The Kitchen Bar @ Chef and the Farmer

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.

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

Some of the food is very good and fresh made.
Kitchen management is horrible ? and this comes from experience. If this place never opens again it is because the Karma collected. Chef is a good man, his suix chef is an ex alcoholic mess everything out her mouth is rude , ignorant and a closet racist by minimal description and any one with color that has worked there will support what I've said.
The owners Ben & Vivian are awesome people very polite and great teachers, front office management is unbelievably fantastic people that care about their employees.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 1

Good taste, good service, good sitting area.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Everything about this place was just wonderful. The food, the people, everything.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Shrimp and Grits, Cornish Game

Everything about this place was just wonderful. The food, the people, everything.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Shrimp and Grits, Cornish Game

If I could give more than 5 stars I would. We were lucky enough to dine at Chef Vivian Howard’s chef table. The entire experience was magical and the best overall dining experience we’ve ever had. The dishes were all unique and fabulously executed. Her passion for what she does is infectious during the time with her. Thank you for such a wonderful time.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Excellent chef. The dishes are original, magnificent and delicious. Reservation is necessary...