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  5. Kinston

Chef and The Farmer

4.7
4.7
2189 Reviews
$31 to $50
Contemporary Southern
For additional reservation inquiries, please call our reservationist Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm.

Go to nowhere and turn left...you'll discover an extraordinary, epicurean experience where Chef Vivian Howard practices culinary artistry in a place steeped in tradition. Vivian has returned to her southern roots to create Chef and the Farmer. It celebrates simplicity, freshness and its own heritage.


Anchored in a building that has meant much to a small community where Vivian was raised, she and partner Ben Knight converted a 100 year old mule stable into a warm, inviting, uniquely modern atmosphere. Chef and Farmer, like its name, blends the old and the new, seamlessly, comfortably and unforgettably.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


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  • Order online

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary Southern

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner: Monday - Thursday: 5:00pm - 9:30pm, Friday - Saturday: 5:00pm - 10:30pm -Opening on Mondays starting November 7th If your preferred reservations are not available on-line or if your group is over 5, please call our reservationist Monday - Friday 9am -5pm.

  • Phone number

    (252) 208-2433

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Vivian Howard

  • Private party facilities

    Please note: We accept online reservations for groups of 5 or less. Please call us directly for groups over 5 guests.Chef & the Farmer Events | Planning an event? Chef & the Farmer has 3 unique event spaces to meet a variety of event needs. We host over 100 events each year, including:Rehearsal Dinners, weddings, anniversaries, baby showers, bridesmaid lunches, birthdays, class reunions and a variety of business functionsFor more information, please call 252.208.2433 x3

  • Private party contact

    Kristin Streeter: (252) 208-2433 ext. 3

  • Neighborhood

    Kinston

  • Cross street

    Herritage & Gordon

  • Parking details

    Private Lot

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar Dining, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 2,189 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.7
4.7 based on all time ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

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  1. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Reviewed on September 19, 2019

    overall2foodserviceambience
    After some very good meals previously, this time was pretty disappointing. Appetizers were very good as were the desserts. Wine good too, but the meal was pretty bad. My $40+ steak was tough as leather and full of gristle. That is not an exaggeration. So was the pork chops. The veggies were mushy. We waited a very long time for all our courses and the air conditioner wasn't working so we got cooked too. No acknowledgement that we were celebrating a person's birthday, although the waitress was very competent. Something is changing from what our previous experience had been. I think they need some old fashion management to get back on track. Where the heck is Vivian?
  2. OpenTable Diner

    Orlando

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Reviewed on February 10, 2019

    overall5foodserviceambience
    We dined at Chef and The Farmer for the first time this past Thursday. The food and service was outstanding. Very impressed with wine selection and the attention to detail with using local and NC grow produce and NC cheese as well. We will be going again. As good as Farrington House outside of Chapel Hill. Very impressed with the chefs as well.
  3. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Reviewed on May 5, 2017

    overall5foodserviceambience
    To begin, I adore Chef and the Farmer experience from the moment I walk in the door to the sad moment I leave. Your staff is excellent (last time our server was the pretty lady with glasses, long pony tail, thank you who ever you are) and she took such care of us. The time before we sat at the counter watching the line. Lots of fun. Josh or Jason, big guy with beard, was a lot of fun, also! I brought 5 friends, some of whom were "afraid" of some of the menu items like Tom Tom and left a BIG FAN OF TOM TOM!!! Thank you for your creative inspiring food and atmosphere. If I could change anything, it would to relocate you closer to Clayton, where I live. Please..... open CF 2 closer to me! I have cooked my way through half of Deep Roots, loved every minute of it, and my friends love eating it. As Zac Brown Band says....."You Got What Ever It Is"! ps. screw the bad reviews......they don't know what the hell they're talking about! Be well, Sarah Tuccelli
  4. OpenTable Diner

    Western NC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Reviewed on April 17, 2017

    overall5foodserviceambience
    Made the mistake of waiting until 10 days before a promised event for my daughter and husband for a holiday weekend. Received a 10PM reservation. We were driving in from Asheville- NC, a 5-6 hour drive. Hotel reservations were not available for Kinston. Made reservations for Goldsboro, which is a thirty minute drive to Kinston. Happily, we left Goldsboro @ 9PM. Our NAV program in our 2016 Cadillac went dark coming into Kinston. A quick call to the restaurant gave us good turn-by-turn instructions to the restaurant. We were seated at a great table with views of the open kitchen and wood-burning oven. Service was impeccable, menu options were still fully available at that late hour. We had a delicious and memorable meal. We plan to bring friends from out-of-state to visit despite the lengthy drive. We COULD NOT BE HAPPIER with our experience @ Chef and the Farmer.
  5. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 9, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great meal for a dining experience. Great experience for a different dining experience.
  6. foodie1

    Hawaii

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on March 4, 2017

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    The meal was excellent, but service was slow and somewhat lacking in detail. The coffee was lukewarm and the server didn't tell us about any specials(we overheard her tell the table next to us after we ordered). That said, I would still go back for the food...loved the collard "chips" and catfish salad!
  7. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 3, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My wife and I went for our 10th wedding anniversary all the way from the St. Lours area. The service was great and the food was awesome.
  8. DavidS

    New England

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on March 3, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I have watched the pbs show A Chef's Life and wanted to try the restaurant. My experience there lived up to all of my expectations. The staff was welcoming and very well trained which helped with the overall experience. The food was different than what I have experienced but also something that I enjoyed very much. I feel that it is a very good value and would not hesitate to return.
  9. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 25, 2017

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    We made the drive over from the Raleigh area for early Saturday dinner and it was well worth it. The food was outstanding and did not disappoint, the pairing of different flavors in somewhat traditional dishes is such a treat. The craft cocktails were delicious and the sommelier made excellent wine recommendations for our entrees. The dining area is a little smaller than I expected and tables for two are scattered about in the least desirable locations. We were seated in the back corner next to the wait station, which is the only thing I can complain about. Otherwise I would have given 5 stars across the board as we had a very enjoyable experience.
  10. ElizabethA

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 23, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Such a treat! Our waitress was fantastic and the food was so delicious! We particularly loved Miss Lily's biscuits, the crispy collards, and the rice pudding!
  11. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 23, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was a wonderful dinner. We arrived about 10 minutes early and were greeted and seated upon arrival. Service was prompt but not pushy which was exactly what we wanted for a nice, relaxing dinner. Food was just as ordered and very good. Highly recommend!
  12. JeanneD

    Richmond

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    There were four of us dining at what was an unforgettable NC experience. One couple traveled from Norfolk VA via their camper & stayed in a park very close to the restaurant. My husband & I drove from Chesapeake VA & opted to stay at the local Hampton Inn. Why on earth would we drive over 3 hours for our 9:15PM reservation?(booked 2 months ahead) Simple...we agreed our meals were just as fabulous as any we have had worldwide. The bartender & our waitress could not have been better. Luckily our table was close to the open kitchen so we could watch the chefs work their magic. The magnificent twist on traditional Southern foods we grew up eating blew our minds and palets! Thanks to Vivian, all the local farmers & restaurant workers for pulling off excellence!!!
  13. ShelleyHH

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 18, 2017

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Traveled across the country to dine at Chef & The Farmer in Kinston, NC and it was worth the trip! Definitely "elevated Southern cooking" - truly enjoyed each plate, from the Share Plate's Flash Fried Collards & Tom Thumb to the Small Plate's Turnip Roots & Greens, to the Large Plate's Painted Hills Short Rib. Was too stuffed for dessert, but really enjoyed the Grapefruit soda made with grapefruit shrub. The staff were friendly and attentive and I really appreciated the fact that the tables were nicely spaced from each other. Ms. Howard is a delight as is her food.
  14. sangpicks

    Greensboro

    29 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on February 17, 2017

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Very nice dinner at the chef and the farmer, restaurant was full on a Friday evening but we were seated within 15min. Table ended up being the window table which gave us an unobstructed view of the kitchen. The service was top notch and the wine selection and presentation was above the usual "here is your wine". Enjoyed the evening and will be returning, wish that Kinston town was able to be a bit more lively to help support a restaurant of this caliber.
  15. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2017

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    Just your average restaurant. You're paying for the TV Show and cookbook. Not the greatest food in the world. Honestly just average
  16. Marco

    Charleston

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A fun experience! Great for that special evening like Valentines Day! Very friendly atmosphere.
  17. Stoney

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great location, atmosphere, and food. The staff was very knowledgeable and courteous.
  18. RaleighBred

    Chicago

    81 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    81 reviews

    Dined on February 13, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a smashing meal. I have celiac disease, and was thrilled at the thoughtfulness in accommodating my health needs. The chef even made me gluten-free onion rings, a favorite food that I've not eaten since being diagnosed twenty years ago. It almost brought me to tears! We highly recommend the cornmeal crusted fish and the short ribs - although as the menu changes daily, no guarantee they'd be prepared the same way. Worth the hype.
  19. 50years

    Raleigh

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 9, 2017

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    The menu and food was wonderful. Great experience . I thought that for the price of things that the severs could have been dressed better and the tables were too close together . We felt like we were with the groups around us.Other than that , I would recommend it to others.
  20. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Reviewed on February 9, 2017

    overall5foodserviceambience
    The food is outstanding . Takes southern comfort foods and adds a twist. Seated at Kitchen bar by choice which is the best seat in the house. Conversation is easy while watching the dance of cooking. From the fried colllards to the coconut chess pie our appetite for good food was sated. Our choice of Amberjack fish and the Hoppin John vegetarian dish was wonderful. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. What a treasure for Kinston!
  21. JonF1985

    Charlotte

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 8, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Drove four hours to have dinner here...well worth it.
  22. love2eat

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on February 4, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We watch the show "A Chef's Life" and was not disappointed in the restaurant.
  23. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 3, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Relaxed atmosphere, delicious food, and great beer and wine selection. It was worth the drive from Raleigh.
  24. Jeremy

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 3, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My wife and I have been three times. We have never been disappointed. We treated some friends from out of state once and they loved it. We like that she sources local/seasonal ingredients because to us it's like Christmas. You don't know what is going to be on the menus.
  25. Foodie

    Charlotte

    7 reviews

    1.0

    7 reviews

    Reviewed on February 3, 2017

    overall1foodserviceambience
    It had been about three years since we last ate at this restaurant. Before the PBS show we went several times and loved the place. We took some guests from Dallas there last night for some inventive Southern cooking. What in the world has happened? I am a cheerleader for all things in Eastern NC but someone has to tell the truth. The bartender is incompetent. Ordered a Scotch and Soda with a twist of lemon. My waiter seemed baffled by the request and dutifully wrote it down. I was served a drink made with Cola and with a wedge of lime. Tried again and got scotch and tonic with a lemon wedge instead of a twist. The other person at the table who ordered from the bar got the wrong drink. The food is not good anymore. The steaks were not tender. The lasagne was so sub par that I sent it back and ordered the pot pie. That was even worse. Rule number one for pastry is that is should be flaky and tender. This was rock hard and so over salted that I could not eat it.
  26. birdie

    Jacksonville

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on January 31, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our second visit to the Chef and the Farmer, and the food and service were just as good as the first time we visited. This is a great place to celebrate a special occasion!
  27. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 28, 2017

    overall1food2service3ambience1
    A very disappointing experience. Lacked only 20 large screen TVs to be have been the complete, zero ambiance, sports bar experience, complete with loud drunks. Food was mediocre and over-priced. Would never recommend this mess to anyone I cared about.
  28. Calgontakemeaway1010

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 27, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We Love Love Love the Chef and the Farmer. Always great food!
  29. Lizzie

    Nashville

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on January 27, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My sister and I celebrated our birthday at Chef and the Farmer and had an amazing time! The food was absolutely delicious. We especially enjoyed the desserts-wow. Joanne was our server, and she was delightful. Ben came to our table to welcome us and wish us a happy birthday, which was very kind. We only wish we didn't live so far away!
  30. MikeOC

    Raleigh

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on January 27, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our daughter and her husband visited from California, and we could think of no better way to show off the assets of eastern North Carolina then to treat them to the full menu at Chef and the Farmer. They returned home duly impressed.
  31. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    21 reviews

    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on January 25, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Yes...worth the trip!! Loved the food and presentation. Down to earth atmosphere...not stuffy or overdone at all. Can't wait to go again.
  32. carolinanana

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 24, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Wonderful evening with friends. We all enjoyed our two appetizers (black-eyed peas hummus and flash-dried kale) and everyone enjoyed their entrees (including the two vegetarians). We all finished our meal with chocolate cake with pistachio and coffee---fabulous! It was easy to have a conversation (crucial, as we were "catching up") and our server was solicitous without being intrusive. Overall, a most enjoyable experience!
  33. Pete

    Wilmington

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 24, 2017

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    The food was delicious, featuring the use of natural native ingredients to provide outstanding flavors. The Charcuterie was a perfect way to start our meal. This was followed by Seared Bass and the Brittany Ridge Pork. Excellent. A very unique dining experience for the taste buds. The staff was most courteous and attentive.
  34. 2muchnoyes

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 23, 2017

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Being a 2 hr drive (each way) it is not a place we would frequent---It was all about the PBS TV show. Although I would go back to try the Boiler Room. We were a varied group of 4----My Dad & his friend are budget conscious and are happy with small country kitchen type meals. My husband & I are more adventurous ( actually I) and we are not on a fixed income--yet so more upscale dining is not an issue. We all enjoyed our meals, appetizers and wine--we even brought home the bones for the neighborhood dogs. I feel like I could be friends with Viv---I love to cook, I love fresh & local as well as eating whats in season and have a great appreciation for experimenting with flavors. Loved the pistachio pesto along side my fish! I have since bought Viv's cookbook--and much more than the recipes---the stories, her honesty, her love of family and her very entertaining way of expressing it all makes it all a must read!
  35. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 20, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It is always delicious and enjoyable. The service is flawless and the entire staff is attentive and professional. The brick oven pizza appetizer is a no brainer.My Speckled Trout entree was superb.
  36. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 16, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband and I visited from Raleigh area for his 50th Birthday. Our experience was outstanding. The food was amazing; combinations and ingredients that worked on every course. The service was impeccable~ not too obtrusive but able to answer all our questions. We will definitely return for our next celebration!
  37. HertfordGirl

    Raleigh

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 14, 2017

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our date night. It was worth the two-hour drive. Food and service were amazing. We appreciated the local, familiar foods of our childhoods presented in different, delicious ways. We also wanted to support a grassroots effort to bring small, locally-owned businesses to eastern North Carolina, which has been hit so hard by a tough economy over the past 30 years.
  38. Rickh

    Wilmington

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 14, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding food, great service, entire staff goes out of there way to make the experience memorable!
  39. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 13, 2017

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    seen this place on PBS -TV and had to try it. had heard so much about it from others and it was as good as they said. our family of four all got something different and everyone's dish was delicious service was great and we will be going back.
  40. KevinJ

    Charleston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 12, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food was great but not to be out done by our very patient waitress Joanne! She was awesome and made our first visit unforgettable.

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Chef and The Farmer using the Order Online button.

Chef and The Farmer is rated 4.7 stars by 2189 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Options

  • Order online

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Herritage & Gordon

  • Neighborhood

    Kinston

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner: Monday - Thursday: 5:00pm - 9:30pm, Friday - Saturday: 5:00pm - 10:30pm -Opening on Mondays starting November 7th If your preferred reservations are not available on-line or if your group is over 5, please call our reservationist Monday - Friday 9am -5pm.

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary Southern

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Private Lot

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Vivian Howard

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar Dining, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (252) 208-2433

  • Private party facilities

    Please note: We accept online reservations for groups of 5 or less. Please call us directly for groups over 5 guests.Chef & the Farmer Events | Planning an event? Chef & the Farmer has 3 unique event spaces to meet a variety of event needs. We host over 100 events each year, including:Rehearsal Dinners, weddings, anniversaries, baby showers, bridesmaid lunches, birthdays, class reunions and a variety of business functionsFor more information, please call 252.208.2433 x3

  • Private party contact

    Kristin Streeter: (252) 208-2433 ext. 3

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