Sanitary Fish Market and Restaurant
Morehead City
Capts. Ted Garner and Tony Seamon first met at the Morehead City port and soon joined forces to open the Sanitary. Now, Garner’s grandchildren Jeff and Lisa run the place. Diners can enjoy the famous soft-shell crab sandwiches surrounded by historical photos.
501 Evans Street
(252) 247-3111
sanitaryfishmarket.com
Darrell’s Seafood Restaurant
Manteo
Locals know that there’s more than just fried oysters, crab cakes, and popcorn shrimp here — there’s also delicious barbecue. Founded by Darrell and Dora Daniels, the restaurant is now run by their son Allen and his family, who all play a big role in carrying on the legacy.
521 U.S. Highway 64/264
(252) 473-5366
darrellsseafood.com
Miller’s Waterfront Restaurant
Nags Head
Guests enjoy spectacular views of sunsets and local wildlife from their tables overlooking Roanoke Sound while dining on specialties like flounder topped with jumbo lump crabmeat or sipping a cocktail at the open-air bar upstairs.
6916 South Croatan Highway
(252) 441-6151
millerswaterfront.com
Basnight’s Lone Cedar Cafe
Nags Head
Commercial fisherwoman Vicki Basnight and her sister Caroline continue to support local fishermen, just as their family has since they opened this restaurant. Diners can expect to see ingredients from across North Carolina coming to the table.
7623 South Virginia Dare Trail
(252) 441-5405
lonecedarcafe.com
Michael’s Seafood Restaurant
Carolina Beach
Its beachy ambience and award-winning chowder have made Michael’s a local favorite. The restaurant has also played an active role in the community by creating a culinary arts scholarship and raising money for cystic fibrosis.
1206 North Lake Park Boulevard A
(910) 458-7761
mikescfood.com
Southern Salt Seafood Company and Waterfront Restaurant
Morehead City
This revival of Carteret County’s oldest restaurant, Captain Bill’s, brought fine dining to a classic waterfront space. The menu offers delicious takes on traditional seafood dishes, many of which are made using fresh catch from the restaurant’s own boat and oysters from its offsite aquaculture business.
701 Evans Street
(252) 499-9528
southernsaltseafood.com
Cypress Hall Kitchen + Bar
New Bern
Chef Ashley Moser’s grandmother instilled in him a fondness for cooking at an early age. It’s a passion that grew during his time at Johnson & Wales University in Charleston, South Carolina, and which is on full display at Cypress Hall, where he serves up seasonal and local dishes like sweet pea risotto and Valenciana Paella.
219 Middle Street
(252) 633-5909
cypresshallrestaurant.com
Dock House Seafood & More
Holden Beach
It’s hard to miss this bright blue restaurant overlooking the Holden Beach Bridge and the Intracoastal Waterway. As customers gaze at summer sunsets over the dock, the savory aromas of local favorites — like the mac-and-cheese burger, seafood potpie, and chicken and waffles — float in the air. Co-owner Tommy Economos vacationed in Holden Beach all his adult life and returned for the beauty and good company, both of which are found at his restaurant.
103 South Shore Drive
(910) 846-9920
dockhousehb.com
