Places to Eat

Nobody leaves Topsail Island hungry. These are the places we send friends and family — grouped by where you'll be, so you can find something close.

Surf City — On the Island

• Daddy Mac's Beach Grille (opens in a new tab)
  AmericanOceanfrontDog-friendly deck
  A short walk from the house down the beach, right next to the pier. Service is always great, and you can bring your dog, sit outside on the deck and watch the surfers.
• Shaka Taco (opens in a new tab)
  MexicanSuper casualOutdoor seating only
  Super fresh, right across the street from Daddy Mac's.
• Santorini Greek and Italian Bistro (opens in a new tab)
  Greek & ItalianFamily-owned
  Great pizza, pasta and gyros.
• SurfDog Bites and Brews (opens in a new tab)
  Burgers & sandwichesCasual
  Burgers, dogs, homemade soups, apps, sandwiches and salads.
• Sears Landing (opens in a new tab)
  SeafoodWaterfront
  Right on the Intracoastal Waterway.
• unWINEd Wine Bar and Beer (opens in a new tab)
  Wine barLight bitesLive music
  A great place to have a drink and something light — paninis and charcuterie.
• Maine Lobstah Shack (opens in a new tab)
  LobsterCasual
  Fresh Maine lobster: lobster rolls, bowls, mac-n-cheese, bisque and more.
• Topsail Steamer (opens in a new tab)
  Seafood boilCook it at the house
  A very fun option for a low country boil at your own place: they provide the steam pot with whatever seafood and seasonings you order, plus instructions to finish it at home.

Surf City — Mainland

• Low Tide Steakhouse & Sandbar (opens in a new tab)
  SteakhouseGreat salad bar
  Great service, too.
• Cape Fear Seafood Company (opens in a new tab)
  SeafoodBooks up early
  Probably the best seafood in the area, even though it's a chain! Great service — but reserve ahead.
• Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar (opens in a new tab)
  Oyster barSeasonal
  Local oysters and clams when they're in season.
• Surf City Barbeque and Catering
  BarbecueFamily-friendlyGluten-free options
  Charming, rustic and delicious!
• Smoky Tony's BBQ (opens in a new tab)
  Barbecue
  Great barbecue, friendly service.
• Cowfin Bar and Grill (opens in a new tab)
  Sports barLocally owned
  Great food.

North Topsail

• Burrito Shak (opens in a new tab)
  MexicanFastCoastal vibe
  Fast service, great food.
• Agave Azul (opens in a new tab)
  Modern MexicanCantinaUpscale
  Great margaritas.
• Spiaggia Ristobar (opens in a new tab)
  ItalianFamily-owned
  Great service, generous portions, great food!
• Splash by the Sea (opens in a new tab)
  SeafoodOceanfront dining
  Seafood, family recipes and salads, right by the water.
• Fishmonger's Honest Seafood (opens in a new tab)
  SeafoodLocally sourced
  Locally sourced when possible, with farm-raised produce.
• Driftwood Cafe (opens in a new tab)
  CasualAll-day menu
  Great atmosphere, great food, great menu!
• Rick's Sports Bar (opens in a new tab)
  Sports barAmerican
  Great bar food. Steelers fans!
• Riverview Cafe
  Seafood & steaksWaterfrontSince 1946
  Family-owned and operated since 1946. Fresh seafood, steaks and chicken. No website — call 910-327-2011.

Tip: many island kitchens close earlier than you'd expect (8–9 PM, earlier off-season), and some are cash-friendly or seasonal. Check hours before you drive.