5 Best Restaurants in Beaufort, The North Carolina Coast

Moonrakers

$$$$ Fodor's choice

There's a lot to love at this gorgeous three-story destination restaurant, from the blackened grouper that emeges from the open kitchen's wood-fired grill, to the sunset views, enjoyed with a signature mai tai on the appropriately named Sky Deck.

Order liberally from the small plates—amidst all the seafood of coastal North Carolina, this is the spot for next-level crab dip and calamari.

Beaufort Grocery Company

$$$$
Well known for its lunchtime sandwiches, salads, and gumbo, this quaint neighborhood bistro's dinner menu expands and goes upscale, with an emphasis on duck, pork, and local seafood. Seating expands from the rustic, black-and-white-checkered-floor dining room out onto the sidewalk.
Modern American Lunch Dinner Brunch $$$$
117 Queen St., Beaufort, North Carolina, 28516, USA
252-728–3899
www.beaufortgrocery.com
Known For
  • big selection of soups, salads, and sandwiches for lunch
  • gougères (Parmesan pastries filled with shrimp or chicken salad)
  • upmarket dinners like pan-seared duck with candied orange rind
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues.

City Kitchen

$$$
At an otherwise working marina, this small-plates restaurant and cocktail bar offers a touch of upscale class with its excellent water views. The rotating "Littles" menu is globally inspired and full of flavor, while the "Bigs" are heartier, meatier choices for dinner. A seasonal tiki bar operates on the outdoor deck that's perfect for sunsets.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Clawson's 1905 Restaurant and Pub

$$

A combination of fresh seafood, local beers, and live music make this a Front Street staple, especially for lunch. Housed in a 1900s grocery building, Clawson's is stuffed with memorabilia dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of Beaufort. Hearty food such as ribs, steaks, pasta, and seafood are part of the attraction, and ask about blue-plate lunch specials. The pub highlights a selection of North Carolina microbrews and schedules regular Friday Night Flights tastings.

American Lunch Dinner $$ Family
425 Front St., Beaufort, North Carolina, 28516, USA
252-728–2133
www.clawsonsrestaurant.com
Known For
  • casual atmosphere for lunch or a hearty dinner
  • good selection of microbrews
  • historic memorabilia about Beaufort
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Credit cards accepted

CRU

$
In the morning, pick up a bagel, a breakfast burrito, and a latte at this downtown coffee shop. Grab a sandwich or wrap to go for lunch, and come back in the evening for ice cream or to enjoy one of coastal North Carolina's best wine selections, by the glass or the bottle.