Restaurants

For most folks, a trip to the beach means heaping plates of fresh seafood, and there is plenty of it here. You'll find shrimp, oysters, scallops and all kinds of fish on most of the restaurant menus in Southport, Oak Island and Bald Head Island, N.C. For the full beach effect, add an order of hush puppies, a side of slaw and a cold glass of sweet tea. In addition to fine seafood restaurants, the entire Cape Fear coast area has a wide selection of ethnic and American cuisine.  You might also make the drive to Wilmington, or hop the ferry to Carolina Beach for more dining experiences. 

The following price codes are based on the average price for two dinner entrees only. For restaurants not serving dinner, the codes reflect mid-priced lunch entrees for two. Dual codes indicate that lunch and dinner prices vary significantly. The price codes do not reflect the state/county sales tax or gratuities.

$ Less than $20
$$ $20 to $30
$$$ $31 to $45
$$$$ More than $45

With its extensive menu, this restaurant could be called Atlantic Seafood & Steaks & Pasta & Chicken & Salads &  - well, you get the idea. The owners of this family owned business have extensive experience in the restaurant business and it shows when you experience the taste of their food....read more

Beautiful Kitchen, indeed! Beautiful dining room, beautiful lounge, beautiful food. At Bella Cucina you will find Tuscan-style food made with recipes handed down in the family and using only the freshest ingredients, including herbs from a local farm, to achieve the subtle flavors. From Antipasto to Dolce, the dinner menu is...read more

Directly across the street from the Southport water tower you will find Dry Street Pub & Pizza. Local art decorates the walls of this cozy restaurant with small tables and a bar. If it’s lunch or a light dinner you want, then you have come to the right place. The food is...read more

Don't miss Fishy Fishy Cafe! Whether you arrive by land or by sea, you will thoroughly enjoy the Caribbean flavor of the restaurant and the food. Dine indoors in the main dining room or outdoors either on the deck or at the Outside Patio Bar. Any seat overlooks the Yacht Basin Marina...read more

Since 2003, Joseph's has been providing Italian style meals using recipes handed down from his mama. Sometimes she even works beside him the kitchen. Everything is homemade including the breads and desserts. The restaurant itself has a Tuscany inspired atmosphere including red and marble accents. There are wonderful views of the marina...read more

Live Oak Cafe, nestled under one of Southport’s lovely old live oak trees, is housed in one of three historic homes known as “The Three Sisters.” Owner/Chef Sean Mundy and his wife, Jennifer Charron, spent seven months refurbishing the house to spectacular results. When you step inside the door, the original...read more

Mr. P's is family owned and operated and offers Low Country cuisine. Here you will find seafood platters, slow roasted prime rib, stuffed fish, crab cakes, filet mignon, grilled beef tenderloin, chicken and penne and more -  each dish a succulent feast. Wines are available to complement your meal and the restaurant has full...read more

Located in Downtown Southport, The Pharmacy Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. The owners have restored the building, once a pharmacy, beautifully -  with the dark wood interior, original ceilings and a gallery seating area. From soups through salads, to sandwiches and wraps, to seafood, pasta, steak and dessert, you will...read more

If your taste buds are set for authentic Mexican cuisine in an awesome array of mouth-watering choices, San Felipe is an excellent choice. Located in the Live Oak Village Shopping Center, San Felipe serves lunch and dinner daily in a lively and friendly atmosphere where regulars from as far away as...read more

If you are searching for a Southern eclectic culinary experience at a full-service restaurant, Taylor Cuisine Cafe is tailor made for you. For breakfast, lunch or dinner you will find quality fresh foods creatively prepared and friendly service at affordable prices. For breakfast, try eggs any style, pancakes, waffles, French toast, bagels, biscuits and gravy, Walt's famous home...read more

Walking through historic Southport can work up an appetite, and Trolly Stop's long list of dogs is sure to appeal. Trolly Stop serves a specially produced Smithfield all-meat dog, all-beef Sabrett dogs, no-carb veggie dogs and low fat/no-carb turkey dogs. Choose from the Southport (topped with special sauce, mustard and onions),...read more

Unless they have been forewarned, first time visitors looking for 'Provisions' (as this restaurant is referred to by the locals) may go right by it thinking they have been given incorrect directions. The only indication that this little shack on the waterfront is a restaurant is the line of people that...read more