Best Restaurants on Oak Island, NC: A Local's Guide to Dining on the Coast
One of the best parts of any Oak Island vacation is discovering the local food scene. Whether you're craving fresh seafood, waterfront dining, a quick breakfast before the beach, or a sweet treat after sunset, Oak Island and nearby Southport offer plenty of excellent options.
As someone who has spent years exploring the area, these are some of my favorite places to eat during a visit to Oak Island.
Best Casual Restaurants
Whether you're grabbing lunch after the beach or looking for a relaxed family dinner, Oak Island offers plenty of casual dining options. From local burger joints to island-inspired cafés, these spots are favorites among both visitors and locals.
Kai Joe's
A favorite among both locals and visitors, Kai Joe's serves fresh sandwiches, tacos, salads, and island-inspired dishes in a laid-back atmosphere. It's a great choice for lunch after a morning on the beach.
Little Bit's Grill
Known for its burgers, sandwiches, and friendly service, Little Bit's Grill has become an Oak Island staple. The casual setting and consistently good food make it a popular stop throughout the year.
BBQ House
If you're looking for classic North Carolina barbecue, BBQ House is a longtime local favorite. Pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and homemade sides make this a great option when you're craving comfort food.
Shagger Jacks
Located along the Intracoastal Waterway, Shagger Jacks offers a fun atmosphere, waterfront views, and a menu featuring seafood, burgers, and coastal favorites.
Best Seafood Restaurants
A trip to the North Carolina coast isn't complete without fresh seafood. From waterfront favorites to local hidden gems, these restaurants serve some of the area's best shrimp, fish, oysters, and coastal specialties.
Fishy Fishy Café
Located on the Southport waterfront, Fishy Fishy is one of the area's most iconic restaurants. Fresh seafood, river views, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere make it a must-visit during your trip.
Provision Company
Few restaurants capture the Southport experience quite like Provision Company. Grab a basket of shrimp, a cold drink, and enjoy the waterfront views overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway.
Salt 64
For a more elevated dining experience, Salt 64 offers fresh seafood, steaks, and seasonal dishes in a modern coastal setting.
Mr. P's Bistro
A local favorite for fresh seafood and creative daily specials, Mr. P's is worth the short drive from Oak Island.
Best Breakfast & Coffee Spots
Start your day with a fresh cup of coffee, a hearty breakfast, or a quick bite before heading to the beach. These local cafés and breakfast spots are perfect for fueling up before a day of exploring Oak Island.
Island Jo Coffee & Café
Whether you're grabbing coffee before a beach walk or breakfast before a day of exploring, Island Jo is one of the most popular morning stops on the island.
Fixins OKI
Known for hearty breakfast options and southern-inspired favorites, Fixins is a great place to start your day.
Old Bridge Diner
A longtime local favorite serving breakfast classics, pancakes, omelets, and comfort food in a relaxed setting.
Ruby's Coffeehouse
Located in nearby Southport, Ruby's is a charming spot for coffee, pastries, and breakfast.
Best Sweet Treats
Whether you're cooling off after a day in the sun or satisfying your sweet tooth after dinner, these local favorites offer everything from Italian ice and ice cream to fresh pastries and baked goods.
Sunset Slush
Nothing says beach vacation quite like Italian ice after a day in the sun. Sunset Slush has become a favorite stop for families visiting Oak Island.
Burney's Sweets & More
Located in Southport, Burney's is famous for its glazed croissants, pastries, cakes, and desserts.
Lil & John's Sweetreat
A popular Oak Island destination for ice cream, frozen treats, and family-friendly desserts.
Dairy Queen
A classic option that remains a favorite for many visitors after a long day at the beach.
More Than Just Great Food
Dining on Oak Island is about more than the food itself. It's about enjoying a waterfront sunset, grabbing ice cream after a beach day, sipping coffee before an early morning walk, or gathering around a table with family after a day of making memories on the coast.
No matter what type of dining experience you're looking for, Oak Island and nearby Southport offer plenty of options to make your vacation even more memorable.
Looking for more local recommendations? Explore our guides to things to do on Oak Island, family-friendly activities, sunset spots, Southport, and Bald Head Island.
