5 Best Restaurants in New Bern, The North Carolina Coast

Cypress Hall

$$$$ Fodor's choice
Chef Ashley Moser's open kitchen at this magnificent, brick-walled, fine-dining hall (it's arguably the best restaurant in a 100-mile radius) generates intensely pleasant flavors, from the charred octopus with pea and mint romesco to the kimchi pork belly and mushrooms, served as a wrap with Bibb lettuce. The wine list is excellent, but don't overlook cocktails like a margarita that's crowned with sea-salt foam.

Cow Café

$

This black-and-white-spotted café and ice cream parlor is popular with families. Sandwiches, "cowlossal" all-beef hot dogs, "cowsadillas," house-made caramel corn, and apple pie "à la moo" are served, too.

319 Middle St., New Bern, North Carolina, 28560, USA
252-672–9269
Known For
  • many varieties of ice cream
  • black-and-white cow toys, gifts, and memorabilia
  • kid-friendly fun
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Reservations not accepted

MJ's Raw Bar and Grille

$$
This little downtown seafood joint with sidewalk and indoor seating serves fresh coastal food in a setting full of local charm. You'll see plenty of fried seafood on the menu, but reasonably priced plates from the raw bar (combination platters of oysters, clams, steamed shrimp, and crab) do not disappoint. Daily specials include deals on whole Maine lobsters, peel-and-eat Carolina shrimp, and beach-friendly cocktails.
216 Middle St., New Bern, North Carolina, USA
252-635–6890
Known For
  • crab cakes
  • steamed seafood platters
  • Bloody Marys
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Persimmons

$$$
New Bern's only waterfront restaurant doesn't rely on geography to impress—the craft cocktails, seared scallops, and entrées like salmon and local littleneck clams over angel-hair pasta taste even better when you're seated directly over the water, but this inspired menu is a win even without the stunning views.
100 Pollock St., New Bern, North Carolina, 28560, USA
252-514--0033
Known For
  • rich tomato pie
  • live music on the waterfront deck
  • inspired takes on the local catch
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.

The Chelsea

$$$

In the former drugstore of the pharmacist who invented Pepsi-Cola, this tile-floored, light-filled corner café is a magnet for visitors and local businesspeople wanting a quick sandwich or large salad for lunch. In the evening the Chelsea is more upscale, with entrées in the upstairs dining rooms (there's an elevator) including shrimp and grits and a candied-bacon rib eye. The bar is well stocked, as are the Pepsi products, the nonalcoholic drinks of choice in New Bern.

335 Middle St., New Bern, North Carolina, 28560, USA
252-637–5469
Known For
  • sandwiches, crab cakes, and lighter fare for lunch
  • fine dining for dinner
  • pleasant, historic dining room
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Credit cards accepted