While there are so many incredible places to eat on the Crystal Coast, one of the top questions people ask when they come to visit is where they can eat with a view! I totally get it, you’re on vacation and you want to dine and actually SEE the water. This list encompasses the best waterfront restaurant Emerald Isle locations!
If you’re looking for a view, you will find it on this list! I’ve included my favorite Emerald Isle waterfront restaurant locations as well as some of the nearby areas! There is everything from oceanfront dining, lunch overlooking the sound, fine dining on Taylor’s Creek, lunch on an active marina, and dessert with amazing sunset views! I hope you find what you’re looking for and enjoy some of our favorite places!
Emerald Isle Waterfront
Surf’s Up
As the only true oceanfront restaurant location in Emerald Isle, NC; Surf’s Up is located directly next to the Bogue Inlet Pier. They feature light meals, baskets, burgers and sandwiches. They also have great drink specials throughout the year. Note: There is a charge for pier parking in the summer and on busy weekends.
Caribsea
One of the nicer restaurants in the area, Caribsea sits in the middle of the island on Emerald Isle. However, as one of the taller buildings on the island they have a great rooftop deck, called the Torpedo Lounge. It is the only place on the island where you can see both the sound and the beach! Pro tip: You can order food at the lounge! They have great cocktails and their crab cakes are some of the best I’ve ever put in my mouth! I highly recommend going before sunset so you can sit and enjoy the view.
Salter Path Waterfront
Anchor Drafthouse
Although not technically in Emerald Isle; Anchor Drafthouse is on Bogue Sound in neighboring Salter Path, NC. If you want something a little more low key, Anchor Drafthouse has great a great selection of craft beers, good pizza, and you can dine out back on Bogue Sound surrounded by boat’s. And while they do have indoor dining, the only real water views are outdoors on their large deck. They also have a great rotating beer menu.
Atlantic Beach Waterfront
Full Moon Oyster Bar
Full Moon Oyster Bar in Atlantic Beach sits right on the water in a small marina that has an outlet to Bogue Sound. They have great drinks, craft beer and a beautiful deck outback where you can take full advantage of the view. Their menu is mostly seafood based and their Lobster Ravioli is SO good! The restaurant is a great place to take advantage of the sunset and has beautiful views overlooking the water!
Swansboro Waterfront
Bake Bottle and Brew
Bake Bottle and Brew is situated right on the mouth of the White Oak River, which feeds directly into Bogue Sound and then nearby Bogue Inlet. A jack of all trades, they have an excellent coffee selection, beer, wine and ice cream! Their upper outdoor deck is small, but offers wonderful views on an nice day and they recently opened a downstairs giftshop with huge outdoor deck and seating that also serves craft beer named Willy Nilly’s. They frequently have bands on the weekends and it is a great place to relax and hang out for a while. They are also dog friendly outside!
Saltwater Grill
Saltwater Grill is right next door in downtown Swansboro. The restaurant has amazing waterfront views and delicious food. I highly recommend the shrimp tacos! They have a full selection of craft beers and great cocktails! You can even come by boat to Swansboro and they have a awesome indoor and outdoor seating!
Morehead City Waterfront
Southern Salt
What could be better than eating seafood on the water? Southern Salt has good seafood options including everyone favorite fried seafood plates. I love their seafood pasta. They also have good drinks! The resturant is in downtown Morehead City and located in the Harbor Channel. They have a great dock that is accessible for private boats and a huge outdoor area. This is a perfect spot to sit and watch the boats pass in the summer! At night be sure to look in the water for fish hunting in their lights.
Beaufort Waterfront
34 North Restaurant
34 North is a great waterfront restaurant inside the relatively new Beaufort Hotel that is worth a visit! The hotel itself is beautifully crafted with old floors and repurposed brick. It sits right on the water on Taylors Creek toward the end of Beaufort. Their dinners are great, but their brunch is wonderful and one of our weekend favorites! If you like eggs benedict try the Beaufort Benedict- an egg benedict with a lump crab cake on top! They have an absolutely delicious cocktail menu including excellent Bloody Mary’s! The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating and great views of Carrot Island, which means you can sometimes spot wild horses while dining! Beaufort is one of our favorite towns to visit near Emerald Isle and is worth a day trip! If you’re visiting be sure to checkout my favorite things to do in Beaufort, NC!
Blacksheep
Although they’ve only been open for a few years, Blacksheep has quickly become one of our favorite places to eat in Beaufort! We are always meeting with friends there as it is a great gathering place. They have delicious salads and artisian pizzas with a large deck situated on the Beaufort, NC boardwalk! There is also an indoor dining area and a large bar for craft cocktails, called Green Room, attached to the restaurant. Since the deck is right on the waterfront in Beaufort, it is one of my favorite places on the Crystal Coast to watch the sunset!
The Dock House
The Dock House is a great place for a quick drink and listening to music in the summer! And while they also serve food, we prefer to stop here for a pre-dinner drink. It’s a great place to go to catch local musicians and has amazing views of the boats on Taylor’s Creek! The boardwalk right in front is an excellent place for sunset pictures!
Moonrakers
Moonrakers is a three story restaurant located in the heart of downtown Beaufort, NC. All three levels have amazing views! The first floor includes the dining hall with a large outdoor deck, the second level is a private event space and the third level has an expansive rooftop deck! They have a special menu for the rooftop and offer some amazing craft cocktails! Their dessert’s are so good that we’ve actually gone for just dessert before !The food is slightly pricey but the view is worth it!
Stillwater
Stillwater Restaurant is located on Taylors Creek near Beaufort Inlet in downtown Beaufort, NC. It has great views of the water and yummy food! We especially like to go there for drinks in an area called the Rhum Bar which has great views of the waterway and passing boats!
More Great Locations
Map with all the best Emerald Isle waterfront restaurant (and beyond)!
Some of our favorite places to eat in the area aren’t waterfront locations, so if you would enjoy great food, checkout the best eats and drinks of the Crystal Coast for other local favorites!
What are your favorite places to eat on the Crystal Coast? Is there somewhere new we have to try? Let me know in the comments and I’ll add it as a reader favorite!
