My Picks for the 12 Best Seafood Restaurants in Washington NC

Washington NC is known for its outstanding seafood restaurants – and we’ve identified seven of the best! Whether you’re looking to indulge in savory lobster rolls or satisfy your craving with an array of fresh fish dishes, these eateries are sure to deliver a top-tier dining experience.

Top 12 Places to Eat Seafood in Washington NC

Best Seafood restaurant in Washington NC

Down On Mainstreet

Address: 107 W Main St, Washington, NC 27889, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.4 (1209)
Phone: +1 252-940-1988
Website: Link
Opening hours:

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Sunday: Closed
Reviews:

Good place for some pub food. I ordered their fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese. Boy, you definitely need someone to eat it with you. A tad heavy on the batter but otherwise it’s good. Hubby had the Steele burger, med rare. He said it’s delicious. Definitely recommend if you’re around Washington.

✭✭✭✭ By Risa Dee (Aria) (2 months ago)

I wish there was a 4.5 start option. The food as always was fantastic. Drinks are awesome. The service was good and friendly. The atmosphere though, while fun, is suffering. It’s gotten kind of dingy (with bathroom being just gross). I hate to knock it a whole star, because I truly enjoy the place. But although our food was excellent, our last visit left us kinda feeling “eh”.

✭✭✭✭ By Stacie Dunlow (a month ago)

Out standing, delicious…. the adult beverages are to die for! Absolutely a great family gathering place. We make the 80 mile trip multiple times a year.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Sam edwards (10 months ago)

We enjoyed grabbing lunch here while visiting Washington, NC. The food was great and the servers were fantastic!

✭✭✭✭✭ By Shannon Bull (6 months ago)

We went here three times this summer. Each time we went by boat as there is free docking along the river front. This last time we brought along a friend and her teen son. Ever visit the food , drinks and service were absolutely excellent. First visit I had the club sandwich which is enormous and so delicious. The second trip I got the turkey wrap and that was so good. This most recent trip I had the shrimp burger. It was piled high with tender , lightly battered shrimp. The cocktail sauce was amazing. Each visit I got the sweet potato waffle fries as I got hooked on the first visit. Their bartenders mix perfect cocktails. We will return again next summer when we go boating again

✭✭✭✭✭ By Sandy Yannarella (3 months ago)

Washington Crab

Address: 1212 John Small Ave, Washington, NC 27889, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.2 (1151)
Phone: +1 252-974-2722
Website: Link
Opening hours:

Monday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Reviews:

The staff were friendly and helpful, they answered our questions and gave good recommendations. The food was good and the shrimp portions were great. Overall this was a nice place to eat with an interesting atmosphere. The price is high, but the food was really good.

✭✭✭✭ By Matthew K (a week ago)

This place was recommended by people local to the area and it was great! Just a fun local seafood place at good prices. I will be back when I come through town again. Service was good, food was good and came out fast.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Martin Brossman (a year ago)

Excellent service and great food! The team is so friendly I’m amazed this local stop wasn’t overwhelmingly packed. The food was great hot blue crab dip and the steamed crabs and the ahi tuna cooked just like I like it!! Will deffinatly return

✭✭✭✭✭ By necole fennell (4 months ago)

Usually this place is really good, but tonight I learned not to go within an hour of closing. My barbecue was full of burnt pieces like the grill hadnt been cleaned all week and completely inedible. My plate was completely missing a side of green beans. The hush puppies were like chewing leather. The girl that saw me at the takeout window rolled her eyes and seemed very reluctant to want to help me. If you go here, just make sure it’s the middle of the day because apparently that’s when the food is the best.

✭✭ By Macon Williams (5 months ago)

Crab cakes and fried oysters were very good although could have been hotter. Same with sweet potato casserole side dish. Green beans also not hot enough and were canned beans – next time will order a different side.

✭✭✭ By Joyce Calaban (2 months ago)

Ribeyes Steakhouse – Washington

Address: 228 W Stewart Pkwy, Washington, NC 27889, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.3 (912)
Phone: +1 252-833-0936
Website: Link
Opening hours:

Monday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM

Tuesday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM

Wednesday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM

Thursday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM

Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Reviews:

Came here with my husband a couple of weeks ago for dinner and honestly everything was perfect. Our food was excellent, server was friendly and attentive, and we were able to sit out on the patio to watch the sunset with dinner. This was our first time here and we can’t wait to come back!

✭✭✭✭✭ By Brooke Holmes (4 months ago)

Great place for a wonderful dinner. Loved our waiter Ethan’s hospitality and service. The Chef’s assistant came out to take our order which was a great way to eliminate any errors. Food came out quickly, steak were delicious and so were the shrim0 skewers. Will definitely come back to visit.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Luis Merced (5 months ago)

We were passing through Washington on our way home from a vacation in SC and thank goodness we did because if we hadn’t stopped in for dinner we wouldn’t have ever met your server Sarah. My husband had a ribeye and he said it’s the best he’s had in quite a while. I had the salad and twice baked potato which were delicious, although my potato wasn’t very warm. We also had a skewer of shrimp which wasn’t warm at all unfortunately. That being said, sweet Sarah did everything in her power to make up for this (which wasn’t even her fault). She apologized profusely and brought me a delicious piece of cheesecake. Ribeyes…you are so fortunate to have such a sweet girl on your team. Sarah….you were a bright spot on our whole vacation. Your genuine care and concern and sweet personality are hard to come by nowadays. Thanks for making our visit special! We hope to see you again soon.

✭✭✭✭ By LS Wooster (a month ago)

Was there for 1st time tonight. Positives were that the grilled shrimp was delicious, some entrees were discounted, and their 1/2 price house wine at $3 a real bargain ( and still a decent pour). Waitresses and hostess nice and very attentative. The negatives were that the menu is a tad limited and the fact that they were out of scallops which we planned to order was a disappointment but hey, it happens. The salad bar (an entree option in an of itself) was a little limited and should have included at least rolls and butter. Overall a good experience and we’ll be back!

✭✭✭✭ By Joyce Calaban (2 weeks ago)

Great salad bar! Great steak! Food is a win win. Service is also excellent. The floor however can trip you in areas if you don’t watch your step. While I was there an elderly lady fell on an uneven part. Thankfully she was not hurt seriously. The staff was immediately there providing help to make sure she was ok It’s an old building and it’s a wooden plank floor. That’s part of the charm. I have had a very positive experience every time I’ve gone there. Great meeting place for family and friends.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Mae Davis (a month ago)

Backwater Jacks Tiki Bar

Address: 1052 E Main St, Washington, NC 27889, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.5 (857)
Phone: +1 252-975-1090
Website: Link
Opening hours:

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday: 4:00 – 8:30 PM

Thursday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM

Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Reviews:

Very friendly people and had excellent service sitting outside by the bar. I came on a Friday and got the grilled chicken sandwich that was on special and it was very good, not dry at all. The beer on draft was cold and we were able to sit in the shade, with a breeze, listening to classic rock. Can’t beat that for a lunch break from work with great views as well. This was my second time coming here and don’t plan for it to be my last l.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Colton P. McNichol (7 months ago)

Fun little place. Great fresh seafood. Excellent wait staff, actually everyone working there was enjoyable to talk to, each giving us more insight on place. We will definitely be back for live music in the summer.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Wil van der Meulen (11 months ago)

Let’s just say the stars are for the ambience, and potential of a really neat place. Food was just so so, and our server didn’t place our order until we asked about it, but hey! Bad days happen.
The venue, near the boat landing. Live music, in the cool little town of Washington is a tourists dream and must be experienced. Give ‘‘em a try. Maybe they’ll have their A game on that day.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Darryl Thompson (a year ago)

The atmosphere here was amazing. Very casual and fun with wonderful service. Lots of fun drink options to try and a great menu. I got the coconut shrimp basket and island fries and they were delicious!

✭✭✭✭✭ By Caitlin C (6 months ago)

We had a quick bite to eat for lunch while passing through. Our party of 9 was able to sit outside with our dog with no reservation. They provided a bowl of cool water for our dog. Also, the food came out quickly and all of the items were exactly as we ordered! This is exactly the kind of service that makes me want to come back every time I’m close and recommend them to friends.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Jonathan Crouch (a year ago)

Grub Brothers Eatery & Little Brown Jug

Address: 156 W Main St, Washington, NC 27889, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.2 (835)
Phone: +1 252-787-7651
Website: Link
Opening hours:

Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Reviews:

Food was good overall, but parts were just ok. For example, my burger was excellent, but the bun was cold and chewy. 30 seconds on the grill and it would have been great.

Seems to be a local watering hole. Decor is weak. If I am back in the area I might go back. Fun menu with a lot of different, tasty choices.

✭✭✭✭ By Jeff Jones (JJ) (3 weeks ago)

The menu is different and offering diversity. The staff are very nice. Relatively large restaurant and a good chance you won’t wait. The “Gruben” had very little dressing dressing. I feel like it was an off night. Very good quality marble rye and pastrami. I enjoyed the fried jalapenos and their signature sauce. Onion rings were spot on. The restaurant has a retro balcony/ bar atmosphere. Needs flooring and some renovation would push it over the top.

✭✭✭✭ By Travis Dessoffy (4 months ago)

The burgers here are great but the chicken salad club is the one for me. Really good chicken salad on toasted bread with fried green tomatoes and crispy bacon, perfect. Also make sure to get a side a gravy with your fries, you won’t regret it. The okra and tomato stew is delicious as well. This is a nice local hangout and the staff offers nothing but great hospitality.

✭✭✭✭ By Martinelli Goss (a year ago)

Great place to eat, right next to the theater. Extremely friendly and attentive staff. Had the Philly Cheesesteak, the Cajun Pasta, and the Club. All of them were really good. The best thing was the hash brown casserole! That was stellar.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Bill Green (a year ago)

Love the fall apart BBQ ribs. So good and catfish pattys delish.
Dont leave left overs. LOL Ours wear taken the monent we forgot them. LOL
The possem in the Trash Plate defanetly do agine.

✭✭✭✭ By Shannon Waller (6 months ago)

El Mariachi Mex And Grill

Address: 1302 Carolina Ave #3538, Washington, NC 27889, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.3 (649)

Captain Cooks Waterfront Restaurant

Address: 1 Harding Square, Washington, NC 27889, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 3.8 (360)

Washington Crab

Address: 321 N Pierce St, Washington, NC 27889, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.4 (354)

Hog Heaven

Address: 1969 W 5th St, Washington, NC 27889, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.2 (351)

Shep’s Grill

Address: 129 N Market St, Washington, NC 27889, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.5 (271)

The Bank Bistro

Address: 216 W Main St, Washington, NC 27889, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.5 (189)

The Hackney

Address: 192 W Main St Suite A, Washington, NC 27889, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.6 (172)

Thank you for reading! We hope this list helps you find the best seafood restaurants in Washington NC. If you have any additional information, please leave a comment below!