Ocean Isle Beach, located in Brunswick County, North Carolina, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches and excellent dining options.
The Ocean Isle Beach area is home to a variety of restaurants, serving everything from fresh seafood to Italian cuisine to classic and gourmet burgers.
Here are ten of the best restaurants in Ocean Isle Beach, NC that have great food, great atmosphere, and are sure to satisfy your appetite.
1: Sharky’s:
Sharky’s is a well-known seafood spot that has been serving fresh seafood to locals and visitors for over 20 years. They offer a range of seafood options, including crab legs, shrimp, and scallops.
The restaurant is most known for its crab legs, which are served with drawn butter and lemon, and the shrimp burgers here are known to never disappoint.
Additionally, they have a full bar that serves a variety of cocktails and beer.
2: Tipsy Turtle Tiki Bar:
Immerse yourself in a tropical paradise at the Tipsy Turtle Tiki Bar, a vibrant hotspot in Ocean Isle Beach.
This lively venue offers a tantalizing fusion of American and Caribbean-inspired dishes, like their signature Tipsy Turtle Burger or zesty jerk chicken tacos. Sip on refreshing, colorful cocktails while soaking in the breathtaking ocean views.
The Tipsy Turtle Tiki Bar promises a fun, laid-back atmosphere, perfect for a memorable dining experience.
3: The Oyster Rock:
The Oyster Rock is an area seafood destination that specializes in oysters, serving them raw, fried, or roasted. Locals and tourists rave about Oyster Rock’s Oyster Rockefeller, which is made with roasted oysters, spinach, bacon, and a blend of cheeses.
They also offer a variety of seafood dishes, including shrimp, scallops, and crab cakes. The restaurant has a large outdoor patio that overlooks the calm area waterways.
4: Causeway Gourmet:
Causeway Gourmet is a casual restaurant that offers sandwiches, salads, and gourmet takeout food options. They also have a selection of craft beers and wines.
The restaurant’s speciality is the “South of Philly” sandwich, made with tender sirloin steak, caramelized onions, and provolone cheese.
5: Maria’s Pizzeria:
Indulge in authentic Italian cuisine at Maria’s Pizzeria, a family-owned gem here in Ocean Isle Beach. Known for their mouthwatering hand-tossed pizzas, Maria’s also serves up a scrumptious array of pasta dishes, calzones, and subs.
Don’t miss their signature white pizza, topped with ricotta, mozzarella, and garlic, or the popular shrimp fra diavolo, a spicy seafood delight. Visit Maria’s for a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a memorable meal.
6: Pelican’s Perch:
Savour the coastal flavours at Pelican’s Perch, a beloved eatery here in town. This laid-back restaurant offers fresh seafood, juicy burgers, and crisp salads, all prepared with a unique twist.
Feast on their famous blackened mahi-mahi tacos, topped with house-made slaw and a zesty aioli, or try the delectable crab cake sandwich, packed with succulent crab meat. With a relaxed ambience and friendly service, Pelican’s Perch is a must-visit dining destination.
7: Ocean Isle Fish Company:
Experience waterfront dining at its finest at Ocean Isle Fish Company, a top destination for seafood lovers in Ocean Isle Beach, NC.
Relish their exquisite menu, featuring locally sourced seafood like their renowned blackened grouper, served with a zesty mango salsa, or the irresistible shrimp and grits.
Enjoy stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway as you dine, and immerse yourself in the coastal charm of this exceptional restaurant.
8: Sugar Shack:
Sugar Shack is a beachfront burger joint that offers a variety of seafood, burgers, and sandwiches. The must-try dish here is the fish tacos, which are made with fresh local fish, shredded cabbage, and a spicy aioli sauce.
They also have a large selection of beer and wine. The restaurant’s location, just steps from the beach, makes it a popular spot for tourists and locals alike to eat.
9: The Purple Onion Cafe:
The Purple Onion Cafe is a casual cafe that offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu includes a variety of sandwiches, burgers, salads, and soups.
Well-known for the blackened shrimp salad, which is made with mixed greens, blackened shrimp, and a sweet and tangy dressing, this zesty salad really puts some zip in your lunch or dinner. They also have a selection of beer and wine.
The cafe’s atmosphere is laid-back, casual and friendly, making it a popular spot for families.
10: Jinks Creek Waterfront Grille:
Jinks Creek Waterfront Grille is an Ocean Isle Beach seafood spot that offers beautiful views of the Intracoastal Waterway. The menu features a variety of seafood plates, as well as burgers and salads.
Be sure to try the pan-seared scallops, which are served with a sweet potato puree and a balsamic glaze–it’s simply delicious. They also have a full bar and a large outdoor patio.
By the Sea, but More Than Just Seafood
On your next Ocean Isle Beach vacation, be sure to check out these ten amazing restaurants. Though the North Carolina coast is home to so many delicious dining destinations, these ten stand head and shoulders above other area favorites.
From seafood shacks, to white-linen service establishments, to gourmet burgers, there is something for every taste and budget.
Whether you’re in the mood for the freshest seafood, Italian cuisine, or gourmet burgers, these Ocean Isle Beach restaurants will not disappoint.
Now that the food’s sorted, you’ll still need a place to stay on your Ocean Isle Beach vacation. Find a vacation rental your family will love with Coastaway.
