Sometimes the best dish you’ll have on vacation is that hidden gem spot you wouldn’t have found without a little local insight. With that in mind, here are a few of our recommendations for the best hidden gem restaurants across the Brunswick Islands.

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a plate of flan with Peru spelled out in chocolate syrup at Aromas at the Beach in Sunset Beach

Photo courtesy of Aromas at the Beach in Sunset Beach

Aromas at the Beach – Sunset Beach

After years in Wilmington, Julian Herr moved his family’s beloved Peruvian restaurant, Aromas at the Beach, to Sunset Beach in 2025. After a great first year, Aroma’s expanded its offerings to include breakfast, lunch, and dinner all served with a Latin American flair.

Menu highlights include the Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken (a recipe the family has been using for over 20 years), ceviche, plantains, yucca, fried rice, and more. Julian is especially proud of Aroma’s authentic ceviche, which he makes with fresh fish sourced from Peru.

In addition to fantastic food, the restaurant has a full bar, serving up classic island cocktails as well as some signature favorites. Order a Pisco Sour for the taste of Peru’s most popular cocktail.

Aromas at the Beach is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner Monday-Saturday.

a plate with a beef kabob, shrimp skewer, and broccoli from angus steak and seafood in calabash, nc

Angus Steak and Seafood – Calabash

In the Seafood Capital of the World, Angus Steak and Seafood is an overlooked gem right on the Calabash River.

Highlights on Angus Steak and Seafood’s menu include the breaded asparagus appetizer, the hand cut New York strip, pork ribs, and beef kebab.

Angus Steak and Seafood is open for dinner Wednesday-Sunday.

a plate of roasted potatoes topped with a bone-in porkchop from LeVolte Oceanfront Dining in Ocean Isle Beach, NC

Photo courtesy of LeVolte Oceanfront Dining in Ocean Isle Beach

Le Volte Oceanfront Dining – Ocean Isle Beach

Le Volte Oceanfront Dining on Ocean Isle Beach is one of the newest restaurants to open its doors in NC’s Brunswick Islands, and the waterfront locale has quickly turned into a favorite for many. Le Volte’s upscale fine-dining experience is perfect for a romantic date night or for groups celebrating a special occasion.

Menu highlights at Le Volte include their bone-in pork chop, short rib, pasta dishes, and scallop plates. Make sure to save room for dessert too! The tiramisu and gelato are visitor favorites.  

Make sure to check in with the restaurant’s socials ahead of your visit too! Le Volte occasionally hosts visiting chefs and wine dinner pairings throughout the year.

Le Volte is open for dinner Wednesday-Sunday.

The Wharf – Holden Beach

The Wharf at Holden Beach is one of the latest restaurants to open in NC’s Brunswick Islands. Located along the Intracoastal Waterway, across from the island of Holden Beach, this casual waterfront spot serves great food with an even better vibe.

Menu highlights include the seafood boil, fried captain’s platter, clam chowder, and the chef’s daily special.

The Wharf is open for lunch and dinner on Saturday-Sunday, and dinner only Monday-Friday.

a plate of noodles served at Thai Noodle House on Oak Island

Photo courtesy of Thai Noodle House on Oak Island

Thai Noodle House – Oak Island

Thai Noodle House, a friendly local favorite on Oak Island, is a hidden gem for a reason. Blink and you might miss the small blue restaurant that serves up delicious authentic Thai cuisine that can pack a punch.

Menu highlights include their signature Pad Thai, Crab Rangoon, Lo Mein, Pad Kee Mao (drunken noodles), and pho.

Patrons are welcome to dine-in, but Thai Noodle House is primarily a take-out spot. Making it an excellent option for a quick and tasty meal while on vacation.

Thai Noodle House is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday-Saturday, and dinner on Monday.

couscous topped with steak and assorted veggies served at Fish Factory Restaurant and Bar in Southport

Photo courtesy of Fish Factory Restaurant and Bar in Southport

Fish Factory Restaurant and Bar – Southport

Frequent visitors to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands may recognize Morgan and Ryan Duffy, the owners and operators of Fish Factory Restaurant and Bar in Southport. The family has a long history of serving delicious food in the area. Now their Fish Factory Restaurant and Bar, which opened in 2025, is a hidden gem for locals and visiting foodies.

Ryan, who is also the restaurant’s head chef, designed the menu to spotlight ingredients from local farms and fisheries. Menu highlights include the shareable crispy brussels, the fresh catch chef’s special, and burgers.

Make sure to save room for dessert too! The restaurant’s talented pastry chef Ben makes a decadent homemade dessert special.

Fish Factory Restaurant and Bar is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday-Saturday.  

a plate of french toast decorated with chocolate whipped cream and strawberries from New Day Cafe in Leland

Photo courtesy of New Day Cafe in Leland

New Day Café - Leland

Foodies shouldn’t skip breakfast, and New Day Café in Leland is just the place to go. You’ll find it tucked away in The Village Shops at Waterford just off Highway 17.

New Day Café’s stuffed French toast is a must-order for foodies with a sweet tooth, while their eggs benedict is a fantastic savory option. Other menu highlights include their homemade chicken salad, a breakfast served with scratch-made biscuits, and on select evenings, their rotating dinner specials.

New Day Café is open for breakfast and lunch daily, as well as dinner on Thursday evenings.

Start Planning Your Visit

Now that you’ve uncovered some of the many hidden gem restaurants in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands, it’s time to plan your trip! Request a free visitors guide for even more trip inspiration and start planning.

We’ll see you foodies soon in the Brunswick Islands!