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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.
Here are some tasty picks starting on the Outer Banks and heading down the coast to Calabash.
1 Owens’ Restaurant
1 Owens’ Restaurant
Nags HeadSee on map
Originally opened in 1946, Owens’ is literally a slice of Outer Banks history. The Hatteras-style clam chowder makes for a great appetizer, while entrees include Carolina Bouillabaisse, Seafood Outer Banks and Miss O’s Crab Cakes. After homemade dessert, history buffs will enjoy the collection of local maritime artifacts.
Tasty alternative: Basnight’s Lone Cedar Cafe, also in Nags Head.
2 Howard’s Pub & Raw Bar Restaurant
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2 Howard’s Pub & Raw Bar Restaurant
OcracokeSee on mapThe 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, a drink menu with nearly 200 beers and live music. The restaurant is open from mid-March to late fall.
Tasty alternative: Back Porch Restaurant, also in Ocracoke.
3 Front Street Grill at Stillwater
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3 Front Street Grill at Stillwater
BeaufortSee on mapSporting 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.
4 Sanitary Fish Market & Restaurant
4 Sanitary Fish Market & Restaurant
Morehead CitySee on mapSprawling Sanitary Fish Market & Restaurant has been a Morehead City landmark since 1938 for good reason. The hush puppies are legendary, as are the varied seafood-oriented baskets and other fresh seafood constantly heading out of the kitchen. Still family-owned and -operated, the Sanitary also features a fresh seafood market next to the restaurant.
5 Catch
5 Catch
WilmingtonSee on mapDown on the Cape Fear Coast, Wilmington and its nearby beaches beckon with several top restaurants serving up the local catch. Catch serves up modern seafood cuisine just outside historic downtown and features the fresh seafood creations of Top Chef contestant and James Beard nominee Keith Rhodes.
6 Oceanic
6 Oceanic
Wrightsville BeachSee on mapWrightsville Beach’s Oceanic at the Crystal Pier has a seafood-dominated menu, outdoor dining and expansive ocean views. In fact, this beachfront restaurant is the only restaurant in Wrightsville Beach that’s situated on the Atlantic Ocean – talk about dinner and a show.
7 Michael’s Seafood
7 Michael’s Seafood
Carolina BeachSee on mapFarther south, Michael’s Seafood in Carolina Beach is famed for its award-winning Captain M’s Seafood Chowder. Seaside décor and outdoor seating allow you to enjoy the coastal weather while the catch of the day is seasoned and cooked to your specifications.
8 Provision Company
8 Provision Company
SouthportSee on mapThose 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.
9 Captain Nance's Seafood Restaurant
9 Captain Nance's Seafood Restaurant
CalabashSee on mapOn North Carolina’s southeastern coast is Calabash, the picturesque fishing village that calls itself the “Seafood Capital of the World.” And of all the restaurants you'll find here, Captain Nance's is particularly beloved. Order the seafood platter – or the Taste of Calabash – for a true introduction to this special style of seafood: lightly breaded, fried to perfection and typically served with hush puppies.
Tasty alternatives: Ella's of Calabash or Beck’s Restaurant, two more Calabash favorites.
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