The Kitchen Bar @ Chef and the Farmer

Wow, I always stop by when passing through Kinston. Today, my wife and I weren't extremely hungry, but we are loyal.

We shared a burger and a veg plate. We couldn't have been happier.

The burger was moist with an excellent cook. The onion jam and bacon perfectly complimented the beef.

That said, the veg plate was amazing: cilantro street corn and the zucchini tomatoes made us SO HAPPY! And, we wish we'd had the watermelon and jalapenos sooner.

You must stop by, you will not be disappointed.

My husband and I used to watch Vivian Howards show and I am working in New Bern and decided to go to the new place......The dining is pretty casual. The server staff was very friendly. The food was very good! I loved the flash fried collards! The mac and cheese was nice and creamy. The hushpuppies with their topping were very tasty. The salad was good and an interesting combination with the whipped goat butter (first time I have had that), and the pickled onions (loved those)..... Overall, it was was worth the 35 mile drive! Thanks y'all! May come for the later sitting my next trip to New Bern.....

Food was very good, employees were very friendly. We enjoyed the fish and chips, it was the perfect portion.

Best food on Earth, no joke.

Be warned that experiencing The Kitchen Bar @ Chef & The Farmer will ruin you for all other restaurant experiences. This was, quite simply, the best meal we have ever had, prepared and presented by people who truly care about what they do and how it is experienced by their customers. The evening was exceptional from start to finish, and Chef Vivian was charming and engaging, both during the meal and after, when she graciously took the time to talk with us and provide photo-ops and autographs. In this intimate atmosphere, Chef Vivian has surrounded herself with people of equal devotion whom she respects and trusts, and it shows, obviously yet unobtrusively. We are definitely looking forward to our next visit, which we hope will be very soon.

Worth. Every. Cent. If you like southern cooking or fine dining or the tv show “A Chef’s Life,” then do not hesitate to reserve a spot at Chef & the Farmer’s Kitchen Counter experience. This intimate setting allows you to leisurely enjoy time with Chef Vivian Howard and her phenomenal staff while tasting complex, bright, and unique dishes that have been extremely well-thought out and expertly executed. You will not leave hungry from Chef Vivian’s table, and every bite is paired with a wonderful wine that brings faraway places in France or California right along side on the bar counter space. The opening dish of the night was the first-of-the-season asparagus salad with hazelnuts and mint. It set the tone for the entire meal and opened my eyes to the power of that spring herb. The loin of lamb was phenomenal, and all the other plates were just as fabulous. We even got soft-shell crab!!! Thank you, Chef Vivian and all, for a wonderful experience and for taking the time to make it so special!!

Everything was good. And everything on their menu is reasonably priced. And everything they serve has a very unique combination of flavors. And Fendy, our waitress, was great. We ordered the salmon bowl, the blueberry black beans and chicken enchiladas, the fried collards, the broccoli and cheese, the mac and cheese, the roasted roots, the Brussels sprouts, the hush puppies, and the lemon blueberry cake.

Awesome experience

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Creative takes on traditional eastern NC ingredients. Best food I've eaten since I ordered chef's choice at a small Parisian restaurant in 2011. Truly magical. Don't miss it.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food so brilliant it verges on a spiritual experience. Hats off to Chef Howard and her staff for an amazing evening!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Fantastic! Some of the best food I've ever had. Great atmosphere as well.

It was good, I will go back when I'm in the area.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Shrimp and Grits

We had such a great time at dinner! It was a 7 course meal with generous portion sizes (I recommend only a light lunch prior). The food was impeccable. Seasonal vegetables and fruits (peaches), unique fish (ribbonfish was one course), cantaloupe sorbet!! Vivian Howard is right there in front of you!! She tells you about two courses at a time, the ingredients, a funny story, like the guy who brought the clams from Rhode Island for one of our courses. She's a fantastic chef, and also witty, caring about her employees. The service is excellent. This dinner was everything I hoped it would be and more. Vivian also sticks around afterwards to take photos with guests and sign books.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fish

Great place if you’re in Kinston, food is great, wasn’t terribly busy and staff were fantastic.

If you’re looking for good food, good drinks and a fun atmosphere.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Intimate dining experience with Vivian and her chefs. Food was tasty and loved the back story on each dish.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5