Updated: October 13, 2025
This coastal guide showcases Carolina and Kure Beach's top seafood spots, including oceanfront restaurants, casual oyster bars, and Cajun-style boil companies. Each venue offers fresh, locally-sourced catches with distinct atmospheres. Seeking elegant dining with Atlantic views or laid-back beachside bites and tropical cocktails? You're going to love Carolina and Kure Beach.
Nestled along this picturesque coastline, a constellation of seafood restaurants glistens like pearls in the sand. Join us on a mouthwatering expedition as we dive deep into the culinary ocean, exploring the flavors, stories, and traditions that define the seafood dining scene in this coastal paradise.
From succulent shrimp platters to the freshest catches of the day, we're about to embark on a gastronomic voyage that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight. Carolina Beach is not just a destination; it's a seafood lover's dream, and our blog is your ultimate guide to savoring every delectable moment.
Contents
7. Jack Mackerel's Island Grill
10. Places to Stay in Carolina and Kure Beach
Michael's Seafood
The menu at Michael's Seafood Restaurant is a seafood
lover's dream come true. From succulent shrimp and crab to perfectly grilled fish and mouthwatering
oysters, the choices are abundant and always prepared with a focus on quality. Patrons can savor the
taste of the sea with classic dishes like seafood platters and crab cakes or opt for more
contemporary creations that showcase the chef's culinary expertise.
The restaurant makes a clear effort to source its seafood locally, which not only brings a fresher, more flavorful meal to the table but also helps keep the local fishing community thriving.
On my visit to Michael's Seafood in Carolina Beach, the standout was their award‑winning Captain M's Seafood Chowder. It was rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. The atmosphere was lively but welcoming, the kind of place where you settle in with a plate of crab cakes or seafood mac and cheese and feel like you're eating among locals.
Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar
The Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar is a coastal gem that captures the very essence of seafood dining in a relaxed, down-to-earth atmosphere. Located in the heart of Carolina Beach, this oyster bar has become a cherished destination for both locals and visitors seeking the ultimate seafood experience. With its rustic, nautical decor and friendly staff, the Shuckin' Shack offers the perfect setting to unwind and indulge in some of the ocean's finest treasures.
The Deck House
is where culinary excellence meets breathtaking oceanfront views. This restaurant transcends the
ordinary, offering a seafood and steak experience that leaves an indelible mark on the senses. As
you step onto the expansive deck, you're met with the soothing sounds of waves and a panoramic vista
of the Atlantic Ocean, making it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a memorable family
gathering.
Their menu boasts an array of delectable seafood options, from succulent lobster tail to perfectly seared scallops, ensuring that every palate finds its match. For those who appreciate a hearty steak, the aged cuts are cooked to perfection, providing a delightful contrast to the coastal fare. The ambiance is elegant yet unpretentious, creating a perfect blend of coastal charm and upscale dining.
Surf House Cafe offers a unique blend of culinary excellence and the
laid-back spirit of surf culture. This establishment stands as a beacon of creativity, where the
love for ocean-inspired cuisine and the thrill of riding the waves converge in a vibrant and
welcoming atmosphere.
When I ate at Surf House Café & Shop, I loved how fresh and intentional everything felt. The local seafood, the creative flavors, and the relaxed vibe made it one of the most memorable meals of my trip.
The centerpiece, an oyster bar, invites patrons to savor the freshest catches
of the sea while striking up conversations with fellow diners and the skilled chefs shucking oysters
right before their eyes.
Surf House's menu is a celebration of locally sourced ingredients, showcasing the abundance of the Carolina coast. From sumptuous seafood platters and mouthwatering oyster varieties to dishes that reflect the ever-changing bounty of the ocean, every plate is a work of art that pays homage to the maritime heritage of the region.
Big Daddy's Restaurant
Big
Daddy's Restaurant is a beloved culinary institution in Kure Beach, known for its warm hospitality
and delectable Southern and seafood cuisine. Situated in the heart of this coastal community, Big
Daddy's exudes a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere that makes it a favorite among locals and
visitors alike. The moment you step through the doors of Big Daddy's, you're enveloped in the
comforting aromas of Southern cooking.
From the sizzle of fresh seafood platters to the rich, smoky notes of barbecued dishes, the menu offers a wide array of choices to satisfy every palate. The restaurant's commitment to using locally sourced ingredients ensures that each dish is prepared with the utmost care and quality.
Ocean
Grill and Tiki Bar is a vibrant and iconic dining destination nestled along the Carolina Beach
Boardwalk, offering a unique blend of coastal flavors, tiki-inspired cocktails, and breathtaking
ocean views. This establishment stands as a testament to the joy of beachfront dining and the
carefree spirit of island life.
The restaurant boasts a lively and tropical atmosphere, complete with thatched roofs, bamboo accents, and a spacious outdoor deck where patrons can savor their meals while basking in the sea breeze. From succulent shrimp and crab to classic seafood platters, each dish is a testament to the bounty of the ocean. And, of course, there's the Tiki Bar, where expert mixologists craft colorful and exotic cocktails that transport you to a tropical paradise with every sip.
Jack
Mackerel's Island Grill is a delightful coastal gem situated in the heart of Kure Beach, offering a
mouthwatering selection of seafood and coastal-inspired dishes. Nestled amidst the vibrant
atmosphere of this seaside community, Jack Mackerel's is known for its welcoming ambiance and
flavorful culinary creations.
The menu showcases the restaurant's focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with seafood dishes that capture the true flavor of the Carolina coast. From savory crab cakes to perfectly grilled fish, every item on the menu at Jack Mackerel's is crafted with a touch of Southern flair and a nod to the region's maritime heritage.
I loved the lively island vibe and fresh seafood at Jack Mackerel's, though on a busy evening the wait for a table and service felt a little slower than I'd hoped, something that seems common when the place is packed.
Whether you're seeking an intimate dinner for two or a gathering with friends and family, Jack Mackerel's Island Grill provides a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the relaxed charm of Carolina Beach. It's a dining destination where patrons can savor the flavors of the sea while immersing themselves in the coastal spirit of this beloved beach town.
SeaWitch Tiki Bar
is a cherished culinary gem located in the heart of Carolina Beach, known for its laid-back coastal
vibe and mouthwatering seafood sandwiches that have become a local legend. As you step inside this
cozy cafe, you're welcomed by the inviting aroma of freshly prepared seafood, which sets the stage
for a delightful dining experience.
Whether you're indulging in their famous crab cake sandwich, savoring a shrimp po' boy, or simply enjoying a cup of clam chowder, SeaWitch Tiki Bar's commitment to using high-quality ingredients shines through in every flavorful bite. With its friendly staff and a menu that pays homage to the bounty of the sea, SeaWitch Tiki Bar is a beloved culinary institution that captures the essence of Carolina Beach's seaside charm.
Cape Fear Boil Company
Cape Fear Boil
Company is a culinary sensation that brings a flavorful seafood bounty to your front door or for
pickup. Catering or to-go boils for you to take home come complete with crab, shrimp, potatoes, and
corn, all drenched in delectable Cajun spices. These bold, zesty flavors define the Carolina
coast, making it a must-try experience for those wanting something that's both memorable and
interactive.
Places to Stay in Carolina and Kure Beach
As you savor the diverse and mouthwatering cuisine of Carolina Beach, your culinary experiences will undoubtedly enhance your memorable stay with Carolina Beach Realty. Whether you're delighting in the freshest seafood at local favorites like SeaWitch Tiki Bar or Cape Fear Boil Company, immersing yourself in the coastal ambiance of The Fish House Grill, or indulging in Southern-inspired dishes at Big Daddy's Restaurant, your gastronomic journey through this coastal paradise will create lasting memories.
At the end of each day, you can retire to the comfort of your vacation rental provided by Carolina Beach Realty, where you'll find a range of accommodation options to suit your preferences, from beachfront condos and cozy cottages to spacious beach houses and luxurious vacation villas.
This ensures that not only have you explored the flavors of the Carolina coast, but you've also experienced the warm culture and exceptional hospitality that define this destination.
Craving more coastal adventures? Pristine Properties in Cape San Blas delivers beachfront bliss along Florida's Forgotten Coast. Trade the Atlantic for emerald Gulf waters and pristine shores—another slice of seaside paradise worth exploring.
