
Holden Beach is a picturesque island in North Carolina and is known for its natural beauty and thriving foodie scene. Nestled between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean, this small beach town offers not only stunning sandy shores but also a rich, centuries-old tradition of seafood harvesting.
Seafood plays a central role in the town’s food culture, where local restaurants and eateries proudly showcase dishes prepared with freshly caught fish. Popular dishes include shrimp and grits, clam chowder, and steamed oysters, often served with a side of Southern hospitality. The abundance of fresh seafood is not just a culinary tradition but a way of life.
If you’re unsure of where to start this delicious foodie vacation then look no further... Here are the best restaurants and seafood markets in Holden Beach, NC!
Holden Beach Seafood Restaurants
Castaway’s Raw Bar & Grill
112 Ocean Blvd W, Holden Beach, NC 28462
910-842-5743

Located on Ocean Blvd, this incredible two-level restaurant includes stunning ocean views and delicious cuisine. Enjoy live entertainment, cornhole games on the beach, and some of the city’s best oysters and crab dip all in one place. Open for lunch and dinner, Castaway’s is a must for your Holden Beach foodie vacation.
Dock House Seafood
103 S Shore Dr, Holden Beach, NC 28462
910-846-9920
Located on South Shore Dr, Dock House Seafood offers a unique selection of delicious cuisine! Enjoy the wonderful flavors of fresh food while basking in the stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway. Welcome to all, Dock’s is sure to show you what true Southern hospitality truly is.
The Cove Restaurant
2633 Holden Beach Rd SW, Supply, NC 28462
910-846-2633
This incredible family-owned local restaurant is located on Holden Beach Rd, and welcomes both people and dogs to come and enjoy some delicious cuisine! With a special seating area for those with dogs and the delicious Holden Scoop ice cream parlor right next door, this is a spot you do not want to miss!
SmacNally’s Waterfront Bar & Grill
1045 B-Var Rd SW, Supply, NC 28462
910-842-9999
While enjoying breathtaking views of the Holden Beach Bridge and the Intracoastal Waterway, SmacNally’s will show you a great time with live music from the bar and food goodness that can’t be beaten! Located on 1045-B Var Rd, this is a restaurant the whole family will love!
Mermaids Island Grill
102 Jordan Blvd, Holden Beach, NC 28462
910-842-4999
Featuring local and from-scratch ingredients, Mermaids Island Grill is sure to be your favorite Holden Beach stop. Open for lunch and dinner, the whole family can enjoy an ocean view indoors or out. Located on Jordan Blvd, Mermaids truly brings the flavor to Holden Beach.
Holden Beach Seafood Markets
Old Ferry Seafood
1069 Songbird Ln SW, Supply, NC 28462
910-842-6278
Owned by Anna and Phil Robinson who have been catching and cooking seafood for 30 years, you will find some of Holden Beach’s best and most fresh selection! Choose for pre-prepared and delicious dinners, as well as the choice of catch such as clams, shrimp, mussels, and more. You may even get a show of fishermen docking and unloading by the shop, delivering the fresh seafood for you to take home.
Beacon 1 Seafood
1 Fisherman Rd, Supply, NC 28462
910-842-2203
Beacon 1 Seafood Market in Holden Beach is a local gem offering fresh, high-quality eats straight from the Atlantic. You may enjoy their homemade seafood dips as well, a well-known favorite for locals. Renowned for its friendly service and wide selection, it’s the perfect spot to pick up shrimp, oysters, crabs, and fish.
Capt’n Pete’s Seafood Market
101 S Shore Dr, Holden Beach, NC 28462
910-842-6675
Capt’n Pete’s Seafood Market in Holden Beach is a beloved local spot offering fresh, top-quality eats, including shrimp, crabs, and fish. Famous for its homemade crab cakes, this market is a local favorite that keeps customers coming back for more.
Making Holden Beach a Home Away From Home
For the perfect home to enjoy all of your seafood market goods, Hobbs Realty has you covered with the perfect Holden Beach vacation rental. These rentals feature high-quality amenities and stunning views that you just can’t find anywhere else. Enjoy a fully equipped kitchen, oceanfront pools, hot tubs, private boardwalks, and expansive decks when staying with Hobbs Realty for your foodie vacation.
Holden Beach stands out as one of the best places to enjoy seafood. It offers delicious fresh catches, whether it be at favorite local markets, or coastal restaurants! With seafood markets beloved for their quality, service, and dedication to the freshest fish available, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy truly authentic, coastal flavors.
Beyond the markets, Holden Beach boasts an array of restaurants that expertly prepare these catches in dishes like shrimp and grits, clam chowder, and steamed oysters. The laid-back atmosphere, paired with the freshest seafood around, makes Holden Beach the ultimate destination for anyone craving a true coastal culinary experience.