waterfront dining

Waterfront dining along the Carolinas means fresh seafood, sunset views, and dockside charm. From Wilmington’s riverfront to Charleston’s harbor and Murrells Inlet’s marsh-front restaurants, you’ll find shrimp, oysters, and casual beach vibes right on the water, perfect after a day on the sand.

Best Waterfront Restaurants in Wilmington, NC

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Wilmington sneaks up on you. You arrive expecting a charming Southern city, and then, BAM, you discover a food scene that punches well above its weight. Downtown USA Today voted this city’s downtown the number one “Best Al Fresco Dining Neighborhood” in the country. Let that sink in for a moment.

This is a city wedged between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean, and the waterfront restaurant scene reflects every drop of that geography. Whether you want a cold craft beer on the river or a serious dinner overlooking the Atlantic, Wilmington delivers.