The Best Restaurants in Ocean Isle Beach (According to Locals & Frequent Foodies)
The Best Restaurants in Ocean Isle Beach (According to Locals & Frequent Foodies)
Hungry in Ocean Isle Beach? Whether you’re fresh off the sand or winding down after a long day of shell hunting, OIB’s food scene serves up way more than just fried shrimp baskets (though those are here too). Below are some of the must-try spots for locals, vacationers, and even the pickiest eaters.
🍝 1. Roberto’s Restaurant (The Hands-Down Winner*)
📍 6737 Beach Dr SW, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
⏰ Dinner only. Closed Sundays. Arrive early or make a reservation.
Roberto’s is a local legend for a reason. Hidden in plain sight on Beach Drive, it blends coastal comfort food with elevated Italian-inspired dishes. Expect generous portions, clean white traditional tablecloths, and service that feels like family. You'll often spot owner Dave in his chef hat, greeting guests and checking on tables like it’s still the good old days—because to him, it is. A true local business owner who wants you to enjoy every bite.
Must-Try Dish: Chicken Marsala, Shrimp & Scallops Tuscany (loaded with local shrimp and scallops)
Pro Tip: Their business hours say "4:30 to 9ish"--this means their closing depends on how busy it is, and they'll never kick you out or scorn at you for having another desert or night cap before you go. One more thing: We are steak people. And every steak we've ever ordered there rivals any of the best fancy steakhouses we've ever been to, anywhere. And the calamari is bangin'...also if you don't want the pasta they'll gladly serve a their stuff with mashed potatoes instead...we could go on and on about this place!
🦈 2. Sharky’s Waterfront Restaurant
📍 61 Causeway Dr, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
⏰ Open daily for lunch and dinner
Classic OIB vibes, live music, and waterfront views make Sharky’s a must for the beach crowd. It’s casual, lively, and the drinks flow fast. Sit out on the deck and watch the boats float by with a frozen drink in hand.
Must-Try Dish: Grouper Bites or the Old Bay Chicken Wings (!!!)
Pro Tip: Great spot for a group. Order a bunch of appetizers and share!
🎣 3. Ocean Isle Fishing Center (OIFC Grill)
📍 65 Causeway Dr, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
⏰ Seasonal hours, generally open for lunch & early dinner
Attached to the marina, this hidden gem is perfect for seafood lovers. Fresh-off-the-boat catches are the star, with no-frills seating and unbeatable dockside views. You can literally watch boats unload your dinner.
Must-Try Dish: Blackened Mahi Wrap, and their Sushi is top notch!
Pro Tip: Get parked and send someone upstairs to grab an outside table with the best views around (first come, first served).
🍔 4. Beaches Burgers
📍 6551 Beach Dr SW, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
⏰ Open 11am–3pm most days. Closed Sundays.
Craving a good ol’ fashioned burger done right? Beaches Burgers is quick, affordable, and always hits the spot. This is where you go for comfort food after a morning in the sun.
Must-Try Dish: The double cheeseburger with all the fixings, and a side of onion rings
Pro Tips: Remember it's LUNCH ONLY and they close every day at 2:30pm, so don't dilly dally! Also they are really cool about letting you order whatever you want, catering to carnivores and lettuce-wrappers, or whatever your diet is.
🌴 5. Castaway’s Grill
📍 112 Causeway Dr, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
⏰ Open daily during peak season for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
One of the best-kept secrets for breakfast in OIB! The omelets are huge, the prices are right, and takeout is smart if you want to eat back on your deck or balcony. Great for families or anyone who wants casual seafood with a side of fun. It’s colorful, coastal, and laid-back, with a big enough menu to keep everyone happy—from picky kids to seafood snobs.
Must-Try Dish: Shrimp & grits, crab cake sandwich, or one of those legendary breakfast omelets
Pro Tip: Call ahead for breakfast takeout and beat the rush.
🎶 6. Jinks Creek Waterfront Grille
📍 14 Causeway Dr, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
⏰ Open for dinner most evenings; seasonal hours—call ahead for reservations
Looking for the perfect spot for a date night, special celebration, or just a memorable sunset dinner? Jinks Creek is the place. Perched right on the water with stunning views of the marsh and Intracoastal Waterway, this upscale-yet-beachy restaurant blends coastal elegance with laid-back charm. It’s known for fresh seafood, creative cocktails, and a killer wine list.
Bonus: They also host top-notch live music, including monthly appearances by local favorites Cosmic Superheroes—so check the schedule before you go!
Must-Try Dish: The Lobster Ravioli or Seared Scallops with seasonal risotto
Pro Tip: Make a reservation if you're celebrating something special and ask for a table near the windows for unbeatable views at sunset.
Final Bite:
From white-tablecloth seafood to no-nonsense burgers and beachfront breakfasts, Ocean Isle Beach packs a flavorful punch for such a chill little island. Start with these six—you’ll leave full, happy, and probably planning your next meal before the first one’s even over.
*in our opinion, of course!
