Looking to unwind? Life is a lot less hectic in Kure Beach. The town is less touristy than neighboring Carolina Beach, and there’s still plenty to do. You’ll find Kure Beach Pier, the oldest fishing pier on the Atlantic Coast, an oceanfront park, nearby North Carolina Aquarium, historic Fort Fisher, and of course, the sea. Situated so close to water, naturally, you’ll find plenty of restaurants in Kure Beach NC – all of which offer an exceptional dining experience.
Discover Our Favorite Restaurants in Kure Beach NC By Category
From freshly caught seafood to the taste of Italian cuisine to enjoying the sea breeze with each bite, Kure Beach offers an expectational array of restaurants to choose from. Check out our guide below and add one of these eateries to your itinerary.
Italian Restaurants in Kure Beach NC to Enjoy
After a day of Kure Beach, NC sightseeing and adventure alongside family and friends, treat yourself to an Italian dinner over at Freddie’s.
Freddie’s
- Location: 105 K Avenue
- Hours: Open for dinner every day of the week between 4:30 pm and 9:00 pm.
Here, the Italian aesthetic is strong with the inclusion of red-checked tablecloths throughout the charming dining room. The menu features everything from pork chops and ricotta cheese-topped lasagna to eggplant parmigiana and mushroom ravioli to name a few of many. At Freddie’s, you can pair every plate with a fine Italian wine upon request as well. The atmosphere is friendly and the menu robust, making this a place you might return to a time or two during your getaway. It’s also one of our favorite restaurants in Kure Beach for takeout!
Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Kure Beach NC
Traveling to Kure Beach is always a treat for travelers, and the fun is only elevated when you spend time here with your favorite pet included in your crew!
Beach House Burgers
- Location: 18 Fort Fisher Boulevard North
- Hours: Daily between 11:00 am and 7:00 pm
When you’re looking for a pet-friendly eatery in Kure Beach, the team over at Beach House Burgers is more than happy to welcome people and canines alike to their establishment. This casual and inviting place to settle in and enjoy hot dogs and hamburgers on the fresh-air patio. You can drop by when cravings come calling but no matter when you do, don’t leave without ordering up one of their ice cream cones to top things off on a sweet note.
Enjoy Oceanfront Dining in Kure Beach
For travelers to Kure Beach NC who value flavor and views in equal measure, a meal enjoyed at in town is sure to thrill!
Ocean View Restaurant
- Location: 101 K Avenue
- Hours: Wednesday through Monday between 7:00 am and 1:30 pm
This scenic and savory eatery is a picture-perfect place to grab breakfast, brunch, or lunch that’s within walking distance of Kure Beach Pier. Menu highlights you’ll want to be sure to enjoy when you drop by include the Belgian waffles and avocado toast as well as the lemon blueberry buttercream pancakes and custom omelets paired with gravy biscuits. Ocean Beach Restaurant in Kure Beach NC is loved for its generous portions so be sure to bring your appetite when you arrive.
Capture Family-Friendly Fun at Kid-Friendly Local Restaurants
Kure Beach is a great place for family-friendly fun and it’s also a terrific location for accessing kid-friendly dining options when you’re in town with the entire crew in tow.
Jack Mackerels Island Grill
- Location: 113 K Avenue
- Hours: 11:00 am until 8:00 pm Sunday through Thursday and until 9:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays
Over at Jack Mackerels Island Grill, you’ll find a colorful destination to enjoy with the little ones showcasing a menu infused by Caribbean fare that can be enjoyed across two levels of seating and an outdoor deck. While entrees like blackened salmon, crab cakes, and ribeye are sure to delight the adults, there’s also a kid’s menu with everything from pasta and mac n’ cheese to chicken tenders and fruit for the kids!
Seafood Restaurants in Kure Beach NC
When nothing would hit the spot quite like fresh-caught fare, the following seafood restaurants in Kure Beach NC promise to be a treat for the tastebuds and well worth adding to your must-try list the next time you’re here.
1. Cape Fear Boil Company
Jumbo shrimp, lobster tails, sweet corn on the cob, and spicy andouille sausage – this traditional seafood combo comes with some untraditional restaurant service. Instead of showing up in a restaurant and waiting for your meal, you book a boil. Options include You Steam (takeout) or They Steam (catering). For takeout, simply pick up ingredients and a pot, follow their instructions at home, and in under 30 minutes, you’ll be enjoying an incredible seafood feast. This option is particularly useful for groups of 15 people or less.
The catering option brings the equipment, utensils, and cooks right to you! Sit back and relax while the chefs cook and entertain. While you eat, they’ll take care of the cleanup. The Cape Fear Boil Company caters to large groups, weddings, and other special events.
2. Shuckin’ Shack
Since 2007, Shuckin’ Shack has provided a no-frills gathering spot for friends and family to enjoy fresh seafood and cold drinks while soaking in Carolina Beach’s laid-back beach vibe. The restaurant uses the highest-quality ingredients for all its products in commitment to keeping oceans, waterways, and beaches clean.
Start your meal off with oysters or the cold crab dip. As an added bonus, you can shuck your own oysters or order them shucked for you. Enjoy some clams or wild American shrimp before taking on a family-style roast, boil, or steam pot. Wings, sandwiches, and sides are also available.
Visit Shuckin’ Shack at 6 N. Lake Park Boulevard. Its doors are open daily from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Keep your eyes open for weekly specials. On Mondays, for instance, oysters are $0.75, and shrimp is 25% off on Tuesdays.
3. Deck House
Its unique location makes the Deck House stand out. Housed in what once was the Carolina Beach Presbyterian Church, this restaurant serves a mix of locally-sourced seafood and traditional American cuisine.
Try hot crab dip or sesame seared sashimi Tuna for starters. Specialties include almond encrusted Salmon, New Orleans style shrimp and grits, steak, and sesame encrusted Tuna, among many others. Grab a margarita or sangria to top it all off!
Deck House is located at 205 Charlotte Avenue and is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, Deck House is open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
3. Michael’s Seafood Restaurant
This award-winning seafood restaurant offers a festive dining environment suitable for the entire family. With more than two decades of experience providing quality meals, Michael’s Seafood Restaurant offers some truly great recipes, such as the world-famous Captain M’s Seafood Chowder. Ocean favorites include the shrimp boot, snow crab legs, and Captain’s Catch. Michael’s also offers pasta, grits and other food for land lovers, like crispy chicken.
Michael’s Seafood Restaurant can be found at 1206 N Lake Park Boulevard. It is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. or 10 p.m., depending on the season.
4. Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar
If you’re looking for a more casual place to dine, Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar may be your destination of choice. Nestled between rows of sand dunes and the Golden Sands Motel, this seafood restaurant offers delicious meals and stunning views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Specialties include sandwiches, tacos, and calabash. Try their shrimp or oyster roll, fish tacos, or crab cake sandwich with an appetizer and a salad.
Visit Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar at 1211 South Lake Park Boulevard. They’re open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. During January, the restaurant is closed, but its doors reopen in early February.
Stay In One Of Our Kure Beach Vacation Rentals
To make your stay even more enjoyable, consider booking one of our Kure Beach vacation rentals. We provide luxury accommodation for families and groups of all sizes, pet-friendly rentals, and oceanfront beach houses. Explore our full range of rentals and start planning your dream vacation today!