Sunnyside may be tucked away from the bustling heart of downtown New Bern, but when it comes to food, this neighborhood is a rising star. Locals know Sunnyside for its welcoming energy, family-friendly streets, and, increasingly, its wealth of diverse dining options. Whether you’re craving Southern comfort, a cozy café moment, or a taste adventure from a food truck, Sunnyside serves up some delightful surprises. Here’s my enthusiastic guide to the best of Sunnyside’s food scene—perfect for locals, newcomers, and hungry visitors alike!
Cozy Breakfasts and Brunch Spots
Start your morning in Sunnyside with a leisurely breakfast or brunch at these gems:
- Sunny Side Up Café (corner of Neuse Blvd & Simmons St.)
- This charming spot lives up to its cheerful name, with sunlight streaming in and the sizzle of bacon filling the air. Their buttermilk pancakes (around $7) are fluffy perfection, the shrimp and grits are a local favorite, and the staff greets everyone like family. Their coffee is robust and locally roasted, and you’ll always spot regulars catching up over egg-and-cheese biscuits.
- Price: $7–$12 for entrées
- Why go? For the small-town warmth and a truly satisfying Southern breakfast.
- Sweet Pea’s Bakery & Coffeehouse (Simmons St., near the library)
- Sweet Pea’s is the neighborhood’s go-to for fresh pastries—think golden croissants, fruit danishes, and homemade cinnamon rolls. Their breakfast sandwiches melt in your mouth, especially when paired with a strong cappuccino. It’s a bright, casual hangout, perfect to fuel up before exploring New Bern’s riverside.
- Price: $2–$8, great for a grab-and-go bite
- Why go? Everything is made daily, and each treat feels lovingly handmade.
Lunches and Laid-Back Bites
If you’re wandering Sunnyside midday, these favorite haunts promise delicious flavors without formality:
- Sunnyside Deli (corner of Broad St. & Riverside Dr.)
- A no-frills, beloved sandwich joint, Sunnyside Deli stacks its Reubens mile-high. Cold-cut subs, homemade coleslaw, and their “Sunshine Club” are lunchtime institutions. Don’t miss their homemade chips or Thursday’s chicken salad—arguably the best in Craven County.
- Price: $5–$10 for sandwiches
- Why go? Quick, affordable, and delicious—perfect for a lunch break or picnic.
- Taco Loco Food Truck (rotating locations, often on Trent Rd.)
- Food truck fans rejoice! Taco Loco’s vibrant truck, decked in murals, serves up some of Sunnyside’s tastiest Mexican street food. Tacos (asada, pollo, barbacoa) are $3 each, with homemade sauces that pack a punch. Their quesabirria is legendary, loaded with cheese and slow-cooked beef.
- Price: $3–$9
- Why go? The real deal—fresh, made-to-order, no shortcuts.
Sunnyside’s Dinner Delights
As evening falls, Sunnyside truly shines for dinner, with inviting atmospheres and supper destinations both new and old:
- The Porch at Riverside Grill (Riverside Dr. near the park)
- Overlooking the Trent River, this lively spot blends casual fare with incredible sunset views. Seafood plates dominate here—local shrimp baskets, blackened catfish, and a hushpuppy basket worth writing home about. Their weekend crab boil (market price) is a community favorite, with platters piled with shellfish and corn on the cob.
- Price: $12–$25 for most mains
- Why go? River breezes, cold local brews, and the friendliest staff.
- Mama T’s Italian Kitchen (Trent Rd. & Oak St.)
- Cozy, fragrant, and run by a third-generation Italian family, Mama T’s is where you’ll find homemade pastas, pillowy garlic knots, and classics like chicken parmigiana ($15). Locals flock for pizza nights (tip: try the Sunnyside Special with peppers and sausage), and the desserts—cannoli, tiramisu—sell out fast.
- Price: $10–$18
- Why go? Authentic Italian in a heartwarming, neighborly setting.
Sweet Treats and Hidden Dessert Havens
Craving sugar? Sunnyside doesn’t disappoint when your sweet tooth calls:
- Bliss Ice Cream Cart (often on Simmons St. and at community events)
- A mobile staple during warm weather, Bliss offers small-batch ice creams with local fruit mix-ins. Blueberry cheesecake and pecan praline are must-trys. They also have dairy-free options, making this a hit with families.
- Price: $3–$6 per scoop/cone
- Why go? Nostalgic ice cream stand with inventive, rotating flavors.
- Honeybee’s Cupcakery (Poplar Ave. near Sunnyside Park)
- Pop into Honeybee’s for whimsical, decadently frosted cupcakes and mini-pies. Locals rave about the bourbon-pecan, red velvet, and lemon-raspberry varieties. They’ll even whip up custom orders for special occasions.
- Price: $2.50–$4 per pastry
- Why go? Some of the most creative and gorgeous desserts in town.
Neighborhood Food Traditions
Sunnyside’s food culture extends beyond its brick-and-mortar front doors. Check the community board at Sunnyside Park for pop-up brunches, church fish fries, and seasonal food festivals—especially the beloved fall Chilli Cookoff on Simmons St., where neighbors share secret recipes and sample local brews. Street food and bake sales are a regular sight, and it’s not uncommon for home kitchens to become temporary bakeries during holidays.
Where Food Meets Community
What truly defines Sunnyside’s eats is community spirit. Most restaurants are family-owned; many employ local high schoolers or support neighborhood fundraisers. Walk into any café or deli, and chances are you’ll see friends catching up or newcomers being welcomed like old acquaintances. Sunnyside’s food destinations don’t just serve meals—they help knit together one of New Bern’s most inviting neighborhoods.
Whether you’re hunting for the perfect Sunday brunch, a midweek taco feast, or a sunset dinner with river views, Sunnyside’s food scene promises flavor, friendliness, and a touch of discovery every single meal. So bring your appetite—your next favorite spot might be just around the corner.