2023 Seafood Guide

The flavors of the Crystal Coast and the Down East region of eastern North Carolina are on full display at 34° North Restaurant, an elegant but laid-back eatery that is found just a shell’s throw away from...

Amos Mosquito’s Restaurant & Bar is the Atlantic Beach go-to for classic southern and coastal fare in a casual, beachy environment. Located on the soundside, across from the Oceana Pier, the restaurant is...

Venture just outside the borders of the historic downtown area of New Bern and you’ll come across a popular local eatery that has plenty of variety, good portions, and great fun to go around. Annabelle's of New...

Aqua offers a refined and eclectic dining experience, thanks to a varied menu that features an ever-changing selection of tapas, small plates, and big plates.

Visitors who are in the mood for a casual appetizer or meal, or just a Happy Hour drink after a long day of exploring Downtown Morehead City, can settle into a table or bar stool at Beach Bumz Pub & Pizzeria.

Crystal Coast visitors can hang out with the locals with a visit to Beach Tavern. Centrally located, in the heart of Atlantic Beach just a couple blocks from the shoreline, this casual tavern boasts a nice selection of...

Beaufort Grocery Company is garnering a big reputation as a little eatery with lots of options and bold, coastal flavors. Located along quiet Queen Street in the downtown area, this all-encompassing restaurant features...

It can be easy to drive past this cute little hole-in-the-wall eatery, but longtime visitors attest that the Big Oak Drive In & Bar-B-Que is worth a second look. Located in the small beach town of Salter Path, this...

Located off the beaten path, in a more residential section of Beaufort, Blackbeard’s Grill and Grog will be a welcome lunch, dinner or Happy Hour destination for anyone who appreciates a good brew and a sea-faring...

After a long day on the golf course, or after a morning of exploring the miles of nature trails in this quiet area, visitors and residents of The Beaufort Club can re-energize or enjoy a romantic evening out without...

Tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood just off of busy Front Street, Blue Moon Bistro is an acclaimed destination for elevated cuisine in an intimate and relaxingly casual atmosphere. The historic white home...

Tucked away in a collection of waterfront restaurants and shops on Beaufort’s Front Street, Boardwalk Café is a fine option for visitors who like to enjoy a nice rise and shine with an accompanying...

From ice cold brews to traditional southern favorites, Captain Ratty's Seafood is a fun and friendly destination where big appetites can easily be catered to. Situated in the historic town of New Bern, this restaurant...

Captain’s Table may not be the fanciest dining destination in the Crystal Coast and southern Outer Banks region, but visitors who crave big portions and home cooking will be pleased with the extensive menu and...

There’s a little something to whet any appetite at Carolina Grill, which is a popular seafood and southern restaurant that’s situated just south of the heart of downtown New Bern. Located in the James City...

Circa 81 offers an extensive menu of tapas and cocktails that is sure to entice guests of all tastes. Specializing in brunch, small plates, and larger entrée-sized plates, this Morehead City favorite features an...

City Kitchen is found within the Town Creek Marina, and is a private and scenic eatery that has a prime waterfront view. The menu changes on a regular basis, and features a number of fresh seafood dishes as well as...

Located along the oceanfront inside the Inn at Pine Knoll Shores, the Clamdigger Restaurant is a convenient and popular spot for Crystal Coast vacationers to enjoy a hearty breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The restaurant...

As the name would suggest, Clawson’s 1905 Restaurant has more than a century of history as a local grocery store, (and then a restaurant), in one of the oldest buildings in Downtown Beaufort. The effortlessly...

Simple no-frills dining meets exceptional southern fare at Cox Family Restaurant – an established and well-loved eatery that’s conveniently found in the heart of Morehead City along central Arendell Street...

Situated on a prime soundfront spot in the beach town of Salter Path, Crab Shack is a prized destination for roll-your-sleeves-up southern seafood feasts in a casual, and yet romantically waterfront destination.

When it comes to beautiful on-the-water views, Crab’s Claw Oceanfront Caribbean Restaurant is pretty hard to beat. Located on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean in the heat of Atlantic Beach, this eatery is a...

The Dock House Restaurant is arguably more famous for its location that its food. Situated in the very center of Waterfront Downtown Beaufort in an extensive, multi-story historical residence, this sprawling eatery...

Located along busy Arendell Street and flanked by palm trees, El’s Drive-In is a perfect post-beach spot for Crystal Coast vacationers. The small brick restaurant looks like it’s been a classic Morehead City...

Waterfront Finz Grill & Eatery has a casual and vibrant surfer vibe that pops off the pages of the colorful menu and trickles into the laid-back cuisine. Located along a quieter western corner of Beaufort’s...

The Fish Hook Grill is a small but charming restaurant with a big reputation for fresh seafood and decadently tasty desserts. Located in the heart of Harkers Island, this local mom and pop restaurant is sure to charm...

Floyd’s 1921 Restaurant and Catering is a longstanding Morehead City destination for inspired lunch, dinner and catering services, and has been a Crystal Coast landmark of sorts since first opening its doors in...

Frank and Clara’s Restaurant and Lounge is a relatively simple seafood restaurant that has a solid nightlife scene on the weekends, as well as a convenient location in the heart of Salter Path. Close to a number...

Located in the downtown New Bern area, and featuring a lengthy menu where seafood is the star, Friday's 1890 Seafood is a fun destination for family members of all ages who want to sink their teeth into coastal fare...

Located on the western edge of waterfront Downtown Beaufort, Front Street Grill is a fine spot for Crystal Coast visitors and Intracoastal mariners to take a break from exploring, and enjoy a drink and a meal with an...

Charming and unique, Full Circle Café is a welcoming destination in the downtown Morehead City area for any diner who appreciates a little creativity and a world of flavor with every meal. Located within a small...

Whether a sports fan is on the hunt for a fun and friendly hang-out to catch the big game, or a New Bern explorer wants to relax and toast another great day with a cold brew or two, the Half Time Pub & Grub has a...

Dive into uniquely refined cuisine in an almost-oceanfront atmosphere with a visit to Island Grille. Located adjacent to the seashore in Atlantic Beach, Island Grille is a fine destination for a date night, an intimate...

Kathryn’s is a chic little bistro in the heart of Emerald Isle that is sure to appeal to food lovers, martini fans, and wine aficionados alike. The small restaurant features a rich menu of rotating specialties and...

When it comes to classic southern home cooking, Crystal Coast visitors will find it hard to find a larger selection or a more down-home atmosphere than Morehead City’s Kountry Kitchen. This family restaurant...

Visitors can enjoy a casual and hearty meal that can satisfy the largest of southern appetites with a visit to MJ's Raw Bar & Grille. Located in downtown New Bern, and serving a variety of comfort food-style dishes...

Serving lunch and dinner at one of the most enticing settings in Beaufort, Moonrakers is an inspired destination to enjoy a wealth of fresh local ingredients and creative dishes with a waterfront backdrop. With menus...

With a menu that pays homage to traditionally delicious food and drinks, Morgan's Tavern & Grill is a great destination for visitors and locals alike to satisfy an extra-large appetite. Situated in the heart of New...

Though the exterior of Musashi Japanese Steak & Seafood Restaurant may dissuade new patrons from thinking of the restaurant as a “date night” destination, the cozy interior and beautifully composed...

A stop at the Oceanana Fishing Pier, and a stay at the adjacent Oceanana Resort, has been an Atlantic Beach family tradition for more than 60 years. A local icon for anglers and beach-goers alike, Oceanana Fishing Pier...

Parrott’s on 11this a carefully crafted neighborhood restaurant that has plenty of warm southern hospitality and historic appeal. Found within the original Phillips Bell house – a historic residence in...

Originally opened in 2010 and already gaining a reputation as a favorite waterfront restaurant in the heart of the Inner Banks, Persimmons Waterfront Restaurant is a choice destination for a romantic meal, a family...

Located in the heart of Downtown Morehead City along the community’s main drag of Arendell Street, Promise Land Market is much more than an enticing spot for lunch, brunch, or dinner, thanks to its extensive menu...

Enjoy a dining experience next to the waters that Blackbeard the Pirate called home at this Beaufort eatery that is named after his signature ship, and which features a variety of dishes that are sure to appeal to the...

Diners can admire the adjacent Morehead City waterfront while dining on a feast of fresh local seafood with a visit to Red Fish Grill. Located in the heart of the downtown area, this small but popular eatery has a...

Head to the heart of Morehead City for a sumptuous dinner on the edge of the waterfront. RedFish Grill & Bar features all the aspects of Down East cuisine that locals and visitors adore, such as a stunning location...

Visitors to Beaufort won’t have to venture too far to sink their teeth into a freshly grilled steak or a big helping of seafood, thanks to one of the newest additions to the downtown restaurant scene, Ribeyes...

Fresh seafood, homemade sauces, perfectly cooked beef, and nightly specials are all hallmarks of the acclaimed Riverside Steak And Seafood in the coastal town of Swansboro. Located within a historic 1915 former home...

Visitors who love a big southern meal will appreciate Roland’s Barbecue. Located in a primarily residential section of inland Beaufort, this local favorite features a lengthy and varied menu that’s heavy on...

The Royal James Café is a small destination located just off of Downtown Beaufort’s on-the-water Front Street, and is a local institution of sorts. A hang-out spot and restaurant since it was first opened...

Everyone in the family can find something to sink their teeth into at Rucker Johns – a family-run restaurant that has been a favorite Emerald Isle destination for more than 25 years. Now offering several locations...

Ruddy Ruck Tavern is a popular spot with the Happy Hour crowd, thanks to a fun pub-style atmosphere and a fantastic waterfront location along Evans Street in the heart of Downtown Morehead City. The menu is causal and...

Located just a block away from the Downtown Morehead City waterfront, Sammy’s Seafood House & Oyster Bar is a fine destination for hungry visitors to satisfy a seafood craving. The menu is a fine...

Shark Shack isn’t too fancy and isn’t too big, which is exactly why it’s a favorite local spot for ice cold drinks and easy-going outdoor dining.

Locally-owned SoundSide Restaurant is a top destination for seafood and steak fans, with a friendly atmosphere and convenient locale along Highway 70 / Arendell Street. The restaurant utilizes a wealth of top...

As the name aptly implies, Southern Salt Seafood Company and Waterfront Restaurant is the place to go to get a big helping of Morehead City’s inherent coastal charm, and to enjoy a great meal that is brimming with...

Seafood fans are well represented at the Stingray Café - a tempting New Bern eatery that has a wealth of regional specialties and fresh seafood options on the menu. With a big helping of favorite southern dishes...

Settle in for a big hearty breakfast or a post-beach lunch with a visit to The Banks Grill. Known for classic breakfast and mid-meal staples, this small restaurant with a diner-style menu has a loyal following among...

There’s a bit of history and an exceptional dining experience waiting at The Chelsea – a popular spot in the heart of downtown New Bern for lunch and dinner, as well as banquets and catering. Situated along...

Situated along the Morehead City waterfront and featuring a casual but enticing menu that echoes the relaxed atmosphere of the downtown area, The Galley is a great gathering spot for locals and visitors who want to...

The Inn at Pine Knoll Shoresoffers oceanfront rooms, direct access to the beach, sun, sand, surf and breathtaking views of the Atlantic ocean. Always just a few steps from the ocean. Whether you are here for business...

The Shark’s Den Sports Bar & Grill is a fine destination for Emerald Isle sports lovers and hungry beachgoers alike. The extensive menu, which features an array of pub-worthy fare that goes well with a...

Don’t let the warehouse-style exterior and a secretive location in the midst of inland Beaufort sway you from visiting The Spot. This famed hamburger joint has been a local favorite since first opening in 1950...

Tight Lines Pub & Brewing Company is a haven for Morehead City beer lovers, thanks to an extensive selection of more than 30 craft beers on tap. Most varieties are regional, and change regularly with the season...