13 North Carolina Seafood Buffets That’ll Catch Your Craving Instantly

When you’re craving fresh seafood served in generous portions, North Carolina delivers with some of the best buffets on the East Coast.

From the Outer Banks to inland cities, these restaurants serve everything from steamed crab legs to fried catfish that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these seafood buffets offer incredible value and flavors that capture the state’s coastal traditions.

1. Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet

For over two decades, this Outer Banks favorite has been feeding hungry seafood lovers with a spread that’ll leave you speechless.

You’ll find it at 3723 N Croatan Hwy, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949.

With more than 100 items on the buffet, you won’t know where to start your culinary adventure.

Fresh-caught fish gets prepared in multiple styles, so you can try everything from grilled to blackened to perfectly fried.

The hush puppies here have earned legendary status among regulars who come back year after year.

Families appreciate the variety that keeps everyone happy, from picky kids to adventurous adults.

The seasoning brings out natural flavors without overpowering the delicate seafood.

2. Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant

Award-winning she-crab soup is just the beginning of what makes this restaurant a must-visit destination.

Located at 1401 S Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948, it’s easy to find.

More than 70 items fill the buffet tables, giving you endless options for your seafood feast.

Snow crab clusters pile high, and steamed shrimp comes out fresh throughout the evening.

The quality stays consistent even during busy summer weekends when tourists flood the Outer Banks.

I love how they balance classic preparations with creative dishes that surprise first-time visitors.

Kids get excited about the dessert station while adults appreciate the seafood variety.

3. Corolla Seafood Buffet

Since 1996, this family-owned treasure has been using a secret seasoning blend that transforms ordinary seafood into something extraordinary.

The address is 807 Ocean Trail, Corolla, NC 27927, right in the heart of the northern Outer Banks.

Their crab dip has achieved near-mythical status among locals who guard the recipe like treasure.

Every dish benefits from that special seasoning that’s been perfected over nearly three decades.

The family atmosphere makes you feel welcome from the moment you walk through the door.

I recommend arriving early because this place fills up quickly during peak season.

The combination of quality ingredients and family recipes creates memories that last long after vacation ends.

4. Cary Crab House

Coastal flavors travel inland beautifully at this surprising gem that rivals any beachside buffet.

You can visit at 1152 Kildaire Farm Rd, Cary, NC 27511, far from the ocean but close to perfection.

Butter-poached lobster melts in your mouth, prepared with techniques usually reserved for fine dining establishments.

Carolina shrimp gets sourced from trusted suppliers who deliver the freshest catch possible.

The restaurant proves you don’t need to be near the coast to enjoy incredible seafood.

I’m always impressed by how they maintain such high quality while keeping buffet prices reasonable.

Business lunches and family dinners both work perfectly in this versatile space that accommodates different occasions.

5. Casey’s Buffet

Southern hospitality meets coastal cuisine in a combination that feels like eating at your grandmother’s house by the sea.

The restaurant sits at 5650 Carolina Beach Rd, Wilmington, NC 28412, serving comfort and flavor in equal measure.

Seafood and soul food come together on one buffet, creating harmony that satisfies multiple cravings simultaneously.

Fried fish sits alongside collard greens, while shrimp pairs perfectly with mac and cheese.

The staff treats everyone like family, checking on tables and making sure you’re enjoying your meal.

I appreciate how they honor both coastal and Southern traditions without compromising either one.

Weekend crowds prove this formula works, so plan accordingly if you want to avoid long waits.

6. Rockin’ Crab Seafood Bar

Louisiana-style celebration comes to North Carolina with crawfish étouffée that transports your taste buds straight to the bayou.

Find it at 4440 Sycamore Dairy Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28303, ready to spice up your evening.

Seafood boils arrive at your table with bold Cajun seasonings that wake up every flavor.

Sampler platters let you try multiple preparations without committing to just one style.

The atmosphere feels festive, with music and energy that makes dining here an experience rather than just a meal.

I love the heat levels that range from mild to wild, accommodating different spice tolerances.

Bibs and paper towels come standard because eating with your hands is encouraged and expected here.

7. Catfish Cove

Crispy fried catfish comes out golden and perfect, just like what you’d get at a family fish fry on a Saturday afternoon.

The address is 108 Main St, Belmont, NC 28012, where Southern comfort meets serious seafood skills.

Hushpuppies arrive hot and slightly sweet, with that ideal crispy exterior and fluffy interior.

Coleslaw provides the perfect cool, tangy contrast to all that fried goodness on your plate.

This family-run operation has mastered the art of making everyone feel like honored guests at their table.

I appreciate the no-frills approach that focuses on food quality rather than fancy decorations.

Prices stay reasonable even as food costs rise, making this an excellent value for hungry families.

8. Hook & Reel

Build-your-own seafood boil stations put you in control of creating your perfect meal with personalized spice levels.

Located at 1948 Western Blvd, Jacksonville, NC 28546, this modern spot reimagines traditional buffet dining.

Various sauces line the station, from garlic butter to lemon pepper to fiery Cajun blends.

You choose your seafood, pick your spice level, and watch as everything comes together in a custom boil.

The interactive element makes dining here fun for groups who enjoy experimenting with different flavor combinations.

I recommend trying multiple sauce options across different visits to find your personal favorite.

The casual atmosphere encourages getting messy and enjoying every finger-licking moment of your meal.

9. The Salty Shack

Fried shrimp gets piled high on plates while oysters arrive fresh and briny, straight from North Carolina waters.

This casual spot captures beach vibes perfectly, making every meal feel like a vacation celebration.

The buffet rotates seasonal catches, so you’ll always find something new depending on what fishermen bring in.

Local favorites like flounder and grouper appear regularly when they’re running strong offshore.

Sand-between-your-toes atmosphere makes dressy clothes unnecessary and flip-flops completely acceptable.

I enjoy how they embrace the casual beach culture without sacrificing food quality or freshness.

Sunset timing creates perfect lighting for enjoying your meal while watching the sky turn orange and pink.

10. Ocean Blue Caribbean Restaurant and Bar

Grilled fish arrives perfectly cooked with char marks that add smoky depth to delicate flavors.

Steamed mussels in white wine sauce demonstrate that buffets can deliver restaurant-quality preparations.

The upscale atmosphere feels special enough for anniversaries while remaining welcoming for regular weeknight dinners.

Fresh herbs and quality ingredients elevate every dish beyond typical buffet expectations.

I’m impressed by the attention to detail in plating and presentation, even on the buffet line.

Wine pairings suggested by knowledgeable staff enhance the dining experience for those interested.

The refined approach proves that all-you-can-eat doesn’t have to mean compromising on elegance or sophistication.

11. Dockside Seafood House

Crab cakes packed with jumbo lump meat contain minimal filler, letting the sweet crab flavor shine through.

Clam chowder arrives creamy and loaded with tender clams that taste like the ocean in every spoonful.

Waterfront views add value to your meal, with boats bobbing in the marina just outside the windows.

The nautical theme feels authentic rather than cheesy, with fishing nets and maritime artifacts decorating the walls.

I love timing meals to catch the fishing boats returning with their daily hauls.

Fresh catches often appear on the buffet within hours of being pulled from the water.

Outdoor seating during pleasant weather makes the experience even more memorable and Instagram-worthy.

12. Tidewater Seafood

Multiple stations spread across the dining room create a seafood wonderland that requires strategic planning to sample everything.

Crab legs get replenished constantly, ensuring you never face empty trays during your visit.

Shrimp cocktail sits on ice, maintaining perfect temperature and texture throughout the service hours.

An oyster bar staffed by skilled shuckers provides freshly opened bivalves with mignonette and hot sauce.

I recommend making multiple trips rather than overloading your plate on the first pass.

Dessert stations tempt with key lime pie and other sweet endings that complement the savory seafood.

The spacious layout prevents crowding even when the restaurant fills to capacity during busy seasons.

13. Pier House Restaurant Bar

Historic fishing pier location adds authenticity that newer restaurants simply can’t replicate or manufacture.

Fried seafood platters come loaded with shrimp, scallops, and fish that satisfy traditional tastes perfectly.

Steamed crabs arrive whole, requiring some work but delivering maximum flavor for your effort.

The weathered wood and vintage fishing photos create atmosphere that tells stories of generations past.

I enjoy watching anglers on the pier while eating, connecting the meal directly to its source.

Old-school preparation methods honor techniques that have worked for decades without needing modern twists.

Regulars return weekly, creating a community feel where staff remember names and preferences easily.