Top 12 Seafood Restaurants In Wilmington, North Carolina

1. Boathouse Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

A picture-perfect array of dishes awaits all types of travelers in Boathouse Restaurant, conveniently situated within a peaceful part of Wilmington. Having been around through thick and thin, this family-owned restaurant prides itself in its authentic Calabash-style seafood dishes that are packed with flavor and come in big servings.

Some of its seafood specialties include the irresistible fried flounder and battered shrimp. When paired together into a combo, they truly make a delicious match. Along with other staples such as catfish and oysters, the restaurant even offers options on how you like them cooked, whether it be steamed, broiled, or even grilled.

Boathouse Restaurant

Address: 6328 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403, United States

Website: Boathouse Restaurant

Opening hours: 7am - 9pm (daily)

2. Seabird Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Charming interiors, friendly staff, and high-quality dishes are staples at Seabird, one of the newest and most sought-after places to eat in downtown Wilmington. Set within a historic building, you’ll find great a fine selection of seafood dishes here.

Fresh oysters take center stage at the table. No matter how you like them cooked - whether broiled or baked - they’ll certainly leave a pleasing aftertaste. Apart from other well-prepared small plates and entrees, you can also avail of a seasonal seafood tower, tastefully presented with crackers, salads, and cocktails in tow.

Seabird

Address: 1 S Front St, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States

Website: Seabird

Opening hours: Thu - Sat & Mon: 9am - 2pm, 5pm - 10pm; Sun: 9am - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm (closed on Tue & Wed)

3. Hieronymus Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Opened in 1972, Hieronymus Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar is one of the most iconic and best seafood restaurants in Wilmington, NC. The restaurant places importance on locally sourced seafood and even their vegetables are locally grown. Enjoy some freshly caught seafood with a side of local craft beer.

Hieronymus Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar

Address: 5035 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28405, USA

Opening Hours: 3PM - 9:30PM

Average Price for 2: 50 USD

Website: Hieronymus Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar

4. Dock Street Oyster Bar

The Dock Street Oyster Bar has been in business since 1999 and, since then, they’ve strived to be the best oyster bar in town. And, after winning 19 awards for being the best Oyster bar in Wilmington, it’s pretty safe to say that they have earned the right to call themselves the best. All their seafood is fresh and delicious and never fried.

Dock Street Oyster Bar

Address: 12 Dock St, Wilmington, NC 28401, USA

Opening Hours: 4PM - 9:30PM. Closed Monday & Tuesday

Average Price for 2: 30 USD

Website: Dock Street Oyster Bar

5. The Bridge Tender

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The Bridge Tender is a cosmopolitan restaurant in Wilmington on the water, and it is located right at the foot of the Wrightsville drawbridge. Not only is it an amazing seafood restaurant and steakhouse, but it also offers some lovely views. The restaurant was founded in 1976 and has a patio for outdoor dining with views of the waterway, which makes for a lovely romantic evening.

The Bridge Tender

Address: 1414 Airlie Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA

Opening Hours: 11:30AM - 2PM , 4PM - 10PM.

Website: The Bridge Tender

6. Cape Fear Seafood Company

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The Cape Fear Seafood Company had some trouble getting started and noticed but, sooner or later, the locals started flocking to this amazing seafood restaurant and it is now a Wilmington staple. The Cape Fear Seafood Company aims to provide delicious meals in a comfortable and casual atmosphere, where guests can indulge in some amazing drinks and spirits, topped off with that southern hospitality.

Cape Fear Seafood Company

Address: 5226 S College Rd Suite 5, Wilmington, NC 28412, USA

Opening Hours: 11AM - 9PM

Average Price for 2: 40 USD

Website: Cape Fear Seafood Company

7. Boca Bay Restaurant

Boca Bay Restaurant is a refined and classy restaurant with fresh and delectable seafood. Despite its upscale decor, the restaurant is very affordable with a fixed price menu Thursday through Sunday and they even serve brunch on Sundays. They have a full bar onsite with happy hour drink specials from 5 to 7 every day, as well as a patio dining space for when the weather is nice.

Boca Bay Restaurant

Address: 2025 Eastwood Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA

Opening Hours: 5PM - 9PM

Average Price for 2: 50 USD

Website: Boca Bay Restaurant

8. Dockside Restaurant

The Dockside Restaurant is open daily for lunch at 11 AM and, with a name like Dockside, the seafood doesn’t have to go very far once it’s caught. The restaurant is literally dockside and has been a Carolina tradition for over 30 years. Located on the water’s edge at Wrightsville Beach, the atmosphere here is relaxed and casual and the food is the freshest.

Dockside Restaurant

Address: 1308 Airlie Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA

Opening Hours: 11AM - 9PM

Average Price for 2: 30 USD

Website: Dockside Restaurant

9. Pilot House Restaurant

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Pilot House Restaurant is located in a riverside house that was built in the 19th century and has since been converted into this lovely seafood restaurant. The large terrace is a great spot to enjoy a little outdoor dining by the water. The restaurant makes a nice and quaint spot for dinner, while the indoor dining room is large and modern with a little southern flair.

Pilot House Restaurant

Address: 2 Ann St, Wilmington, NC 28401, USA

Opening Hours: 11AM - 10PM

Website: Pilot House Restaurant

10. Fish House Grill

The Fish House Grill is a bright, lively restaurant, serving up some local North Carolina seafood. Located on an intercoastal waterway, people in their boats can just ride up, dock their vessel and head into the restaurant. Enjoy some views of the waterway while you enjoy some fresh fish and seafood that were caught only a few miles away from the restaurant.

Fish House Grill

Address: 1410 Airlie Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA

Opening Hours: 11AM - 9PM

Website: Fish House Grill

11. Pirate's Table Seafood

Pirate’s Table Seafood aims to provide some classic North Carolina seafood dishes without being too expensive or upscale. Located along Carolina Beach Road, the restaurant is casual and simple without resorting to the expensive prices commonly found in many waterside restaurants. Pirate’s Table Seafood is a great family-friendly place with a diverse menu and expansive side dish options.

Pirate's Table Seafood

Address: 3536 Carolina Beach Rd. Wilmington N.C.

Opening Hours: 11AM - 9PM

Average Price for 2: 40 USD

Website: Pirate’s Table Seafood

12. Catch

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Catch owner and head chef, Keith Rhodes, opened Catch in 2006. Catch focuses on North Carolina seafood classics taken to a new degree with modern flair and flavours. Dishes are based on seasonal catches and flavours, from the sweet potatoes to the herbs and, of course, the seafood itself. Taste the North Carolina coast without having to leave the dinner table.

Catch

Address: 6623 MARKET STREET WILMINGTON, NC 28405

Opening Hours: 5:30PM - 9PM

Website: Catch

Coastal Carolina

With some of the best seafood in the state, Wilmington is a great place to visit if you planning on spending some time by the water and maybe also eating some of the tasty things that come out of it. Luckily, there are lots of options for seafood lovers out there.