Kinston Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Kinston

April 14, 2018 Etsuko Causey

Kinston is a city in Lenoir County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 21,677 at the 2010 Census. It has been the county seat of Lenoir County since its formation in 1791. Kinston is located in the coastal plains region of Eastern North Carolina.
Things to do in Kinston

1. Chef and The Farmer

120 W Gordon St, Kinston, NC 28501-4816 Takeout, Highchairs Available, Free Wifi, Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner SGD 41 - SGD 66 +1 252-208-2433
Excellent
76%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 946 reviews

Chef and The Farmer

Reviewed By emangramp - chapel hill, nc

We had been anticipating this evening at Chef and the Farmer after twice being disappointed by the weather. We arrived eager to taste, see, and feel what all the hoopla
was about. We were not disappointed. The hostess quickly seated us at a table
up against the brick wall, perfect for one who is hard of hearing. There is a strong "buzz"
at the restaurant. Next, we were most fortunate to have Jessica as our server. She was
vivacious and so helpful in helping us select different dishes from the menu and in choosing the wine. We selected 3 small plates and the pork chop entree and were not
disappointed. At no time did we feel rushed.We were fascinated with the way the staff
seemed to have a "synchronized dance" of wending their way through the tables as there
is not a lot of room for them to maneuver. We look forward to returning in the summer when the menu will have more of a variety of local fish and vegetable offerings.

2. Middle Grounds Coffeehouse

212 N Herritage St, Kinston, NC 28501-4822 Seating, Wheelchair Accessible Cafe Breakfast +1 252-686-5140
Excellent
65%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
14%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 14 reviews

Middle Grounds Coffeehouse

Reviewed By Nelli013

We stopped here after going to the boiler room. The owner made my husband and I our tea and coffees. The coffees have very unique flavors like Sugar Daddy, Werther's, & Terry Turtle. The atmosphere is very fun and inviting. You can either sit and hang out to enjoy your coffee or walk around the town to the different shops.

3. The Boiler Room Oyster Bar

108 W North St, Located in an Alley, Kinston, NC 28501-4834 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi American, Bar, Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks +1 252-208-2433
Excellent
63%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 460 reviews

The Boiler Room Oyster Bar

Reviewed By Fred F - Any City

The Boiler Room is a spin-off of Kingston’s famous Chef and the Farmer restaurant (which is just across the street), and it inherited the ability to present great food and drink courses. We started with an appetizer of popcorn oysters. Man were they ever GOOD; lightly breaded and quick fried - super moist and best tasting oysters we had ever eaten. And we hail from Nags Head, NC, where oysters rule in season. When you go,there, you MUST have them. Then we shared an order of fried green tomatoes and a roasted chicken and Brussels sprouts followed be creme brûlée for dessert. The check which included before dinner drinks came to about $50. Overall, a very nice meal in a rustic and casual environment. The only negative was the fast pace at which the courses were served. The place is popular with a mob waiting for seating. We would have preferred less of the feeling that we were being rushed so that they could turn our table.

Oh, yes, our server was pleasant and efficient. And the dinner menu has many selections front which to choose. AND they have an oyster bar, and a traditional beer, wine, and liquor bar. What’s not to love about this place?

4. Lovick's Cafe

320 N Herritage St, Kinston, NC 28501-4824 Highchairs Available, Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Parking Available, Television, Accepts Credit Cards American, Cafe, Diner Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch SGD 5 - SGD 14 +1 252-523-6854
Excellent
51%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 78 reviews

Lovick's Cafe

Breakfast & Lunch Since 1941. Please come and enjoy. 3rd generation.

Reviewed By CWnut - Bethesda, MD

Stayed in Kinston specifically to eat dinner at Chef and Farmer. When I asked where I should eat breakfast, there was no hesitation- Lovick's. Staff and customers of all ages and everyone polite and happy. The town looks like it has fallen on hard times,...MoreThanks folks, come back when this way. We're always having fun at Lovick's !

5. King's Restaurant Incorporated

405 E New Bern Rd, Kinston, NC 28504-6737 Delivery, Highchairs Available, Takeout, Buffet, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Television, Free Wifi American, Barbecue, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner SGD 7 - SGD 39 +1 252-527-2101
Excellent
33%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
6%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 151 reviews

King's Restaurant Incorporated

King's BBQ and Chicken serves Eastern NC BBQ; traditional vinegar based, hand chopped pork BBQ. We serve the best sweet/spicy BBQ ribs and BBQ chicken in Kinston. Locally sourced vegetables including collards, turnip greens, cabbage, black eyed peas, and candied yams. Visit our main location on E. New Bern road and enjoy Lou-Lou's Oyster Bar. It is located inside King's and serves up local steamed oysters, crab legs, steamed shrimp and much more. We also have three take-out locations on Vernon ave, North Queen str, and finally Kingold blvd in Snow Hill.

Reviewed By CarolinaTrekkers - Greensboro NC

This King's, on Highway 70, is the only one I have eaten at. I have always enjoyed it ... it has been here for decades. Passing through recently, we had to decide whether to order off the menu or get the buffet, and decided on the buffet ... right decision. The drink is included. For about $12.50 you get a wide array of choices, and no tip. The a la carte menu will cost you about the same, plus tip. Senior price (you need to ask) is a little less. I got BBQ, fried chicken, and baked chicken ... all very good. The sweet tea is classic southern style, yum, but can get unsweet, or mix, too. Veggies very good, especially the sweet potatoes and cole slaw. I also got what looked like a big hushpuppy but it was a crab cake, and loaded with delicious crab ... wow. By and large every item on the buffet was warm and high quality ... pretty unusual. You cannot beat this value.

6. Queen Street Deli

117 S Queen St, Kinston, NC 28501-4933 Outdoor Seating, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Takeout, Seating, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Delivery, Reservations, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Credit Cards American, Soups, Delicatessen Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Brunch SGD 8 - SGD 20 +1 252-527-1900
Excellent
46%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
10%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 68 reviews

Queen Street Deli

Reviewed By LARUEG - Kinston, North Carolina

One of my favorite go to lunch spots . Call ahead and pick up . Great sandwiches, soups ,salads,desserts, and specialty items . My favorite is the Britney salad with a scoop of Queens chicken salad and white balsamic vinaigrette. Yum . Worth every penny !!

7. Sugar Hill Pizzeria

211 N Herritage St, Kinston, NC 28501-4821 Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible Pizza, Italian, American, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner SGD 7 - SGD 33 +1 252-686-8800
Excellent
47%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 30 reviews

Sugar Hill Pizzeria

Enjoy food, folks and fun at Sugar Hill Pizzeria. Great selection and atmosphere make this a place that local families come for "a good time, not a long time". Come check us out and you will see...Sugar Hill Y'all! Downtown K-Town Proud...

Reviewed By 740GeorgeH740 - Kinston, North Carolina

Been here several times now and it has yet to let me down. Could use a bit better ac when it's hot out but the food is always good and the daily specials for lunch are always a good deal. The Stromboli is very good and sized large!

8. Peach Restaurant House

412 W Vernon Ave, Kinston, NC 28501-3738 Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible American, Soups, Delicatessen, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Breakfast +1 252-522-2526
Excellent
53%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 29 reviews

Peach Restaurant House

Reviewed By BeachBum28472 - Whiteville, North Carolina

We went to the Peach House upon a recommendation from a coworker. We were pleasantly surprised... both by the quality of food and the atmosphere. Great place for lunch. Chicken Salad and Pimento Cheese is a must...OMG!!! If you are traveling through the town, stop by for a great lunch. You wont be disappointed!

9. Olympian Restaurant

601 W Vernon Ave, Kinston, NC 28501-3741 Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible Greek, Italian, Mediterranean Lunch, Dinner +1 252-523-0333
Excellent
36%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
5%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 52 reviews

Olympian Restaurant

Reviewed By Swandawg - Loveland, Colorado

This is not a fancy place but it is a great place for a gyros and single serving pizzas. And of course, you can't leave without having the baklava. Yum!

10. Chick-fil-A

4499 US Highway 70 W, Kinston, NC 28504-7576 Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible American, Fast Food Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner +1 252-208-0744
Excellent
53%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 29 reviews

Chick-fil-A

Reviewed By Mary E - Kinston, United States

This is a great place for a variety of food that is all delicious. I am dieting and so the salad appeals to me. The salad items are fresh, the additional side items are in plastic bags as a separate item and the chicken is delicious as well. You can get several different types of salad. If you are a senior, you can ask for a senior beverage, too. The staff is always accommodating and kind and there are fresh flowers at each table...awesome!

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