6 Best Restaurants in The North Carolina Coast, North Carolina

1718 Brewing

$$ Fodor's choice
Coastal North Carolina's best beer is brewed at this outpost by the sea that doubles as a sunset hangout (the views from the rooftop deck are stunning) and a purveyor of next-level pub grub, courtesy of its partner business, Plum Pointe Kitchen. Order a hazy IPA or a coffee Kölsch, plus a slider platter or the catch of the day, and soak up the last rays of sunlight.

Ceviche's

$$
Panamanian-inspired food is the focus of this lively rum bar and restaurant just across the bridge from the beach. The eponymous ceviches—traditional Panamanian corvina, lobster, and tuna "cooked" in lime juice—are all wonderful, but ropa vieja (flank steak served over coconut rice) and blackened tuna are tasty, too. Outdoor seating includes a pleasant interior atrium, and tables on the patio by the road.
Latin American Dinner $$ Lunch
7210 Wrightsville Ave., Wilmington, North Carolina, 28403, USA
910-256–3131
www.wbceviche.com
Known For
  • flavorful empanadas and tacos
  • four house ceviche blends
  • big selection of high-quality rum drinks
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.

Clawson's 1905 Restaurant and Pub

$$

A combination of fresh seafood, local beers, and live music make this a Front Street staple, especially for lunch. Housed in a 1900s grocery building, Clawson's is stuffed with memorabilia dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of Beaufort. Hearty food such as ribs, steaks, pasta, and seafood are part of the attraction, and ask about blue-plate lunch specials. The pub highlights a selection of North Carolina microbrews and schedules regular Friday Night Flights tastings.

American Lunch Dinner $$ Family
425 Front St., Beaufort, North Carolina, 28516, USA
252-728–2133
www.clawsonsrestaurant.com
Known For
  • casual atmosphere for lunch or a hearty dinner
  • good selection of microbrews
  • historic memorabilia about Beaufort
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Credit cards accepted

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Freddie's Restaurant

$$
Dining at this family-run Italian joint—steps from the beach but in dark-wood-laden environs that feel like a haunt from The Sopranos—is an experience, but to enjoy the hearty pastas, lasagna, and pork chops without a wait, arrive early.
Italian Dinner $$
105 K Ave., Kure Beach, North Carolina, 28449, USA
910-458--5979
freddiesitalianrestaurant.com
Known For
  • massive center-cut pork chop
  • martinis
  • classic atmosphere, with a lively bar sharing space in the tiny dining room
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.

MJ's Raw Bar and Grille

$$
This little downtown seafood joint with sidewalk and indoor seating serves fresh coastal food in a setting full of local charm. You'll see plenty of fried seafood on the menu, but reasonably priced plates from the raw bar (combination platters of oysters, clams, steamed shrimp, and crab) do not disappoint. Daily specials include deals on whole Maine lobsters, peel-and-eat Carolina shrimp, and beach-friendly cocktails.
Seafood Lunch Dinner $$ Family
216 Middle St., New Bern, North Carolina, USA
252-635–6890
www.mjsrawbar.com
Known For
  • crab cakes
  • steamed seafood platters
  • Bloody Marys
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.

Provision Company

$$
This laid-back, colorful joint right on the water is the place to enjoy the day's catch with zero pretension, prepared to simple perfection, from steamed local shrimp and clams to a 10-ounce yellowfin tuna steak.