Diners' Choice: Best Service restaurants in Coastal North Carolina

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best service in Coastal North Carolina? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Prime Bistro & Wine Bar

4.9

4.9 (388)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Beaufort / Morehead City

About the restaurant

An elevated dining experience with wood-fired steaks, seafood, housemade pasta and world-class wines.

Top review

Brian

Dined on Dec 12, 2024

Everything was great -- from being welcomed at the door, seated quickly, friendly and knowledgable service staff, great food and drinks. We had -- King Crab cocktail, King Crab stack, lobster bisque, wedge salad, bone-in filet, whipped potatoes -- all delicious. They are open to splitting things and modifying items. We also had caramel cheesecake for dessert - fantastic. We will definitely go back.

Hieronymus Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar

4.9

4.9 (577)

$30 and under

Seafood

Wilmington

About the restaurant

The Area's Authentic Seafood Restaurant The experience that you will have at Hieronymus Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar is uniquely Wilmington, North Carolina. Our specialty is Cape Fear cuisine, including fresh local seafood, fresh vegetables, and local craft beer. When you walk through our doors, take a look around. You will see many items that are a part of our history. The shells inside the tables have been brought to us by many guests throughout the years. Nameplates on the bar designate locals that have told many a tale. News releases show Hieronymus cooking for Bryant Gumbel on the Today Show. You might copy a recipe for soft shell crab or take a gander at some of the "stars" that have dropped by for dinner.

Top review

David MVIP

Dined 3 days ago

We love going to this restaurant because of the fresh fish selection that is always on the menu!

Riverside Kitchen & Bar

4.7

4.7 (184)

$30 and under

American

Wilmington

About the restaurant

At Riverside Kitchen & Bar, we specialize in New American Fusion cuisine, providing a sophisticated casual dining experience that strikes the perfect balance between upscale casual and relaxed comfort.

Our eclectic menu caters to diverse tastes, offering everything from indulgent
mac 'n' cheese to succulent short rib. We take great pride in using only the finest locally sourced ingredients to create a memorable culinary journey for our guests. Our chefs expertly fuse traditional American flavors with contemporary techniques, resulting in a menu that boasts both classic comfort dishes and innovative creations.

We offer a versatile menu that has something for everyone, including fresh salads, artisanal flatbreads, and mouthwatering sandwiches, in addition to our elegant entrées. Whether you're joining us for a casual lunch, a celebratory dinner, or a special event, we promise an unforgettable dining experience in a stylish yet relaxed setting at Riverside Kitchen & Bar.

Top review

Leslie

Dined 4 days ago

As always, the food & service are wonderful. Luke is an amazing chef & he always makes it fun to go the his restaurant. Brook & Ryan are great too.

The Oyster Rock Waterfront Seafood

4.9

4.9 (3474)

$30 and under

Seafood

Calabash

About the restaurant

Welcome to The Oyster Rock, a family-owned and operated waterfront Calabash seafood restaurant specializing in excellent seafood and raw bar items, mixed with a flavorful variety of mouth-watering beef, chicken and pork dishes, along with sandwiches and burgers all prepared in house every day using only the freshest and finest ingredients from local and regional suppliers and the beautiful Atlantic Ocean right outside our doors.

Overlooking the scenic Calabash River and its pristine estuaries and relaxing atmosphere, The Oyster Rock provides the most amazing view around, from our indoor and outdoor seating areas and bars featuring more than 24 domestic and imported beers on tap, 30 wines by the glass and a delicious collection of specialty cocktails.

If you would like to order carryout, orders may be placed by calling 910-579-6875.

Top review

MelodyVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Always a great time…. Just wish we’d get our favorite servers once in awhile… The patio was very noisy tonight. Otherwise great …. Best food ever!

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Catch - Modern Seafood Cuisine

4.8

4.8 (2092)

$30 and under

Seafood

Wilmington

About the restaurant

Serving the Best Seafood in North Carolina. James Beard Semi-Finalist and Bravo Tv's "Top Chef"contestant, Chef Keith Rhodes and his team, explore the Cape Fear Coast,for the best it has to offer. We feature Wild Caught & sustainably raised Seafood. Organic and locally sourced Produce.Providing the perfect compliment to our fresh Catch. Consecutively Voted Wilmington's Best Chef Dubbed by NYT's,"Modern Seafood Cuisine” we offer an array Fresh Seafood and Vegetarian options. We offer our Signature NC Sweet Potato Salad. Appetizers include our “Fire Cracker” Shrimp, NC Oysters on the 1/2 Shell, Seafood Ceviche & Conch Fritters . Larger Plates include our "Angry" Maine Lobster, Prime Steaks, Blackend Mahi Mahi & our Award winning Charleston Crab Cakes, Seared OBX Scallops, Flounder Escovitch & Pan roasted Black Grouper. Full ABC Permits.Large selection of boutique Wines by the Glass, Hand crafted Cocktails And over a half a dozen rotating local beer offerings.

Top review

Brittany

Dined 7 days ago

Food, drinks and service were exceptional! Ricky was confident in the kitchen and food and everything was amazing! We will be back!

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Popular dish

Chop Chop Caesar Salad

Popular dish

Catch Shrimp & Grits

Popular dish

Southern Fried Seafood Platter

Jerry's Food, Wine and Spirits

4.8

4.8 (422)

$30 and under

Contemporary Southern

Wilmington

About the restaurant

Serving the best from North Carolina's land and sea in a warm, casual setting since 1992. Contemporary American dishes lined with classic flavors of the South. Couple your meal with a glass/bottle from our hand picked wine list featuring many Napa, Sonoma, and Oregon options, or go with a delicious hand crafted cocktail like the Hellcat Holler. Jerry's has been featured on PBS' "NC Weekend" with Bob Garner, Wilmington Today, the Wilmington Star News, and has had the pleasure of serving a sitting Vice President, Hollywood actors, pro athletes, tourists and the wonderful Wilmington community for 30 years. We look forward to serving you soon!

Top review

Sharon

Dined on Dec 6, 2024

Excellent food and excellent service. Even had a happy birthday message on the menu. Very friendly. Two of us had their classic tuna, one person had the chateaubriand and one the short rib special. All great dinners!

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Genki Sushi Bar and Japanese Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (619)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Wilmington

About the restaurant

We look forward to welcoming you into our warm environment, with food so good you will swear you just stepped off of the train in Tokyo.

If you are reading this description, please take note that:
* Starting October 1st 2024: We will no longer be able to seat you unless your entire party has arrived and ready to sit ON TIME.
We will hold your Table/Seats for ONLY 10 minutes past the reservation time.
*After 10 minutes, you will lose your reservation to someone who is on the waiting list.
*Please take this serious as, it will allow us to provide better customer service to our guests as we increase in volume, and allow the evening to flow better with timing for our reservations through out the evening.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding! Our customers mean the world to us!

*Also, please remember to count small children and babies as a person for seating. Thank you for your participation and understanding in this.
Thank you for your business! See you soon!

Top review

LeeannVIP

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

Genki Sushi is truly a Wilmington treasure. Their service is consistently warm and friendly, and the food is simply unmatched in the area. Every dish reflects their high preparation standards, making it a go-to spot for quality sushi. One note for patrons: the restaurant tends to be quite cold inside, likely because of the small space and the staff’s need to stay cool while working hard in the kitchen. We’ve learned to bring an extra layer to enjoy our meal comfortably. Despite this, it’s always easy to get a table, and it’s one of our favorite spots for a cozy date night. Highly recommended for anyone looking for exceptional sushi and a welcoming dining experience.

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Southern, a gathering place

4.9

4.9 (477)

$50 and over

Farm-to-table

Southport

About the restaurant

Farm to fork creative southern cuisine. Handcrafted cocktails and fabulous wine list. We offer seating by reservation for all seats in the restaurant including seats at our bar, indoor dining room, and our outdoor porch which is a wonderful place to sit during all seasons (since porch sitting is a true Southport thing to do).

Top review

Judy

Dined on Dec 11, 2024

Our meal was delicious and the service was wonderful!! Cranberry Bread pudding with Katie’s vanilla ice was perfect!! We love Southern!!

Seabird

4.9

4.9 (1491)

$50 and over

Seafood

Wilmington

About the restaurant

Mindfully sourced and thoughtfully prepared ingredients highlight the landscape of the food in our coastal community. Menu subject to change daily with local availability of seafood and produce. James Beard nominated chef and owner, Dean Neff.

Reservations available for dinner Wednesday through Monday. Closed Tuesdays.

Brunch now served Saturday & Sunday!

Top review

RONALD

Dined 2 days ago

Fantastic food, fabulous service. Two of us shared oysters, pork ribs and Cioppino. All of it was really fantastic and different from anything we tasted before. Validated parking at garage across street.

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Experience

New Years Eve Prix Fixe Menu Only

Montero's

4.8

4.8 (236)

$30 and under

American

Edenton

About the restaurant

A life long dream of Karin and Andy Montero, this 1904 home has been transformed into
Elizabeth City's premier location to "Meet. Eat. Celebrate." With our guests in mind,
Montero's is committed to providing a complete "Restaurant Experience"...exceptional service,
creative cuisine and a casual atmosphere. Our staff possesses the same passion and desire for
this restaurant that we do and we hope you will as well!

Top review

Chrise

Dined 3 days ago

Montero’s is a large restaurant with an intimate dining layout and experience. The food is authentic, fresh and DELICIOUS! Service was friendly and attentive. In addition, it was my Birthday and at my reserved table was a Birthday greeting from the restaurant, signed by the staff. Another plus, if this pertains to you or someone in your party, Montero’s offers a large selection of inventive Vegan entrees. My sister is Vegan and usually has to settle for a salad or an appetizer, she was extremely pleased! Montero’s is an excellent dining experience, whether for a special ox or just a dinner out.

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