6 North Carolina Restaurants That Nail The Best Fried Fish

North Carolina’s coastal heritage brings some serious seafood game to the table. From small-town gems to popular coastal eateries, the state offers incredible fried fish that keeps locals coming back for more.

These restaurants have mastered the art of perfectly crispy, flavorful fish that’ll make your taste buds dance.

1. Pier 41 Seafood – Lumberton’s Calabash-Style Haven

The moment your plate arrives at Pier 41, you’ll understand why locals drive for miles to get here. Their Calabash-style flounder and catfish come with a golden crust that shatters perfectly with each bite.

The generous portions mean you’ll never leave hungry, and those hushpuppies? Absolutely addictive with just the right amount of sweetness to complement the savory fish.

2. Fish Bites Seafood Restaurant – Wilmington’s Fresh Catch Champion

Forget greasy disappointments. Fish Bites transforms locally-caught seafood into light, crispy masterpieces that practically melt in your mouth. Their secret lies in the delicate batter that enhances rather than overwhelms the fish’s natural flavors.

Family-owned passion shines through in every detail, from the carefully selected fish to the house-made tartar sauce that regulars rave about.

3. Cape Fear Seafood Company – Coastal Elegance On A Plate

Who says fried fish can’t be sophisticated? Cape Fear elevates the humble fish fry with expert technique and quality ingredients that would impress even the pickiest seafood lovers.

Their fish tacos deserve special mention ; perfectly fried morsels tucked into warm tortillas with zingy toppings. The restaurant’s upscale-casual vibe makes it perfect for date nights or family celebrations without sacrificing that authentic coastal flavor.

4. Mayflower Seafood Restaurant – Old-School Fish Camp Nostalgia

Step back in time at Mayflower, where fish camp traditions remain deliciously unchanged. Their classic fried fillets arrive piping hot with that distinctive golden crunch that generations of North Carolinians have loved.

Sweet tea flows freely here, and the hushpuppies come by the basketful. What Mayflower lacks in pretension, it more than makes up for in consistent quality and portions that’ll satisfy the heartiest appetite.

5. Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q – The Surprise Contender

Don’t let the name fool you; this barbecue joint secretly serves some of North Carolina’s most crave-worthy fried fish. Their hand-breaded fillets feature a distinctive peppery cornmeal coating that creates an addictive crunch.

The accessibility of multiple locations throughout the state means you’re never too far from a fix. Many locals swear they drive past seafood-specific restaurants just to get Smithfield’s unexpected fish treasures.

6. The Full Moon Oyster Bar – Jamestown’s Hidden Fish Secret

While oysters might get top billing, savvy diners know to order the fried fish at this cozy Jamestown spot. The kitchen treats seafood with reverence, resulting in perfectly crisp exteriors that give way to flaky, moist fish inside.

Daily specials often feature whatever’s freshest from coastal waters. The circular bar creates a friendly, communal atmosphere where strangers become friends over plates of golden-fried goodness and cold local brews.