants
Portobello Road, Whitby.
Restaurants across Durham Region are proud to highlight local ingredients, incorporating fresh, seasonal products into their menus.
Spots like Three Six Kitchen in Bowmanville feature locally sourced items such as Kendal Hills chicken and Ontario beef in dishes like their smash burger. Bistro ‘67 offers a true field‑to‑fork experience, using ingredients from their own gardens in dishes like the Harvest Bowl and their delicious Ontario beef empanadas.
In Uxbridge, Urban Pantry showcases local bison from Thunder Ridge in hearty dishes like chili and pasta, while The Springwood in Whitby focuses on locally sourced ingredients, hyper-seasonality, regenerative farming practices and minimizing waste. Portobello Road offers a menu that evolves weekly based on seasonal availability and highlights nearby suppliers.
Explore More Local Food Options
Veggie Shack, Hampton.
Looking to discover more places to eat and shop local? Visit the Invest Durham Local Food page, where you can explore a wide range of restaurants, producers, agritourism experiences and food businesses across the region. Experience more local flavour by visiting Durham Farm Fresh members. Look for their iconic road signs or visit their website to find a farm near you.
Farmers Markets: Fresh, Seasonal and Community‑Driven
Uxbridge Farmers Market.
Farmers markets are one of the best ways to experience local food firsthand. Across Durham Region, markets bring together farmers, bakers and food producers offering everything from just‑picked fruits and vegetables to meats, cheeses, baked goods and preserves.
Shopping at a farmers market allows you to:
- Support local growers directly.
- Learn where your food comes from.
- Access fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- Connect with your community.
From weekly markets to smaller pop‑up events, there’s always something happening throughout the growing season.
To find a market near you, check out the Invest Durham Farmers Market Calendar.
Farm Stores and On‑Farm Experiences
Sargent Family Dairy, Enniskillen.
Another great way to eat local is by visiting farm stores and roadside stands. These on‑farm experiences allow you to purchase products right where they’re grown or made and often include fun seasonal activities for all ages.
Popular stops across Durham Region include:
- Pingle’s Farm Market – known for its fresh produce, baked goods and seasonal pick‑your‑own experiences.
- Sargent Family Dairy – offers farm‑fresh dairy products and a chance to see where they’re produced.
- Willowtree Farm Market – features a wide selection of fresh produce, baked goods and ready-made meals prepared on site using local ingredients.
- Forsythe Family Farms Market – offers fresh, locally grown produce along with seasonal pick-your-own experiences and family-friendly farm activities.
Visiting local farm markets and on-farm shops offer a chance to meet the people behind Durham Region’s food industry and experience the region’s agricultural roots. This makes them perfect for day trips, family outings or simply stocking up on fresh, local products.
Whether this inspires you to grow your own fruits or vegetables in your garden this year, visit a farmers market, or try one of the area’s many restaurants featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients, take time during Local Food Week to recognize how important it is to support the hardworking people who bring fresh food to our tables.
