One thing people will always do when they go on vacation is look and see what the best restaurants in the city they're visiting are. I know that's what I do. When I'm going out of town or to a city I've never been to before the first thing I want to do is go to a restaurant in the city that is a staple and gives a feel of what the city is.
Trip Advisor put together a list of the top restaurants to dine at based on fine dining, everyday eats, date night, hidden gems, quick bites, family-friendly and vegetarian restaurants. There were four restaurants in North Carolina that made Trip Advisor's top ten list.
Top North Carolina Restaurants:
- Outer Banks Boil Company in Corolla at No. 1 for families
- No. 2 for fine dining The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge in Blowing Rock at
- No. 3 for date nights Plant in Asheville at No. 3 for vegetarian meals
- Jettie Rae’s Oyster House in Asheville at No. 9 for “everyday eats”
The Outer Banks Boil Company was the only North Carolina restaurant to rank No. 1 in its category. Though the business has locations along the East Coast, the location in Corolla reigned supreme. They are serving up some of your favorite seafood options such as lobster tails, shrimp, scallops, and more. Have any of you eaten at any of these restaurants?
The Best Seafood In North Carolina According To One List, Isn’t On The Coast
When you think of top-tier fresh seafood, you usually think of the beach or at least somewhere near the coast. Especially in North Carolina the Calabash area is considered the pinnacle of seafood. So when I came across this list of the best seafood in every state, well I figured it would be in Calabash. If not there then somewhere else on the coast. Perhaps Wilmington or the Outer Banks? But nope. Not this list. It was created by a website called 24/7 Wall Street. They created a list of the best seafood in every state including North Carolina. So how exactly did they do this?
According to the article, they " consulted lists, ratings, and reviews from websites including Guide Michelin, Eat This Not That, Food Network, Gayot, Eater, and Time Out, as well as numerous local and regional sites." What was considered a "seafood restaurant"? Well, sushi and "informal seafood shacks" were omitted from the list. The establishments included can be anything from fancy white tablecloth restaurants to casual restaurants. Some offer fried fish or shrimp, others have a range of flavors including Mexican, Portuguese, Chinese, or New American. They also mention that regional trends are represented- think Cajun crawfish, Maryland crabs, New England chowder, and Maine lobster.
Hungry yet? So if such emphasis is put on regional fresh seafood, and the best seafood in North Carolina isn't in Calabash or the coast at all, where is it? Keep reading to see the best seafood in NC as well as some of our neighbors. You can read the full 24/7 Wall Street list here. Do you disagree? Let me know! I'd love to know what your favorite is. Just don't shoot the messenger if you don't agree.
North Carolina - Captain Tom’s Seafood Grill & Bar (Kernersville)
Address: 1265 Highway 66 South Kernersville, NC 27284
According to their website Captain Tom's has been a staple of the Kernersville and Triad community since 1972. They serve the "freshest seafood" in a "style all their own". They pride themselves on reasonable prices. The menu includes starters like shrimp cocktail, raw and fried oysters, and a crab and spinach dip. For entrees try the platter or create a plate of your favorite fried fish, shrimp, or crab. They also offer broiled seafood, or dishes like shrimp and grits, stuffed flounder, or grilled Mahi Mahi. But don't worry, there are plenty of options for land lovers as well!
South Carolina- 167 Raw (Charleston)
Address: 193 King St, Charleston, SC 29401
South Carolina does take it the coast and the foodie paradise of Charleston. 167 Raw actually has an oyster bar, sushi bar, and bistro. It's more of a high end, fancier restaurant that our previous restaurant. You'll find thinks like a swordfish sandwich, seared yellowfin tuna, and scallops on the menu.
Georgia- Steamhouse Lounge (Atlanta)
Address: 1051 West Peachtree St. in Midtown
The Steamhouse Lounge has a long history in the Atlanta area. It was originally located in Buckhead for 20 years, but is now found in Midtown. What should you expect from a visit? According to their website " award-winning lobster bisque, the freshest seafood, ice cold bottle beer and our signature Goombay Smash." The menu features a raw bar with mussels, clams, oysters, and shrimp. Or perhaps you prefer a basket of your favorite fried seafood, soups, lobster rolls, or a snow crab dinner. But that's not even the half of it!
Florida- Joe’s Stone Crab (Miami)
Address: 11 Washington Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139
The history of Joe's Stone Crab dates all the way back to a counter in 1913. Over its 100+ year history, it has had numerous famous visitors and is still owned by the same family. The menu has grown and now features dishes like crab legs, a seafood trio, conch fritters, and seafood paella. There is also fish and chips, a lobster roll, and New England Seafood Fry.
Virginia- Merroir (Topping)
Address: 784 Locklies Creek Road Topping VA 23169
It doesn't get any fresher than Merrior on the banks of the Rappahannock River, where the restaurant's namesake Oysters are farmed. According to their website, Merroir "is "a “tasting room,” just so people know to expect something different. Everything is either served raw or cooked on an outdoor grill, small-plate-style, and beautifully paired with craft brews and world-famous wines."
