New Bern, North Carolina, is a charming city with a rich history and a thriving food scene. Located in the eastern part of the state, New Bern is known for its beautiful architecture, scenic waterfront, and vibrant downtown area. With its unique blend of Southern charm and coastal flavors, New Bern is a food lover’s paradise. In this article, we’ll explore the best places to eat in New Bern, from classic Southern comfort food to fresh seafood and international cuisine.
Breakfast and Brunch Spots
New Bern has a variety of excellent breakfast and brunch spots that are perfect for starting your day off right. Here are a few of our favorites:
The Chelsea
This charming breakfast and brunch spot is located in the heart of downtown New Bern and serves up delicious dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From fluffy pancakes to omelets and waffles, The Chelsea has something for everyone.
The Kitchen
This popular breakfast spot is known for its creative dishes and generous portions. From breakfast tacos to quiche and sandwiches, The Kitchen is a great place to fuel up for the day.
El’s Drive-In
This beloved drive-in has been a New Bern staple for over 50 years, serving up classic breakfast fare like burgers, milkshakes, and hash browns. It’s a great place to grab a quick and delicious breakfast on the go.
Lunch and Dinner Options
New Bern has a wide range of excellent lunch and dinner options, from classic Southern comfort food to fresh seafood and international cuisine. Here are a few of our favorites:
Blue Moon Cafe
This cozy cafe serves up delicious Southern comfort food, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads. They also have a great selection of craft beers and wine.
The City Laundry
This popular restaurant is located in the heart of downtown New Bern and serves up creative American cuisine with a focus on local ingredients. From burgers to salads and sandwiches, The City Laundry has something for everyone.
Wine and Design
This unique restaurant combines wine tastings with a paint-your-own-ceramic experience. They also serve up delicious small plates and sandwiches, making it a great place to grab lunch or dinner.
Seafood and Waterfront Dining
New Bern is surrounded by water, making it the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood. Here are a few of our favorite seafood spots:
The Fire Pit
This waterfront restaurant serves up delicious seafood dishes, including oysters, shrimp, and fish. They also have a great selection of craft beers and wine.
The Riverboat Restaurant
This popular restaurant is located on the waterfront and serves up delicious seafood dishes, including crab legs, shrimp, and fish. They also have a great selection of craft beers and wine.
International Cuisine
New Bern has a diverse range of international cuisine options, from Mexican to Italian and Asian. Here are a few of our favorites:
La Bella Vita
This popular Italian restaurant serves up delicious pasta dishes, pizzas, and other Italian favorites. They also have a great selection of wine and craft beer.
El Tapatio
This popular Mexican restaurant serves up delicious tacos, burritos, and other Mexican favorites. They also have a great selection of craft beer and margaritas.
Specialty Foods and Markets
New Bern has a variety of specialty food stores and markets that offer everything from artisanal cheeses to fresh produce and baked goods. Here are a few of our favorites:
New Bern Farmers Market
This bustling farmers market is open on Saturdays and features a variety of local vendors selling everything from fresh produce to baked goods and handmade crafts.
The Cheese Shop
This popular cheese shop offers a wide range of artisanal cheeses, including gouda, cheddar, and brie. They also have a great selection of crackers, jams, and other accompaniments.
Recap and Key Points
New Bern, North Carolina, is a food lover’s paradise, with a wide range of excellent dining options to suit every taste and budget. From classic Southern comfort food to fresh seafood and international cuisine, there’s something for everyone in this charming city. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
- New Bern has a variety of excellent breakfast and brunch spots, including The Chelsea, The Kitchen, and El’s Drive-In.
- The city has a wide range of lunch and dinner options, from classic Southern comfort food to fresh seafood and international cuisine.
- New Bern is surrounded by water, making it the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood.
- The city has a diverse range of international cuisine options, from Mexican to Italian and Asian.
- New Bern has a variety of specialty food stores and markets that offer everything from artisanal cheeses to fresh produce and baked goods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are some of the best places to eat in New Bern?
A: Some of the best places to eat in New Bern include The Chelsea, The Kitchen, Blue Moon Cafe, The City Laundry, and Wine and Design.
Q: What kind of cuisine can I find in New Bern?
A: New Bern has a wide range of cuisine options, including classic Southern comfort food, fresh seafood, international cuisine, and more.
Q: Are there any good breakfast and brunch spots in New Bern?
A: Yes, New Bern has a variety of excellent breakfast and brunch spots, including The Chelsea, The Kitchen, and El’s Drive-In.
Q: Can I find fresh seafood in New Bern?
A: Yes, New Bern is surrounded by water, making it the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood. Some popular seafood spots include The Fire Pit and The Riverboat Restaurant.
Q: Are there any international cuisine options in New Bern?
A: Yes, New Bern has a diverse range of international cuisine options, including Mexican, Italian, and Asian cuisine. Some popular options include La Bella Vita, El Tapatio, and more.