Downtown New Bern offers a variety of dining experiences. From must-visit restaurants to cozy spots ideal for a romantic dinner, the area caters to all tastes and provides numerous culinary adventures.
Enjoy fresh produce at the local farmers’ market, find hidden gems, and participate in unique activities like cooking classes, culinary workshops, and food tours.
This food guide will introduce you to the flavors, hidden delights, and local favorites, ensuring you experience everything this charming town has to offer.
Must-Try Restaurants in Downtown New Bern
Downtown New Bern offers a wide variety of restaurants and eateries that capture the essence of the area’s culinary scene. This historic district features places with delicious local cuisine, southern food, and seafood, providing a pleasant atmosphere for any dining experience.
From upscale bistros to casual cafes, each restaurant has its own unique style, making New Bern a great destination for both food enthusiasts and casual diners.
Whether you’re in the mood for southern cooking or seasonal menus with local ingredients, there’s something here to satisfy your taste buds.
Famous Dishes and Signature Drinks
In downtown New Bern, you can enjoy well-known dishes and drinks at restaurants highlighting the local food scene. From hearty southern cooking to modern twists on traditional recipes, these eateries use local ingredients to create unique flavors for any food lover and showcase the local food culture. Enhance your meal with craft beer or wine from nearby breweries and wine bars, and be sure to try the local specialties.
The shrimp and grits, a classic southern dish, are a local favorite with creamy texture and well-seasoned shrimp often found at Chef Angela’s bistro, a highlight in New Bern’s gastronomic destinations. The smoked brisket from the popular barbecue spot, served with homemade coleslaw, is another hit among customers. For a refreshing drink, the handcrafted cocktail made with local fruits at The Riverfront Bar is praised for its vibrant flavors.
Food enthusiasts recommend pairing the brisket with a robust stout to bring out its smoky notes, while shrimp and grits go well with a crisp white wine. These food pairings truly enhance the dining experience. These combinations consistently enhance diners’ experiences, making dining in New Bern memorable.
Best Spots for Date Night
For a memorable date night, downtown New Bern offers romantic restaurants with charming dining atmospheres. With options for outdoor seating overlooking the scenic waterfront, these eateries provide intimate settings for a special evening, perfect for waterfront dining.
Enjoy candlelit dinners with delicious local cuisine and creative dishes by skilled chefs for a unique night out, embracing the fine dining atmosphere.
Picture enjoying a seafood dish at a cozy bistro with soft live music, perfect for meaningful conversations and savoring the ambiance. One notable spot features a patio with twinkling lights, creating a beautiful setting for sharing a locally sourced wine. Diners love the chef’s special, which blends traditional flavors with a modern twist for a lasting impression.
Another favorite is known for its farm-to-table approach, offering seasonal ingredients that showcase the region’s best flavors, often with tempting desserts to finish the experience. This culinary heritage is a testament to the area’s rich food history.
With thoughtful details and excellent service, these restaurants not only satisfy your appetite but also foster connections and create lasting memories.
Family-Friendly Eateries
Finding family-friendly restaurants in downtown New Bern is easy, with many options for guests of all ages. These casual dining spots have diverse menus suitable for both adults and children, making meals enjoyable for everyone and accommodating dietary preferences like vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. You can discover local cuisine with breakfast spots, lunch options, and dinner recommendations that fit different tastes.
Many of these places offer special kids’ menus with favorites like:
- Mac and cheese
- Chicken tenders
- Mini burgers
This ensures little ones find something they enjoy. The welcoming environments are enhanced by friendly staff who are familiar with dining with children. Local diners especially enjoy events like family trivia nights, food festivals, and themed dinners that offer entertainment for all.
Offers like ‘Kids Eat Free’ on certain nights provide extra savings while creating a fun dining experience for families looking to create lasting memories.
Exploring the Local Farmers’ Market
Visiting the local farmers’ market in New Bern offers a chance to enjoy fresh produce and artisanal products, bringing the area’s vibrant food culture to life.
This community event highlights the commitment of local farmers and food artisans, offering everything from seasonal fruits and vegetables to handmade crafts and gourmet treats.
The market serves as a gathering place for both locals and visitors, allowing you to connect with food sources and learn about sustainable practices, fostering food sustainability.
Fresh Produce and Artisanal Products
The local farmers’ market in New Bern offers a wide selection of fresh produce and artisanal products, showcasing the area’s agricultural and culinary traditions. You can find a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, organic herbs, and local ingredients that inspire many dishes.
Along with fresh produce, vendors sell handmade items like baked goods and artisanal cheeses, making it an ideal place for food enthusiasts looking for local treats.
Notable vendors such as Mebane Farms offer seasonal vegetables, including heirloom tomatoes and crisp greens, while Sweet Pea’s Bakery delights visitors with its freshly baked breads and pastries, filling the air with delightful aromas.
Local artisans also create jams and honey that capture the region’s distinctive flavors, perfect for enhancing your palate. These local ingredients not only enhance meals but also support community by backing local farmers and artisans, promoting culinary sustainability.
This approach helps preserve the rich agricultural landscape and promotes sustainable practices, allowing everyone to enjoy the unique flavors found in New Bern and its culinary scene.
Interactive Cooking Demonstrations
At the local farmers’ market, cooking demonstrations offer an engaging way to learn about local ingredients and cooking techniques. Chefs and food enthusiasts showcase their skills, sharing tips and recipes that highlight the unique flavors of New Bern’s produce and artisanal products, contributing to the vibrant food culture.
Attendees can watch, taste, and even participate, making it a valuable experience for those looking to improve their cooking skills.
Held weekly during the growing season, these demonstrations feature top regional chefs and talented local home cooks eager to share their love for food. Each session usually focuses on a specific theme, such as seasonal vegetables or seafood, and provides practical cooking tips to encourage the use of local ingredients at home.
Chefs use freshly harvested items like heirloom tomatoes and locally caught fish to offer unique recipes that reflect New Bern’s culinary heritage, making food sustainability a priority. These gatherings enhance cooking skills, strengthen community bonds, and deepen appreciation for the area’s food culture, fostering pride among residents and visitors. Taste testing sessions are also a common feature at these events.
Hidden Gems and Hole-in-the-Wall Restaurants
Visiting the hidden gems and small restaurants in downtown New Bern is perfect for those looking for unique dining experiences beyond the usual options, offering a taste of the local culinary delights.
These lesser-known places often surprise with their outstanding flavors and local favorites, serving everything from hearty southern dishes to ethnic cuisines that showcase the area’s cultural influences.
Many of these eateries focus on using local ingredients and offer a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel at home.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Dining Experiences
For those seeking unique dining experiences in New Bern, several hidden restaurants and food trucks offer something special. These places often feature local dishes and creative options that highlight the chef’s skill and love for cooking. From a food truck with gourmet street food to a cozy restaurant in a quiet area, each location provides a unique experience that leaves a lasting impression.
One such spot is a small bistro with a menu that changes regularly based on seasonal ingredients, highlighting the chef’s culinary creativity. Diners praise the lobster bisque, describing it as rich and smooth with just the right amount of spice.
Another popular choice is a lively food truck known for its fusion tacos, combining traditional flavors with unexpected ingredients like kimchi and mango salsa, making it a favorite for foodies. Many recommend visiting during lunch to enjoy their unique dishes in a vibrant outdoor setting.
Each of these venues offers not just delicious food but also a welcoming dining atmosphere, making them perfect for memorable meals with friends or family.
Local Favorites and Secret Menu Items
Many of the top restaurants in New Bern offer local favorites and secret menu items that regulars love, adding excitement to your dining experience with unique flavors. These dishes often display the chef’s creativity and let locals enjoy unique flavors that aren’t widely advertised.
For example, one popular dish includes shrimp in a zesty homemade remoulade served on crispy fried green tomatoes. Diners often praise its perfect balance of crunch and tang, capturing the essence of coastal cuisine.
Another spot features a secret dessert: a chocolate lava cake with local coffee beans, which has gained a loyal following.
As more people hear about these dishes, they become a key part of New Bern’s food scene, attracting food lovers eager to try something special.
Specialty Food Shops and Markets
In downtown New Bern, specialty food shops and markets offer a wide range of locally-made products and unique culinary traditions to suit all tastes.
These shops support local artisans and let visitors discover ethnic cuisines and gourmet ingredients to enhance their cooking. From specialty cheeses and handcrafted sauces to artisanal snacks, these markets are a treasure for anyone looking to expand their culinary skills and enjoy specialty foods.
Where to Find the Best Seafood
If you’re searching for the best seafood in New Bern, several markets and restaurants are known for their fresh offerings and use of local ingredients. These eateries source seafood from nearby waters, ensuring each dish highlights the region’s marine bounty. Options range from classic fried fish to gourmet seafood platters, offering a variety of flavors that reflect the local cuisine.
One notable market is praised for its daily catch of shrimp and scallops, harvested just hours before. Nearby, a family-run restaurant attracts visitors with its signature crab cakes and a seasonal oyster bar featuring the best local varieties year-round, promoting the unique flavors of New Bern’s culinary scene.
Customers appreciate the friendly atmosphere and knowledgeable staff who can suggest ideal wine pairings, enhancing the dining experience with perfect food pairings.
Another market specializing in smoked fish adds a unique twist to traditional seafood dishes, appealing to those seeking something special. Each location guarantees freshness and offers a taste of New Bern’s culinary heritage, making them essential stops for seafood enthusiasts exploring the local food culture.
Locally-Made Products and Gifts
When you visit the specialty food shops in New Bern, you’ll find a variety of locally-made products and gifts that showcase the area’s culinary traditions and artisan foods.
These artisan foods, including homemade jams, handcrafted chocolates, and sauces, are perfect souvenirs or gifts for food lovers. Supporting these local artisans not only sustains the community but also introduces you to unique flavors and culinary delights that are hard to find elsewhere.
Each product has a story, often based on family recipes or long-standing methods, highlighting the cultural influences and culinary heritage of the region.
For example, locally-sourced honey highlights the dedication of beekeepers focused on sustainable practices, while artisanal cheeses show the skill of local dairymen. Customers often rave about a special jar of peach preserves, a favorite that brings back memories of summer picnics, embodying the palatable experiences offered by these artisan foods.
Purchasing these handmade items supports the local economy and fosters the culture of creativity that thrives in New Bern, celebrating the area’s culinary scene.
Unique Foodie Experiences in Downtown New Bern
Downtown New Bern offers unique food experiences with many options that highlight local cuisine and southern food. You can join guided culinary tours of the area’s top culinary spots or take cooking classes to learn southern cooking techniques.
Throughout the year, culinary events and food festivals bring the community together to showcase the diverse flavors and talents that make up New Bern’s rich gastronomic destinations.
Food Tours and Tastings
Food tours and tastings in downtown New Bern offer a way to enjoy local flavors and the area’s culinary heritage. These guided tours take you to different restaurants and cafes, where you can try dishes that showcase the region’s bounty. From seafood to Southern cuisine, these tours are a great way to explore the food scene while learning about the history and culture behind it.
Participants might enjoy fresh shrimp and grits at a cozy bistro or taste locally sourced barbecue at a traditional family-run spot. As they walk through historic streets, guides share stories about the town’s origins and historical sites, including the past seafood trade that influenced local cuisine.
Tours often include tastings of artisanal cheeses or handcrafted desserts, allowing attendees to appreciate New Bern’s diverse flavors while experiencing the charm of the vibrant coastal town, offering unique savory and sweet experiences.
Cooking Classes and Workshops
Joining cooking classes and culinary workshops in New Bern is a great way to explore culinary arts and learn to make local dishes. These hands-on experiences often focus on southern cooking techniques and local ingredients, helping you create dishes that highlight the area’s flavors.
Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced foodie, these classes offer valuable knowledge to enhance your culinary skills, making every dish a culinary delight.
Led by skilled local chefs enthusiastic about teaching, these workshops cover various topics, from making gumbo to baking traditional southern pies. Participants engage in interactive sessions that teach recipes and explore the history and cultural importance of each dish.
This approach helps you appreciate the depth of flavor in local ingredients, celebrating New Bern’s culinary heritage and savoring the cultural influences with every meal.
Additionally, the welcoming environment fosters connections with other cooking enthusiasts, building a community based on a shared love of food and culinary adventures.
Festivals and Events Celebrating Local Cuisine
Throughout the year, New Bern hosts various food festivals and culinary events that celebrate local cuisine and bring the community together. These events showcase the talents of local chefs and feature a range of dishes that highlight the region’s unique flavors, local ingredients, and farm-to-table practices.
Attendees can enjoy tasting booths, cooking demonstrations, and chefs sharing their culinary secrets. Notable local restaurants and cafes often participate, offering signature dishes that represent New Bern’s food culture. Many festivals also include live music, workshops, and family-friendly activities, making them vibrant community gatherings.
These events not only promote local pride and enhance the culinary scene but also attract food lovers from outside the area and support the local economy. Ultimately, they strengthen community ties while showcasing the region’s rich flavors and gastronomic destinations.
Tips for Navigating Downtown New Bern’s Culinary Scene
Exploring downtown New Bern’s culinary scene can be an exciting adventure with the right tips. Knowing the best places to eat, including cafes, eateries, and restaurants, and what to expect will enhance your experience of this vibrant food culture.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, having insider knowledge on where to go and what to try can help you fully enjoy everything New Bern has to offer, including hidden gems and local favorites.
Best Times to Visit for Foodies
Timing can greatly enhance your dining experience in downtown New Bern, with certain times of year offering more food events and dining opportunities. From summer food festivals to fall tasting events, visiting at the right time can help you enjoy the local culinary scene. Weekdays often offer a quieter dining experience compared to the busy weekends, allowing you to savor the ambiance more intimately.
For example, the annual New Bern Seafood Festival in September features fresh local seafood, live music, and cooking demonstrations. Food enthusiasts should also look out for the Harvest Festival in October, which focuses on farm-to-table dishes with seasonal ingredients, perfect for those who appreciate the nuances of gastronomy.
Booking reservations in advance during these peak events is recommended, as popular restaurants and cafes fill up quickly. Many places offer special menu items during these festivals, allowing diners to enjoy unique flavors of the season and explore diverse flavor profiles.
Budget-Friendly Options
Exploring the culinary scene in New Bern is affordable, with many budget-friendly options that still offer delicious meals. Many casual dining spots have affordable menus, perfect for families wanting to eat out and enjoy palatable experiences.
From local restaurants with generous portions to food trucks with gourmet street food, you can enjoy great flavors at reasonable prices, ensuring everyone can partake in the gastronomic festivities.
For example, The Flame Grill serves tasty burgers and hearty sides at great prices, with a happy hour from 4 to 6 PM featuring drink specials that go well with their signature dishes, creating a lively dining atmosphere.
Captain Ratty’s Seafood and Steak offers fresh, local seafood without high costs, and hosts weekly community nights that support local artists while diners enjoy discounted meals, enriching the dining atmosphere with local culture.
Food trucks like The Cow Cafe offer gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches at affordable prices, making it easy to enjoy a tasty meal without spending too much, embracing the casual dining charm of New Bern.
How to Support Local Businesses
Supporting local businesses is essential for maintaining the vibrant food culture in downtown New Bern, and there are several ways to contribute, including dining at local eateries.
Dining at local restaurants, shopping at local markets, and visiting specialty food shops all help strengthen the local economy. Participating in community events and food festivals offers chances to celebrate local artisans and chefs while enjoying the area’s rich culinary offerings.
By choosing these places, individuals not only experience unique flavors but also feel a part of the community. Events like farm-to-table dinners and local food fairs promote a deeper appreciation for regional ingredients and provide meaningful interactions with the creators of these foods, fostering a sense of community through food sustainability.
These activities enrich the dining experience and strengthen community connections, encouraging a culture of support that enhances local offerings and brings together culinary enthusiasts.
Shopping and dining locally show a commitment to sustaining New Bern’s distinctive food scene, ensuring its growth and vitality for future generations and preserving its culinary history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is “Taste of New Bern”?
“Taste of New Bern” is a comprehensive guide to the culinary scene in Downtown New Bern, featuring top restaurants, local favorites, and hidden gems for foodies to explore and enjoy.
How can I use this guide to plan my dining experience in Downtown New Bern?
“Taste of New Bern” provides information on each restaurant’s location, hours, type of cuisine, and price range, making it easy for you to plan your meals and try new places.
Does “Taste of New Bern” include any special deals or discounts for dining?
Yes, the guide includes exclusive offers and promotions from select restaurants, giving you the opportunity to save money while experiencing the best of Downtown New Bern’s culinary delights.
Is “Taste of New Bern” suitable for both tourists and locals?
Absolutely! Whether you’re visiting New Bern for the first time or have lived here for years, “Taste of New Bern” offers something for everyone, from top-rated fine dining to casual family-friendly options.
Can I purchase “Taste of New Bern” in print or is it only available online?
Currently, “Taste of New Bern” is only available as an online food guide, but you can easily access it from your phone, tablet, or computer, making it convenient to use while exploring Downtown’s vibrant culinary scene, filled with local cafes, restaurants, and eateries that showcase the best of local cuisine, including Southern food and seafood.
Are there any plans to expand “Taste of New Bern” to include other neighborhoods and areas besides Downtown?
While the guide is currently focused on Downtown New Bern, there are plans to expand and cover other areas of the city in the future, including dining experiences such as fine dining, casual dining, and unique options like food trucks and waterfront dining. Stay tuned for updates and new additions to the guide, including taste testing and culinary tours to explore the city’s food culture and gastronomy.