This North Carolina Seafood Spot Makes Crab Cakes A Must-Try This February
There are moments when you walk into a restaurant and immediately know you’ve found something special. Cape Fear Seafood Company, tucked along College Road in Wilmington, is exactly that kind of place.
From the moment you step through the doors at 5226 College Rd #5, Wilmington, the coastal charm wraps around you like a warm blanket. North Carolina seafood has never tasted this good, and trust me, you’ll want to tell everyone about it.
Their Bald Head Island Crab Cakes are legendary, drawing seafood lovers from across the state every February and beyond. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between polished and welcoming, where you can dress up or come casual and feel equally at home.
Whether you’re a local craving your weekly seafood fix or a visitor exploring the Cape Fear coast, this spot delivers fresh flavors, generous portions, and Southern hospitality that keeps you coming back. Get ready to discover why this restaurant has earned its reputation as a must-visit destination for anyone who takes their seafood seriously.
1. The Bald Head Island Crab Cakes That Started It All
Walking into Cape Fear Seafood Company that first time, I had one mission: try those famous crab cakes everyone kept raving about. The Bald Head Island Crab Cakes arrived at my table looking like edible art, pan-seared to golden perfection and glistening under a silky lemon beurre blanc.
One bite and I understood the hype completely.
These aren’t your typical crab cakes stuffed with filler and breadcrumbs. Each cake is packed generously with sweet lump crab meat that tastes like it came straight from the ocean that morning.
The exterior has a delicate crisp that gives way to tender, flavorful crab inside.
That lemon beurre blanc sauce adds a buttery richness with just enough citrus brightness to balance the sweetness of the crab. It’s the kind of dish that makes you slow down and savor every single bite.
People drive from neighboring towns specifically for these crab cakes, and after tasting them, I joined that club immediately.
February is prime time to enjoy them, when the restaurant showcases this signature dish with extra fanfare. Whether you’re a seafood connoisseur or just someone who appreciates good food, these crab cakes deserve a spot at the top of your must-try list.
2. A Cozy Coastal Atmosphere That Feels Like Home
The moment you walk through the doors, you notice how the space feels both refined and relaxed. Cape Fear Seafood Company has mastered the art of creating an environment that doesn’t intimidate but still feels special enough for celebrations.
The decor whispers coastal elegance without shouting beach theme park.
This isn’t a massive dining hall where your voice gets lost in the noise. The intimate size means you can actually have a conversation without yelling across the table.
Booths line the walls, tables fill the center, and there’s a separate bar area where things can get lively during peak hours.
Soft lighting casts a warm glow over everything, making the food look even more appetizing and creating an atmosphere perfect for date nights or family dinners. The restaurant stays clean and well-maintained, from the dining room to the restrooms, which always matters when you’re paying good money for a meal.
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends, because this place fills up fast. The smaller footprint means limited seating, but that intimacy is part of the charm.
You’re not just another number in a crowded restaurant; you’re a guest they genuinely want to take care of.
3. Shrimp And Grits That Earned State Recognition
Our State Magazine doesn’t hand out recognition lightly, so when Cape Fear Seafood Company’s Shrimp and Grits made their must-try list, people paid attention. I ordered this dish on my second visit, curious if it could possibly live up to the magazine’s praise.
Spoiler alert: it absolutely did.
The grits arrive creamy and smooth, cooked to that perfect consistency where they’re luxurious but not gummy. They’re loaded with flavor on their own, but then come the shrimp, plump and perfectly seasoned, swimming in a rich, savory sauce that ties everything together beautifully.
This is comfort food elevated to an art form. Each spoonful delivers that wonderful combination of textures and flavors that makes Southern cuisine so beloved.
The portion is generous enough that you’ll probably need a to-go box, but you’ll be thinking about leftovers all afternoon.
What impressed me most was how they balanced tradition with their own creative touch. This isn’t your grandmother’s shrimp and grits, but it honors that heritage while bringing something fresh to the table.
It’s the kind of dish that reminds you why North Carolina’s food scene deserves national attention.
4. The Calabash Style Fried Shrimp Experience
Calabash style frying is a North Carolina coastal tradition, and Cape Fear Seafood Company does it justice with their fried shrimp. The technique involves a lighter batter than traditional fried seafood, creating a delicate crunch that doesn’t overpower the shrimp itself.
When my plate arrived, I could see the golden coating was perfectly crisp without being greasy.
Each shrimp was substantial, not those tiny popcorn shrimp you sometimes get at chain restaurants. The light coating let the natural sweetness of the shrimp shine through while adding that satisfying crunch we all crave from fried food.
They were so good that one guest in the reviews admitted to ordering takeout two nights in a row.
The shrimp come with seasoned fries that have their own fan following, sprinkled with salt, pepper, and herbs that make them addictive. You also get those famous hush puppies on the side, which we’ll talk about more later, but they’re the perfect companion to the shrimp.
If you’re someone who typically orders grilled or broiled seafood, I encourage you to give these fried shrimp a chance. The Calabash style is lighter than you might expect, and the quality of the shrimp makes all the difference.
5. Sweet Hush Puppies With A Perfect Crunch
Some restaurants treat hush puppies like an afterthought, tossing a few on your plate without much care. Cape Fear Seafood Company understands that hush puppies deserve respect, and they’ve perfected these little cornmeal gems.
They arrive golden brown with a gorgeous crispy exterior that gives way to a slightly sweet, tender interior.
What sets these apart is the balance of flavors. They’re sweet but not dessert-level sweet, with just enough sugar to complement the cornmeal’s natural flavor.
The exterior crunch is satisfying without being hard, and they stay warm longer than you’d expect.
Here’s a pro tip from the reviews: ask your server for honey butter to go with them. One guest mentioned that their server went above and beyond by making special honey butter just for the hush puppies, and that combination sounds absolutely divine.
The whipped butter they normally serve is excellent too, melting into those warm hush puppies beautifully.
Unlike some places that bring a communal basket, Cape Fear Seafood Company includes a few hush puppies with your entree. If you want more, and trust me you will, you can order a basket as an appetizer.
They’re that good, worthy of being their own course rather than just a side note.
6. Fresh Flounder Prepared Your Way
Flounder appears frequently in customer reviews, and for good reason. This delicate white fish is a coastal Carolina staple, and Cape Fear Seafood Company sources it fresh and prepares it multiple ways to suit your preference.
Whether you want it blackened, grilled, broiled, or fried, they know how to handle this fish properly.
The key to great flounder is not overcooking it, and the kitchen here clearly understands that principle. When it arrives at your table, the fish flakes easily with your fork but still holds together, moist and tender with a mild, sweet flavor that doesn’t need much embellishment.
I watched a family nearby order the Figure 8 Stuffed Flounder, which takes this fish to another level with a savory seafood stuffing. The presentation was beautiful, and judging by how quickly they cleaned their plates, the taste matched the looks.
The blackened preparation is popular too, adding a nice spice crust that complements the fish’s delicate nature.
What impressed me was how the kitchen manages to keep the fish moist regardless of preparation method. Too often, restaurants overcook flounder until it’s dry and rubbery, but not here.
Each preparation lets the quality of the fish speak for itself while adding just enough flavor to make it interesting.
7. Servers Who Actually Care About Your Experience
Great food matters, but exceptional service transforms a good meal into a memorable experience. Cape Fear Seafood Company seems to have cracked the code on hiring and training servers who genuinely care about guests.
One server earned specific mention for being friendly and attentive, really adding to the dining experience rather than just taking orders and delivering food. Another one apparently has a gift for reading what guests need, making honey butter for hush puppies and ensuring everyone feels taken care of throughout their meal.
What strikes me about the service here is the consistency. Sure, one review mentioned an elderly server who seemed off, but the overwhelming majority of feedback praises the staff’s warmth and attentiveness.
Servers make thoughtful recommendations without being pushy, they time courses properly, and they check in without hovering.
The manager deserves special recognition too. She makes rounds to tables, introducing herself and ensuring everything meets expectations.
That kind of hands-on management creates a culture where servers feel supported and guests feel valued. It’s the kind of place where servers remember regulars and make first-timers feel like they’ve been coming for years.
8. The Seared Scallops That Melt In Your Mouth
Scallops are notoriously easy to ruin. Cook them thirty seconds too long and they turn into expensive rubber bands.
Cape Fear Seafood Company’s kitchen staff clearly knows their way around these delicate mollusks, because multiple reviews rave about the scallops being incredible, perfectly cooked, and full of flavor.
The Lemon Pepper Sea Scallops are a menu highlight, and guests can request them seared for a beautiful caramelized crust. That sear creates a golden-brown exterior while keeping the interior tender and almost buttery.
One reviewer specifically mentioned how soft and buttery the scallops were, which is exactly what you want.
The New Bedford Scallops offer another preparation option, giving you variety if you’re a scallop enthusiast who visits regularly. The kitchen seems to source quality scallops that are properly dry-packed, which makes achieving that perfect sear much easier.
Wet-packed scallops release too much moisture and steam instead of searing.
What I appreciate is that they don’t drown the scallops in heavy sauces that mask the natural sweetness. The lemon pepper preparation adds brightness and a subtle kick without overwhelming the delicate flavor.
If you’re trying to decide between dishes, and you love scallops, this is a safe bet that consistently delivers.
9. Lobster And Shrimp Risotto Worth Every Calorie
Risotto is one of those dishes that separates skilled kitchens from average ones. It requires constant attention, proper technique, and patience to achieve that creamy consistency without turning into mush.
Cape Fear Seafood Company’s Lobster and Shrimp Risotto passes this test with flying colors, earning enthusiastic reviews from guests who demolished their plates.
The risotto arrives creamy and well-seasoned, loaded with generous portions of both lobster and shrimp. This isn’t a dish where you’re hunting for seafood like a treasure hunt; they give you plenty of both proteins throughout.
The rice has that perfect al dente texture, and the overall dish is rich without being heavy.
One reviewer mentioned it was so good they didn’t have room for dessert afterward, which says a lot considering the tempting dessert menu. The risotto is substantial enough to be completely satisfying on its own, though it comes with those addictive risotto cakes on the side that several people mentioned in reviews.
The combination of lobster and shrimp works beautifully here, giving you variety in both texture and flavor. The lobster adds a sweet richness while the shrimp brings a firmer bite.
If you’re looking for something comforting yet elegant, this risotto hits that sweet spot perfectly.
10. The Roasted Red Pepper And Crab Bisque
Soup might seem like a simple starter, but a well-crafted bisque requires skill and quality ingredients. Cape Fear Seafood Company’s Roasted Red Pepper and Crab Bisque appears on the menu alongside their Cape Fear Clam Chowder, and guests who order it discover a soup that’s rich, flavorful, and comforting in all the right ways.
The roasted red peppers give the bisque a slightly sweet, smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the delicate crab meat. The texture is velvety smooth, coating your spoon in that luxurious way good bisques do.
There’s actual crab meat throughout, not just a token piece floating on top for show.
One reviewer specifically called out the crab bisque as fantastic, noting the rich flavor that made it memorable. It’s the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out, perfect for cooler February evenings when you want something satisfying before your main course arrives.
The portion size is reasonable for a starter, enough to enjoy without filling you up before your entree. If you’re having trouble deciding between appetizers, or if you’re a soup lover like me, this bisque is worth ordering.
It showcases the restaurant’s commitment to doing traditional dishes well while adding their own creative touches.
11. Weekend Brunch That Brings Coastal Flair
Cape Fear Seafood Company isn’t just a dinner destination. Their weekend brunch service runs from 10 AM on Saturdays and Sundays, offering a completely different menu that brings coastal flavors to traditional breakfast favorites.
The Crab Cake Benedict alone is worth setting your alarm for, combining their famous crab cakes with perfectly poached eggs and hollandaise.
Coastal Biscuits and Gravy gives Southern comfort food a seafood twist, while the Crispy Chicken and Waffles satisfies those who want something hearty and indulgent. They also offer Fresh Fruit Medley and House Made Home Fries for lighter or side options.
One reviewer mentioned ordering waffles that arrived with unexpected toppings, but the staff quickly remedied the situation.
The brunch service maintains the same quality standards as dinner, with attentive servers and well-prepared food. It’s less crowded than evening service typically, making it easier to get a table without a long wait.
The atmosphere during brunch feels more relaxed and casual, perfect for recovering from a late night or starting a beach day.
If you’re visiting Wilmington for a weekend, consider hitting Cape Fear Seafood Company for brunch before you head to the coast. It’s a chance to experience their food in a different context and try menu items you won’t find during dinner service.
12. The Saltimbocca That Surprises Seafood Purists
In a seafood-focused restaurant, you might overlook the non-seafood options, but that would be a mistake. The Saltimbocca appears frequently enough in reviews to warrant attention, and it represents Cape Fear Seafood Company’s ability to execute dishes beyond their ocean-focused specialty.
This Italian classic features tender meat wrapped in prosciutto with sage, finished in a white wine sauce.
What makes this dish noteworthy is how it holds its own on a menu dominated by seafood stars. The kitchen treats it with the same care and attention as their signature fish dishes, resulting in something that could stand alone at any quality Italian restaurant.
The prosciutto adds a salty richness that complements the sage beautifully.
For guests dining with people who aren’t seafood fans, or for those nights when you’re craving something different, the Saltimbocca provides an excellent alternative. It shows the kitchen’s versatility and commitment to doing everything well, not just focusing on their specialty items while phoning in everything else.
The portion is generous, and the dish pairs well with their vegetable sides like seared spinach and asparagus. If you’re someone who typically defaults to seafood at coastal restaurants, consider branching out on your next visit.
The Saltimbocca might just become your new favorite order.
13. A Location That Keeps Growing Across The Carolinas
What started as a single Wilmington location in 2008 has blossomed into a respected restaurant chain across North and South Carolina. Cape Fear Seafood Company now operates in Wilmington, Raleigh, Cary, Greenville, and North Myrtle Beach, with new locations opening in Southport and Surf City.
That expansion speaks volumes about their consistent quality and loyal following.
The College Road location at 5226 College Rd #5, Wilmington, remains the heart of the operation, where everything began. It’s convenient to both locals and tourists, positioned near major roads while still maintaining that neighborhood restaurant feel.
The exterior might not look like much, as one reviewer noted, but inside is where the magic happens.
This growth hasn’t diluted the brand or compromised quality, which is rare in restaurant expansion. Each location maintains the same commitment to fresh seafood, Southern hospitality, and creating memorable dining experiences.
They’ve figured out how to scale while keeping the soul that made the original location special.
The fact that they’re opening new locations means more people across the Carolinas will have access to these incredible crab cakes and other signature dishes. But there’s something special about visiting the original Wilmington spot, where the Cape Fear Seafood Company story started and continues to thrive sixteen years later.
