2025 Seafood Guide

The small and slightly inland community of Hampstead is regionally known as the “Seafood Capital of North Carolina” and this reputation is alive and well thanks to popular local seafood markets, like Atlantic Seafood. Located just a shell’s through from US Highway 17  -the main 4-lane highway that runs through the town – this market is renowned among locals for fresh catches, good prices, and solid advice on what to eat and how to cook it from the professional staff.

Big Daddy’s Restaurant is a classic Kure Beach establishment that has been feeding hungry vacationers since 1970. A popular destination due to its long legacy as a central seafood-focused restaurant, Big Daddy’s serves up big platters of seafood, sandwiches, and other beach fare that’s varied enough to cater to parties of all ages and tastes.

The Black Sea Grill puts a wonderfully unique spin on classic Cape Fear area seafood and southern dishes, with Mediterranean fare that allows the local ingredients to shine. From unique takes on “surf and turf,” (with lamb instead of steak), to delectable side dishes and desserts, (like Jasmine rice and baklava), the Black Sea Grill will make Wilmington visitors and locals rethink the concept of coastal dining.

Blue Surf Café serves up inspired breakfast, lunch and dinner fare to hungry UNCW college students, Wilmington locals, and savvy vacationers-in-the-know alike. Featuring a wonderfully extensive menu, with a host of global influences, patrons can try a variety of worldly cuisine without ever leaving the heart of Wilmington.

Enjoy a seafood meal with a prime view of the local marinas that border the Intracoastal Waterway with a visit to Bluewater Grill. Located on the edge of the Wrightsville Beach Causeway, this seafood restaurant is a popular lunch and dinner destination for vacationers who are hungry for a taste of the coast.

The Boathouse restaurant is a moderately-sized and unimposing restaurant that’s located in a quiet section of Wilmington, close to Bradley Creek. But although it’s easy to miss, seafood fans will want to take a detour to find this subtle spot, which is stocked with Calabash catches and Low Country specialties.

Brasserie du Soleil takes fine dining to an elevated level with lunch and dinner menus that are infused with traditional French dishes and flavors. Found near a small collection of shops just off of Westwood Road, this intimately sweet restaurant will charm romantics and French cuisine fans alike.

For a full range of seafood and steak selections that is complemented with waterfront views, head to the edge of the Wrightsville Beach Causeway to the distinctive Bridge Tender Restaurant. Found within a unique weather-worn building, this lunch and dinner restaurant with a sweet waterfront atmosphere outside, and a warm and inviting interior, is sure to appease seafood fans and land lubbers alike.

Seafood Catering | Traditional Low-Country Boils | Clam Bakes | Alternative Dining - Shrimp • Clams • Cornbread • Sausage - Crab Legs • Coleslaw • Potatoes • Lobster Tail

The Cape Fear Restaurant and Lounge is a vintage and family-friendly seafood restaurant that’s perched on the edge of the Cape Fear River in the heart of Downtown Southport. An easy destination for visitors who want a bite to eat after taking a guided or self-propelled walking tour of the historic area, this restaurant serves up cold drinks, and classic seafood dishes in a casual and laid-back atmosphere.

Though almost hidden behind a busy section of College Road, Cape Fear Seafood Company nevertheless has a big reputation as one of the best places to go in Wilmington for outstanding coastal fare. Named by North Carolina’s Our State magazine as one of the top five places to try Shrimp and Grits, Cape Fear Seafood Company is the place that locals head to for the freshest fare that the Cape Fear River and Atlantic Ocean have to offer.

Caprice Bistro is Wilmington’s go-to for incredible martinis and French cuisine in the heart of the Downtown area. Found within a classic brick building, and boasting two levels of dining, (including an upstairs bar that’s popular with the post-theater crowd), Caprice is the destination of choice for romantic evenings out, or just a little something different and refreshingly elevated.

Captain Pete’s Seafood Restaurant is an acclaimed destination for Holden Beach vacationers to enjoy a big seafood-centric dinner, a round of refreshing cocktails, and an outstanding waterfront view, thanks to the restaurant’s location directly under the bridge to the beach. Easy to reach for both Holden Beach inland and on-the-coast visitors, and boasting a varied menu that takes a little creative license with coastal classics, Captain Pete’s is a must-stop destination for many food fans in the Cape Fear region.

Take a break from the daily grind and dive into a game of volleyball, a trivia night, or just a few rounds and a hearty meal with friends and family with a visit to Capt’n Bill’s Backyard Grill & Sports Bar. This unique destination that’s appropriate for all ages features an expansive sand volleyball court, plenty of indoor and outdoor porch-style seating, and a menu that’s just casual enough to appeal to all appetites.

Catch has been making waves on the Wilmington dining scene since first opening in 2006, thanks to its award-winning and famous chef and owner, Keith Rhodes. Rhodes was a contestant on the national television show Top Chef and has since returned to his hometown restaurant to serve up deliciously fresh seafood that is infused with a modern twist.

Causeway Gourmet is a delectable dine-in, take-out, and delivery spot where Ocean Isle Beach vacationers can feast on a wealth of freshly made sandwiches, entrees, salads, and so much more. Located on the inland side of the causeway to the beach, and offering a treasure trove of options, Causeway Gourmet is garnering a big fan base of locals and visitors alike for its rainbow of options and unique combination of traditional American, southern, and even global flavors.

Wilmington Visitors who think they’ve seen it all should plan a visit to the refreshingly cool Ceviche’s. Inspired by the cuisine of Panama, Central America, this unique eatery features a colorful menu that’s stuffed with tapas, salads, soups, entrees, and of course, fresh ceviche.

Indecisive diners will have a fine time at Circa 1922. This chic tapas bar and restaurant has a prime Downtown Wilmington location, and a wonderfully varied menu that allows patrons to sample veritably every elevated cuisine under the Cape Fear sun.

Wilmington visitors who want the appeal of an oceanfront beach restaurant without taking a spin across the Wrightsville Beach Bridge can pop into the Dockside Restaurant. Located on the waterfront border, with a cool exterior that boasts an ocean-blue facade and a handful of palm trees, this eatery brings seaside cuisine to the edge of Wilmington.

East Oceanfront Dining is a posh little restaurant that’s found along a quieter section of the Wrightsville Beach shoreline, and which features beautifully colorful plates of traditional seafood and American cuisine with a twist. With a menu that’s always rotating, and an abundance of fresh ingredients on full display, this restaurant is a solid option for foodies who want a romantic dining experience, or who just want to sink their teeth into something new.

There’s nothing like enjoying a stunning waterfront view, and Elijah’s has a prime location along the Cape Fear River on the edge of Wilmington’s historic downtown. Featuring both indoor and seasonal outdoor tables, this little eatery will charm visitors with the natural setting, and will entice patrons to linger with a seafood-heavy but all-encompassing menu.

The Fish House Grill is located on the foot of the Wrightsville Beach Drawbridge, and has been a Wilmington institution for generations of hungry, seafood loving patrons. The idyllic setting perfectly complements the extensive and seafood-heavy menu, allowing diners to relax and enjoy a sea breeze along with a seafaring meal.

Blue Water Point Motel & Marina is an all-encompassing destination for mariners who are cruising along the Intracoastal Waterway to dock, dine, and enjoy a night off the water in the small coastal town of Oak Island.

The Fishy Fishy Café is a favorite dining and drinks destination for Southport visitors, due to a prime location on the edge of the Intracoastal Waterway where the views are out of this world. Located next to a collection of local marinas, and featuring a seafood-heavy menu that matches the environment perfectly, this chic restaurant and bar is an ideal spot to enjoy a decadently colorful meal after a long day of exploring the heart of the Cape Fear region.

Oceanfront dining is always a thrill for Cape Fear visitors, and the Flying Fish Café is a favorite spot on Oak Island for visitors to feast on coastally-inspired creations while enjoying a lovely on-the-sand view. With both traditional and more unique options for lunch and dinner, and a prime oceanfront locale along the appropriately named Ocean Drive, diners can relax in the sun or the shade while feasting on one of the seafood classics that the Cape Fear region is known for.

Head to the very edge of waterfront Southport to enjoy a fine meal with an unbeatable view at the Frying Pan. This restaurant that’s located on the edge of Bay Street boasts local and down-home favorites like sweet potato biscuits, fried seafood, and pan-seared seafood dishes that are sure to appeal to the most southern of Cape Fear appetites.

Take a break from strolling along the Wilmington Riverwalk and enjoy an impeccable meal with a waterfront view at The George. Featuring vast vistas of the adjacent Cape Fear River, and located in the heart of the downtown area, this brunch, lunch and dinner spot features a world of local and global fare that can appeal to veritably any palette.

Visitors who are enjoying a round at Hampstead’s popular Olde Point Golf and Country Club can polish off a game with a fresh lunch, post-game drink, or tempting dinner at the acclaimed Georges At Olde Point. Featuring a statuesque bar and dining area, and pretty views of the adjacent golf course, this classic eatery features a modest menu that’s designed to appeal to patrons of all tastes and appetites.

The Gulf Stream Restaurant is a casual little restaurant that borders a handful of shops and marinas in the heart of Carolina Beach. Featuring a classic exterior and a wealth of classic back-to-basic eats, this family-friendly restaurant has just enough crowd-pleasing breakfast, lunch and dinner fare to leave everyone in the party satisfied.

For many Oak Island vacationers, the biggest draw of a coastal vacation is the option to pick up a wealth of local Cape Fear seafood to enjoy at home on the grill, in the oven, or on the stove top, and the home grown Haag & Sons Seafood delivers with a wealth of options for sea-faring tastes of all varieties. Owned and managed by Jon Haag, a local fishmonger with more than 25 years of experience, patrons can expect plenty of fresh product as well as timely advice to make their seafood selections truly shine, and become crowd pleasing dishes that the entire family will enjoy.

As the name would suggest, Hang Ten Grill is a casual beach joint with a definitive surfer vibe that serves as the perfect hang-out after a long morning or afternoon of riding the waves in Carolina Beach. Located along Carolina Beach’s “main drag,” Lake Park Blvd, and just a couple pf blocks away from the beach, this cool eatery is a great spot to refuel after an active day on the seashore.

BEST FOOD ON THE ISLAND, HANDS DOWN

Havana’s is an all-encompassing steak, seafood and pasta restaurant that’s just a shell’s throw from the bridge to Wrightsville Beach. Offering lunch, dinner and Sunday Brunch in a casual but slightly upscale atmosphere, Havana’s will appeal to diners of all tastes.

For fine cuisine that benefits from an overall “Farm to Table” philosophy, visitors can head over to Henry’s. Boasting a vintage warm interior with a long bar and an accompanying collection of booths and tables, and a commercially central locale along Independence Blvd., Henry’s is a convenient destination for a perfect mix of casual and fine dining cuisine.

This brightly colored and expansive restaurant along Market Street is an eye-catching destination for seafood fans. Featuring a far-reaching menu of steamed, broiled, grilled and fried seafaring creations, Hieronymus Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar has been satisfying big coastal appetites since 1972.

Summertime visitors who want to hop off the beach and enjoy a cold drink, an easy-going bite to eat, and a fine oceanfront view can stroll along the boardwalk to reach Hurricane Alleys. Located just off the dunes, this beach bar and restaurant in the heart of Carolina Beach features shaded outdoor seating, light interior seating, (and plenty of dance space on hot summer nights), and a popular rooftop deck where the adjacent boardwalk and Atlantic Ocean vistas can be admired.

Inlet View is a fine spot for Southport visitors to slip into an island lifestyle, thanks to a sea-worthy menu, and a location that’s on a quiet edge of the Intracoastal Waterway. Easy to access by visitors who are travelling by boat or by car alike, the cool waterfront location and the seafood-heavy menu will entice anyone to relax, enjoy the view, and feast on some Cape Fear-style seafood favorites.

Water lovers can enjoy a decadent seafood meal that’s complemented with a stunning view of the ocean with a visit to Oak Island’s Island Way. Located along Beach Road and bordering a quiet stretch of sand that’s home to small motels and vacation rentals, this restaurant boasts all the coastal staples that combine perfectly with a stunning ocean vista.

Jack Mackerel’s Island Grill is a fun destination for a Happy Hour drink and round of appetizers, an easy-going lunch or dinner, or a late-night snack right before the party begins. Located next to the Kure Beach Fishing Pier, and popular with the local angling crowd and vacationers alike, this eatery with a cool local tavern atmosphere is a laid-back destination for a round of drinks and a few good eats.

Jax Fifth Avenue Deli & Ale House may look like a Swiss retreat, but the downhome cuisine and friendly atmosphere is the hallmark of a southern destination. Featuring an expansive interior with plenty of bar seating and TVs to watch the big games, Jax is a popular lunch stop, hang-out, and late-night destination for Wilmington locals and vacationers alike.

Jebby’s on 17 is an American grill and sports bar that’s impossible to miss, thanks to a convenient locale along Highway 17 in Hampstead, and a vibrant blue exterior that’s perfect for its close-to-the-coast locale. A fun destination for late weekend nights out or a Sunday afternoon game, this casual restaurant boasts ample bar seating, pub-style interior tables, and plenty of good food and drinks to go around.

Jerry’s is the brainchild of Jerry Rouse – a Wilmington local who is famed for his nearly 40 years of catering experience. While fresh catering is still available, everyday patrons without a big party to plan can still taste the cuisine that made Jerry locally famous with a visit to this relatively new addition to the Downtown Wilmington scene.

Take in the spectacular views of the intracoastal waterway while dining with friends and family. Executive Chef Joe Paxton has created a crave-worthy dinner menu based around coastal favorites and seasonal vegetables sourced from local and regional purveyors. Enjoy a drink at the Tiki Bar perched on the top patio with sweeping views of Jinks Creek or dine outdoors in the gazebo overlooking the water. Just inside, our dining room features large windows with amazing views for those who to prefer to eat indoors.

Jones’ Seafood House is a local restaurant in the heart of Oak Island that has been serving vacationers for more than 50 years. A popular spot for generations of families who return year after year, the restaurant has heaping plates of seafood that’s prepared simply, but appeals to classic coastal Carolina palates.

King Neptune Restaurant is an all-encompassing breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night hot spot that boasts a friendly hometown vibe, and a big wave of classic American fare with a coastal and southern influence. Known as a solid breakfast and lunch option, as well as a laid-back local bar after the sun goes down, this restaurant can cater to a wealth of appetites for fun, drinks, or filling food.

Kornerstone Bistro is a fun and slightly elevated little restaurant along Market Street that specializes in Italian, Mediterranean, and Latin cuisine. Boasting heaping plates of fresh pasta, and eye-catching appetizers that pair perfect with a martini, Kornerstone Bistro is suitable for gatherings with friends, families, or a romantic dinner for two.

Lane’s Ferry Dock & Grill is a lunch and dinner joint that’s found within a small residential-looking structure near the Cape Fear River. Though the region is little-known and seldom visited, the restaurant, and the surrounding area itself, has quite a history. Since 1881, this little corner of the Cape Fear area has always served as a dock landing and local store, and the restaurant, which was built in 1932, continues a decades’ old tradition of southern hospitality and a welcome diversion from a long trip along the coast.

Las Olas Mexi-Q Grill is a relatively new but popular restaurant that is a sister restaurant to Wilmington’s acclaimed surfer hang-out, K-38. Found in the heart of the Mayfaire area along Military Cutoff Road, this Fresh Mex establishment is known for bold flavors, good eats, and that signature laid-back surfer vibe.

Lazy Pirate Island Sports Grill is a fun spot for beach fans and night owls alike, with a wealth of entertainment that’s just steps away from the wide outdoor patio and bar. Known for ice cold drinks, casual beach eats, and plenty of ways to stay entertained during a lazy Happy Hour or during a night on a town, this fun spot is a nice representation of what makes “Pleasure Island” a playground for adults.

Live Oak Café is a small but charming restaurant that’s found in a quiet and slightly inland region of historic Downtown Southport. Located within a turn-of-the-century home with three small dining rooms with beautiful bold décor, the welcoming and intimate feeling extends well beyond the atmosphere and carries over to the North Carolina centric-menu, ensuring that diners will be both impressed, and feel right at home.  

Mermaid’s Island Grill is a cool restaurant in the heart of Holden Beach that’s known for cold cocktails, good beachy fare, and a laid-back atmosphere that fits in perfectly with the shoreside environment. Located just across the bridge to the Holden Beach coastline, this convenient and easy-to-reach restaurant is a good spot for lunch, dinner, or post-beach trip drinks and munchies.

Michael's Seafood Restaurant is an all-encompassing stop for both easy-going seafood meals and catering for casual parties or big events. Located in a central shopping and business section of inland Carolina Beach, this fresh eatery has been wowing patrons of all varieties – from event planners to vacationing families – with a big selection of coastal eats.

Mike’s Fresh Seafood is located along a busy section of Market Street, but is often overlooked by seafood fans as its rustic exterior and convenience-store vibe might not register with visitors who are looking for fresh casual seafood either in-house or on the go. With that being said, visitors should nevertheless take a second look at this destination, which has a rotating selection of frozen and fresh catches, and which operates under the mantra of “You buy, and we fry.”

Mr. P’s Bistro is a fine representation of Low Country cuisine, thanks to a long family history in the local Cape Fear seafood industry. Overseen by Executive Chef and the original Mr. P’s son, Stephen Phipps, (who trained at the Johnson and Wales culinary school in Charleston, South Carolina), patrons will enjoy a wonderfully fresh taste of down-home Southport that’s been enticing visitors and locals alike for more than 20 years.

Visitors who crave a refreshing seaside bite with an unbeatable view will want to check out the Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar. Sandwiched in between two hotels, and perched directly on the oceanfront with a long pier that extends to the water’s edge, this sunny lunch and dinner spot is the perfect locale to toast another fine day on the Cape Fear shoreline.

The Oceanic is the only oceanfront restaurant and pier on Wrightsville Beach, and as such, is a very popular spot for semi-casual lunches, refined dinners, and massive special events with an Atlantic backdrop. Attached to the Crystal Pier, which provides plenty of outdoor seating as well as a killer setting for seasonal live music, the Oceanic is a popular destination for visitors who simply can’t get enough of the beach.

Oceans is a chick little dining option for visitors who are staying in Wrightsville Beach’s sprawling Holiday Inn Resort. Featuring a large and open dining room, as well as several nearby lounges that boast indoor or outdoor ocean views, Oceans is a prime spot for resort guests and local beach-goers alike top settle in for a breezy and coastally inspired meal.

The Olde Salty’s is a local icon that has been serving Carolina Beach vacationers for more than 20 years. Found within a fairly non-descript building along the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, this classic lunch and dinner spot serves up pirate-approved grub and grog to hungry sightseers and beach-goers alike.

Wilmington visitors who are touring the downtown area’s famed Cotton Exchange can whet an appetite for a cold drink, a hearty lunch, or a decadent dinner with a visit to Paddy’s Hollow. Featuring an authentic brick-lined atmosphere that’s perfect for large meals, and a full menu that boasts everything from burgers to pub grub, Paddy’s Hollow is a crowd-pleaser that can cater to all sized-appetites (and especially big ones.)

Pembroke’s is a favorite choice for fine dining in the Mayfaire region of Wilmington. Located just off of Military Cutoff Road, longtime fans declare that Pembroke’s is more of a “dining experience” than a place to go to eat, and with a team of talented chefs at the helm, this reputation shows no signs of fading.

Fresh seafood, southern cuisine, and the Downtown Wilmington waterfront all seem to go together seamlessly, and the fare and atmosphere at The Pilot House is no exception to this rule. Found within a former historic residence that dates back to 1870, this prime waterfront destination is a fine choice for an elegant dinner, breezy lunch, or just a nice drink and appetizer that’s steps away from the Cape Fear River.

PinPoint Restaurant is a chic little downtown restaurant with a big reputation as the perfect destination for a romantic Wilmington date night. Featuring a relatively seasonal menu that showcases local ingredients at every opportunity, the colorful dishes and cool near-the-water atmosphere is sure to charm Cape Fear visitors.

Pirate’s Table Seafood Restaurant is a classic seafood restaurant that’s found along Carolina Beach road, and features all the Cape Fear region classics, but without the big close-to-the-beach prices. With a simple exterior and a simple menu, Pirate’s Table is a good destination for patrons who like a family-friendly atmosphere with Calabash-style fare.

Poe’s Tavern is an effortlessly chic spot for Happy Hour drinks, a post-beach meal, or a late night adventure with friends reminiscing about the day over a round of beers or two. Featuring a cool brick and dark wood interior, with subdued lighting and a relaxed atmosphere, Poe’s Tavern is the place to linger over a big burger, a filling appetizer, an ice cold beer, or all of the above.

Pop’s Diner is a nostalgic little eatery that will bring a smile to any Carolina Beach vacationer’s face. Carolina Beach's only late night diner that is open 7 days a week for lunch, dinner and late night!  Featuring a cool 50’s atmosphere, complete with a jukebox and an occasional Elvis appearance, this family-friendly restaurant will impress guests with its fun atmosphere, its big helpings, and its budget-friendly prices.

Port Land Grille is becoming one of Wilmington’s favorite destinations for delicious steaks and refined entrees in a warm and elegant atmosphere. Convenient for visitors staying in both Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, and boasting a broad menu with “from the port,” “from the land,” and “from the grille” selections, patrons can feast on creative cuisine that satisfies exactly what they’re craving.

Ports of Call Bistro & Market is a catch-all destination for Southport food lovers of all tastes. Featuring an in-house bakery and market, as well as a dining area that serves up both fresh lunch and dinner selections, this Downtown Southport favorite is a great place to enjoy a wealth of fresh and worldly flavors.

For a cool cocktail to top off a long downtown exploration, or an easy-going and sunny meal to complement the waterfront surroundings, head to Southport’s Provision Company. Located on the edge of the Intracoastal Waterway, and recently named by a national news source as home to the “best sandwiches in America,” this no-frills restaurant features an abundance of seasonal eats that will make any newcomer an instant fan.

Visitors who are cruising through Hampstead and who want to satisfy a seafood craving, ( a perfectly understandable desire considering that Hampstead is known as North Carolina’s seafood capital), can make a quick stop at the east-to miss but equally easy-to-enjoy Rb’s Roll “n” Seafood and Grill. Located in a makeshift trailer along Highway 17, this popular local spot featured “Born and Breaded in North Carolina” eats that are easy to enjoy on the go, or in the comfort of a Cape Fear area beach house.

The SeaWitch Cafe & Tiki Bar is a casual little spot that has a definitive coastal vibe and a hearty menu that’s seemingly designed to appeal to salty appetites. Found just a block away from the oceanfront, and bordered by palm trees, this coastal eatery is a solid spot for a weekend brunch, a relaxed lunch or dinner, or a little late night entertainment just steps away from the sand.

Shagger Jacks is an ideal location for a post-beach drink, snack attack, or full meal, with a wonderfully varied and beachy menu that matches the cool, coastal surroundings. With seasonal outdoor and indoor seating that’s designed for lingering, and a convenient location along Oak Island Drive, visitors will feel inclined to lean back, kick off the flop flops, and enjoy a cold drink and a filling, and slightly indulgent, meal.

Shirley’s Diner is a super casual restaurant that’s initially easy to miss, due to a Leland location that’s tucked away behind a busy shopping center, but which remains a popular destination for locals who are in the mood for good and hearty home cooking. Although the interior is a bit basic, with tables clustered in a small inside space, the food is always filling, with nicely big portions, and plenty of southern hospitality to go around.

Boasting an incredible location surrounded by water, and an arsenal of amenities just waiting to be enjoyed by vacationers, the Shoals Club is easily one of the most unique and accommodating community clubs on Bald Head Island. With fun and active amenities for visitors of all ages, and fantastic seaside dining and event options to boot, the Shoals Club is sure to give visitors an introduction as to what oceanfront entertainment and luxury is all about.

Seafood lovers who don’t mind getting their hands dirty will want to take a stroll to the Shuckin’ Shack. Located in the heart of Downtown Wilmington along a busy section of Market Street, this casual and cool seafood joint is the perfect spot to dive into a world of fresh and messy seaworthy cuisine.

A lot of newcomers are a little wary when they first arrive at Silver Hill Grill. Located in Supply, NC – which is just inland from Holden Beach – and found within a simple, one-story building that’s bordered by local homes, this restaurant doesn’t look like an acclaimed eatery for seafood lovers. But patrons who take the plunge will be wonderfully surprised with a variety of fresh seafood fare, friendly southern hospitality, and wonderfully budget-friendly prices. In business for more than 40 years, and family owned and operated, the Silver Hill Grill is the definition of a “Hidden Gem” in the Cape Fear region.

Wilmington residents and visitors in the Monkey Junction area have a new venue for a Sunday football game or a Happy Hour drink with friends in the form of the Slainte Irish Pub. With a friendly atmosphere, plenty of outdoor and indoor tables and bar stools, and lots of big screen TVs in every direction, this entertaining and elevated pub will entice patrons to linger for another round, and a hearty bite to eat.

For over 30 years, Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q, has focused on creating an enjoyable dining experience for our customers.At Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q, we strive to be the best host. From the moment you walk through the door, you are our guest. Our staff personally delivers hot and fresh food right to your table, refills your drink, and even takes care of discarding your trash. Our goal is for you to relax and enjoy the nostalgic décor and music. Let us serve you.There are currently 36 locations stretching from the NC coast to the Piedmont with plans of expansion. This would not be possible without our loyal customers.We invite you to come join us. Dine in, take home or go through the drive thru.

Something Fishy Seafood Restaurant is a back-to-basics seafood shack that’s found in central Wilmington along a quieter and less bustling section of College Road. Found within a modest sized but distinctive bright yellow and blue diner-style building, the menu may be simple, but the warm interior, friendly service, and local specialties set this seafood joint apart.

For a no-frills breakfast or afternoon meal that’s loaded with southern flavor and coastal North Carolina staples, head to Sonja’s Grill. Found just off of Highway 17, and convenient to visitors who are exploring all along the Cape Fear coastline, this easy stop will appease big, simple appetites with a wealth of diner-style basics at their best.

South Beach Grill is a cool little restaurant that’s close to the water, and which uses this locale as an inspiration for its tasty, seafood-heavy menu. Serving lunch and dinner in the nicely decorated inside dining area, as well the expansive waterfront patio, this chic café is a fine place to dive into a big, beachy meal.

The Sugar Shack is a cool Oak Island eatery that brings a little tropical spice to a traditionally beachy menu. Specializing in Jerk flavoring and entrees, this restaurant will wow patrons with an abundance of bold flavors that fit in perfectly with the Cape Fear coastline.

The Dive is an ultra-casual little spot that’s a fun destination for the after-hours beach crowd. Located just off of US 421, and bordered by a collection of beach bars, motels and restaurants, this little establishment is a subtle addition to Carolina Beach’s always bustling late night scene.

The Grille At Bald Head Island Club is a posh option for Bald Head Island visitors to feast on a seasonal selection of southern-inspired cuisine. Located on the southwestern edge of the island, and on-site for the convenience of club guests, the restaurant features a relaxed but elevated atmosphere and a menu that will appeal to gourmet tastes.

The King’s Table is a central destination for golfing visitors and residents of the Castle Bay Country Club who crave a fresh sandwich, salad, or other bite to eat that pairs nicely with a full day on the golf course. Boasting a castle-like atmosphere that is found throughout this corner of Hampstead, and featuring a classic menu that features a nice array of American staples, this eatery is a solid destination for vacationing golfers, large parties, and everything in between. 

The Pharmacy Restaurant is a New American restaurant that has a lot of historic southern style, and a cool location in the heart of the downtown area. Found along Moore Street and bordered by small patio tables that are shaded under the blue and white awning, this chic restaurant serves up an assortment of fresh meals that utilize high quality, and often decadent or locally beloved, ingredients.

The Pirates Deck is a fun afternoon, evening, or even after-hours hang-out where patrons can feast on big plates of classic southern fare and seafood baskets in a relaxed and no-frills atmosphere. Located in one of the busiest sections of the island along Oak Island Drive, and close to a number of souvenir shops, grocery stores, and the beach itself, The Pirates Deck is where hungry vacationers go to enjoy a cold beer, a messy meal, and a basic beach bar setting that still has a nice dose of southern hospitality.

The View At Brick Landing Plantation is the only on-island restaurant that’s situated on one of the Oak Island area’s picturesque golf courses. Overlooking the course as well as the not-so-distant Intracoastal Waterway, patrons can treat themselves to a lingering dinner, a fresh post-game lunch, or one of the eatery’s locally famous Sunday brunches.

Tommy Thompson’s Grille is an on-site restaurant that’s found within the private golfing community, The Clubs at St. James. Featuring a la carte and more casual dining, as well as a daily soup, salad bar, and a full-service bar for post-game drinks, the restaurant is a fine destination to enjoy an easy-going breakfast before a round of 18 holes, or a well-deserved cocktail and midday or evening meal after the game.

When you’re this close to the coast, and in a city that’s as creative as Wilmington, it’s easy to find restaurants that take new twists with traditional seafood, and Umaii is no exception. This sushi bar and restaurant which specializes in Thai cuisine has a bold and flavorful menu that features all the sushi and Thai staples, but also serves up more unique creations that can’t be found anywhere else in the Porters Neck area.

The Village Cafe & Deli is a unique little gem in the heart of Hampstead that’s found just off of US Highway 17 and, at first glance, looks like a residential home or business Visitors who find this little restaurant, however, will be pleasantly surprised with the warm and artful atmosphere, the array of fresh cuisine, and the big menu where unique takes on Cape Fear regional staples shine.

Whiskey Trail Pub & Grill is a hidden gem that’s tucked away near the Masonboro Sound, and which serves as a popular hang-out for Wilmington residents in the Masonboro Loop and Monkey Junction area. Serving up good food and a fun bar scene, complete with big TVs that regularly broadcast the games, Whiskey Trail is a solid destination for food, fun, and even a little Happy Hour or after-hours entertainment.

For a classic coastal bite to eat that’s almost eclipsed by the brilliant view, head to Yacht Basin Eatery. This waterfront restaurant with seasonal outdoor seating and a location on the very edge of downtown Southport features impressive vistas that are perfectly enjoyed with a cold cocktail, a light bite to eat, or a big meal where Low Country staples and American classics are the norm.