15 Best Atlantic Beach Restaurants (By A Local)
Abby and Sam Price
Atlantic Beach is one of the best beaches in the state of North Carolina and we cannot recommend visiting this coastal town enough.
Between the incredible views, handful of beach access points, and close proximity to downtown areas such as Morehead City and Beaufort, it truly is a great place to vacation.
We live right down the road from Atlantic Beach and visit this area frequently for its awesome beach and delicious restaurants.
Below you will find a list of the best Atlantic Beach restaurants to help you choose where to eat during your stay! Enjoy!
The Ultimate List of The Best Atlantic Beach Restaurants
1. Amos Mosquito’s
Are you searching for the best seafood restaurants in Atlantic Beach, NC?
Look no further! Amos Mosquito’s Restaurant is one of the very best places to grab fresh seafood in the area.
We highly recommend that you try their shrimp and grits and their delicious crab dip. But you truly can’t go wrong with anything on their menu!
Plus, they have incredible indoor and outdoor seating. If you wish to sit outside, you’ll be able to take in some incredible views of the surrounding water.
It’s important to note that Amos Mosquito’s is only open for dinner so make sure to plan accordingly, you won’t want to miss this restaurant!
2. 4 Corners Diner
The 4 Corners Diner could not be in a more central location, located right in the center of Atlantic Beach and near one of the biggest beach access points.
This Diner is not only in a fabulous location but the atmosphere and food will leave you feeling full and happy!
We recommend trying one of their delicious omelets, pancakes, or french toast… or if you are feeling super hungry, why not try all three?!
This is the perfect place to grab a hearty breakfast or lunch and then head out to the beach to enjoy some time in the sun.
3. Oceanana Pier Restaurant
If you are searching for Atlantic Beach restaurants on the water, look no further.
Oceanana Pier Restaurant is a phenomenal place to visit for breakfast or lunch and you gain some truly remarkable views of the pier and the surrounding beach and ocean!
We highly recommend that you check this restaurant out for breakfast because they serve up some delicious pancakes as well as omelets.
It is the perfect place to grab a scrumptious bite to eat before or after surf fishing.
Once you have finished reeling in some great catches from the pier, be sure to set your surf fishing rod, beach fishing cart, and your go-to saltwater tackle box aside and head into the restaurant to rejuvenate and replenish your energy!
4. Shark Shack
The Shark Shack is the perfect place to stop by for a quick lunch break during your next beach day!
They whip up some fabulous fried seafood and fish sandwiches.
This is the perfect place to visit for those looking for a quick bite to eat and enjoy it outside before continuing your time out in the sun along the beach.
5. The Island Grille
The Island Grille is another awesome place to visit for those looking for a fresh seafood dinner in Atlantic Beach.
Not only does this restaurant serve up great dishes including crab cakes and crab dip but they are also known for having a great bar to enjoy some delicious cocktails at!
6. Table 9 Seafood Restaurant
Another seafood restaurant in the Atlantic Beach area is Table 9 Seafood Restaurant.
This establishment is known for serving up seafood and steak dishes and is a bit more upscale than other seafood restaurants in the area.
This is a great place to go for a fancier meal or on a date night.
Plus, they offer some delicious wines and cocktails on their menu as well.
7. Venice Italian Kitchen
Are you in search of some of the best Italian cuisine in the Atlantic Beach area?
Venice Italian Kitchen must be on your list of places to try!
This restaurant serves up some of the best lasagna and chicken parmigiana that you will try in the area.
We highly recommend that you come for dinner one night and be prepared to leave full and happy after devouring some truly delicious Italian food!
8. Idle Hour Biergarten
For those looking for something a bit more casual, Idle Hour Biergarten is a great place to check out.
Not only is this a great place to check out for those looking for some delicious craft beer on tap but they also serve up some incredible American bites to eat such as burgers, hot dogs, fries and more.
Plus, they serve up some great beach food including shrimp burgers, mahi mahi tacos, and other seafood fan favorites.
Not only do we love the menu and beer at Idle Hour Biergarten but we love that they are extremely pet friendly and have outdoor seating for you and your pup to enjoy!
9. Bahia Beach House and Surf Bar
Another great option for one of the best Atlantic Beach restaurants is Bahia Beach House and Surf Bar.
This is a great place to visit for those looking for delicious cocktails and drinks. Plus, they serve up some tasty enchiladas and tacos for you to enjoy as well.
It’s important to note that this restaurant’s hours change depending on the day!
We typically recommend stopping by for dinner or beverages at night but be sure to check out their hours ahead of time.
10. On the Rocks
One of the best places for live music in Atlantic Beach is definitely On the Rocks!
We love that they offer live music and we recommend following them on social media for updates on when and who will be playing.
Additionally, On the Rocks has many great seafood dishes including delicious flounder and chowder.
This is a great place to visit for those looking for a delicious dinner with a lively atmosphere!
11. Atlantic Beach Seafood and Fresh Market
The Atlantic Beach Seafood and Fresh Market is not technically a “restaurant” but it is one of the best places to go to pick up fresh seafood for lunch or dinner.
We recommend heading to this market to pick up fresh catches to cook at home or picking up one of their steam pots to enjoy for lunch or dinner!
12. Nacho’s Mexican Restaurant
Are you in search of one of the best Atlantic Beach restaurants that serves up delicious Mexican cuisine?
You must add Nacho’s Mexican Restaurant to your list of places to try!
This is a great casual restaurant to try for lunch or dinner.
We recommend trying one of their tasty margaritas and their fajitas for a meal that is sure to leave you satisfied!
13. Beach Burgers
Beach Burgers is a great place to stop by for those looking for a quick but incredibly delicious lunch.
They serve up some tasty foods including BBQ, burgers, and brisket sandwiches.
This is a great place to stop by during a beach day for a quick bite to eat before heading back to relax by the ocean!
14. Roma Pizza and Subs
Another phenomenal restaurant in the Atlantic Beach area is Roma Pizza and Subs.
This establishment is known for their pizza, subs, and calzones.
We recommend stopping by for a casual dinner or picking it up to-go so that you can enjoy it at home!
15. Sub Tropics
Sub Tropics is a great place to visit for lunch in Atlantic Beach. They serve up countless different subs, sandwiches, and wraps.
This is the perfect place to check out for those looking for a quick lunch stop or for those looking to pick up lunch for the whole group!
FAQs About The Best Atlantic Beach Restaurants
What are the best seafood restaurants near Atlantic Beach, NC?
The best seafood restaurants in Atlantic Beach are Amos Mosquito’s, The Island Grille, and Table 9 Seafood.
Where is the best place to grab drinks in Atlantic Beach?
We recommend stopping by Idle Hour Biergarten for delicious craft beer.
If you are searching for delicious cocktails we recommend checking out The Island Grille or Bahia Beach House and Surf Bar.
Where is the best place to grab lunch in Atlantic Beach?
We recommend grabbing lunch at The Shark Shack, Sub Tropics, or Beach Burgers for quick and delicious lunch options to enjoy near the beach.
FAQs About Atlantic Beach
Where is the best place to stay in Atlantic Beach?
Check out the map below for the best places to stay in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina!
Should I visit Atlantic Beach or Emerald Isle?
Be sure to check out our article on Atlantic Beach or Emerald Isle for a more in depth look into which place is best for you!
Typically, we recommend Atlantic Beach for smaller groups that are looking for more to do and for those that plan on going into downtown areas such as Morehead City and Beaufort. Plus, there are quite a few golf courses surrounding the Atlantic Beach area!
Whereas, we typically recommend Emerald Isle for those looking to rent a big beach house and relax and enjoy the ocean views.
We hope you enjoyed this article on the best Atlantic Beach restaurants.
For similar posts, be sure to check out the best surf fishing in North Carolina and the best things to do in the Outer Banks. Happy Beaching!
