Looking for the best restaurants in Atlantic Beach, NC to enjoy during your beach trip?
We have you covered!
My family has been visiting Atlantic Beach for generations, and our annual summer trips give us a chance to enjoy all the classic places to eat in Atlantic Beach.
While restaurants do come and go on the island–RIP, Channel Marker–many small, family-run eateries have been around for decades.
We’ve rounded up some of the most popular Atlantic Beach restaurants to help you enjoy your next Crystal Coast vacation!
Table of Contents
Tips for Visiting Atlantic Beach Restaurants
As you pick places to eat in Atlantic Beach, keep in mind that many restaurants get overwhelmed with crowds in the summer, and only a few take reservations!
If you can, consider eating outside of peak meal times in order to limit waiting.
Additionally, if you happen to be visiting Atlantic Beach in the off-season, double-check the hours of the eateries you want to visit before going, as some shops close or limit their hours in the winter.
We’ve linked each restaurant’s website or Facebook page below to help you easily check opening times.
Also, keep in mind that while we’ve focused this guide on Atlantic Beach specifically, there are also many excellent places to eat in nearby Beaufort, Morehead City, Emerald Isle, Pine Knoll Shores, etc.
There are plenty of choices when it comes to dining on the Crystal Coast!
Delicious Restaurants in Atlantic Beach, NC
Amos Mosquito’s
A beloved local favorite, Amos Mosquito’s is easily one of the best restaurants in Atlantic Beach, NC!
They don’t take reservations, so on summer nights, you can spot locals and tourists alike lining up in the parking lot before opening in order to get in for dinner.
Their menu is famously eclectic–one of our dinners there featured steamed pork dumplings, meatloaf, scallops, and cobbler, among other things–and everything is fantastic.
The restaurant is located on the water (sound side), so you can enjoy a view and evening breeze on the dock while waiting for your table–and depending on where you’re seated, from your table!
4 Corners Diner
Down-home, unpretentious diner food served up right in the center of town: the 4 Corners Diner is an Atlantic Beach classic.
While the diner itself is newer, the building 4 Corners Diner is housed in is the oldest restaurant building in Atlantic Beach, and the interior definitely has a delightfully retro vibe.
I’m partial to the breakfasts, but the burgers and daily specials (such as all-you-can-eat shrimp) are also very popular.
Venice Italian Kitchen
Looking for hearty, classic Italian dishes in Atlantic Beach?
Venice Italian Kitchen has you taken care of!
This blink-and-you’ll-miss-it family-run Atlantic Beach restaurant is just past the bridge when coming in from Morehead, and it’s well worth checking out.
Their lasagna, manicotti, eggplant parmesan, and more are all a hit, and the portions are gigantic.
We took home leftovers that made a great after-the-beach meal the next day!
Oceanana Pier House Restaurant
Featuring one of the best views around, the waterfront Oceanana Pier is home to a down-home diner that makes the perfect stop before or after your stroll (or fishing trip) on the pier.
Serving fresh, local seafood as well as diner favorites like breakfast platters and burgers, Oceanana Pier is a fun spot to grab a quick bite to eat in Atlantic Beach, NC.
Their Atlantic Beach pie is also tasty!
We’re also partial to visiting for breakfast: the food is good, and there’s nothing like enjoying a water view first thing in the morning.
If you a true beachfront dining experience, you can opt to dine at one of their outdoor tables on the pier!
Idle Hour Biergarten
Located just a few steps from the water and offering both indoor and outdoor seating, Idle Hour Biergarten is the perfect casual beach restaurant in Atlantic Beach.
Whether you want to grab a drink in the shade or enjoy a full meal, this spot near the Circle is an excellent choice.
Their outdoor patio area is spacious, features a fireplace (I assume for winter visitors to enjoy!) and some lawn games. It’s also dog-friendly, a plus for our dog Ranger.
Don’t skip the soft pretzel!
Island Grille
As one of the most enduringly popular seafood restaurants in Atlantic Beach, Island Grille is known for its weekly BOGO specials, its signature filet, its scrumptious seafood, and its small, cozy dining room.
Unlike many places to eat in Atlantic Beach, Island Grille does take reservations, so feel free to call ahead and make arrangements for your next special occasion dinner!
Located at the end of Money Island Drive, Island Grille is only a few steps away from a public beach access point–perfect for a before-dinner stroll on the sand!
The Shark Shack
Offering low-key seafood dishes at extremely competitive prices, The Shark Shack is a popular Atlantic Beach dining spot right off Fort Macon Road.
They also–importantly–have some of the best hush puppies I’ve ever eaten!
If you have some non-seafood-eaters with you, staples like burgers and chicken are also available from the grill.
There’s no indoor dining room here, but the fenced yard featuring lawn games is great for dogs and kids.
There is very limited seating due to occupancy laws, but counters to stand at.
One thing to note is that Shark Shack has very limited hours. As of the time of writing, it’s open from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM on Tuesday and Wednesday, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and is closed Sunday and Monday.
It’s worth planning around, though!
Roma Pizza and Subs
This classic, lowkey pizza joint has been serving up classic New York-style pizza in Atlantic Beach for decades.
Roma Pizza and Subs is a fantastic option for nights when you want an easy, hot meal to take home after a day at the beach.
I have very fond memories of diving into their pizza after a long afternoon of swimming as a kid!
Table 9 Seafood Restaurant
Looking for an upscale seafood restaurant worthy of a date night or a special celebration?
Table 9, with its cozy ambiance and creative menu, is the perfect place for a special dinner in Atlantic Beach.
Keep in mind that they (like many Atlantic Beach restaurants) don’t accept reservations, and open at 4:00 PM most days.
If you don’t want to wait for a table, consider planning your meal a bit on the early side!
On The Rocks
On The Rocks may not be on the water, and it doesn’t feature the outdoor dining that is so popular during the summer in Atlantic Beach–but it does offer classic seafood dishes and burgers at competitive prices for this beach town!
If you’re looking for a cozy booth, the possibility of live music, great service, and even a gigantic salad bar, this is the place to eat in Atlantic Beach for you.
Be sure to check their Facebook page for updates on events and music.
Full Moon Oyster Bar
This local NC chain has several popular locations across the state, and the Atlantic Beach restaurant is no exception!
If you’re looking for great seafood (especially oysters, of course) in a memorable atmosphere, Full Moon Oyster Bar has you covered.
Don’t forget to check their website for upcoming events and specials!
Atlantic Beach Seafood and Fresh Market
Whether you’re looking for a plate of freshly fried fish to enjoy on-site or a steam pot to go, the Atlantic Beach Seafood and Fresh Market has you covered!
The market also sells additional local products such as olive oil, honey, pies, and more.
Whether you’re looking to stock up on your way into the beach, (they’re located just past the bridge as you come in from Morehead), or just looking for a quick bite, pull into Atlantic Beach Seafood and Fresh Market.
El Zarape Mexican Restaurant
Looking to break up all the seafood with something a bit different?
El Zarape Mexican Restaurant has been in Atlantic Beach for years, serving up TexMex staples like enchiladas, tacos, burritos, margaritas, and more.
This is the place to head when you’re ready to dive into a gigantic pile of chips and salsa after a day at the beach–and they make a great horchata, too.
Sub Tropics
Looking for a quick, easy sandwich restaurant in Atlantic Beach that also happens to be delicious?
The tiny, unassuming, and longstanding Sub Tropics has you covered!
Bahia Beach House and Surf Bar
Located right at The Circle (so not quite oceanfront dining, but close enough you can have your toes in the sand just a couple minutes after finishing supper), Bahia Beach House and Surf Bar serves up creative sea and land dishes, along with cocktails.
The restaurant describes itself as the “Food of the Sun” and it delivers, from the menu that pulls influences from around the globe (options include but aren’t limited to seafood enchiladas, street corn with North Carolina crab dip, and coconut curry) to their dedication to sustainability.
Indoor and outdoor dining options, plus a tiki bar, complete the experience.
Desserts + Sweet Treats in Atlantic Beach
Almost all restaurants in Atlantic Beach serve dessert, of course, but there are a couple businesses with sweet treats that deserve to be highlighted!
Scoopin’ Yummies (ice cream and beyond) and AB Ice Cream and Candy Shoppe are both very popular.
From something a bit different, Hang 10 Donuts at The Circle offers delicious made-to-order donuts that you can enjoy right on the sand.
They’re best when fresh, so eat them fast–not that you’ll be tempted to wait!
Fast Food + Groceries in Atlantic Beach, NC
Looking to stock your beach house with groceries or hit up a very fast drive-through with the kids?
There is a decent-sized Food Lion in Atlantic Beach, as well as a small shop called Island Produce which stocks local produce and farm products, as well as some items for people with food limitations (vegan, gluten-free, etc.).
On our last visit to Island Produce, we picked up some delicious pimiento cheese from Farmer in the Dail as well as a local Bogue Banks watermelon (it was also delicious).
Many people go over to Morehead City for their groceries, where you’ll find a Lowes, a Wal-Mart Supercenter, another Food Lion, and even a Lidl.
As far as fast-food restaurants in Atlantic Beach go, you’ll find a McDonald’s, a Subway, and a Bojangles.
There are also a few local takeout places, including China King.
A couple more local pizza options include Michelangelo’s and Bella Pizza and Subs.
Read More About Visiting North Carolina + the South
Planning a trip to the Crystal Coast soon, or further afield in the south?
You might like these guides, too!
- The Ultimate 3 Day Weekend in Asheville Itinerary
- 17 Best Things to Do in Atlantic Beach, NC (+ Nearby!)
- How to Spend One Perfect Day in Savannah, GA (+ Travel Tips!)
- 17 Spectacular Southern USA Road Trip Itinerary Ideas
- 19 Beautiful Mountain Towns in North Carolina (For Your Next Vacation!)
Thank you for including The Shark Shack in your list as well! We appreciate it very much! Praying over a wonderful upcoming Season for all the local businesses!
Happy to! Can’t wait for this year’s beach season. 🙂
Thank you, Ms. Storm, for including The Full Moon Seafood Kitchen and Oyster Bar in your list !! We are in fact not a chain but a locally owned NC restaurant with 6 locations, including Atlantic Beach, Morrisville, Jamestown, Southern Pines, Concord, and Clemmons. Randy Russell founded this restaurant over 20 years ago & his son, Rob Russell, is the GM who oversees operations. We will not disappoint your readers with all of our menu items cooked to order using the freshest ingredients available. Come as a Stranger and leave as a Friend is our motto whether you dine at the coast or inland and our Shuckers (servers) will be sure to entertain diners in this friendly and casual environment. Hope you try all of our locations in your travels !! V Fondly, Carol Russell
Thanks for writing in, Carol! Happy to include you, you guys are doing wonderful work in Atlantic Beach (and I’m sure everywhere else too). Looking forward to another summer on the NC coast!