Cork Wine Bar & Bistro — Restaurant in New Bern

Updated

I had high hopes for this place given the sentimental biography of the chef-owner and the Philly pride expressed on the story. As we walked on we saw a cooler filled with proper cured meats and cheeses-Calabrian salami, fresh mozzarella, etc. The atmosphere was a mix between modern industrial and butcher shop, which is fine. No complaints there.

The servers were attentive and sweet but did not know much about the menu or the ingredients on it. The wine selection was fantastic! We arrived around 6:30 and we were sat immediately.

Here is where you must adjust your expectations. We started with the Proscuitto Cicchetti, which took almost 25 minutes to come out. The restaurant wasn't too busy and only has about ten tables or so, and the dish is easy and quick to make. It tasted fantastic, the bread could have been toasted a little bit more, but overall it was a strong starr.

Fast forward 45 minutes, we get our entrees and here is where the measure shifted from decent to almost unbelievable.

I ordered the scallops with succotash, fairly easy dish, however the scallops were definitely not up to par. Simply adjust your expectations, and don't expect the scallops to be padded dry before searing in hot oil. The scallops came out without any color on them and tasted and looked like they were just steamed. It was sadly disappointing. The succotash was flavorful and fresh and passed the taste test.

Here's where the unbelievable part comes in. We ordered the lamb ragu on pappardelle with mint. To reiterate, I was expecting a lot from this place given the Italian Philadelphia vibe from the website. Philadelphia has some of the best food on the East Coast so perhaps my expectations were far too grand. Let's just say that you need to adjust your expectations for this dish as well. This is not a beautiful meaty sauce with tomato. It is a bland sauce that came with something resembling chicken broth and chili powder. It tasted like someone boiled down bouillon and chili powder and poured it over noodles that had been cooked to death. And I mean to death! One fork and twirl and they broke apart and disintegrated. We literally had shredded grossly overcooked pasta with a sauce that would make Jesus weap with sadness. Perhaps they ran out of tomato, perhaps they ran out of lamb and they used ground beef instead, perhaps they ran out of mint, perhaps they forgot about the pasta for 45 minutes and that's why it took so long to get the dish. I don't know what it was but just adjust your expectations.

I did see the chef's board come out and it looked quite good. So maybe try this place if you would like decent appetizers and great...

Cork is truly a gem in the heart of New Bern, offering a dining experience that is not only delicious but also steeped in tradition and passion. Executive Chef Mike Lynch's culinary journey, rooted in his family's butcher shop and Sicilian heritage, shines through in every dish served at Cork. The attention to detail and dedication to creating a warm and inviting atmosphere is evident from the moment you step through the doors.

The menu at Cork is a testament to Chef Mike's years of experience and expertise in the kitchen. Each dish is carefully crafted with love and skill, creating a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds. The passion for pairing food and wine is also evident, with a curated wine list that perfectly complements the menu offerings.

Beyond the delicious food and wine, the atmosphere at Cork is welcoming and inviting, making every guest feel right at home. The dedication to creating a rich and intentional dining experience is apparent in every aspect of the restaurant, from the decor to the service.

Overall, Cork is a must-visit spot in New Bern for anyone looking to enjoy a culinary journey that is both delicious and soul-nourishing. Chef Mike and his wife Brooke have truly created a special place where food is made with love and shared with the community. Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience the magic of Cork for yourself. Myself and the entire The Salon on Middle family, highly recommend Cork, to...

We were looking for a place to have a date night out, and after several searches we decided upon cork. For some reason it's a small place that we kind of seem to forget about but I can assure you after last night we will not forget about cork again. It's not a huge place so it didn't feel crowded and we didn't feel rushed. Our server was awesome and was attentive and made good suggestions and knew the menu well. We ordered the crab dip as an appetizer and let me tell you I will never enjoy crab dip anywhere else again. Corks crab dip set the bar high for all other crab dips. My husband ordered the main lobster roll and it was delicious. The bun was toasted perfectly and there was plenty of lobster... Buttery goodness all the way around. I ordered the blackened blue scallops and they were divine. The scallops were perfectly cooked and melted in your mouth. The amount of blue cheese on them was perfect - not overpowering. The maque choux was delicious. The perfect blend of the veggies and the seasonings. My dish came out with some greens on top (not sure what they were) but they were a perfect addition to the flavors of the meal. 10/10 would absolutely eat there again. A bit pricey but...