9 North Carolina Restaurants Famous For Their Fried Fish

North Carolina has become a true destination for anyone who loves crispy, golden fried fish. From the coast to the mountains, local restaurants serve up amazing seafood that keeps people coming back for more.

Whether you prefer traditional Calabash-style or creative new twists, these spots know how to fry fish to perfection.

1. Saltbox Seafood Joint

Chef Ricky Moore created something truly special when he opened this Durham gem. His commitment to local fish means the menu changes every single day based on what’s fresh.

You’ll find amazing fried cornmeal fritters called Hush-Honeys that pair perfectly with whatever catch made it to the kitchen that morning. The focus on sustainability makes every bite taste even better.

2. Skrimp Shack

People often call this place the Five Guys of fried seafood, and that’s actually a huge compliment. The fast-casual setup lets you customize your meal exactly how you want it.

Their fried fish comes with incredible sides like creamy macaroni and cheese or crispy fried okra. Everything arrives hot and fresh, making it perfect for a quick but satisfying seafood fix.

3. Beck’s Restaurant

Since 1940, this family-owned treasure has been serving Calabash-style seafood that defines the region. Their lightly breaded flounder practically melts in your mouth with every bite.

The secret lies in their delicate breading technique that never overpowers the natural fish flavor. Don’t forget to grab some of their famous hush puppies on the side.

4. Coleman’s Original Calabash Seafood

As pioneers of the famous Calabash frying technique, Coleman’s knows a thing or two about perfect fried fish. Their light batter lets the natural seafood flavors really shine through beautifully.

Generations of families have made this restaurant a regular stop on their coastal trips. The variety of fried seafood dishes means everyone finds something they absolutely love.

5. Good Hot Fish

Chef Ashleigh Shanti brings Black Appalachian and Southern cuisine together in the most delicious ways. Her creative approach transforms traditional fish camp ideas into something exciting and new.

The shrimp burgers and fish sandwiches showcase innovative flavor combinations you won’t find anywhere else. Mountain meets coast in every perfectly fried bite served here.

6. Captain Bill’s Waterfront Restaurant

Watching boats pass by while eating fresh fried fish makes any meal taste better. This Morehead City favorite sits right on the water, offering views and incredible seafood.

Their fried catch of the day always features whatever just came off local fishing boats. The crispy coating and tender fish inside create the perfect texture contrast everyone craves.

7. Dockside Seafood House

Wilmington residents have trusted this spot for years to deliver consistently excellent fried seafood. Their secret blend of spices in the breading keeps people guessing and coming back regularly.

Whether you order whiting, catfish, or mullet, everything gets fried to golden perfection. The family recipes passed down through generations make each dish taste like home.

8. The Fish House Restaurant

Tucked away in a small mountain town, this unexpected seafood paradise brings ocean flavors to the Blue Ridge region. What started as a humble fish camp in 1989 has grown into one of western North Carolina’s most beloved dining spots, proving you don’t need to be near the coast to serve outstanding fried fish.

Their catfish ranks among the best in the state, featuring a peppery cornmeal coating that adds just the right amount of kick. Fresh trout also stars on the menu, sourced from nearby mountain streams and fried to flaky perfection.

9. Fisherman’s Wharf Seafood Restaurant

Right on the waterfront, diners can watch fishing boats unload their catch while enjoying some of the freshest fried seafood around. This restaurant has built its reputation on using only fish caught within 24 hours, guaranteeing quality that you can taste in every bite.

Their signature seafood platter features a variety of fried fish including grouper, mahi-mahi, and whiting, all prepared Calabash-style with a light, almost tempura-like coating. The airy batter doesn’t overpower the delicate fish flavors, letting the natural sweetness shine through beautifully.