The Best Fine Dining Restaurants in the Atlantic Beach Area

When you’re planning your next trip to one of our Atlantic Beach rentals, there’s plenty to see and do in the area. You might want to spend your days checking out the beautiful beaches along the Crystal Coast, exploring one of the local museums to learn some history, or shopping at a local boutique to pick out a one-of-a-kind souvenir. However, be sure to set aside some time to sample one of the most impressive Atlantic Beach fine dining restaurants.

Your vacation should be a time to treat yourself, and there are plenty of places to do that in Atlantic Beach! Here are a few of the top Atlantic Beach NC restaurants that we recommend you consider visiting.

Table 9

Table 9 presents an upscale dining experience perfect for a romantic night out or an elevated meal with your family. At Table 9, you’ll be treated to some of the most delicious seafood you can find in the area, as well as plenty of land options on the menu. Start with a shrimp wonton or Buffalo oysters before moving to entrees like lobster ravioli, seared sea scallops, or filet mignon. They also have a wide selection of raw oysters and handheld options such as fish or shrimp tacos or the T9 burger. No matter what you select, you can rest assured that it’s been prepared with the freshest local ingredients and is always made to order.

Table 9 is located at 1104 W Fort Macon Road in Atlantic Beach. They are open Tuesday through Sunday, starting at 4:30 p.m. Reservations are not accepted. 

Island Grille

For something a bit more laid back yet still elevated and sophisticated, the Island Grille is the place to be. The menu here is constantly changing to take advantage of the freshest ingredients, so you can return again and again and always find something new. Currently, they’re serving up options such as sauteed shrimp and scallops, grilled yellowfin tuna, and IG signature filet mignon. Don’t forget to finish your meal with a house-made dessert like the flourless chocolate torte, Key Lime Pie, or peanut butter pie! Best of all, Island Grille can easily accommodate those who wish to eat vegetarian or gluten-free.

Island Grille is located at 401 Money Island Drive in Atlantic Beach. They are open Monday and Tuesday from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Wednesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations are highly recommended. 

The Ruddy Duck Tavern

If you’re searching for restaurants near Atlantic Beach, NC, that provides a breathtaking view of the water, The Ruddy Duck Tavern is an excellent option. Serving the Atlantic Beach community since 2008, this restaurant always features local, organic produce and generous portions at prices that won’t break the bank. You’ll find delicious options on the menu such as pureed pumpkin shrimp bisque, the shrimp burger, the nacho burger, shrimp scampi, scallop platter, jambalaya, etc. and more. We recommend finishing your meal with rice pudding or limoncello cake! Be sure to select a wine or beer option to complement your meal as well.

The Ruddy Duck Tavern is located at 509 Evans Street in Morehead City. They are open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Amos Mosquito’s 

Labeling itself as Eastern North Carolina’s premier family restaurant, Amos Mosquito offers an upscale experience that the entire family will appreciate. While there are many favorite staple dishes, the restaurant also keeps things interesting with rotating daily specials to feature the freshest seasonal ingredients. Currently, diners can enjoy entrees such as mango glazed tuna, shrimp and chicken pesto alfredo, summer squash and ricotta penne, and more. They also offer mouthwatering sushi on Thursday nights, as well as an extensive kids’ menu if you’re dining with the family.

Amos Mosquito’s is located at 703 E Fort Macon Road in Atlantic Beach. They are open Monday through Saturday from 4:45 to 9 p.m. Reservations are not accepted except New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day.

Moonrakers

Many of the best restaurants in Atlantic Beach, NC, boast an incredible view of the water. Moonrakers in nearby Beaufort is no different; you can enjoy a mouthwatering meal while also getting a stunning view from the rooftop of the building! If you’d rather dine inside, you’ll still have a fantastic experience on the ground floor, enjoying a coastal-themed atmosphere with original artwork and an incredible view of the water. On the menu, you’ll find mouthwatering selections such as shrimp and grits, New York strip, blackened grouper, seasonal mushrooms, and more. You can pair your meal with a delicious, handcrafted cocktail or enjoy a frozen drink on a hot day.

Moonrakers is located at 326 Front Street in Beaufort. They are open Friday and Saturday from 4 to 10 p.m. and Sunday, Monday, and Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m. Reservations are recommended. 

Aqua

Aqua began as a quaint tapas restaurant in 2003, and it has since grown into one of the most beloved eateries near our Atlantic Beach vacation rentals. You’ll always find local flavors on the menu, including fresh-caught grouper, regional cheeses, local sun-ripened tomatoes, and more. Guests can still select many of the tapas options that the restaurant was first known for, or they can opt for sumptuous selections like the beef short rib, blackened shrimp, grilled petite filet, and cast iron seared crab cake. At the end of the meal, sample Aqua’s signature creme brulee or try the chocolate torte or bananas foster.

Aqua is located at 114 Middle Lane in Beaufort. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30 p.m. until close. Reservations are recommended. 

Sound Side

If you’re specifically in the mood for steak, Sound Side is one of the best places to get it. Each steak is cut fresh as soon as you order it and is cooked on their live charcoal grill for a one-of-a-kind taste that you won’t soon forget. If you’d rather have some seafood, you can find that here, too. The grilled fresh catch is a great way to sample the freshest fish that the area offers. The menu rotates frequently, but whatever you decide on, be sure to finish with a dessert like an apple crisp or French toast bread pudding.

Sound Side Restaurant is located at 5000 Highway 70 W, Suite 112, in Morehead City. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Reservations are required.