The Best Seafood Restaurants in Wilmington & Wrightsville Beach, NC

When you’re dining in coastal North Carolina, there is no shortage of amazing food to try. In the Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach areas specifically, it’s not hard to start with some of the best seafood around.

Settling on which menu is best can be tricky, but we’re here to help. With plenty of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, we’ll give you the best seafood restaurants in the area for any mood you’re in, at any time of day.

So, let’s dive in (pun intended) to the spots with the best seafood for any occasion in the Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach areas.

North Carolina’s Fresh Seafood

Fishing as an activity is popular in coastal North Carolina, so it’s no surprise that fresh seafood is abundant.

From the water near Johnnie Mercer’s Fishing Pier and other popular spots on the Masonboro Inlet, where fishermen bring in their catch of the day, fresh seafood makes its way into locally owned seafood markets, seafood restaurants, and your kitchen table.

There’s no question that you’ll find the best of the best on the Carolina coast. Many of our top seafood restaurants in the area are found off of Arlie Road, right near the water that sources the fish, crab, oysters, clams, and shrimp that you’ll be enjoying in your meals.

Bluewater Waterfront Grill

A local favorite with dockside seating and fresh seafood, you can expect to find gorgeous panoramic views of the Intracoastal Waterway, which acts as a direct route for fresh seafood to be brought in from local fishermen on Masonboro Inlet.

The covered patio is perfect for a semi-outdoor dining experience even when the weather isn’t at its best. Watch boats cruise by as you enjoy your casual American brunch, lunch, or perhaps a date night.

Some fan favorite dishes are blackened mahi tacos, lobster mac n cheese, and the crab benedict bowl at brunch.

Happen to have a boat? Perfect, Bluewater has a day dock so you can dock and dine as you please.

Address: 4 Marina Street Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

Price Range: $$

Dockside Restaurant

A casual bar and eatery offering Carolina-style seafood dishes right on the water, Dockside has been a staple for over 30 years. You’ll also find a casual, relaxed atmosphere with plenty of great views of the Intracoastal Waterway to enjoy.

This is another spot with convenient dock access if you’re on a boat and want to stop and grab a bite back on land!

Special events like yoga, seasonal live music, and plenty more things throughout the year help set this restaurant apart as one of the most-loved in the area. Oh… and it’s frequently used as a filming location, so who knows what (or who) you might see!

Address: 1308 Airlie Road Wilmington, NC 28403 

Price Range: $

Fish House Grill

This seafood restaurant has been a Wilmington landmark for decades, thanks to their unbeatable waterfront position, sunset views, and incredible food and drinks.

This is one of our favorite spots for outdoor dining, and its casual atmosphere makes for great dining as you watch boats go by down the Intracoastal Waterway. Did we mention the patio is dog-friendly, too?

Enjoy fresh grilled fish, Po’ Boys, tacos, or large platters meant for sharing.

Address: 1410 Airlie Road Wilmington, NC 28403

Price Range: $

Topsail Steamer

Here you’ll find seasonal seafood steamer pots available for takeout. Filled with meat, veggies, seafood, and incredible homemade spices, it’s nearly impossible to go wrong here.

Prices are high, and we’ll note that they aren’t the cheapest spot, but many of their dishes feed 3-6 people. So, this is the perfect spot to get food and enjoy a group dinner at home for a low-key night in.

Just add water (or beer if you’re feeling fancy) to their one-time use pot and cook on your stovetop. This is the perfect way to treat yourself to locally-sourced seafood, your way.

Address: 530 Causeway Drive, Unit 8 Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

Price Range: $$$$

Perla Raw Bar

An upscale oyster bar in Wilmington, Perla Raw Bar is a great spot for a date night, happy hour, or a weekend brunch. From Baked Swordfish Dip to their Seafood Tower, you can’t go wrong with this menu.

Another restaurant in the area with outdoor seating that welcomes pups, you can make this an occasion for the whole family.

Don’t miss out on this bright, beautiful space near the Mayfaire Town Center.

Address: 1039 Ashes Dr, Wilmington, NC 28405

Price Range: $$$

Ceviches

With traditional Panamanian fare from owner and chef Hunter Tiblier, you can expect dishes like Mango Mahi Ceviche, Jerk Shrimp Skewers, and Panamanian Paella featuring a catch of the day.

Situated near many of our other favorite seafood restaurants in the Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach area, this is perfect for any occasion.

Enjoy their gorgeous, bright indoor space that allows for quiet conversation over delicious drinks, and yummy food.

Address: 7210 Wrightsville Ave, Wilmington, NC 28403

Price Range: $$

Locally Owned Seafood

Sure, there’s great seafood to be had across the coast, from New Orleans to Maryland and beyond. We also know that there is no place like home, and enjoying some great dishes at local institutions on the Carolina coast falls into a league of its own.

Of course, there are plenty more seafood restaurants, with delicious dishes, great reviews, and gorgeous outdoor patio spaces. Tell us your favorite, and we may just include it in our next Wilmington round-up!

Have questions, comments, or ideas for us? @beachsherps on socials is where we’ll be!