NEW International Food Trail launched by Visit Jacksonville NC

Explore each of the 14 restaurants in Phase One of the trail. Scroll down and use the map to see what restaurants may be grouped together for an easy tasting tour.

On the heels of North Carolina’s impressive representation at the 2022 James Beard Awards and surging traveler interest in food and drink experiences, Visit Jacksonville NC shares exciting food news: The tourism development authority is launching a new International Food Trail. A landing page and map on the website will make it easier for visitors to find Jacksonville and Onslow County hidden culinary gems.

As the home of US Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Jacksonville and its restaurateurs share cultural ties from around the world–from Jamaica to Columbia, South America, and more. The city’s international footprint offers a variety of authentic choices and affordable price points not found in cities of this size or anywhere else along the NC coast.

This list of restaurants represents Phase One of the trail. More restaurants will be added later this year.

Anthony Prinz of Visit Jacksonville NC, says, “Many of these small businesses are veteran-owned, or the proprietor found our location by visiting family in the Marine Corps. These restaurant owners are masters of their trade. They reflect the diversity and talent of our community with their cuisine and have great passion for their culture, food, and customers. We can’t wait to get feedback as locals (our best ambassadors) and travelers explore the trail.”

Visit Jacksonville NC hopes curious food lovers will choose to dine at one or two of these restaurants during a visit to the area or perhaps plan a weekend around visiting as many restaurants as possible. Travelers can also take advantage of the area’s coastal outdoor activities in between stops—from fishing with a guide to visiting Mike’s Farm or seeing the national monument to the first black Marines at Lejeune Memorial Gardens. Others might want to stroll the cute shops in Swansboro, N.C. or do a tasting at Walton’s Distillery. While the majority of Phase One stops are in Jacksonville, NC, the trail includes stops in Onslow County, too.

How Were These Restaurants Chosen?
Restaurants were selected because they had been open for at least two years and survived the pandemic. They were required to be in good standing with the City of Jacksonville NC and the local health department. Each restaurant was required to offer authentic, well-prepared international cuisine. Charlotte, NC-based food and travel writer (and my dear friend) Heidi Billotto screened and vetted each destination as a “secret traveler” to experience the food as a traveling guest might. She shot the photos on the website and wrote about the restaurants and food found on our website.

If fans want to nominate restaurants for inclusion in Phase 2, they can message @VisitJacksonvilleNC on Facebook or Instagram or at the email on the site.

The restaurants included in Phase 1 include (all addresses Jacksonville, NC unless otherwise noted): Agave Azul Modern Mex & Cantina, Sneads Ferry, N.C.; El Cerro Panaderia (they just announced they will be closing July 31; get into this gem while you can); Elsa’s Place; Filipino Cuisine; Havana 58 Cafe; Liliana’s Columbian Restaurant and Bakery; Marrakesh Mediterranean Cuisine; Mi Cabana Mexican Restaurants (three locations); The Milk Road; The Old Siam; Olea Mediterranean Kitchen, Swansboro, N.C.; Ice Cream Shop Paleteria Deya; Pho 7; and Pollos Tete.

Food writer Heidi Billotto says, “As this trail was created, the emphasis wasn’t on who had the prettiest dining room or who had the fanciest service. The focus was on authentic, international food, executed with precision, knowledge, and heart.”

Visit Jacksonville NC invites everyone to taste their way through the trail and share their experience on social media with the new trail hashtag: #InternationalFoodTrailJNC