Near the mouth of the Cape Fear River, lies the Coastal town of Southport. This charming North Carolina town is one of the best places to enjoy a laid back day on the coast. Between all the fun things to do in Southport, like walking the Southport Pier and Riverwalk and enjoying the small galleries, you’ll want to grab some grub.
Thankfully, there are quite a few Southport restaurants to enjoy, from fine dining to fried shrimp here are our favorite restaurants!
Best Southport Restaurants (NC)
1. Savor The Flavor of Fresh Seafood at Frying Pan
The Frying Pan is a family-owned, waterfront restaurant located in the heart of Southport. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of favorites including sweet potato biscuits, fried seafood, and pan-seared seafood dishes, all served with homemade sides.
Those with a strong southern appetite will love the generous portions and affordable prices at Frying Pan. The chill and casual atmosphere and the waterfront location make it an excellent choice for families, friends, and seafood lovers.
The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating options, as well as a full bar offering beer, wine, and cocktails. With its prime location near the waterfront, The Frying Pan is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for delicious seafood in Southport.
2. Get The Taste of The Sea at Fishy Fishy Café
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Seafood restaurant
- Address: 106 Yacht Basin Dr, Southport (GPS)
- Website: See menu
There’s nothing fishy about this eatery except for its delicious offerings of seafood. It is a delightful and visually appealing venue situated right by the water with a picturesque view of the yacht basin and marsh. The menu features Calabash-style cuisine, fresh local seafood, succulent steaks, and savory pasta dishes that are guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds.
The café also offers a full bar with a wide selection of beverages and an extensive wine list to enhance your dining experience. They also provide in-house catering services.
With its prime location overlooking the waterfront, Fishy Fishy Café is a great place to enjoy a meal while taking in the scenic views.
3. Wake Up To Freshly Brewed Coffee from Southport Coffee Co.
This might not exactly be a restaurant, but this coffee place will serve you a breakfast you’d remember long after your trip to Southport has ended. They provide the finest coffee and espresso that the region has to offer, roasted locally. They also offer a variety of food to go with that coffee. If you are looking for an authentic local experience, do not miss this place.
The atmosphere is charming and cozy, with the smell of freshly brewed cups all around. The menu features a variety of coffee and espresso drinks, as well as a selection of pastries and breakfast sandwiches made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Southport Coffee Co. is the perfect spot for a morning pick-me-up or a casual meeting with friends. The shop’s cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
4. Satisfy Your Burger Cravings at Fat Andy’s Burgers
- Price:$
- Cuisine: Hamburger restaurant
- Address: 4655 Long Beach Rd SE, Southport (GPS)
- Website: See menu
One of the best Southport restaurants that is quite unassuming. Fat Andy’s Burgers is in a cute little 1920s-style shack and is known for its delicious burgers and unique flavor combinations, including the signature “Fat Andy” burger with peanut butter and bacon.
This burger joint has mastered quality over quantity. Every item on their small menu is cooked to perfection with just the correct amount of ingredients and sauces to bring out the best flavors.
Patrons can order their choice of burger with a side of chili cheese fries with jalapenos, or regular French fries. The joint offers fresh-cut fries and 100% ground chuck, hand-made burgers.
With its outdoor seating and cozy environment, Fat Andy’s Burgers is the perfect spot for a quick lunch or dinner with friends and family.
5. Raise Your Dining Standards with Mr. P’s Bistro
Mr. P’s Bistro is a fine dining restaurant located in the heart of downtown Southport. The restaurant has an old-school vibe that drips with class and elegance. The bistro’s menu features a variety of contemporary American dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Mr. P’s Bistro is known for its exceptional service, intimate atmosphere, and creative menu, which includes dishes like Low Country-style oysters, seared scallops, lamb chops, and homemade pasta. With its elegant decor and upscale ambiance, Mr. P’s Bistro is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or special occasion.
6. Satisfy Your Cravings at Joseph’s Italian Bistro
- Price: $$
- Cuisine: Italian, classic pasta dishes
- Address: 5003 O’Quinn Blvd SE, Southport (GPS)
- Website: See menu
With its authentic Italian flavors and waterfront location, this bistro knows how to win hearts and is one of the best restaurants in Southport. Locals and tourists love to fall in love with Southport as they sip their wines and enjoy the magnificent sunset from their perch on one of the tables.
The restaurant’s menu features a variety of classic Italian dishes, available in chicken, veal, and seafood. Their specialty dishes include a selection of pasta, steaks, fresh catches, and other meaty dishes.
Their homemade pasta and sauces, which are made fresh daily, receive quite a fanfare too. The restaurant has a casual, family-friendly atmosphere and is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner with friends and family.
7. Indulge In Southern Comfort Food at The Saucy Southerner
The Saucy Southerner is a unique restaurant located in downtown Southport. It is unique because the restaurant’s menu features a variety of Southern comfort food with creative twists. Their menu features fried chicken, waffles, crepes, pulled pork sandwiches, saucy salads, burgers, and grits n biscuits.
This eatery is known for its creative flavor combinations and homemade sauces. The restaurant has a cozy, welcoming atmosphere and is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner with friends and family.
8. Dine With a View at Oliver’s on The Cape Fear
Oliver’s on the Cape Fear is a breezy waterfront restaurant located in Southport. They offer indoor seating, seating on the covered patio, and outdoor seating on the terrace. Regardless of what you choose, you are sure to get extraordinary views of the breathtaking Cape Fear River.
The restaurant’s menu features a variety of seafood dishes, as well as steak and pasta options. Their exquisite meals also come in gluten-free and vegetarian options. Oliver’s on the Cape Fear is known for their breathtaking views of the Cape Fear River and their delicious food.
The restaurant has an upscale, elegant atmosphere and is perfect for a romantic dinner or special occasion.
9. Indulge In Fine Dining at Edgewater 122
Edgewater 122 is a fine dining restaurant located in the Yacht Basin. The restaurant’s menu features handcrafted contemporary American dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. For the best experience, get a seat on their outdoor patio.
Edgewater 122 is known for its exceptional service and elegant atmosphere. The restaurant is perfect for a special occasion or romantic dinner. If you are coming in for dinner in the summer, make sure to make a reservation.
10. Taste The Authentic Flavors of Italy at Bambini’s Italian Restaurant
Bambini’s Italian Restaurant is one of the most popular eateries in Southport, but you’d be surprised to know that it only opened its doors in 2018.
How did this restaurant gain so much popularity so fast? Because it reminded the patrons of the taste back home. Their New York Style of Pizza has mastered the authentic flavors. They also present a diverse range of Italian specialties and signature desserts, all prepared from scratch.
Bambini’s Italian Restaurant is also known for its homemade pasta and sauces, which are made fresh daily.
11. Provision Company
Saving the best for last as the most popular and famous place to eat in Southport is Provision Company. They offer delicious seafood in a laid-back “beach bum” environment that may be one of the best things you taste in all of the Wilmington area.
Provision Company was established in 1993 and offers views of the Southport Yacht Basin, the Intracoastal Waterway and the mouth of the Cape Fear River. You won’t regret having a beer here with friends as the sun goes down.
Where to Stay in Southport?
After you are done doing all these fun things to do in Southport, it’s time to rest your head. There aren’t many places to stay in Southport, so you may opt for a nearby Wilmington hotel.
Mid Range
Luxury
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!
Great list of restaurants. I particularly like Oliver’s for their gluten free options!