Down Home Farmhouse Restaurant: A Local, Foraged and Homegrown Culinary Experience

Tucked away in the peaceful countryside of Markdale in Grey County, Down Home isn’t your typical restaurant — it’s a thoughtfully curated culinary experience set inside a charming farmhouse. When I first stumbled upon their Instagram, the beautifully styled table settings and artful dishes made with local ingredients instantly drew me in. I knew I had to see it for myself.

The experience is led by the passionate duo Hannah Harradine and Joel Grey. They met in 2018 and quickly discovered a shared love for hyper-local, seasonal, and foraged food. That connection evolved into Down Home, which first launched in 2019 under the name Sumac + Salt. What began as a dream eventually became a full-time pursuit, allowing them to step away from traditional restaurant work and create something deeply personal and rooted in community.

Each dinner at Down Home is an intimate multi-course tasting menu that celebrates the rich bounty of Grey County. Ingredients are sourced from nearby farmers, producers, and foraged from the surrounding land. Many items are also preserved in-house, showcasing the seasons even when they’ve passed.

What truly sets the experience apart is how Joel and Hannah invite you into the story behind each dish. As the courses unfold, they share details about where each ingredient came from, how the animals were raised, and the regenerative farming practices behind the produce. It’s not just a meal, it’s a window into the people and processes that make it possible. You leave not only well-fed but with a deeper appreciation for the land and its stewards.

What makes Down Home even more special is its incredible outdoor kitchen and lush gardens. Much of what ends up on your plate is grown just steps away, allowing guests to truly connect with the land and the season. The open-air kitchen adds to the magic — you can often catch the team cooking over a live fire or prepping with herbs freshly picked from the garden. It’s a beautiful blend of rustic charm and refined technique, all rooted in a deep appreciation for local food and community.

Down Home is also proudly FeastON certified, a designation awarded to food businesses in Ontario committed to sourcing local. But Joel and Hannah go far beyond the minimum requirements. Nearly everything on their menu is grown or raised nearby, making this one of the most authentically local dining experiences in the province.

Spending an evening at Down Home feels less like going out to eat and more like being welcomed into someone’s home, where the food is outstanding, the storytelling is heartfelt, and every detail is infused with care. If you’re passionate about local food or simply looking for a unique culinary adventure in Ontario, this is one experience that deserves a spot on your list.

Be sure to follow them on Facebook or Instagram to stay updated on their seasonal menus and events. You won’t want to miss what they’re cooking up next.