Seasonal menus are where chefs get to shine—highlighting peak ingredients and creative twists that reflect the freshest produce of the moment. From asparagus risottos to strawberry-rhubarb tarts, spring and summer dining offers bright, bold, and beautiful dishes that celebrate what’s in season. Whether you’re dining in or ordering out, these restaurants and menu trends are worth exploring now.
What’s in Season This Spring and Summer?
Right now, seasonal menus are bursting with:
- Asparagus – Often roasted or paired with citrus and hollandaise
- Peas and Fava Beans – Used in pastas, purees, and risottos
- Strawberries & Rhubarb – The foundation of tarts, galettes, and shortcakes
- Zucchini Blossoms – Typically fried or stuffed in Italian dishes
- Heirloom Tomatoes – Highlighted in caprese salads, panzanella, and chilled soups
- Cherries & Stone Fruit – Showcased in cocktails, cobblers, and cheese boards
To see what chefs are doing with these ingredients, look to restaurants that offer rotating or market-driven menus.
Top Restaurants Featuring Seasonal Menus
Chez Panisse – Berkeley, CA
This legendary restaurant pioneered the farm-to-table movement. Their ever-changing menu highlights what’s fresh from Northern California farms and gardens.
Explore Chez Panisse
Farm & Table – Albuquerque, NM
A hyper-local restaurant with a menu that changes weekly, featuring ingredients grown on-site. Expect spring pea soup, grilled ramps, and lavender-infused desserts.
View Farm & Table
Blue Hill – New York, NY
Located in Manhattan and at Stone Barns, Blue Hill’s menu is driven by seasonal harvests and regional sourcing. Spring might bring sunchoke purée and fava bean ravioli.
Girl & the Goat – Chicago, IL
Chef Stephanie Izard’s menu is always evolving, but spring and summer bring dishes like grilled broccoli with sweet onion vinaigrette and strawberry-gazpacho pairings.
Explore Girl & the Goat
The Whale Wins – Seattle, WA
This bright and airy spot brings Pacific Northwest produce to life with wood-fired vegetables, seafood, and herb-laced grain bowls.
Check seasonal updates via Yelp
Seasonal Takeout? Yes, You Can
Even if you’re staying in, many restaurants offer their seasonal specials for pickup or delivery. Look for local listings on Yelp or seasonal guides on Thrillist, which often spotlight city-specific recommendations.
Save on Seasonal Dining with Cashback Apps
Apps like Rakuten and Ibotta often feature limited-time offers on takeout and delivery platforms. You can also stack savings when ordering seasonal dishes from chains offering seasonal rotations—just check for eligible promos before placing your order.
For example:
- Use Ibotta to earn cashback on grocery pick-up for seasonal ingredients.
- Check Rakuten for delivery app promotions when ordering from participating restaurants with seasonal menus.
Final Bite: Eat What’s Fresh, While It’s Here
Seasonal menus offer a chance to enjoy fleeting ingredients at their peak. Whether you’re dining at a high-end farm-to-table restaurant or picking up heirloom tomato salad from your neighborhood bistro, this is the time to lean into freshness. Explore what’s in season, and let the flavors speak for themselves.
