The 10 Best Seafood Restaurants in Fayetteville, NC
Dining options in Fayetteville, NC, are nothing if not plentiful. Whether you’re a college student on a budget or a business exec with cash to burn, you’ll not be short of places to fill your belly. If seafood is your cuisine of choice, count yourself especially lucky. The city is replete with fish restaurants, and some, as the reviews on Open Table, Trip Advisor, et al attest, are very, very good indeed. Next time you’re in the mood for a little fishy on your dishy, don’t miss a visit to one of our “Top Ten Seafood Restaurants in Fayetteville, NC.”
10. Tasty Crab
Where: 445 Westwood Shopping Ctr, Fayetteville, NC 28314-1532
As the name suggests, Tasty Crab does crab. Moist, succulent, and yes, downright tasty crab. Prepared 101 ways to heaven, crab is unquestionably the focal point of the menu. That said, you’ll still find plenty of other equally tasty options if you’re in the mood for a little variety. Service is exemplary, while the casual, informal vibe means you can dig straight in without worrying about making a mess.
9. Straight Drop Seafood
Where: 594 S Reilly Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28314-0388
Amazing food, a ToGo option for diners in a rush, friendly, efficient service, a casual ambiance, and… did we already mention the amazing food? For diners looking for generous portions of flavorsome fried fish, Straight Drop Seafood won’t disappoint.
8. NY Supreme Steamers
Where: 1047 Murchison Rd, FSU Plaza, Fayetteville, NC 28301-7028
If you’re looking for a healthy alternative to the legions of restaurants specializing in fried fish and fries, NY Supreme Steamers could be just the ticket. The steamed fish is tender, moist, oozing with flavor, and worth every (reduced) calorie. The vegetable side dishes are extensive and just as flavorsome as the seafood. Prices are reasonable, especially considering the variety of fish on offer, and the service is never short of cheery.
7. Bonefish Grill
Where: 210 Glensford Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28314-0891
If you like seafood, you’re going to love Bonefish Grill. Scoring top marks across all the main criteria (food, service, ambiance, and value), it offers a diverse food menu, a superb drinks menu, and a good selection of delectable desserts. For a taste sensation you’re unlikely to forget in a hurry, don’t miss the Bang Bang Shrimp tossed in the restaurant’s signature creamy, spicy sauce – not only is it supremely affordable at just over $10, the portion is generous to fill even the hungriest of bellies. Choose the Crème Brule to end the meal on a high.
6. Captain Jerrys Seafood
Where: 691 S Reilly Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28314-5627
First-timers at Captain Jerrys Seafood are in for a treat. It may not have all the bells and whistles of some of Fayetteville’s fancier joints, but if you’re prepared to sacrifice silver fork service for big portions of gloriously tasty seafood at tiny prices, you’re in the right place. While you can’t really go wrong with whatever you choose from the menu, don’t miss pairing your meal with a side of hush puppies – they’re worth the trip alone.
5. Red Lobster
Where: 533 N McPherson Church Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28303-4409
If you’re familiar with Red Lobster from one of its many other locations (we are, after all, talking about the largest seafood chain in America), you’ll know what to expect at Red Lobster- Fayetteville. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of a Red Lobster experience, then prepare for something special. Food is fresh, expertly prepared, and served with a level of efficiency and professionalism that’s hard to fault. As an added bonus, dining here will let you wear your eco-credentials with pride- all seafood served at the chain is sourced in a way that’s “traceable, sustainable, and responsible”.
4. Joe’s Crab Shack
Where: 155 N McPherson Church Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28303
Fun, informal, and with a friendly, youthful vibe, Joe’s Crab Shack makes a great place to hang out with friends over some great seafood. There might not be anything revolutionary about the food (if you’re expecting innovation or cutting edge cuisine, forget it), but with generous portions, tasty, flaky, gorgeously golden fried fish, mouth-wateringly succulent buckets of crab, lobster and shrimps, great, fast service, and an affordable price list, you’re unlikely to care.
3. Drop by the River
Where: 1130 Person St, Fayetteville, NC 28312-5929
For hearty portions of perfectly cooked seafood, Drop by the River makes an exceptional choice. Some dishes may be on the pricey side, but considering most are big enough to split between two, you’ll not end up blowing too big a hole in the budget (although even if you do, the great service and welcoming ambiance will go a long way to making up for it). The star highlight of the always-excellent menu is the crab fries- succulent, salty bites of deliciousness that go perfectly with a cold beer.
2. Hudson Bay Seafood
Where: 2816 Ramsey St, Fayetteville, NC 28301-3110
Great seafood at a great price awaits you at the unfailingly excellent Hudson Bay Seafood. While the menu is extensive enough to please a variety of tastes, you’d be a fool to miss the devilled crabs and hush puppies, both of which have achieved almost legendary status in Fayetteville. The seafood is fresh as a daisy and cooked to perfection, with a sublime balance of flavors and textures. Elsewhere, you’ll find the potato bar loaded with options; the service just the right side of attentive; the ambiance warmly inviting, and the location hard to beat. All in all, a great little addition to the city’s restaurant scene.
1. 316 Oyster Bar
Where: 316 Owen Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28304-3428
For seafood lovers, few restaurants in Fayetteville can match the delightful 316 Oyster Bar. The menu is a series of big hitters, with some of the star contenders including a seafood pot loaded with perfectly cooked scallops, mussels, crab legs, and shrimp; too-die for deviled crabs; and some of the best hush puppies (served in a basket with homemade honey butter) you’ll wrap your lips around this side of heaven. Service is fast, courteous and professional, waiting time is minimal, and the ambiance is warm and welcoming. Prices may be on the higher side, but given the excellence at work here, it still represents great value for money.