11 North Carolina Seafood Markets That Cook To Order
Nothing beats the experience of walking into a seafood market filled with the day’s fresh catch and having it cooked right before your eyes.
Here in North Carolina, we’re blessed with coastal waters that provide some of the best seafood you’ll ever taste.
I’ve spent years exploring our state’s seafood scene, and I’m excited to share my favorite spots where you can pick your fish, shrimp, or crabs and have them cooked to perfection while you wait.
1. Surf’s Up Seafood Market (Avon)
Tucked away in the charming Outer Banks town of Avon, Surf’s Up has been my go-to spot whenever I’m vacationing on Hatteras Island. The moment you walk in, the salty aroma of fresh seafood hits you like a wave!
Family-owned for three generations, they’re known for their steamed blue crabs and fried flounder sandwiches that’ll make your taste buds dance. I once brought my seafood-skeptic cousin here, and now he won’t stop talking about their hush puppies.
The best part? You can watch them cook your selection through the open kitchen window. They’ll even share cooking tips if you ask nicely! During summer months, expect a wait, but trust me—their shrimp boil seasoned with their secret spice blend is worth every minute.
2. Atlantic Beach Seafood Market (Atlantic Beach)
My first visit to Atlantic Beach Seafood happened by happy accident during a rainstorm that canceled our beach plans. What a silver lining that turned out to be! This unassuming market has been serving the Crystal Coast since 1946, and boy, do they know their seafood.
The no-frills interior might not win design awards, but the seafood quality speaks volumes. I watched in awe as they transformed my selection of plump scallops into a golden-brown masterpiece in minutes flat. Their crab cakes—packed with lump meat and minimal filler—are legendary among locals.
Friendly staff always remember returning customers, even if you only visit once a year like me. Pro tip: call ahead for steamed oysters by the bushel during R-months (September through April) when oysters are at their prime.
3. Saltwater Seafood Market & Fry Shack (Raleigh)
Who says you need to be on the coast for amazing seafood? Saltwater brings the ocean’s bounty straight to Raleigh, and I’m eternally grateful! My weekly routine now includes a Friday pilgrimage to this inland treasure.
The market portion dazzles with gleaming displays of everything from grouper to gulf shrimp. But the real magic happens in their Fry Shack. Hand your selection to the cook, choose your preparation style, and within minutes you’re cradling a paper basket of perfectly fried goodness.
Their cornmeal-crusted catfish sandwich nearly brought tears to my eyes the first time I tried it. The outdoor picnic tables create a casual community vibe where strangers become friends over shared tartar sauce. Remember to grab extra napkins—you’ll need them for their deliciously messy soft-shell crab when in season!
4. Capital Seafood Market (Durham)
Capital Seafood Market saved my dinner party last summer when my cooking plans went sideways. This Durham gem combines the freshest catches with culinary expertise that’ll make you question why you ever cook seafood at home.
Walking through their doors feels like entering seafood heaven—tanks of live blue crabs scuttle about while whole red snappers glisten on ice. The real showstopper? Their blackened fish tacos made with whatever’s freshest that day. I’ve become such a regular that Miss Patty, the owner, starts preparing my usual order (fried oyster po’boy) before I even reach the counter!
They’ll steam your crab legs while you browse their impressive selection of house-made sauces. The tangy remoulade is worth buying by the quart—I may or may not eat it with a spoon when nobody’s looking.
5. Earp’s Seafood Market (Raleigh)
Stepping into Earp’s feels like traveling back in time—in the best possible way! This Raleigh institution has been serving the community since 1968, and I swear their recipes haven’t changed a bit (thank goodness).
The market’s vintage vibe with hand-written signs and old-school display cases adds to its authentic charm. My personal obsession is their fried shrimp basket—sweet, local shrimp encased in a light, crispy batter that shatters perfectly with each bite. Last month, I brought my picky father-in-law here, and he’s called me three times since asking when we can go back.
What truly sets Earp’s apart is their dedication to North Carolina seafood. The owners can tell you exactly which coastal waters your dinner came from. Their hushpuppies alone are worth the trip—golden-brown orbs of cornmeal heaven that I’ve tried (and failed) to recreate at home.
6. Locals Seafood Markets (Various Locations)
The brilliant concept behind Locals Seafood revolutionized my weeknight dinner routine! These folks bring the coast to you through multiple market locations and a mobile operation that pops up at farmers markets across the state.
Founded by two NC State grads with a passion for sustainable seafood, they’ve created something truly special. I nearly danced in public when they added cooking services to their already impressive market setup. Their grilled tuna steak sandwich topped with wasabi slaw haunts my dreams in the best possible way.
What I appreciate most is their commitment to transparency—each item comes with information about the catch location and fishing method. The rotating seasonal offerings keep things exciting—I’ve discovered fish varieties I never knew existed! Check their website for their schedule, as their mobile market moves between Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and beyond.
7. Surf City Crab & Seafood Market (Surf City)
My summer trips to Topsail Island aren’t complete without multiple visits to this seafood paradise in Surf City. Located just a short drive from the beach, this market-restaurant combo has perfected the art of seafood preparation.
The front section features sparkling cases of just-caught fish, while the back houses their bustling kitchen. Their steamed snow crab legs with Old Bay seasoning have ruined restaurant versions for me forever. I once witnessed a tourist attempt to bribe the cook for their secret shrimp boil recipe—it’s that good!
Beyond the incredible food, the staff’s seafood knowledge is impressive. They’ve taught me how to pick a perfect soft-shell crab and the exact cooking time for triggerfish. During peak summer season, place your order and then browse their selection of local hot sauces and coastal-themed gifts while you wait. Their hush puppies might be the best in the state!
8. Seaview Crab Company (Wilmington)
Seaview Crab Company changed my understanding of what truly fresh seafood tastes like. Their Wilmington location serves as both headquarters and flagship store for this local institution that now boasts several markets across the region.
What started as a small operation run by three friends has grown into a seafood empire—but they’ve never compromised on quality. Their steam pots are legendary! I watched in amazement as they transformed my selection of clams, shrimp, corn, and potatoes into a feast fit for royalty in under 15 minutes.
The owners maintain their own fishing boats and have direct relationships with local fishermen, ensuring everything is genuinely fresh. My favorite part might be their seafood education efforts—they regularly host cooking classes and tasting events. Last spring, I attended their crab-picking workshop and felt like I’d been initiated into a delicious secret society of seafood enthusiasts.
9. Buddy’s Seafood Market (Atlantic Beach)
Buddy’s holds a special place in my heart as the spot where my seafood obsession began twenty years ago. This Atlantic Beach staple operates under a simple philosophy: catch it fresh, cook it right, serve it fast.
The market’s weathered exterior belies the culinary treasures within. Their signature move? Taking your chosen seafood and transforming it into a Southern-style feast complete with all the fixings. Their fried flounder sandwich with homemade tartar sauce is the stuff of legends—crispy, flaky, and somehow both light and satisfying.
The walls are adorned with photos of record catches and happy customers spanning decades. During one memorable visit, Buddy himself (now in his 80s but still overseeing operations) shared tales of how hurricane seasons have changed fishing patterns over the years. Don’t miss their smoked fish dip—I’ve been known to drive three hours just to restock my supply!
10. Mr. Big Seafood (Charlotte)
Charlotte might be hours from the coast, but Mr. Big Seafood brings maritime magic to the Queen City with style! I discovered this hidden gem while visiting friends last year and have made it a mandatory stop on every visit since.
The market section offers an impressive variety of fish, shellfish, and prepared items. But the real draw is their cook-to-order station where culinary magic happens. Their signature seafood boil—customizable with your choice of catch, spice level, and add-ins—comes served in a plastic bag that releases an aromatic steam cloud when opened. Pure theater and deliciousness combined!
The owner, Captain Mike (a nickname earned during his commercial fishing days), personally selects each day’s offerings. His commitment to quality means sometimes certain items sell out early, but whatever’s available is guaranteed fresh. Their cajun-spiced fried catfish nuggets have converted numerous “I don’t like seafood” friends into true believers.
11. Got To Be NC Seafood (Morehead City)
Morehead City’s waterfront gained a true treasure when Got To Be NC Seafood opened five years ago. My first visit happened by chance during a coastal road trip, and I’ve mapped all subsequent journeys to include a stop here.
This market-restaurant hybrid takes pride in serving only North Carolina-caught seafood—a commitment that earned them a state certification. The open kitchen design lets you watch as your chosen catch goes from display case to plate in minutes. Their blackened triggerfish with stone-ground grits converted me from a seafood purist to a Southern fusion enthusiast.
Beyond amazing food, they’re leading the charge in sustainable fishing education. Interactive displays explain fishing seasons and methods, while QR codes let you learn about the specific boat that caught your dinner. During soft shell crab season, arrive early—these delicacies sell out faster than concert tickets! Their house-made cocktail sauce has a horseradish kick that’ll clear your sinuses in the best possible way.