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Thanks to the bountiful sea and many bays and rivers, along with farm-to-table vegetables and more, many restaurants along the North Carolina coast feature food that’s true to its environs — from steaming-hot hush puppies to just-steamed blue crabs to fresh fish caught that morning.
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Preston’s Corner
In this small town bordered by waterways and minutes from the ocean, two Southern traditions meet on a bun at Preston’s Corner: Pimento cheese tops fried shrimp for a spicy shrimp burger, complete with fried jalapeños. Wash it down with a seasonal cocktail.
Tasty alternatives in Swansboro: Saltwater Grill or Riverside Steak & Seafood.
Bay Sire Bistro
Surrounded by farm fields in the rural northeast corner of the state, Bay Sire Bistro conjures coastal cravings with a crab-dip appetizer and shellfish-packed risotto. Friday nights bring rotating specials, like the seafood platter with fried flounder and jumbo shrimp.
Tasty alternatives near Jackson: V's Restaurant and Catering.
Rx Chicken and Oysters
Rx Chicken & Oysters maintains historical ties while ensuring a brighter future. The name and building honor former tenant Hall’s Drug Store. The husband-and-wife owners regularly spearfish for menu items (including invasive lionfish) and farm their own shellfish for clam ceviche and Lucy Bea oysters on the half shell.
Tasty alternatives in Wilmington: Elijah's Oyster & Fish Camp or Seabird.
Provision Company
Those arriving in Southport by land or sea head straight to Provision Company. This waterfront favorite usually has a line before ordering at the counter and grabbing self-service drinks while awaiting freshly prepared fare. Provision Co. favorites include seafood chowder, steamed shrimp, crab cakes and a great grouper salad sandwich.
Tasty alternatives in Southport: Fishy Fishy Cafe or Moore Street Oyster Bar.
Waterfront Seafood Shack
Watch boats unload their bounty onto the dock while waiting on baskets and sandwiches filled with Calabash-style seafood that’s freshly caught and lightly fried. Open-air Waterfront Seafood Shack hosts diners at grass umbrella-shaded picnic tables with pristine river views. It’s just one of more than a half-dozen local restaurants serving up the signature flash-fried and breaded icon of Brunswick County.
Tasty alternatives in Calabash: Captain Nance's Seafood Restaurant or The Oyster Rock.
Dune Street Rawbar & Grill
Dune Street is committed to its partnerships with local watermen, farmers, purveyors and artists. The oysters are of course popular, and be sure to pick one of the house mignonette sauces to accompany them.
Tasty alternative in Nags Head: Basnight’s Lone Cedar Cafe.
Howard’s Pub & Raw Bar
The Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry takes visitors to Ocracoke Island. Discover Howard’s Pub & Raw Bar Restaurant, which features a rooftop deck with rocking chairs and wide views of the island. In addition to the large menu of fresh local seafood, enjoy made-to-order burgers and steaks, and live music. The restaurant is open from mid-March to late fall.
Tasty alternative in Ocracoke: Back Porch Restaurant.
Persimmons
Start off your al fresco dinner with peel-and-eat shrimp and cornmeal-fried calamari. Entrees include casual comforts such as crab cakes and fish tacos, or elevate your choice and go for grilled salmon or seared diver scallops. The stunning Neuse River views and specialty cocktails complete the entire experience.
Tasty alternatives in New Bern: The Chelsea or MJ's Raw Bar & Grille.
Front Street Grill at Stillwater
Sporting coastal food with Southern soul in a renovated Topsail marine boathouse, Front Street Grill at Stillwater is perfect for a casual night out. Grab a Painkiller from the Rhum Bar — dark rum, orange juice, pineapple, cream of coconut and fresh nutmeg — and grab a seat on the soft cushions on the lower deck while you watch the boats come in from the lookout.
Tasty alternatives in Beaufort: Aqua or Moonrakers.