If you’re headed to the small town of Oak Island, you’re in for a treat! Situated near Southport, the area boasts an abundance of delicious seafood, unique, privately owned homes, and a beautiful stretch of coastline. In between your time at the Wilmington beaches and fishing on the Ocean Crest Pier, we recommend trying the best Oak Island restaurants!
Grab your beach cruiser and work up an appetite for one of the amazing restaurants in Oak Island.
Best Oak Island Restaurants
1. Have a Coastal Feast at Tranquil Harbour
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Seafood restaurant
- Address: 5908 E Oak Island Dr, Oak Island (GPS)
- Website: See menu
The consistent flavors and the stellar service at Tranquil Harbour are the secrets behind its success. It is one of the most popular restaurants on Oak Island and features a variety of fresh seafood dishes, including grilled or fried shrimp, scallops, and flounder. In addition to seafood, the menu offers burgers, steaks, and vegan options.
While the eatery doesn’t appear to be fancy and luxurious, the food and the southern hospitality make it just as extravagant as any posh restaurant.
2. Taste the Catch of the Day at Swain’s Seafood and Cut
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Seafood restaurant
- Address: 8317 E Oak Island Dr, Oak Island (GPS)
- Website: See menu
Swain’s Seafood and Cut Restaurant is a classic seafood spot in Oak Island. Some might even argue that it’s the best one on the Island and their food is to die for! The restaurant’s menu features a variety of fresh seafood dishes which can be prepared grilled, fried, or blackened.
Swain’s Seafood’s signature dish is their homemade hush puppies, which are a must-try for anyone visiting the restaurant. In addition to seafood, Swain’s also offers a variety of steaks and burgers, as well as a children’s menu.
Swain’s Seafood has a casual, laid-back atmosphere and is perfect for a casual or themed dinner with family and friends.
3. Get your BBQ fix at BBQ House
- Price: $
- Cuisine: Barbecue restaurant
- Address: 5002 E Oak Island Dr, Oak Island (GPS)
- Website: See menu
The laid-back BBQ House is a beloved barbecue restaurant in Oak Island. The locals flock here every weekend to have their fill of the barbeque with the southern sides. Tourists with a love of southern food must not miss this eatery.
The restaurant’s menu features a variety of classic barbecue dishes, including hickory-smoked chopped BBQ pork, fried chicken, pork ribs, chicken strips and wings, and Brunswick Stew. Southern sides like mac and cheese, baked beans, and collard greens are also on the menu. Don’t worry if you are accompanied by a non-BBQ fan.
The eatery also offers a dozen other options such as burgers, hot dogs, corn dogs, and an array of sandwich flavors. BBQ House is known for its flavorful sauces and rubs, which are made in-house.
4. Experience Classic American Diner Fare at Little Bit’s Grill
- Price: $
- Cuisine: American, Burger restaurant
- Address: 5902 E Oak Island Dr, Oak Island (GPS)
- Website: See menu
Little Bit’s Grill might be small, but this little diner packs a punch with its mouthwatering food and cozy environment. We suggest heading there early as the line is long and the day is short.
All that waiting will be worth it though the moment you take the first bite of their food. The huge portions, the fresh ingredients, the fast service, and the decadent food are all that make Little Bit’s Grill one of the most popular eateries on the Island.
The diner’s menu features a variety of classic diner dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, and breakfast plates. Little Bit’s Grill is known for their friendly service and homemade desserts, which include pies, cakes, and cobblers. Little Bit’s has a cozy, welcoming atmosphere and is perfect for a casual meal with family and friends.
5. Satisfy Your Southern Cravings at Fixins OKI
Fixins OKI is your place in Oak Island, when you are wishing for some classic southeastern cuisines, bold flavors, and southern hospitality, without any of the added carbs.
The menu features dishes with bold southern flavors like their fish basket, shrimp N grits, chicken dumplings, turkey, ham wraps, etc. They will also fix you some classic southern sides like mac and cheese and collard greens.
Fixins OKI is known for its homemade biscuits, which are a must-try for anyone visiting the restaurant. The restaurant has a cozy, welcoming atmosphere and is perfect for a relaxed meal and comfort food.
6. Have a Blast at Shagger Jack’s
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Seafood restaurant
- Address: 8004 E Oak Island Dr, Oak Island (GPS)
- Website: See menu
Shagger Jack’s is a lively waterfront restaurant and bar in Oak Island. The menu features a variety of seafood dishes, including fresh fish, oysters, and shrimp, as well as burgers and sandwiches.
Shagger Jack’s will immediately set the mood with their lively atmosphere, featuring live music and a full bar serving up cocktails, beer, and wine. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating, both offering stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway.
7. Savor the Flavors of Mexico at Kai Joe’s
- Price: $
- Cuisine: Taco restauarant
- Address: 4722 E Oak Island Dr, Oak Island (GPS)
- Website: See menu
Craving Mexican food on the Island? Kai Joe’s, have you covered! This food stand offers tacos, burritos, nachos, and quesadillas, but with a coastal twist. Instead of typical fillings and flavors, you’d get the taste of Hawaii in every bite. The two local owners of the stand love what they do and prepare everything fresh and with love.
8. Grab a Bite of Cheesy Deliciousness at Pizza Shack
- Price: $
- Cuisine: Pizza restaurant
- Address: 6212 E Oak Island Dr, Oak Island (GPS)
- Website: See menu
When you are in the mood for some Pizza in Oak Island, head straight over to Pizza Shack. This casual pizza joint has been in business in Oak Island since 1989. They are known for their homemade dough, fresh ingredients, gourmet flavors, and friendly and family-like atmosphere.
The menu features a variety of classic and specialty pizzas, as well as salads, sandwiches, and appetizers. Pizza Shack is known for their crispy crust and generous toppings, which are made with fresh ingredients. What’s more? You can create your topping on the spot with a variety of choices before you.
9. Catch The Game and Great Food at Chaser’s Bar & Grill
Chaser’s Bar & Grill often goes unnoticed by the tourists but is a fan-favorite of the sports-loving locals who head over every weekend for delicious wings and an amazing atmosphere.
Chaser’s Bar & Grill is a lively sports bar in Oak Island. The menu features a variety of pub grub, including wings, burgers, and sandwiches, as well as salads and seafood dishes.
Chaser’s is known for its friendly service, cold beer, and multiple TVs showing live sports. The bar has a fun and energetic atmosphere, making it perfect for a night out with friends. However, if you are traveling solo, there isn’t a better place to make friends and mingle!
10. Indulge In the Coastal Beauty and Delicious Seafood at Island Way
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Fine dining restaurant
- Address: 1407 E Beach Dr, Oak Island (GPS)
- Website: See menu
Tasty food and a mesmerizing view! What more could we want from an eatery? Island Way is a beautiful seafood restaurant located on the water in Oak Island.
The view is to die for, but the menu is just as lethal, with its variety of mouthwatering dishes. To seafood enthusiasts, we recommend Carolina Crab Cake, the oysters or the Tiger Shrimp, or the Grouper Neptune.
The menu also features a variety of freshly prepared salads and sandwiches along with steaks and pasta. The combination of good food and stunning views of the water and a relaxing atmosphere makes Island Way just perfect for a romantic dinner or special occasion.
Island Way has a casual, beachy atmosphere and is best suited for a relaxed lunch or dinner with family and friends.
Plan For Your Trip to the South!
- We like to use VRBO when searching for vacation apartment rentals and Booking.com when searching for hotels.
- See our favorite cooler for the road!
- Get Around: We suggest renting a car for traveling the Carolinas. Check Prices on RentalCars.com
- Our Favorite Travel Shoes: Our answer to this question is always Allbirds.
- Check out our favorite North Carolina Souvenir!
