Quiessence at The Farm at South Mountain in Phoenix is the kind of place you book for a truly special occasion. More than a restaurant, Quiessence is a fully immersive dining destination that blends indoor-outdoor charm with a menu full of fresh, farm-grown ingredients. 

What sets Quiessence apart is that its ingredients aren’t just locally sourced; they’re often harvested the same day from the surrounding farm.

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Good to know before you go

• Weekly rotating tasting menu
• Accommodates dietary restrictions (including gluten-free)
• Outdoor seating is highly recommended in cooler months
• Make a reservation to ensure a spot

What makes Quiessence the destination for special occasions

A tree-lined gravel road leads visitors to 10 acres filled with farm animals, rows of vegetables and fruit, a breakfast restaurant, a market and retail space, and, of course, Quiessence.

Dotted throughout the property are seating areas, picnic tables and plenty of room to roam. 

Quiessence occupies a cozy space at the end of the winding road. It’s as close as you’ll get to being in a true secret garden (we’ll get to that in a moment).

Dine outside (if possible)

Quiessence takes on the purest form of farm-to-table dining. Chef Dustin Christofolo curates a weekly tasting menu incorporating seasonal, harvested vegetables, edible flowers, seeds and eggs directly from the farm. 

To maximize the ingredient-driven seasonal offerings, try to dine outside. Large trees and jasmine trellises enclose the restaurant from the rest of the world. Soft string lights loop from tree to tree over cozy tables beneath the trees.

There’s also a rustic, intimate dining area inside if outdoor dining isn’t available.

Also at The Farm at South Mountain

The Farm at South Mountain is also home to Morning Glory Café, known for its farm-made breakfast dishes in a relaxed outdoor setting.

Our favorites include the gluten-free Belgian-style waffle made with blue corn and topped with berries, whipped butter and pepita granola crumble, as well as the smoked pork omelette with house-smoked pork shoulder, poblanos, “Morning Glory” slaw, caramelized onions, salsa roja, pico de gallo and melted Monterey Jack.

What to expect from Quiessence’s tasting course line-up

Chef Christofolo’s multi-course, weekly tasting menus unfold a new story with each dish. 

The plates he dreams up are as flavorful, vibrant and as fragrant as the garden produce found throughout the farm. 

A few standout dishes from our evening

Soil & Seed Carrot Soup (poured table side):

Chickpea mousse, bacon compote, carrot chips and pickled shallots topped with a smoked scallop. Rich. Flavor bursting. Delicious.

Meyer lemon emulsion, soft-boiled farm egg, pickled mustard seeds, smoked salmon, dill,  Buddha hand citrus and a crostini. A perfect balance of savoriness and acidity.

Chula Seafood Wood Fire Grilled Salmon:

Cabbage puree, grilled zucchini, crimson lentils, almonds, marinated olives, preserved Meyer lemon, confit tomatoes and fresh parsley. The salmon was flaky and divine, perfectly paired with a unique puree and unexpected bursts of flavor from the nuts, seeds and citrus.

Quiessence also makes in-house desserts like Brioche Bread Pudding and Apple Mascarpone Cannolo (yes, they are as good as they sound). The restaurant also has a wine, cocktail and mocktail selection. We recommend the N/A beverage “Farm Berry Shrub”; it’s a sweet, bubbly surprise in every sip. 

For your next date night, anniversary or special day, Quiessence adds an extra layer of uniqueness with unforgettable food.

To learn more about Quiessence, visit qatthefarm.com/dining.