A Local’s Guide to Coastal Seafood in North and South Carolina
One of the best parts of spending time along the Carolina coast is the food. From fresh shrimp and oysters to simple fried seafood baskets, coastal North and South Carolina are known for seafood that is rooted in tradition and shaped by the water nearby.
This guide is not about fine dining or hard to find dishes. It is about the seafood locals grow up eating and visitors quickly learn to love.
Coastal Seafood in North Carolina
North Carolina’s coastline stretches from the Outer Banks to the southern beaches near the South Carolina border, and seafood plays a major role in coastal life.
Some of the most common seafood you will find in coastal North Carolina includes:
- Shrimp
- Oysters
- Flounder
- Blue crab
- Soft shell crab when in season
Shrimp is a staple, especially in the summer months. You will often see it served fried, grilled, or boiled, sometimes as part of a classic shrimp plate or seafood platter.
Oysters are most popular in the cooler months and are often enjoyed roasted or raw at oyster roasts along the coast.
Flounder is another North Carolina favorite and is commonly served fried or pan seared, especially at local seafood restaurants.
Coastal Seafood in South Carolina
South Carolina’s coastal seafood has a similar foundation but its own distinct Lowcountry influence.
Popular South Carolina coastal seafood includes:
- Shrimp
- Oysters
- Blue crab
- She crab soup
- Frogmore stew, also known as Lowcountry boil
Shrimp and grits is one of the most recognizable dishes in South Carolina and is a staple in coastal towns. Oysters are also deeply tied to South Carolina food culture, especially during oyster season in the fall and winter.
Lowcountry boils are common at gatherings and restaurants and typically include shrimp, corn, sausage, and potatoes cooked together and served family style.
What Makes Carolina Coastal Seafood Different
What sets coastal Carolina seafood apart is its simplicity. Most dishes rely on fresh ingredients, minimal seasoning, and traditional cooking methods.
Seafood is often sourced locally, cooked simply, and served without a lot of extras. This approach lets the flavor of the seafood speak for itself and reflects the culture of coastal communities.
Eating seafood along the Carolina coast is less about presentation and more about experience.
When to Enjoy Coastal Seafood
Seafood is available year round, but certain items shine during specific seasons.
Shrimp is most abundant in late spring and summer. Oysters are best in the cooler months. Blue crab and soft shell crab are seasonal and highly anticipated when available.
If you are visiting the coast, asking what is local and in season is one of the best ways to find something memorable.
Eating Seafood Like a Local
Locals often keep it simple. Seafood baskets, dockside restaurants, and casual coastal spots are just as popular as sit down restaurants.
Do not overlook places that look unassuming. Some of the best seafood comes from small restaurants that focus on what is fresh that day.
Author Notes
One local spot worth mentioning is Cape Fear Seafood Company, where I have eaten several times and consistently had a great experience. Personal favorites include the hot crab dip, the stuffed flounder, and the yellowfin tuna sandwich. If you are looking for a place that highlights coastal seafood done well, this is one I feel comfortable recommending.
Whether you are visiting the North Carolina coast or heading south into South Carolina, coastal seafood is an experience worth slowing down for.
