Finding the best seafood in Morehead City, NC is a delicious kind of quest. The town sits on the edge of Bogue Sound, where fishing boats glide in every morning. Locals know the trick is following the scent of shrimp on the docks or the chatter about the catch of the day. I’ve wandered these salty streets, choosing meals by the sound of shells cracking or the way the sun hits a plate of grilled grouper.
Here, seafood isn’t just food; it’s a ritual. I’ve tasted delicate crab cakes beside the water, lingered over hushpuppies, and swapped stories with regulars who consider a good oyster roast as sacred as Sunday brunch. If you’re hungry for fresh fish, friendly faces, and old-school coastal charm, this list will take you straight to the table. You’re about to discover where seafood tastes like it’s supposed to—right next to the ocean.
1. Red Fish Grill
Red Fish Grill draws you in with a laid-back vibe, but its plates are pure coastal elegance. The view of boats drifting on the water helps everything taste fresher. On my last visit, the grilled local flounder made me pause mid-conversation—the seasoning was subtle, letting the fish shine.
For seafood in Morehead City, it’s hard to top their blackened shrimp platter. It arrives sizzling, with a side of crisp vegetables. Not a fan of heat? Go for their pan-seared scallops, which come out tender and sweet, paired with a light lemon butter sauce.
The menu offers something for everyone, including gluten-free and vegetarian choices. Red Fish Grill is that rare spot where every bite celebrates the coast.
2. Parrott’s on 11th
Step into Parrott’s on 11th, and you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled upon a local secret. Housed in a historic home, the atmosphere balances charm with elegance. The focus here is on award-winning fresh local seafood and dishes made from scratch. I once had their crab-stuffed grouper and was convinced no one else could pull off such depth of flavor.
The seared sea scallops are a house favorite. They’re golden on the outside, soft in the middle, and finished with a delicate sauce. It’s the kind of plate that lingers in your memory. For variety, the seafood risotto showcases the kitchen’s skill with timing and seasoning.
Vegetarian and vegan options make this spot inclusive for every group. Parrott’s on 11th delivers a meal that feels special every time.
3. Floyd’s 1921 Restaurant
Floyd’s 1921 Restaurant makes you feel welcome before you even sit down. The setting—a historic home with a leafy patio—draws you in whether you’re dressed up or just off the boat. I’ve spent evenings listening to live music on their patio as the sun set, fork poised over a plate of local catch.
This place is known for seafood that’s comforting but also inventive. Try the shrimp and grits, which blends perfectly creamy grits with plump, seasoned shrimp. The blackened mahi mahi impresses with its bold spice and delicate texture. Each plate comes out with just enough flair to keep you curious about the next bite.
Gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian eaters find plenty of choices, too. Floyd’s is where classic southern style meets local, coastal flavor—the kind that keeps regulars coming back.
4. Snapperz Grill & Steam Bar Morehead City
Snapperz Grill & Steam Bar feels alive, bustling with locals and visitors swapping stories over steaming plates. The mood is casual, but the flavors are anything but ordinary. I’ve watched plates of oysters vanish almost as soon as they’re set down, each one a taste of the coast.
The star here is the steam pot loaded with in-season shrimp, clams, and fresh fish. Each bite is sweet, briny, and cooked just right. If you prefer crispy, try the lightly fried local fish. Their sides—corn on the cob, red potatoes—round out the meal, giving it that backyard feast feeling that’s tough to beat.
Vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free? Snapperz has thoughtful options. This is Morehead City seafood in its liveliest form.
5. Southern Salt Seafood Company
At Southern Salt Seafood Company, the scent of the ocean drifts straight from the docks to your table. The bright, airy space draws you in, while the harbor view keeps you glued to your seat. After a long day in Morehead City, I found the laid-back crowd as refreshing as the sea breeze wafting through the open windows.
Their fresh catch platter is a standout, offering grilled fish cooked just until tender, served alongside local vegetables. For something more playful, the shrimp tacos pop with citrus and a hint of spice. Both reflect how the kitchen lets local ingredients shine with minimal fuss.
Southern Salt brings the true taste of the Crystal Coast—fresh, vibrant, and never overcomplicated.
6. Off The Hook
Off The Hook pairs a casual, nautical setting with plates full of flavor. There’s nothing fussy here—just good food and a friendly, energetic feel. On a warm afternoon, I settled in by the window with a cool drink and watched boats come and go while my meal was prepared.
The kitchen’s specialty is shrimp tacos loaded with sweet, local shrimp and a crisp slaw. They’re wrapped in soft tortillas, giving you beach vibes no matter the weather. The grilled fish sandwich also deserves a mention—fresh, flaky, and dressed in their house-made sauce.
Vegetarian options round out the menu for all appetites. Off The Hook feels like a short getaway—right in the heart of Morehead City.
7. The Captain’s Table
The Captain’s Table is one of those spots where locals greet each other by name and visitors are quickly welcomed in. The menu leans into simple, satisfying classics. I remember the hushpuppies arriving hot and golden before the meal—a small preview of what’s to come.
The fried shrimp platter is a standout, crisp without being heavy, served with fresh slaw and hand-cut fries. If you’re up early, their seafood omelet makes breakfast a reason to linger a bit longer. Every plate here feels rooted in Morehead City tradition.
The Captain’s Table is about honest food and genuine service. It’s a taste of home for many—and a must-stop for anyone chasing down coastal flavor.
8. Sanitary Fish Market & Restaurant
Sanitary Fish Market & Restaurant is a Morehead City icon, dating back to 1938. Its old-school dockside setting stretches right over the water, and there’s a certain pleasure in watching boats unload the day’s catch while you scan the menu. I’ve eaten here surrounded by a tide of families and travelers, all chasing that same unbeatable freshness.
The broiled seafood platter is a safe bet for newcomers, loaded up with shrimp, scallops, and fish—all cooked to bring out natural flavors. The flounder, either grilled or broiled, is another staple that deserves attention. Each dish feels connected to tradition and the daily work of local fisherfolk.
Sanitary Fish Market offers classic, unpretentious seafood, capturing the spirit of coastal dining in every bite.
9. Circa 81 Tapas and Cocktaileria
Circa 81 Tapas and Cocktaileria reinvents local seafood with a creative spin and a laid-back vibe. The first time I stopped in, the buzz at every table hinted that something special was underway in the kitchen. Here, dishes arrive in shareable plates, letting you try a little bit of everything without missing out.
Crab cakes are a must—they highlight flaky local crab and a bright citrus aioli. The shrimp and grits, served in a small bowl, bring together comfort and polish in a single bite. The rotating specials often feature catches straight from Carteret County boats, a reminder that “fresh” is more than just a buzzword here.
Circa 81 is the destination for those craving innovation and coastal tradition on the same table.
10. Yellowfin Pub & Sugarloaf Island Deli
Yellowfin Pub & Sugarloaf Island Deli sits right on the waterfront, offering a front-row seat to passing boats and sunlit afternoons. The energy is easygoing, with big windows and a breeze that carries the scent of the sea. On my last visit, live music drifted through as I scanned the menu.
The fish sandwich here is a crowd-pleaser—flaky, fresh, and simply dressed. If you’re after something lighter, the crab-stuffed avocado is a prime pick, marrying the natural sweetness of crab with creamy avocado. Every plate reflects the kitchen’s focus on simple, quality ingredients.
Yellowfin Pub & Sugarloaf brings together great local seafood and a classic coastal view—a combination that always hits the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What seafood is Morehead City known for?
Morehead City is famous for its local shrimp, fresh fish like flounder and mahi mahi, blue crab, and oysters. Caught just off the coast, these ingredients star at many local restaurants.
Are there restaurants in Morehead City with waterfront views?
Yes, several top spots offer water views, including Red Fish Grill, Sanitary Fish Market & Restaurant, Southern Salt Seafood Company, and Yellowfin Pub. Dining by the water adds to the local seafood experience.
Can I find gluten-free or vegetarian options at seafood restaurants in Morehead City?
Most restaurants on this list provide gluten-free and vegetarian choices, including Circa 81, Snapperz Grill & Steam Bar, and Parrott’s on 11th. Menu options are clearly marked and staff are helpful with substitutions.
Do I need reservations for popular seafood spots?
Reservations are recommended for fine dining or during peak dinner hours, especially in the summer. For more relaxed spots, walk-ins are usually welcome.
What’s the best time of year for fresh local seafood in Morehead City?
Summer and fall bring the best selection, with shrimp, oysters, and local fish at their freshest. Many spots update menus with the changing catch, so there’s always something new.
