Foodiest city on NC coast

[jonfrank604]

We want to enjoy the sun and good food. We would like to decide where we go by where has the best food. We have been to Carolina beach, and were not that impressed...were originally from south florida. Any recommendations of NC coastal cities with great food?

[lynnlato]

I think foodie and NC coast are a contradiction of terms. LOL That said, the closest thing to great food is likely to be found in the outer banks. But even there, things are hit or miss. My suggestion would be to pick your destination and then buy local shrimp and fish and cook for yourself. That is, of course, if you're renting a place.

[Jeanne]

I totally disagree with this - the Wrightsville Beach area has some great restaurants, as does Beaufort, NC. The outer banks has some good restaurants too. All the examples above have been good ones.

[lynnlato]

Well, we'll have to agree to disagree. I've never been to Beaufort, but I've lived in KDH (my family owned a small restaurant there a long time ago) and have visited most of the other little beach towns on our beautiful NC coast and a "foodie" haven none of them are, IMHO. Same goes for SC, except for Charleston.

[veganhater]

You are correct about most of the beach towns, but certainly incorrect in dismissing the food scene in towns like Beaufort, Duck and Wilmington.

[carolinadawg]

Lynn - have you been to Wilmington/Wrightsvile Beach? I'm astounded that you don't think there is/haven't found great food there. Personally, I've found the outer banks to be lacking great food, although in fairness, I've olny been there a handful of times.

[carolinadawg]

You might get some good information from this past thread...

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/623428

[miss piggy]

We ate very well when we stayed in Nags Head on the Outer Banks. Blue Moon Beach Grill and Kill Devil Grill were standouts, Tortugas Lie and Sugar Shack were excellent as well, and we also enjoyed picking up fresh seafood to cook on our own a few nights. Although I'm not sure if you are considering OBX the "coast."

[nickdanger]

I don't know why you wouldn't, although there are very few places with ocean view dining. Could also recommend Rundown Cafe and Goombays for an Island vibe, and Kill Devil Custard for good custard and deep fried hot dog.

[veganhater]

Beaufort is probably the best coastal town for upscale dining. Blue Moon alone is worth the trip, and there are a few other worthy dining spots. You may want to check out the Beaufort Food and Wine festival, which is coming up in April. Carolinadawg's post is pretty solid as well, and I'd add Brasserie du Soleil (I think that's the name) and Deluxe.

[carolinadawg]

I'd say Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach. Some good choices are Caprice Bistro, Port Land Grill, Catch, Circa 1922, South Beach Grill, etc. Do a search and you'll find lots of suggestions.

A close second would be the Morehead City/Beaufort area.

[jonfrank604]

Is Morehead city easy enough access to the beach, or do I need to stay in Atlantic beach for that? I've heard of a few good places to eat in morehead and Beufort...

[carolinadawg]

You'd have to drive from MC to get to the beach, and I would assume parking would be an issue.

[Naco]

There are plenty of public beach access points in Atlantic Beach. Parking isn't really an issue except on major holidays. It can be a little hard to find a spot on the weekend, but nothing too terrible.