Enjoying Cape Fear's Coastal Cuisine: Best Seafood Restaurants
Cape Fear is renowned for its coastal beauty and vibrant culinary scene, particularly when it comes to seafood. From casual beachside shacks to upscale dining experiences, the region offers a diverse array of seafood restaurants that highlight the freshest catches from the Atlantic. Here’s a guide to some of the best seafood restaurants in Cape Fear that you must visit to enjoy the region's coastal cuisine.
1. Oceanic Restaurant
Location: 703 S Lumina Ave, Wrightsville Beach, NC
Why It’s Great: Oceanic Restaurant offers stunning ocean views and a menu filled with fresh, locally-sourced seafood. Situated on the Crystal Pier, diners can enjoy the sound of waves and breathtaking sunsets while savoring their meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oceanic Crab Dip: A creamy blend of crab, cheeses, and spices, served with toasted pita points.
Pier Platter: A generous serving of fried shrimp, oysters, flounder, and a crab cake.
2. Elijah’s Restaurant
Location: 2 Ann St, Wilmington, NC
Why It’s Great: Located on the Cape Fear River, Elijah’s offers a picturesque setting and a menu that celebrates the bounty of the sea. The restaurant has a cozy indoor dining area and a beautiful outdoor deck.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp and Grits: Southern-style shrimp served over creamy grits with a savory sauce.
Fried Seafood Platter: A mix of shrimp, oysters, and flounder, lightly battered and fried to perfection.
3. Michael’s Seafood Restaurant
Location: 1206 N Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC
Why It’s Great: Michael’s Seafood Restaurant is a local favorite known for its friendly atmosphere and award-winning seafood. The restaurant prides itself on using the freshest ingredients and offers a variety of seafood dishes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Captain M’s Seafood Chowder: A rich and creamy chowder loaded with clams, shrimp, scallops, and crab.
Seafood Pasta: A delicious combination of shrimp, scallops, and crab in a creamy Alfredo sauce over fettuccine.
4. Dockside Restaurant
Location: 1308 Airlie Rd, Wilmington, NC
Why It’s Great: Dockside Restaurant is a casual waterfront eatery that offers stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway. With outdoor seating and a laid-back vibe, it’s the perfect spot for enjoying fresh seafood in a relaxed setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dockside Shrimp: Fresh local shrimp steamed to perfection and served with cocktail sauce.
Grilled Tuna Sandwich: A tender tuna steak grilled to your liking and served on a toasted bun with house-made remoulade.
5. Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar
Location: Various locations in Cape Fear, including Wilmington and Carolina Beach
Why It’s Great: Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar offers a fun and lively atmosphere with a focus on fresh oysters and seafood. It’s a great place to relax with friends and enjoy some of the best oysters in the area.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oyster Sampler: A variety of fresh oysters served raw, steamed, or grilled.
Crab Legs: Succulent crab legs steamed to perfection and served with melted butter.
6. Fish House Grill
Location: 1410 Airlie Rd, Wilmington, NC
Why It’s Great: Fish House Grill is located right on the Intracoastal Waterway, providing beautiful views and a menu filled with fresh seafood options. The casual atmosphere makes it a great spot for a family meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Blackened Mahi Tacos: Spicy blackened mahi-mahi served in soft tortillas with fresh slaw and a zesty sauce.
Seafood Sampler: A platter of fried shrimp, oysters, and flounder, served with hushpuppies and coleslaw.
7. Cape Fear Seafood Company
Location: Various locations in Wilmington, NC
Why It’s Great: Cape Fear Seafood Company is known for its upscale yet comfortable dining experience and a menu that showcases the freshest seafood. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crab-Stuffed Flounder: Flounder fillets stuffed with crab meat and baked to perfection, served with a lemon butter sauce.
Lobster Mac and Cheese: Creamy macaroni and cheese topped with tender lobster pieces.
8. Bluewater Waterfront Grill
Location: 4 Marina St, Wrightsville Beach, NC
Why It’s Great: Bluewater Waterfront Grill offers a sophisticated dining experience with stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway. The restaurant features a diverse menu with a strong focus on fresh, local seafood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carolina Crab Cakes: Delicious crab cakes made with local crab meat, served with a tangy remoulade.
Seared Scallops: Perfectly seared scallops served with a seasonal vegetable medley and a citrus beurre blanc.
Conclusion
Cape Fear’s seafood restaurants offer a delectable array of dishes that showcase the region’s rich coastal cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual meal by the water or an upscale dining experience, these restaurants provide the perfect settings to enjoy the freshest seafood. Plan your culinary adventure and savor the flavors of Cape Fear’s coastal cuisine this summer. Bon appétit!
