Emerald Isle, NC, is a haven for seafood lovers, boasting a variety of restaurants that offer everything from casual beachside bites to upscale dining experiences. Each eatery captures the essence of coastal cuisine, featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients prepared to perfection.
In this blog, we’ll bring you some of the best seafood restaurants in Emerald Isle that promise to delight your taste buds and provide a memorable dining experience.
A little about us…
At Spinnaker’s Reach, we provide a fantastic selection of short-term rentals in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, including options with pools and pet-friendly accommodations. When you stay with us, all you need to do is relax and soak up the coastal vibes of Emerald Isle.
For more insider tips on Emerald Isle, check out our destination blog. We cover everything about the region, including tips for a romantic getaway, a guide to fishing, and the best day trips you can take from Emerald Isle.
Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey?
Fish Hut Grill
Fish Hut Grill in Emerald Isle is a casual and vibrant seafood restaurant known for its relaxed atmosphere and fresh, flavorful dishes. Located conveniently near the beach, this eatery is perfect for both locals and tourists looking for a delightful meal after a day of sun and sand.
The menu at Fish Hut Grill emphasizes fresh, locally-sourced seafood, prepared with care and creativity. Their famous Fish Tacos are a must-try, featuring perfectly grilled fish topped with fresh slaw and a tangy sauce that adds a burst of flavor. Another popular choice is the Shrimp Basket, offering plump, juicy shrimp lightly breaded and fried to golden perfection, served with crispy fries and coleslaw.
For those looking for something a bit different, the Crab Cake Sandwich is a standout. Made with tender crab meat and a blend of spices, the crab cake is served on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and a side of remoulade. The seafood platters are also a hit, allowing diners to sample a variety of offerings, from fried clams to grilled scallops.
The casual setting of Fish Hut Grill, complete with picnic tables and a beachy vibe, makes it an ideal spot for families and groups. The friendly staff enhances the dining experience, ensuring that every guest feels welcomed and well taken care of.
Caribsea Restaurant
Caribsea Restaurant offers an upscale dining experience in Emerald Isle, combining sophisticated decor with an impressive menu of seafood dishes. The elegant interior, featuring contemporary furnishings and a relaxed ambiance, provides the perfect backdrop for a memorable meal.
Caribsea’s menu is a testament to their commitment to quality and creativity. The Seared Ahi Tuna appetizer, served with a wasabi aioli and pickled ginger, is a flavorful and visually stunning start to any meal. Another appetizer worth mentioning is the Lobster Bisque, rich and creamy with chunks of succulent lobster meat.
For the main course, the Herb-Crusted Grouper is a favorite, featuring a perfectly cooked grouper fillet with a delicate herb crust, served with seasonal vegetables and a lemon beurre blanc. The Scallops and Risotto dish, with seared sea scallops on a bed of creamy risotto, is both indulgent and satisfying.
Caribsea also offers a selection of land-based dishes, ensuring there is something for everyone. The Filet Mignon, cooked to perfection and served with a red wine reduction, is a great choice for meat lovers. The restaurant’s extensive wine list and craft cocktails complement the menu, enhancing the overall dining experience.
The rooftop bar at Caribsea is another highlight, providing stunning views of the ocean and a relaxed setting to enjoy a drink before or after dinner. With its combination of excellent food, attentive service, and beautiful surroundings, Caribsea Restaurant is a top choice for seafood dining in Emerald Isle.
Snapperz Grill & Steam Bar
Snapperz Grill & Steam Bar is a family-friendly seafood restaurant in Emerald Isle known for its laid-back atmosphere and diverse menu. The rustic decor, featuring nautical elements and cozy seating, creates a welcoming environment for diners of all ages.
The menu at Snapperz Grill & Steam Bar is extensive, offering a wide range of seafood options to suit every taste. The Steamed Seafood Platter, a generous serving of crab legs, shrimp, clams, and mussels, is a crowd-pleaser. Each item is steamed to perfection and served with melted butter and lemon, making for a delicious and interactive dining experience.
For something a bit more traditional, the Fried Seafood Platter is a fantastic option. Featuring a mix of fried fish, shrimp, and oysters, this dish is crispy, flavorful, and sure to satisfy. The Shrimp and Grits, a Southern classic, is another standout, with plump shrimp served over creamy grits and topped with a rich, savory sauce.
Snapperz also offers a variety of non-seafood dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads, ensuring there is something for everyone. The restaurant’s friendly staff and casual setting make it a great choice for families, groups, and anyone looking for a relaxed meal with excellent seafood.
Outer Banks Boil Company Emerald Isle
Outer Banks Boil Company Emerald Isle offers a unique dining experience with their signature seafood boils, perfect for enjoying with family and friends. The concept is simple yet brilliant: fresh, locally-sourced seafood and vegetables are combined in a large pot, seasoned to perfection, and boiled together to create a communal meal that is both fun and delicious.
The Classic Outer Banks Boil includes a generous portion of shrimp, clams, andouille sausage, corn on the cob, and red potatoes, all seasoned with a blend of spices that give the dish its distinctive flavor. The result is a hearty, flavorful meal that captures the essence of coastal dining. For those looking to customize their boil, additional options such as crab legs, lobster tails, and scallops can be added, allowing diners to create a boil that suits their preferences.
In addition to their signature boils, Outer Banks Boil Company offers a range of sides and desserts to complete the meal. The Cornbread, with its slightly sweet flavor and moist texture, is a perfect accompaniment to the seafood boil. For dessert, the Key Lime Pie, with its tangy filling and graham cracker crust, is a refreshing way to end the meal.
Outer Banks Boil Company provides the option to dine in at their casual, beach-themed restaurant or to take the boil to-go, allowing guests to enjoy the experience in the comfort of their own home or vacation rental. This flexibility, combined with the quality of the food and the fun, interactive nature of the boil, makes Outer Banks Boil Company a standout seafood dining option in Emerald Isle.
Flipperz Family Bar & Grill
Flipperz Family Bar & Grill offers a delightful experience with its casual atmosphere and extensive menu. This local favorite is renowned for its fresh seafood, friendly service, and vibrant decor. The restaurant features a diverse menu that caters to all tastes, but seafood lovers will particularly enjoy the selection. Start your meal with the popular Flipperz seafood sampler, which includes a mix of fried shrimp, oysters, and crab cakes, perfect for sharing.
For the main course, the grilled mahi-mahi is a standout, served with a side of seasonal vegetables and rice. The mahi-mahi is perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection, maintaining its natural flavors while adding a smoky touch. Another must-try is the shrimp and grits, a Southern classic done right. The shrimp are sautéed in a rich, creamy sauce and served over a bed of cheesy grits, creating a comforting and flavorful dish.
Flipperz also offers a variety of sandwiches and burgers, but the seafood po’boy stands out. Stuffed with fried shrimp or oysters, lettuce, tomato, and a tangy remoulade sauce, this sandwich is a delightful explosion of flavors and textures. Pair your meal with one of their signature cocktails, like the Flipperz Hurricane, to complete your dining experience.
The restaurant’s ambiance is welcoming, with vibrant colors and nautical decor creating a relaxed and fun environment. Outdoor seating is available, allowing diners to enjoy their meal in the fresh coastal air. With its combination of delicious food, friendly service, and a lively atmosphere, Flipperz Family Bar & Grill is a top choice for seafood dining in Emerald Isle.
Surf’s Up Grill & Bar
Surf’s Up Grill & Bar is another excellent choice for seafood enthusiasts in Emerald Isle. Known for its laid-back vibe and beachfront location, this restaurant offers stunning ocean views and a menu filled with fresh, locally sourced seafood. The casual setting makes it an ideal spot for families and friends to gather and enjoy a meal.
Start with the crab dip, a creamy and savory appetizer that pairs well with the crispy tortilla chips provided. The dip is rich and packed with chunks of crab meat, making it a perfect start to your meal. For a lighter option, the grilled shrimp salad is a refreshing choice, featuring succulent shrimp atop a bed of mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette.
One of the highlights of Surf’s Up Grill & Bar is the fish tacos. These tacos are filled with grilled or blackened fish, cabbage slaw, and a drizzle of lime crema, all wrapped in warm flour tortillas. The combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors makes these tacos a crowd favorite. Another popular dish is the seafood platter, which includes a generous portion of fried shrimp, oysters, and fish, served with coleslaw and fries.
For those looking to enjoy a drink with their meal, Surf’s Up offers a great selection of local beers and creative cocktails. The Surf’s Up Margarita, made with fresh lime juice and a splash of orange liqueur, is a perfect choice for a refreshing beverage.
The restaurant’s beachfront location and relaxed atmosphere make it a great spot to unwind and enjoy a delicious seafood meal. With its friendly service and scenic views, Surf’s Up Grill & Bar is a must-visit destination in Emerald Isle.
Rucker Johns Restaurant
Rucker Johns Restaurant is a well-established dining spot in Emerald Isle, known for its warm hospitality and consistently delicious seafood dishes. The restaurant prides itself on using fresh, high-quality ingredients to create memorable meals that keep customers coming back.
Start your dining experience with the jumbo lump crab cakes, which are pan-seared to a golden brown and served with a tangy remoulade sauce. The crab cakes are packed with sweet, tender crab meat and have a perfect balance of flavors. Another great starter is the calamari, lightly fried and served with a zesty marinara sauce for dipping.
For the main course, the blackened grouper is a standout. This dish features a perfectly seasoned and seared piece of grouper, served with rice pilaf and steamed vegetables. The fish is tender and flavorful, with just the right amount of spice. Another popular option is the shrimp scampi, featuring plump shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter sauce and served over a bed of linguine. The dish is rich and satisfying, with a perfect blend of garlic and butter flavors.
Rucker Johns also offers a variety of other seafood options, including a hearty seafood stew filled with shrimp, scallops, and fish in a savory broth. For those who prefer a more casual option, the fish and chips are a classic choice, featuring crispy fried fish and a generous portion of fries.
The restaurant’s atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a rustic yet elegant decor that makes it suitable for both casual and special occasions. The staff is attentive and friendly, ensuring a pleasant dining experience for all guests. With its delicious seafood offerings and welcoming ambiance, Rucker Johns Restaurant is a top choice for seafood dining in Emerald Isle.
Kathryn’s Bistro & Martini Bar
Kathryn’s Bistro & Martini Bar offers a more upscale dining experience, perfect for those looking to enjoy a sophisticated meal in a refined setting. The restaurant is known for its elegant decor, extensive martini menu, and expertly crafted seafood dishes.
Begin your meal with the oysters Rockefeller, a luxurious appetizer featuring fresh oysters topped with a rich mixture of spinach, bacon, and cheese, then baked to perfection. The oysters are tender and flavorful, with a delightful combination of creamy and savory toppings. Another excellent starter is the lobster bisque, a rich and creamy soup that is packed with lobster flavor and garnished with a drizzle of sherry.
For the main course, the pan-seared scallops are a must-try. These perfectly cooked scallops are served with a cauliflower puree, sautéed spinach, and a drizzle of truffle oil, creating a dish that is both elegant and delicious. The scallops are tender and sweet, with a beautiful caramelized crust that adds depth of flavor.
Another standout dish is the seafood risotto, featuring a creamy Arborio rice base studded with shrimp, scallops, and mussels. The risotto is perfectly cooked, with each grain of rice absorbing the rich seafood broth, resulting in a dish that is both comforting and indulgent. For those looking for a lighter option, the grilled salmon salad is an excellent choice, featuring fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette.
Kathryn’s Bistro & Martini Bar is also known for its extensive martini menu, offering a wide variety of creative and classic cocktails. The signature Kathryn’s Martini, made with premium vodka and a hint of elderflower liqueur, is a perfect complement to the seafood dishes.
The restaurant’s ambiance is sophisticated and elegant, with soft lighting and tasteful decor creating a refined dining environment. The service is attentive and professional, ensuring that every guest has a memorable dining experience. With its exquisite seafood dishes and upscale atmosphere, Kathryn’s Bistro & Martini Bar is a top destination for seafood dining in Emerald Isle.
Experience the Best Seafood in Emerald Isle and Vacation with Spinnaker’s Reach
When you vacation with us at Spinnakers Reach Realty in Emerald Isle, you’re stepping into a vibrant seafood scene that’s as diverse as the coastal community itself. Whether you’re in the mood for a laid-back meal at Fish Hut Grill, an elegant dinner at Caribsea Restaurant, or a unique seafood boil at Outer Banks Boil Company, there’s a perfect spot for every seafood enthusiast. These restaurants don’t just serve up delicious dishes; they also create an inviting atmosphere that makes dining a truly enjoyable experience.
Visit Spinnakers Reach Realty and browse through our luxurious Emerald Isle vacation rentals. Located in a family-friendly atmosphere, our rentals offer access to amazing amenities like swimming pools, golf carts, and hot tubs. This resort-like atmosphere combined with the privacy of your vacation rental ensures the vacation of a lifetime. Spend quality time with your family and friends in a luxurious property and experience the best of Emerald Isle.