From maritime delicacies to iconic beverages, the Crystal Coast region of North Carolina offers a rich tapestry of flavors that make it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts. Waterfront dining combines fresh-caught seafood with stunning ocean views, while traditional Carolina BBQ adds a delicious counterpoint to the maritime fare. Each season brings its own specialty dishes, from spring soft-shell crabs to fall oyster roasts, making every visit a unique culinary adventure.
Must-Try North Carolina Foods at the Crystal Coast
Our coastal dining scene features unique dishes that capture the essence of seaside living through creative preparation and fresh ingredients. Here are some signature dishes that showcase our local culinary talent.
34° North Restaurant in Beaufort
Elevating coastal cuisine to new heights, 34° North Restaurant offers refined dining with a focus on local ingredients. Their menu showcases the region's finest offerings, like their exquisite Mussel Fettuccine, where fresh mussels and savory prosciutto come together in a rich miso truffle sauce, finished with shaved parmesan. The local grouper demonstrates their masterful preparation - served atop traditional risotto with oven-roasted tomatoes and artichokes, finished with shaved parmesan and a delicate lemon-caper butter sauce. Their take on the classic crabcake sandwich features a perfectly seasoned patty with old bay remoulade on a toasted brioche bun. Save room for their signature bourbon bread pudding, served with house-made bourbon ice cream and drizzled with caramel bourbon syrup.
Amos Mosquito's in Atlantic Beach
Nestled along the shore at Atlantic Beach, Amos Mosquito's transforms local ingredients into memorable dining experiences. Their innovative takes on coastal classics have made them a favorite among visitors and locals alike. The restaurant's Shrimp and Grits showcases local shrimp and spicy andouille sausage in a roasted red pepper broth; all served over creamy cheddar grits with mushrooms and green onions. Another standout is their creative Buffalo Oysters - hand-breaded and fried oysters tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, served over cheddar grits with blue cheese crumbles. For a unique dining experience, end your meal with their interactive tableside s'mores, where guests can roast marshmallows over their own miniature "campfire" brought right to the table.
Big Oak Drive-In & Bar-B-Q in Salter Path
A beloved institution, Big Oak Drive-In & Bar-B-Q has perfected the art of seafood sandwiches, with their famous Shrimpburger leading the charge. This signature creation combines perfectly fried shrimp with crisp slaw and tangy tartar sauce, all nestled in a steamed bun and finished with a touch of ketchup. Don't forget to add their homemade Shrimpburger hot sauce for an extra kick. The menu features an impressive lineup of seafood sandwiches, each showcasing the day's fresh catch - from oyster and scallop burgers to flounder filet sandwiches and seasonal softshell crab. This casual spot embodies the true spirit of coastal dining, where simple preparation lets the quality of local seafood shine through.
Caribsea in Emerald Isle
Caribsea delivers an elevated dining experience that masterfully combines steakhouse excellence with coastal sophistication. Their showstopping Cowboy Ribeye presents a 20-ounce Prime center-cut bone-in steak with blackening seasoning, served over gorgonzola cream sauce alongside herb & garlic fingerling potatoes and roasted asparagus. Their innovative Flounder "Oscar-ish" offers a coastal twist on a classic, featuring fresh flounder crowned with tarragon Maine lobster stuffing, accompanied by jasmine rice and asparagus in beurre blanc. The Squid Ink Scampi creates a striking presentation with sautéed shrimp, artichoke hearts, and cherry tomatoes tossed with black linguini in a lemon-garlic butter sauce. Their Scallops & Grits showcases local ingredients with a refined touch - Cajun-seared sea scallops rest on cheesy NC middlin grits, garnished with micro leeks and pickled red onion, finished with maple bourbon glaze and a dusting of crushed biscotti.
Prime Bistro and Wine Bar in Morehead City
Prime Bistro and Wine Bar brings sophisticated coastal dining to Morehead City, featuring elegant preparations of local and premium ingredients. Their menu celebrates luxury with locally sourced Marshallberg Farm Caviar, where briny Osetra roe is playfully served with Pringles, crème fraîche, and fresh herbs. Their Bacon-Wrapped Scallops showcase the perfect marriage of land and sea, with Applewood-smoked bacon and a maple-bourbon glaze, served over Carolina Gold rice grits enriched with chevre and spiced with urfa biber chile. The Lobster Truffle Mac elevates comfort food to new heights, combining cold water lobster with gnocchetti pasta, smoked gouda, and Cheshire bacon, all enhanced by white truffle oil and delicate fine herbs. Complete your dining experience with their signature Pistachio Ricotta Cake, a sophisticated finish to an extraordinary meal.
Savoring North Carolina's Coastal Cuisine
Our shoreline's culinary scene shines brightest in its celebration of fresh, local ingredients and time-honored cooking traditions. From dock-to-table seafood to smoky BBQ joints, the region offers a wealth of dining experiences that capture authentic seaside flavors. Local chefs take pride in building relationships with fishermen and farmers, ensuring the freshest ingredients make it to your plate. Family recipes passed down through generations still influence modern menus, creating a perfect blend of traditional and contemporary coastal cuisine.
Waterfront Dining Options
Waterfront restaurants offer more than just meals – they provide an immersive dining experience where fresh seafood meets breathtaking views. Watch boats glide by as you enjoy your meal at one of the many dockside establishments that dot the shoreline. These restaurants often feature open-air seating where the salt air enhances every bite. Many waterfront venues host live music during sunset hours, creating the perfect atmosphere for memorable dining experiences. Local fishing boats often dock right at the restaurants, providing a fascinating glimpse into the journey from sea to table.
Indulging in Seafood Delicacies
Fresh seafood defines our beachside cuisine. Local specialties include the famous shrimp burger, a beloved tradition that transforms fresh-caught shrimp into a memorable sandwich experience. Oysters, served raw, steamed, or baked, showcase the pristine waters of the region. Seasonal soft-shell crabs and daily fish specials highlight the abundance of local waters. Each seafood restaurant puts its own spin on seafood preparation, from traditional Calabash-style frying to contemporary fusion dishes. Local fish markets also offer fresh catches for those who want to recreate coastal flavors at home. Many establishments pride themselves on serving lesser-known but delicious local species, introducing diners to new seafood experiences.
Savoring Carolina BBQ: A Southern Tradition
North Carolina puts its own spin on Carolina BBQ, where pork is slow-cooked to perfection and dressed with a distinctive vinegar-based sauce. Local BBQ joints serve this regional delicacy alongside crisp, tangy coleslaw and other traditional sides, offering a perfect contrast to the area's seafood-centric offerings. Family-run smokehouses still tend to their pits through the night, maintaining decades-old traditions of slow-cooking. The simple yet flavorful approach to BBQ here reflects generations of expertise, with recipes and techniques passed down through families. Some innovative pitmasters have begun experimenting with seafood-BBQ fusion dishes, creating unique seaside interpretations of classic BBQ styles.
Discover the Flavors of the NC Coast
The Crystal Coast presents a unique blend of maritime cuisine and North Carolina food traditions. From iconic beverages to fresh seafood and smoky BBQ, every meal tells a story of local culture and culinary expertise. Explore our diverse dining options and discover why this stretch of shoreline has become a beloved destination for food lovers. Local food festivals throughout the year celebrate these culinary traditions, bringing together the best chefs and food artisans from across the region. The growing farm-to-table movement has created even stronger connections between local farmers, fishermen, and restaurants, ensuring the freshest ingredients make it to your plate. Whether you're craving seafood fresh from the dock or traditional Southern comfort food, you'll find innovative chefs putting their own stamp on seaside classics.
For more information about restaurants in the area, visit our local dining guide. Be sure to check individual restaurant hours, as many seasonal establishments adjust their schedules throughout the year. Consider making reservations during peak dining hours, especially at popular waterfront locations.
