I Drove Through North Carolina To Sample 13 Fish-And-Chips Joints (6 Had Breezy, Sand-Dune Views)
Craving crispy batter, flaky fish, and golden fries by the sea?
North Carolina’s coastline serves up some of the best fish-and-chips you’ll ever taste, and I went on a delicious road trip to find them all.
From the Outer Banks to Wilmington and beyond, I sampled platters at 13 incredible spots, and six of them came with stunning ocean views and sandy dunes just steps away.
Whether you’re a seafood lover or just hunting for your next great meal, this journey proves that the Tar Heel State knows how to fry fish right.
1. Blue Moon Beach Grill – Nags Head
Perched just off the beach road, Blue Moon Beach Grill offers one of those magical dining experiences where your toes can metaphorically wiggle in the sand while you munch on perfectly fried fish.
Their fish-and-chips arrive piping hot with a golden crust that crackles when you bite into it.
The fish inside is tender and flaky, practically melting on your tongue.
The fries are thick-cut and seasoned just right, with a hint of sea salt that ties everything together.
What really sets this place apart is the atmosphere: casual, breezy, and totally unpretentious.
You can watch surfers catch waves between bites.
The staff treats you like family, even if it’s your first visit.
Address: 4104 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959
2. Miller’s Waterfront Restaurant – Nags Head
Miller’s Waterfront Restaurant sits on the sound side of Nags Head, where sunsets paint the sky in shades of pink and orange that look too good to be real.
This spot has been a local favorite for decades, and one taste of their fish-and-chips will tell you exactly why.
The fish is battered to crispy perfection, with a light coating that doesn’t overpower the fresh catch underneath.
Each piece practically shatters when you cut into it, revealing moist, flavorful fish that tastes like it was swimming just hours ago.
The chips are hand-cut and fried until they’re crispy on the outside and fluffy inside.
Grab a table on the deck and watch boats drift by while herons hunt for their own dinner.
The view alone is worth the trip, but combined with this incredible food, it’s an experience you won’t forget.
Address: 6916 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC 27959
3. Basnight’s Lone Cedar Café – Nags Head
Basnight’s Lone Cedar Café takes fish-and-chips to an elevated level without losing that comforting, classic vibe we all crave.
Named after the legendary North Carolina senator Marc Basnight, this restaurant honors coastal traditions while serving up seriously impressive food.
Their version features locally caught fish wrapped in a delicate, crispy batter that’s somehow both light and satisfying.
The seasoning is subtle but complex, letting the natural sweetness of the fish shine through. The fries come with creative dipping sauces that add a gourmet twist.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame breathtaking views of the Roanoke Sound, where marsh grasses sway in the wind and dolphins sometimes make surprise appearances.
The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability means you’re eating seafood that’s responsibly sourced.
The dining room feels elegant yet welcoming, perfect for a special meal or just treating yourself after a beach day.
Address: 7623 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959
4. Po House – Avon
Way down in Avon on Hatteras Island, Po House serves up fish-and-chips that’ll make you want to extend your vacation indefinitely.
This laid-back spot captures everything wonderful about Outer Banks dining—great food, ocean breezes, and that relaxed island vibe that melts stress away.
The fish comes out hot and crispy, with a coating that stays crunchy even as you work your way through the generous portion.
They don’t skimp on the fish either; each piece is thick and meaty, with that fresh-from-the-ocean taste.
The fries are perfectly salted and arrive in a heap that could feed two hungry beachgoers.
Sand dunes rise up just beyond the restaurant, and you can hear waves crashing in the distance.
The outdoor seating puts you right in the middle of nature’s beauty.
Po House proves that sometimes the best meals are the simple ones, done exceptionally well.
Address: 39450 NC-12, Avon, NC 27915
5. Good Winds Restaurant – Rodanthe
Good Winds Restaurant in Rodanthe offers something truly special—you can literally walk from your table to the beach in about thirty seconds flat.
This is one of those places where the journey is as fun as the destination, and the fish-and-chips make the trip absolutely worth it.
Their batter has a secret blend of spices that gives it a subtle kick without overwhelming the delicate fish.
The coating achieves that perfect balance of crispy and tender, and the fish flakes apart beautifully with each forkful.
The hand-cut fries are thick and hearty, with just the right amount of potato flavor coming through.
Large windows showcase the Atlantic in all its glory, with sand dunes creating natural sculptures right outside.
The restaurant’s name comes from the constant ocean winds that keep everything fresh and breezy.
It’s casual enough for sandy feet but special enough to feel like a real treat.
Address: 24502 NC-12, Rodanthe, NC 27968
6. Black Pelican Oceanfront Restaurant – Kitty Hawk
Black Pelican Oceanfront Restaurant has been a Kitty Hawk institution since 1988, and their fish-and-chips have kept people coming back generation after generation.
The building itself has character, with weathered wood and nautical touches that feel authentic rather than touristy.
What makes their fish-and-chips stand out is the freshness—you can taste the difference when fish goes from ocean to plate in record time.
The batter is light and airy, creating delicate crispy layers around moist, flavorful fish.
They serve it with coleslaw that adds a refreshing crunch and tang to balance the richness.
The oceanfront deck gives you front-row seats to one of nature’s best shows, with waves rolling in constantly and seabirds diving for their dinner.
While the restaurant is across Beach Road, the views still feel classically Outer Banks with dunes and ocean just steps away.
Address: 3848 S Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
7. AQUA Restaurant – Duck
AQUA Restaurant in Duck brings a contemporary twist to classic fish-and-chips while maintaining respect for the dish’s humble origins.
This upscale spot sits right on the Currituck Sound, where the water reflects the sky like a mirror and boats glide past peacefully.
Their fish-and-chips feature a panko crust that creates extra crunch and visual appeal, with golden flakes that catch the light.
The fish is always premium quality, often locally caught, and cooked to absolute perfection.
The accompanying fries are shoestring-style, crispy little sticks of potato heaven that you’ll keep reaching for even when you’re full.
The restaurant’s modern design incorporates huge windows that frame the water views beautifully. You can watch the sunset paint the sound in brilliant colors while enjoying your meal.
The service is attentive without being stuffy, and the drinks list offers excellent pairings if you want to make your fish-and-chips experience extra fancy.
Address: 1174 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949
8. Fish Bites Seafood Restaurant – Wilmington
Fish Bites Seafood Restaurant proves that you don’t need an ocean view to serve outstanding fish-and-chips—though being in coastal Wilmington certainly helps with seafood freshness.
This no-frills spot focuses on what really matters: perfectly cooked fish wrapped in crispy, golden batter.
The portions here are generous enough to satisfy even the hungriest appetite, with thick pieces of fish that seem to go on forever.
The batter has a satisfying crunch that gives way to tender, flaky fish with a clean, fresh taste.
They serve it with tangy tartar sauce made in-house that complements rather than masks the fish flavor.
The atmosphere is casual and friendly, the kind of place where regulars greet the staff by name. Prices are reasonable, making it easy to bring the whole family without breaking the bank.
The walls feature nautical decorations and local fishing photos that give the place authentic coastal character without feeling overdone or kitschy.
Address: 6132 Carolina Beach Rd, Wilmington, NC 28412
9. Cape Fear Seafood Company – Wilmington
Cape Fear Seafood Company operates inland locations in Wilmington, Leland, and Raleigh.
This restaurant takes its fish-and-chips seriously, using only the freshest catches and time-tested cooking techniques.
The fish arrives at your table with a beautiful golden-brown coating that crackles audibly when you cut into it. Inside, the fish is perfectly cooked—moist, tender, and bursting with natural flavor.
The fries are thick-cut and crispy, seasoned with just enough salt to enhance without overwhelming.
Large windows and outdoor seating let you soak in the river views while you eat.
The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability means you can feel good about what you’re eating.
The building itself has historic charm, with exposed brick and wooden beams creating warm, inviting ambiance.
Their bar menu features creative drinks that pair wonderfully with seafood, making this an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch or dinner.
Address: 5226 S College Rd, Wilmington, NC 28412
10. Elijah’s Restaurant – Wilmington
Elijah’s Restaurant has been a Wilmington landmark since 1984, serving exceptional seafood with views of the Cape Fear River that never get old.
Their fish-and-chips represent coastal cooking at its finest—simple ingredients treated with skill and respect.
What sets Elijah’s apart is their attention to detail in every aspect of the dish. The fish is hand-selected daily, ensuring peak freshness and flavor.
The batter recipe has been perfected over decades, creating a coating that’s crispy without being greasy.
The fries are hand-cut in-house, giving them that homemade quality that frozen versions can never match.
The restaurant occupies a historic building with tons of character, featuring wooden decks that extend over the water.
You might spot dolphins swimming by while you dine.
The interior has cozy booths and nautical touches that feel genuine rather than forced.
Service is friendly and knowledgeable, with servers who can guide you through the menu.
Address: 2 Ann St, Wilmington, NC 28401
11. Edgewater 122 – Southport
Edgewater 122 in charming Southport offers fish-and-chips with a side of small-town coastal magic.
This hidden gem sits right on the waterfront, where shrimp boats and sailboats create a constantly changing maritime scene just beyond your table.
Their fish-and-chips feature a lighter batter that lets the quality of the fish really shine through.
Each piece is cooked to order, ensuring maximum freshness and that just-fried temperature that makes everything taste better.
The fish practically melts in your mouth, with delicate flavor that reminds you why people have loved this simple dish for generations.
The fries are perfectly crispy with fluffy interiors, and they arrive still steaming hot.
Southport’s relaxed pace makes Edgewater 122 the perfect spot to slow down and savor your meal.
The views include the historic waterfront and marina, with boats bobbing gently in their slips.
It’s the kind of place that makes you want to move to a coastal town.
Address: 122 Yacht Basin Dr, Southport, NC 28461
12. Hibernian Irish Pub & Restaurant – Raleigh
Hibernian Irish Pub & Restaurant brings authentic Irish-style fish-and-chips to North Carolina’s capital city, proving you don’t need to be on the coast to enjoy this classic dish.
Located in Raleigh’s vibrant downtown, this pub captures the spirit of Ireland with warm hospitality and traditional recipes.
Their fish-and-chips stay true to the original British and Irish versions, with thick pieces of white fish wrapped in a batter that’s both crispy and substantial.
The fish is tender and flaky, with that perfect contrast between crunchy exterior and soft interior.
They serve it with malt vinegar and traditional mushy peas, giving you the full authentic experience.
The pub atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, with dark wood and Celtic decorations.
Live music frequently fills the space with energy.
It’s a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, where the friendly vibe makes everyone feel at home instantly.
Address: 311 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603
13. The Workman’s Friend – Charlotte
The Workman’s Friend in Charlotte rounds out this fish-and-chips journey with a bang, bringing Irish pub culture to North Carolina’s largest city.
Named after a famous Dublin pub, this spot honors tradition while adding its own creative touches to classic dishes.
Their fish-and-chips feature beautifully fried fish with a golden crust that shatters satisfyingly with each bite.
The fish inside is moist and flavorful, clearly sourced from quality suppliers who understand seafood.
The chips are thick-cut and perfectly seasoned, arriving hot and fresh alongside the fish.
The pub’s industrial-chic design creates a modern atmosphere that still feels authentically Irish at heart.
Exposed brick walls and vintage touches give the space character and warmth.
It’s the ideal spot to end this fish-and-chips adventure, celebrating how this simple dish brings people together across cultures and cuisines.
Address: 1531 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205