16 North Carolina Oceanfront Restaurants Serving Seafood At Its Freshest

North Carolina’s coastline stretches for miles, offering stunning ocean views and some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste.

When you combine delicious food with the sound of crashing waves and salty sea breezes, you get an unforgettable dining experience.

1. The Black Pelican

Perched right on the sand in Kitty Hawk, this spot has been feeding hungry beachgoers since 1988. Their crab cakes are legendary – packed with jumbo lump meat and barely any filler.

You can watch dolphins play in the surf while munching on fresh-caught tuna or shrimp. The sunset views from their deck make every meal feel like a special occasion, even if you’re just wearing flip-flops and sandy shorts.

2. Dune Street Rawbar & Grill

Raw oysters are the star attraction here, shucked to order and served ice-cold with all the fixings. Located in Nags Head, this place nails that breezy beach vibe without being too fancy.

Their fish tacos burst with flavor, and the peel-and-eat shrimp comes straight from local boats. Fun fact: they source from day-boat fishermen, meaning your dinner was swimming just hours ago!

3. Oceanic

Built on a pier that stretches right over the Atlantic, this Wrightsville Beach gem literally surrounds you with ocean on three sides. You might spot sea turtles or stingrays swimming below while you eat!

Their grouper sandwich is a crowd favorite, perfectly grilled and topped with just enough seasoning. The location alone makes it worth the visit, but the seafood keeps people coming back year after year.

4. Crab’s Claw

With a name like that, you know they take their crustaceans seriously. This Nags Head institution has been serving steamed blue crabs and seafood platters since the early days of Outer Banks tourism.

Their she-crab soup is creamy perfection in a bowl, warming you up after a long beach day. Grab a seat on their waterfront deck and crack open some crabs – messy eating encouraged!

5. Provision Company

Part seafood market, part restaurant – this Southport favorite lets you pick your fish and have it cooked exactly how you like it. Talk about fresh!

The waterfront location offers gorgeous harbor views where shrimp boats unload their daily catch. Their hush puppies are dangerously addictive, golden and crispy on the outside with fluffy cornmeal centers. It’s the kind of place where locals and tourists happily share picnic tables.

6. Seabird

Fancy without being stuffy, Seabird brings upscale coastal cuisine to Wilmington’s waterfront. Chef-driven dishes showcase North Carolina seafood in creative ways you won’t find anywhere else.

Think seared scallops with unexpected flavor combinations or locally-caught fish prepared with seasonal ingredients. The cocktails are equally impressive, crafted with the same attention to detail as the food. Dress up a little – this one’s worth it.

7. Howard’s Pub & Raw Bar

Ocracoke Island’s favorite hangout serves up cold beer and even colder oysters with a side of island charm. Getting there requires a ferry ride, which somehow makes the seafood taste even better.

Their steamer pots overflow with shrimp, clams, and mussels—perfect for sharing. The laid-back atmosphere and ocean breezes create the ultimate beach bar experience. Did someone say vacation mode?

8. Sears Landing

Overlooking the Cape Fear River where it meets the ocean, this Southport spot offers stunning water views from every table. Their fried flounder is flaky perfection, lightly breaded and never greasy.

Local fishermen deliver catches right to their dock, so the menu changes based on what’s running that day. The she-crab soup here has won awards, and one spoonful will tell you exactly why.

9. Basnight’s Lone Cedar Cafe

Named after a beloved local politician, this Nags Head treasure sits right on Roanoke Sound with postcard-perfect sunsets. Their crab-stuffed flounder is a masterpiece – tender fish wrapped around sweet lump crab.

The wine list is impressive, and the service makes you feel like family. Reservations are smart here, especially during peak season when everyone wants that waterfront table. It’s special-occasion worthy but welcomes everyone.

10. Captain Nance’s Seafood

This Kill Devil Hills classic has been feeding families since 1971, and their recipes haven’t changed much – why mess with perfection? The all-you-can-eat crab legs deal is absolutely bonkers in the best way possible.

Kids love the casual atmosphere where sticky fingers from peel-and-eat shrimp are totally acceptable. Their clam chowder is thick, creamy, and loaded with tender clams. Pure comfort in a bowl!

11. Fish Heads Bar & Grill

Don’t let the quirky name fool you – this Corolla hotspot serves seriously good seafood with a fun, beachy attitude. Their fish tacos are stuffed with fresh catch and topped with zesty slaw.

The tiki bar vibe and live music create a party atmosphere that makes every meal feel like a celebration. Frozen drinks flow freely, and the sunset views are absolutely free. Shoes optional, good times guaranteed!

12. Miller’s Waterfront Restaurant

Sitting pretty on the Neuse River in New Bern, Miller’s has been a local favorite for decades. Their seafood platter is a glorious mess of fried goodness – shrimp, oysters, scallops, and fish.

Watch boats cruise by while you crack into steamed crab legs dripping with butter. The portions are generous enough to share, though you might not want to. Classic coastal Carolina cooking at its finest!

13. Oceanfront Grille at Corolla Light

Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Atlantic Ocean at this Corolla gem, making you feel like you’re dining on the water itself. Their seared tuna is cooked to perfection – crispy outside, pink and tender inside.

The menu changes seasonally to highlight whatever’s freshest from local waters. Breakfast here is equally amazing, with ocean views that make your morning coffee taste even better. Start your beach day right!

14. Oyster Rock Waterfront Seafood

Beaufort’s working waterfront sets the scene at this authentic seafood joint where fishing boats tie up right outside. Their oysters come straight from nearby beds, shucked fresh throughout the day.

Seagulls circle overhead hoping for scraps, adding to that genuine coastal experience. This is real deal waterfront dining, folks!

15. The Dockside Restaurant

Pull up by boat or car – either way works at this Wrightsville Beach marina favorite. Their blackened mahi-mahi sandwich is a flavor bomb, perfectly seasoned and topped with fresh toppings.

The raw bar stays busy all day, slinging oysters and clams to happy customers. Watching the boats come and go adds entertainment to your meal. It’s casual, friendly, and exactly what waterfront dining should be.

16. Ruddy Duck Tavern

This Duck tavern sits on the Currituck Sound, offering peaceful water views and consistently excellent seafood.

The casual tavern atmosphere welcomes families and couples alike, with a menu that pleases everyone. Their fish and chips features flaky cod in crispy beer batter. Simple done exceptionally well!