If you think North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands are just about sandy shores and ocean breeze, think again! One of the greatest draws to this stretch of North Carolina coast is the food! Our food captures salt, history, and local pride in every bite. On your next visit, be sure to let your tastebuds lead the way through these signature dishes you can’t miss.

Seafood lunch in Calabash

Calabash-Style Seafood: A Local Legend

No culinary tour of the Brunswick Islands would be complete without sampling Calabash-style seafood. This charming town, The Seafood Capital of the World, is renowned for its homegrown, seafood cooking style which is fresh seafood, lightly battered, crisp, and fried to golden perfection. Shrimp, scallops, flounder, oysters…you name it, Calabash can do it.

What makes it distinct? The batter is ultra-light, letting the flavor of fresh seafood shine through, and the frying is quick and careful to avoid heaviness. You’ll find Calabash platters at beachside diners and hidden gems alike. The distinctive style of seafood visitors and locals alike have grown to love is actually named after this picturesque fishing village.

a plate of grilled fish, a dish of raw oysters, and a cocktail on an outdoor patio table

Oysters: Fresh, Salty & Celebrated

October kicks off a very special time of year in NC's Brunswick Islands – oyster season! And NC’s Brunswick Islands’ coastline is ideal oyster territory. Whether you like them raw, grilled, baked, or shooter style, you’re in oyster heaven here. Check out the Top Places for Oysters in NC's Brunswick Islands to take advantage of this season and beyond.

Each fall, the North Carolina Oyster Festival in Ocean Isle Beach celebrates everything oyster with shucking contests, tastings, and coastal camaraderie. The oysters in the Brunswick Islands carry that crisp briny flavor that tastes of sea spray and local currents and really represents a true taste of place.

a plate of shrimp, a crab cake, and corn on the cob at Provision Company in Southport

Thee Special: Provision Company

Locals and long-time visitors to NC’s Brunswick Islands know the best deal in town is at ProCo. “Thee Special,” which includes half a pound of freshly steamed shrimp, a crab cake, and a corn on the cob, is the signature dish of the beloved no frills eatery. With waterfront locations in Southport and Holden Beach, you’re never far from a Brunswick Islands favorite.

a plate with a shrimp po boy, chips, and pickle overlooking a view of the Shallotte River

Other Must-Try Coastal Classics

While Calabash seafood and oysters steal much of the limelight, the Brunswick Islands offer so much more than just coastal comfort food. Many local eateries are serving up local fare with scenic views that are second to none. You'll find numerous outdoor dining options, including waterfront restaurants overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Fear River, Intracoastal Waterway and more, making for memorable meals that won't just treat your taste buds but will send your whole experience over the top.

Many restaurants also feature fresh catch dishes, highlighting whatever came in from the boats that day whether it’s blackened grouper, grilled mahi, or seared tuna.

Shrimp po’ boys, while not originally from this area, have become a local favorite found at spots like Inlet View Bar & Grill in Shallotte, Ocean Isle Fish Company in Ocean Isle Beach, and Shagger Jacks on Oak Island.

Seafood boils are another coastal classic! Whether enjoyed in a casual restaurant setting or made at home, seafood boils bring together shrimp, crab, corn, and potatoes for the perfect beach feast.

Waterfront Seafood Shack_Calabash

Where to Find These Delights

Here are a few suggestions on where to find your fill of signature dishes in NC’s Brunswick Islands:

  • Beach towns and waterfront dining often lean heavily on Calabash-style offerings. Tip: Ask your server what’s fresh! Many restaurants get deliveries fresh off the water. 
  • The Oyster Rock, a family-owned and operated waterfront Calabash seafood restaurant, specializes in excellent seafood and raw bar items. Overlooking the scenic Calabash River and its pristine estuaries and relaxing atmosphere, The Oyster Rock only uses the freshest and finest ingredients from local and regional suppliers and the beautiful Atlantic Ocean right outside their doors.
  • Right next door, Captain Nance’s and the Waterfront Seafood Shack are celebrated for their Calabash-style seafood plates. Located further from the river, Calabash Seafood Hut and Beck’s Restaurant have served the golden and crispy seafood for generations.
  • Both Cape Fear Boil Company on Oak Island and Feast OIB in Ocean Isle Beach provide pre-assembled seafood boil kits that will feed the entire family. All you have to do is fire up the stovetop.
  • Schedule your vacation around a flavorful festival, and you're sure to find excitement worth savoring. Festivals (especially the NC Oyster Festival) are excellent opportunities to sample many dishes at once.
  • Want to bring the taste home? Visit one of the local seafood markets to pick up the freshest catches to prepare yourself. Check out our blog, From Sea to Fork: Enjoy a Seafood Feast in NC’s Brunswick Islands, for market recommendations and recipes.

A Final Bite

Eating along the Brunswick Islands is more than just satisfying hunger, it’s also a connection to salty tides, generational fishermen, and local culture. From the light crunch of Calabash seafood to the delicacy of oysters, and the sweetness of steamed shrimp, every bite tells our coastal story. Let your food compass guide you through our little slice of paradise!

For more information to taste your way through the islands and find the heart of this place on your plate, please visit www.ncbrunswick.com.