Where to Eat in Carolina Beach: The Ultimate Foodie Guide

From Classic Seafood Shacks to Trendy Eateries - Discover the Best Bites Along the Carolina Coast

Known for its coastal charm and vibrant culinary scene, I discovered a long list of places to eat in Carolina Beach that are stellar. Between the locally sourced ingredients and the dominating presence of seafood in the area, I was in heaven.

Considering the demographics, Carolina is big on Southern comfort food. This makes for some deliciously hearty, flavorful seafood; some of the best I've ever had.

The area is no stranger to international cuisine either, adding variety with a mix of their own local favorites. For this article, I'm highlighting some of the best Carolina Beach restaurants and what makes them stand out amongst the crowd.

A Food Lover's Journey Through Carolina Beach

I'm already a big fan of seafood, and I was more than ready to see what the Atlantic had to offer. It's more than just shrimp, grits, and fried fish around here. That sentiment goes toward breakfast, lunch, and dinner, ranging from casual dining to more upscale cuisines along the coast.

Some of this I planned ahead for my trip, but I also came across trendy places that caught my eye while I was there. A few examples include farm-to-table menus, local breweries, and dessert shops that were more than creative. Overall, the blend of coastal atmosphere and flavor had me exploring food options for every meal.

8 Best Restaurants in Carolina Beach

While some of this can be reviewed subjectively, I definitely took a lot of pointers from the locals. I didn't just pick from the reviews alone, but I let my eyes guide me as well, with so many beautiful options from numerous restaurants. The table below offers a brief highlight of what my foodie experience was like in Carolina Beach.

This was only my first time in the area, and I can tell my list of food favorites will only continue to grow next time around. Aside from food, there's plenty to do in Carolina Beach, but it's the restaurants that have me ready to plan another trip. In the following sections, I break down several restaurants that are personal favorites from my hands-on experience.

1. Cape Fear Boil Company - A Coastal Feast Made Simple

Hailed for their take-home steamer pots, Cape Fear Boil Company makes seafood boils everything but a hassle. I learned they're prepped to be enjoyed either at home, rather than the traditional in-restaurant approach.

Other popular dishes they're known for include crab pots, delicious lobster tails, and they come with generous portions to match. The cornbread muffins were easily my favorite side, and the staff couldn't have been any more helpful, considering I was new.

Here are the Highlights

• Praised for their DIY seafood boils with ready-to-cook steamer pots
• Seafood is seasoned to perfection and caught locally
• A tradition for many locals to share with friends and family
• Known for their hospitality and educational cooking instructions

2. The Tropical CB - A Go-To for the Boardwalk Vibe

Between the eclectic bowls and homemade egg rolls, The Tropical CB offers an interesting range of food options. My personal favorite was their Bulgogi Bowl, but I also suggest considering their Bibimbap Bowl and Rangoon Rolls.

Aside from the food, I had to dive into their frozen cocktails as well. People couldn't stop talking about them online, and I have to agree, they're pretty good. Service matters too, and it's one of the leading qualities of this place if you ask me. All around, a really fun experience that matches the coastal vibe.

Here are the Highlights

• Three-level dining experience with a distinct vibe for each floor
• Many positive reviews for their creative Burgalicious Egg Roll and Bibimbap Bowl
• Plenty of frozen cocktails from daiquiris, pina coladas, and Miami Vice drinks
• Bright and coastal decor with a lively energy that brings a South Beach flair

3. Island Burgers & Bites - A Mainstay for Burgers, Cheesesteaks, and More

Among the many places to eat in Carolina Beach, Island Burgers & Bites was a much-needed visit in my itinerary. I had to start with one of their juicy burgers and decided on the Bacon Double Smashburger.

Keep in mind their portions are massive here, and the Philly Cheesesteak seems to be a crowd favorite as well. Some of the standout sides include their crinkle-cut fries, and I couldn't get enough of the beer-battered onion rings.

Donning a casual, family-friendly atmosphere, the spot has extremely delicious food, and I didn't need to break the bank for it. Other notable features here include covered patios, tasty milkshakes, and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.

Here are the Highlights

• The restaurant is housed in a renovated former Hardee's building
• Unique takes on classics like loaded fries, candied bacon, and their range of specialty burgers
• More than welcoming for kids and dog-friendly as well
• Consistently praised for the friendly staff and generous portions with every order

4. Soul Flavor Kitchen & Bar - A Southern Gem With a Creative Twist

Renowned for the fresh and flavorful Southern-inspired dishes, Soulflavor does everything from fried chicken to vegan pho. It's a diverse spot to say the least, and I was drawn in by their jerk shrimp specialties.

This is another restaurant that knows what generous portions look like. On top of that, they're known to have daily specials that are unique from one day to the next.

The vibe here is fun and vibrant, and is dressed in a music-themed atmosphere for the most part. Some of their most popular dishes include deviled eggs, crab dip, pork belly, and I had to give the teriyaki salmon a try too. 

Here are the Highlights

• Hearty servings with rotating daily specials and carefully prepared recipes
• Staff consistently go above and beyond for the customers
• The restaurant provides a visually fun and immersive experience with its decor
• Combines southern comfort food classics with more exotic recipes for a unique flair for the taste buds

5. The Southerly Biscuit & Pie - Southern Comfort, Made Fresh Daily

A highly rated brunch spot, I have to say this is easily one of my favorite breakfast Carolina Beach restaurants for several reasons. For starters, I went with their signature biscuit sandwiches, which are clearly a crowd favorite.

They're hearty and stacked with flavor, with the brisket and slaw being a personal favorite. Other popular options include their BLT with sriracha mayo and Fried Bologna and Cheese.

Aside from that, the freshly baked desserts are just as impressive. They go with familiar Southern ideas like Key Lime Pie and Chocolate Chess Pie. Better yet, ingredients are locally sourced, and everything on the menu is made from scratch daily.

Here are the Highlights

• The majority of the dishes are focused on freshly made, fluffy biscuits, offering sweet and savory choices alike
• Scratch-made southern sweets like pies, cookies, and hand pies are crafted daily
• They're committed to supporting local farms to promise customers the best ingredients
• Grab and go convenience with their "Skip the Line" online ordering system

6. Malama Cafe - Fresh, Healthy, and Community-Focused

Finding the middle section of fresh, flavorful, and healthy, Malama Cafe offers stellar brunch options like acai bowls, breakfast burritos, and much more. Based on the description alone, I was immediately captivated by their blackberry goat cheese panini. The sandwich finds the perfect tone for sweet and savory, and was more filling than I expected it to be.

The coffee was more than exceptional, and I even got a cold brew to go just because I was too curious about the variety in their menu. Another thing I love about this place is its eco-conscious practices.

This can be seen in their compostable products and locally sourced ingredients. With a convenient beachside location, laid-back atmosphere, and amazing food, I'm definitely glad I stopped by.

Here are the Highlights

• Health-focused menu that emphasizes fresh, wholesome ingredients with vegan and dairy-free options
• Creative and nutrient-packed smoothie bowls like the Ocean and popular Dragon bowls
• Uses compostable products and locally sourced ingredients
• Charming beachside ambience as a colorful cafe with indoor and outdoor seating

7. Fentoni's Pizzeria - Authentic NY-Style Pizza

Praised for their authentic New York-style pizza, Fentoni's ranges from the classics to a few specialty options on the menu. I'm kind of a critic when it comes to New York-style claims, and I have to say the standard pepperoni was the right way to go.

Regardless of where I travel, I'll never turn down a good pizza joint. The toppings are generous, every bite is extremely flavorful, and the crust comes with the perfect amount of crisp. Staff are friendly, and there's enough space for a casual dine-in.

I was told they're consistent when it comes to quality, and let's just say I wasn't disappointed with my visit. From pizza to calzones, strombolis, wings, garlic knots, and more, the menu is the definition of the word hearty.

Here are the Highlights

• Celebrated for their New York-style pizza with a crust that has a good middle ground between crispy and chewy
• Creative pizzas are available, like the Loaded Fentoni Pizza, down to cauliflower crust options
• Staff are friendly and community-focused with a consistent upbeat atmosphere
• Ideal for a quick bite or casual dining, offering a nice break from higher-end eateries along the coast

8. Salt Fish Restaurant and Tiki Bar - A Hidden Gem for Fresh and Eclectic Flavors

Offering a combination of Caribbean, Polynesian, and global-inspired cuisine, I came to this place for the Curry Scallops and Coconut Shrimp. Both were amazing, but I didn't stop there, as Salt Fish Restaurant and Tiki Bar offer more than I expected.

The Tuna Poke Nachos were light enough for me to dive into as well, and I washed them all down with the Emerald Isle cocktail. This is made with a mix of Tanqueray, cucumber, and mint. It was flavorful and the perfect refreshment in between every bite. I'm also glad I called ahead of time, because the restaurant has limited seating, making reservations a must-have.

Here are the Highlights

• An eclectic-inspired menu that blends Caribbean, Polynesian, and other global flavors
• Creative drinks served in fun Tiki glasses, highlighting a refreshing and tropical touch to every meal
• Fresh seafood and farm-fresh produce to match for high-quality flavor
• A small and cozy space that's casual yet more than stylish for the perfect tropical vibe

The Final Word

Clearly offering a very diverse culinary scene, the best restaurants in Carolina Beach take inspiration from a global perspective. There's also an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, especially when it comes to seafood.

Regardless of where I went, I was never disappointed with the options on the menu. On top of it all, after a long day of eating from one place to the next, I had a cozy spot to go home to. I was lucky enough to have the stress of finding a place to stay taken off my plate, thanks to Carolina Beach Realty.

They made finding the perfect accommodations a breeze from the jump. Overall, Carolina Beach is an excellent experience, especially considering I hit one winner after the next when it came to restaurants.