The seafood scene in the Wilmington area is more diverse than ever, with fine dining options like manna, Seabird and Catch, and other eateries with menus inspired by Hawaiian, Japanese and Mexican fare. But this area is also home to its own brand of fried seafood. Some of the longtime favorite restaurants have closed, but others still carry on the traditions started in fish camps and other informal, family friendly eateries. Here are a few to check out in New Hanover, Pender and Brunswick counties.
Waterfront Seafood Shack
Bob and Serina Taylor have taken a long-time family business that included a fish market and gradually built it up into the restaurant it is now that sprawls with waterfront seating near the boat docks on the Calabash River. It was the only local restaurant to crack the top 50 in Yelp’s list of Top 100 Seafood Spots for 2024. Be sure to save room for the grilled poundcake for dessert. Details: 9945 Nance St., Calabash; 910-575-0017 https://waterfrontseafoodshack.com.
Calabash Seafood Hut
This sister restaurant to one of the original (now-closed) Calabash restaurants is doing things the way it always has, for the most part. Three generations of the Coleman family manage and run this eatery that opened in 1969. In addition to sandwiches and single seafood platters, there are also a variety of combo entrees, ranging from “The Original” with flounder, shrimp, oysters, deviled crab, scallops and clam strips to the Senior, with flounder and shrimp. Details: 1125 River Road, Calabash; 910-579-6723, www.facebook.com/calabashseafoodhut.
Beck’s Restaurant
There are a few traditional Calabash restaurants still serving with indoor service, including Captain Nance’s Seafood and Dockside Seafood House. But this was among the first of those remaining, and the one that now proclaims, “This is it!” when you’re in the town. People love the flounder, shrimp and scallops -- but the hush puppies also get a lot of love. Details: 1014 River Road, Calabash; 910-579-6776, www.becksrestaurant.com.
Silver Hill Grill
For this roadside kitchen/trailer, it’s definitely “if you know, you know” situation. Just the selection of seafood options can be vaguely intimidating. Do you want the “Shrimp, fish, crab, clam” or the “Fish, oyster, crab, clam?” The scallop burger or the fish burger? Just go with your instinct and take a seat on the screened in porch, if one is available. Details: 2049 Holden Beach Road SW, Supply; 910-842-6420.
Breezeway Restaurant
One of the oldest restaurants in Pender County is a seasonal business with scenic views of the Intracoastal Waterway and a menu that’s stood the test of time. Although they tweak it regularly, the hushpuppy recipe is still the same as when they opened 75 years ago. Although you can find some untraditional options like chicken Alfredo and snow crabs, there’s also a selection of seafood and combination platters. Details: 634 Channel Blvd., Topsail Beach; 910-328-4302, www.thebreezewayrestaurant.com.
Seaview Crab Company Kitchen
Some Wilmington restaurants like Something Fishy and The Boathouse offer menus with Calabash style seafood. This spot near downtown Wilmington has a more eclectic menu, but it’s setting at a fish market with outdoor dining does evoke the fish camp vibe. And fresh seafood can be prepared in platters a variety of ways, including fried. Also look for their daily specials. Details: 1515 Marstellar St., Wilmington, 910-769-1554, www.seaviewcrabcompany.com.
Local's Family Diner
The Southport/Oak Island area also has lots of options for seafood (like Provision Company, Mr. P’s Bistro, Swain’s Seafood and Cut, Fishy Fishy Cafe and more), but one local told us this is his go-to spot for fried seafood. The diner has a varied, comfort food menu that includes nine options for seafood platters. The Deluxe has shrimp, flounder, oysters, deviled crab and scallops. Details: 832 N. Howe St., Southport; 910-457-0444, https://localsfamilydiner.com.
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Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at aballard@gannett.com.
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