12 North Carolina Coastal Restaurants Where The Views Are Gorgeous And The Food Even Better
North Carolina’s coast is dotted with restaurants where stunning ocean views meet unforgettable flavors.
From freshly caught seafood to creative coastal dishes, these spots serve meals that satisfy both the eyes and the palate.
Locals and travelers alike are drawn to the combination of scenic charm and exceptional food.
Dining here turns any meal into a mini getaway, proving that the right view and a delicious plate can make a day on the coast truly special.
1. Bluewater Waterfront Grill (Wrightsville Beach)
Perched on the Intracoastal Waterway, Bluewater Waterfront Grill serves up panoramic views alongside their famous seafood. Boats glide by as you savor their signature crab dip and locally-caught fish.
The wraparound porch offers the perfect sunset-watching spot while sipping one of their tropical cocktails.
Come during golden hour for the full experience… the kitchen’s seafood pasta dishes shine almost as brightly as the water’s reflection.
2. The Bridge Tender (Wrightsville Beach)
Tucked beneath the drawbridge since 1976, this local landmark boasts floor-to-ceiling windows framing spectacular waterway views.
Watching boats pass while enjoying their legendary prime rib creates the perfect coastal dinner experience. Fresh seafood arrives daily at their docks, traveling mere feet from boat to kitchen to plate.
The crab cakes deserve their reputation, packed with lump meat and barely enough filler to hold them together, they’re a must-try alongside those sunset harbor views.
3. Dockside Restaurant (Wrightsville Beach)
Casual vibes reign supreme at this dockside gem where arriving by boat is half the fun. Weathered wooden decks and string lights create the quintessential beach-town atmosphere you’ve been craving.
Famous for their peel-and-eat shrimp and ice-cold beer, Dockside embodies laid-back coastal dining. Kids love watching pelicans dive while parents appreciate the reasonable prices and generous portions.
The hushpuppies alone are worth navigating the sometimes-crowded parking lot, crispy outside, fluffy inside, and utterly addictive.
4. The George on the Riverwalk (Wilmington)
Nestled along Wilmington’s historic riverfront, The George offers front-row seats to Cape Fear River’s bustling activity.
Massive cargo ships passing by provide dinner entertainment you won’t find anywhere else! Southern-inspired seafood dominates the menu, with shrimp and grits taking center stage.
The outdoor patio practically hovers over the water, creating an immersive riverside experience. Their weekend brunch has become legendary among locals who come for the Bloody Marys and stay for the river views.
5. Michael’s on the Waterfront (Wilmington)
Hidden along Wilmington’s boardwalk, Michael’s feels like a secret locals keep to themselves. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the Cape Fear River while the chef works magic with fresh-caught seafood.
Their seafood risotto has developed a cult following for good reason, creamy perfection studded with local shrimp, scallops and crab.
Sunday brunch brings live jazz to complement the stunning river panorama. For the full experience, request a window table at sunset and order their famous key lime pie for dessert.
6. Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar (Carolina Beach)
Built on the remnants of Center Pier, Ocean Grill offers the rare experience of dining directly over Atlantic waves.
The rustic wooden structure sways gently with the tide, creating an unforgettable sensory experience.
Upstairs, the restaurant serves elevated seafood dishes, while the downstairs tiki bar offers casual fare and tropical drinks.
Surfers catch waves just yards from your table, providing natural entertainment. Their fish tacos paired with a cold local beer create the perfect beach day meal.
7. Provision Company (Southport)
No-frills seafood doesn’t get better than at this Southport institution where you order at the counter and find a spot on the deck overlooking the harbor.
Fishing boats unload their daily catch just feet from where you’re sitting. The steamed shrimp comes piled high on paper plates, simple, fresh, and perfect.
Dolphins regularly make appearances in the harbor, delighting diners of all ages. Skip the fancier spots and experience authentic coastal dining where the focus stays firmly on fresh seafood and million-dollar views.
8. Fishy Fishy Cafe (Southport)
Colorful umbrellas dot the waterfront patio at this whimsically-named Southport favorite.
Located in the heart of the harbor district, boats bob gently in the background as pelicans dive for their own seafood lunch.
The blackened mahi sandwich has achieved legendary status among regulars who return specifically for this perfect combination of spice and freshness.
Friendly servers know the daily specials by heart and can tell you exactly which boat brought in today’s catch. Their key lime pie provides the perfect tart ending to a sunny waterfront meal.
9. The Oyster Rock Waterfront Seafood (Calabash)
Overlooking the Calabash River, The Oyster Rock elevates the town’s famous seafood tradition with modern flair.
Sunset transforms the outdoor deck into a magical dining experience as the sky changes colors over the peaceful waterway.
Their namesake oysters arrive multiple ways, raw, steamed, or in their famous Oysters Rockefeller. The seafood tower makes for an impressive centerpiece that tastes as good as it looks.
Save room for their bourbon bread pudding, the perfect sweet finale after a seafood feast with a watercolor sunset backdrop.
10. The Blue Point (Duck)
Pioneering farm-to-table dining on the Outer Banks since 1989, The Blue Point showcases Currituck Sound views that stop conversations mid-sentence.
The ever-changing menu reflects what’s fresh, local, and inspiring the chef that day. Sunset transforms the dining room into a golden-hued dream as the sound’s waters reflect the sky’s changing colors.
Their famous shrimp and grits elevates this Southern classic with locally-milled cornmeal and Outer Banks shrimp. Cocktails feature herbs grown in their own garden, completing the truly local experience.
11. Miller’s Waterfront Restaurant (Nags Head)
Family-owned since 1982, Miller’s pairs Roanoke Sound panoramas with Southern hospitality that makes you feel like part of the family.
The recently renovated space maximizes water views from nearly every table. Crab cakes packed with sweet local blue crab meat have kept locals returning for decades.
The outdoor Waterfront Sunset Bar offers front-row seats to nature’s nightly show. Three generations of the Miller family still work here, ensuring the friendly atmosphere and quality remain consistent year after year.
12. Basnight’s Lone Cedar Cafe (Nags Head)
Surrounded by water on three sides, Basnight’s promises 180-degree Roanoke Sound views alongside a commitment to serving only North Carolina seafood.
The restaurant stands on pilings over the water, creating the illusion of dining on a boat. Founded by the late State Senator Marc Basnight, the restaurant remains family-operated with deep local roots.
Their jumbo lump crab cakes contain no fillers, just fresh crab and light seasonings. Watch ospreys nest on platforms visible from your table while enjoying truly local seafood prepared with generational knowledge.