Winston Salem 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 Winston Salem NC

Walkertown Seafood Shack
- Address: 2890 Darrow Rd, Walkertown, NC 27051, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (2638)
- Phone: +1 336-595-2932
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: ClosedTuesday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PMWednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PMThursday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PMFriday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PMSaturday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PMSunday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
- Reviews:
We had about a 45 minute wait for 8 people. We arrived around 6pm. Our waitress was great and she had several tables to tend to. She done her best keeping our drinks filled and things we needed. They had large portions. The food was good. And came out hot from the kitchen.
We all had leftovers to take home. Atmosphere was nice and welcoming. Everyone seemed very nice and helpful.
By Mrs Brown (5 months ago)The variety on the menu is quite good. The amount of food for the price you pay is well worth what you get. I ordered the four choice fried platter and there must of been at least a pound of the little shrimp on there. Our server Amanda was amazing. She talked with us and even bought out a sample of a crab soup which by the way was very good. I haven’t found anywhere in NC or Virginia that has decent fried oysters but theirs are excellent. And I’m picky about my seafood because I’m from new England and used to really good seafood. We will definitely be going backBy ellen hendricks (3 months ago)The Walkertown Seafood Shack Experience (Dine-in Edition). So on this day, I wanted seafood and drove to Walkertown (21 minutes) for the seafood shack experience. I sat down and reviewed their menu and ordered their cheese sticks and buffalo shrimp as an appetizer. I also ordered their popcorn shrimp plate with a baked potato. While waiting for my food, I went to the restroom to wash my hands, and the bathroom had a strong urine odor.Once back at the table, the starters came nice and hot. I enjoyed the marinara sauce that came with the cheese sticks and the spice of the buffalo on the shrimp. Once the popcorn shrimp arrived, I saw a heaping amount of food. The shrimp tasted ok. However, the battered tasted slightly off, and I couldn’t put my finger on it. Also, something tasted off with the hushpuppies like they were in the grease too long or the oil had burnt.
Nevertheless, the service was pretty good, and I never went without water while eating. Would I return? I am not sure. I dined over the weekend, close to 8 pm, and perhaps that altered a couple of things, such as staff seasoning accordingly, overheated grease, and staff waiting till the end of the shift to clean restroom areas.
By M (a year ago)As another New England transplant to the Piedmont Triad, I had no expectations of finding a seafood restaurant as good as this one in this region. Wow. The food here is amazing, the staff is quick, polite, and accurate. My go-to is the Captain’s Platter, and I always order a side of fried clams because holy **** these are as good as anything between Connecticut and Maine! We will keep looking for excuses to go to Walkertown around meal times. Incredible.By Dan D (a year ago)The place seems to be a local institution. There were all groups,classes, and ages when I went. The seafood was hot and fresh, and the service was outstanding. I would go again.By Wesley Dorsey (2 months ago)
Mayflower Seafood Restaurant
- Address: 850 Peters Creek Pkwy, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4 (2522)
- Phone: +1 336-728-9998
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PMTuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PMWednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PMThursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PMFriday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PMSaturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PMSunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Reviews:
It was good and food hot but the inside building is so hot. No one should have to work under those conditions..it was 92 degrees outside. Those young kids there have to be burning up, but they were still working hard for only 3 to 4 people there in the building to cover a shift.By Sherifatu Bashorun (6 months ago)Best mayflower in NC
Everything was good except when you get a combo with 3 items. They only give you 1 crab cake and the slaw is really shredded.
But other than that it was a good experienceBy Ko Mo (7 months ago)Stopped by for dinner today 5/2/22. The food was really good! The cleanliness of the restaurant was very disappointing. The floor was sticky. The tables were sticky like the water they were being clean with needed changing desperately. Our table had to be wiped again while we were sitting down. it was a slow day so they could have closed one side at a time and cleaned. We watched one of older ladies who was a hostess sweep the floor while the rest of the wait staff stayed in the kitchen. We normally tip about 10+. Yesterday was a $5 day. The stars are for the food. The waitress was polite but I would make sure my area was clean so my tips would be good!By JACQUELINE B. (8 months ago)The Mayflower Seafood Restaurant Experience ( Call-in/ Carryout Edition). I called in and placed my order over the telephone for their popcorn shrimp plate with a baked potato and coleslaw. It was Tuesday, and their shrimp was on special for $5.79 before tax, and that’s a price you cannot beat. Once arriving at the restaurant, my food was boxed and ready for pickup. Once home, I ate my food and was pleased with the taste of the shrimp. All condiments I asked for, such as extra butter and sour cream for my baked potato and my malt vinegar for my shrimp, were in the bag. Mayflower is a staple of Winston-Salem, and I will certainly be back.By M (a year ago)The food is delicious honestly. The catfish is so tasty and well seasoned. Really good shrimp and sweet hush puppies. The place would be 5 stars if they’d just update the interior for goodness sakes. It looks really outdated and raggedy for food that tastes so good. I’d love to give them 5 stars but the decor, or lack there of is deplorable. Really too bad.By Kelli H Williams (4 months ago)
Red Lobster
- Address: 1690 Westbrook Plaza Dr, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4 (1957)
- Phone: +1 336-768-3110
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PMTuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PMWednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PMThursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PMFriday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PMSaturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PMSunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Reviews:
(New visit, 10/21/22) Four of us enjoyed a great dinner at Red Lobster last night. We arrived shortly before 7 pm. Dominique was our server. We did experience a bit of a wait (10+ mins.) before our server arrived. The restaurant wasn’t particularly crowded for a Friday evening, but perhaps our server was assigned to a lot of tables. Our food was delicious, cooked properly, fresh, and served at the right temperature. My husband’s steak was cooked correctly, and he is rather particular about his steak! Our server checked on us several times and helped me through the prompts on the tabletop payment app.By Peggy Crater (2 months ago)The service was really quick and friendly, we had a fantastic server! Food arrived in really nice time too and everything tasted great. We both got the endless shrimp and the coconut ones are especially wonderful. Brussel sprouts were underdone but otherwise tasted very good. Nice atmosphere inside as well.By Taldak L (3 months ago)❣️Valentine’s day was delicious❣️They had been very very busy all Valentines weekend, so naturally some items on the menu were no longer available. Not a big deal though, we had plenty to eat and a delicious hot meal. 😍 Everything was outstanding including our friendly personable, I’m sure exhausted Waiter. Hope you made a Killing that day!? 😉 Seeing as though we were the very last table, we weren’t rushed🥰 and enjoyed every bit of our Valentine’s Day Dinner and the🍹Black Berry or Triple Berry Sangria is Killer!!!
🤯🍹🤤 Get you some!
*This picture was from the time we visited prior to this day! Always yummy!!
Reason for 4 stars: different visits; temp of food; inconsistency.. will be backBy Lindsay Walser (10 months ago)The Red Lobster Experience ( Online Order/ Pick-up Edition). On this day, I had a taste for lobster bisque because Fall is here in the great state of North Carolina, and it was chilly. So I placed my order through their website and ordered a bowl of lobster bisque and a child’s garlic-grilled shrimp with a ceaser salad and cranberry juice. After placing my order, the system provided a pick-up time, and once at the location, my food was ready.Once home, I noticed my bowl of lobster bisque looked like a cup, and half of the lettuce in my salad was brown. The garlic-grilled shrimp was tasteless, and I was unaware the meal would come with rice. The cranberry juice looked like pink water and had no cranberry juice flavor. I was disappointed in the presentation of my meal and the taste. Whoever made my food was aware the lettuce was brown but packed it anyway. Also, they did not provide me with an entire container of lobster bisque.
In most cases, I would have called management to complain; however, I prefer to take the stance not to go back. I pass this location all the time to see an empty parking lot to a once vibrant business. What is going on? Does management not care or corporate? In my opinion, Red Lobster is on the decline from exhaustion during their moult. Hopefully, corporate can save this location before it perishes in the sea.
By M (a year ago)Today was pay-day, and I had a little extra to splurge on this time around— and decided I’d like some fresh seafood cooked for me! Although, I may have gone a little “overboard” with my meal. I had a whole lobster, two crab claw clusters, the Brussels sprouts, lobster mashed potatoes, the garlic mussels, a cocktail, a root beer, AND a brownie sundae for dessert. Every single dish was cooked to perfection, easy to crack into, and of course quite filling.My server, Micah, only made the whole experience easier and more enjoyable. He was quick with refills, happily cleared away plates as needed, and was overall very attentive to my needs without having to hover or be intrusive. He got a tip that was over 20% because he well deserved it.
I will definitely be back!
By Zachary Williams (a year ago)
King’s Crab Shack and Oyster bar
- Address: 520 Hanes Mall Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.3 (1835)
- Phone: +1 336-997-9219
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: ClosedTuesday: 12:00 – 8:00 PMWednesday: 12:00 – 8:00 PMThursday: 12:00 – 8:00 PMFriday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PMSaturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PMSunday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM
- Reviews:
An odd little hole in the wall for such great food. Being downtown, parking is a nightmare but the food is great!
I had the oysters, which I found to be a little small, but were worth the price. The Oysters Rockefeller, however, hit on another level. They were fantastic.
The staff was super chill and attentive. A great atmosphere, albeit a little cramped.
Wife had the crab legs and couldn’t complain. Great market prices. Will definitely return.
By Seth Ritchie (appalachian_foodie) (4 months ago)One of my favorite places in Winston to hit up for raw oysters, I’ve eaten so many I’ve actually bitten into a large pearl once!I’ve been frequenting King’s Crab Shack since I first moved to Winston in 2015 and have always had a great experience. Mainly, to get my oyster fix, I can always rely on reasonably priced, shucked oysters by the dozen.
The oysters are from the James River in VA and have a nice mild, creamy taste to them so I always order these by the dozen or two when I come to get my fix. Most recently, I celebrated the birth of my son with two dozen since I was unable to eat these while I was pregnant and boy was I in heaven. Of course, I shared a little with my hubby :). We enjoyed the crab dip for an appetizer as well which I’d recommend if you’re into that.
By Anida Kleege (10 months ago)3.5 starsWhen I see crab shack in the name of the restaurant I first think this place can make a crab cake. Sadly I was disappointed as it was not a lump meat crab cake but the run of the mill minced. It was cooked well and the fries were okay but for that price it should have been lumped. The oysters were delicious and the red sauce was good. I’m sure other items are great as well. Overall the staff were all very very nice and accommodating and was a chill place to eat and watch a game while having a beer.
By The K Green Show (2 months ago)Don’t let the outside dive bar vibe fool you. This place has some seriously good seafood and the menu options are diverse. I had a grilled salmon Caeser wrap and it was hands-down the best one I’ve ever had. The fried oyster appetizer was terrific. Great bar menu and beer selection. Bar seating goes the length of the table seating but there is also sidewalk seating outside.By David Hinnant (9 months ago)Nice atmosphere and folks. Clean facility. But, the crab legs were overcooked and basically the same for the Oysters and shrimp and scallops. A little tough, rubbery and under seasoned. The she-crab soup was okay, but I didn’t finish it.
Stop by for a beer and a cracker or something, but the meals do not measure up to the prices.By robert mcminn (10 months ago)
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
- Address: 1215 Creekshire Way, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.3 (1792)
- Phone: +1 336-659-3973
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PMTuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PMWednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PMThursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PMFriday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PMSaturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PMSunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Reviews:
Nice brick development. First time going@2:00 pm. Women’s bathroom was empty of tissue in all stalls. No one obviously did bathroom duties from the night before. Bathroom smelled like it was not cleaned. Too early in the day for tissue to be out and unclean.
The operations were ridiculous. We were never asked if we wanted any condiments. We ordered steak, burgers, fries -which require condiments for many people. The table near us had to ask for steak sauce. This made the server work harder. And when he brought them out, they were in plastic cups. This was not upscale presentation. The server brought us water. Several glasses were dirty with stuff floating in the water. We had to ask for straws and new water. Waiter was running around because our table and the other kept needing items that he failed to bring, or the standard operations do not implement easy service. Sweating like crazy! He was over worked. The food was OK. My older niece ordered the deviled egg appetizer, and they left 4 of them untouched because they were disgusting. I have had much better food and service at prices worth paying. They charge a gratuity to your bill. This guy made at least 50$ from our table, he only deserved about $20 for his service. I am very UNHAPPY with the experience. I feel like we were robbed with literally taking 20% of the bill as tip for horrible service. It is unfair and dishonest. I should tip what I feel is fair trade. We need to be reimbursed. I kept mentioning it to the server. I also told the hostess about the restrooms when I saw the issues. No one ever came to speak to me about what I complained about. This place wants to be a 5 STAR restaurant, they need to have more management involvement and correct problems that are presented. Management needs to check on tables to see if people are having a great experience. This is what sets an upscale restaurant apart from mediocre. This place lacks many upscale aspects. If they lack in these areas, they should not charge as if they are upscale. Absolutely, horrible. The only good experience at this place was my family. We are use to eating in better restaurants across the country. Firebirds is not that place for 100% exquisite dining.By shareen Rus (3 months ago)The atmosphere was on point for a steak restaurant. The customer service was very good. I don’t eat steak much anymore but I did eat ribeye that day and it was the best one I think I’ve ever had! There was plenty of seating and no waiting but that doesn’t mean they weren’t busy they were very busy it’s just a nice sized place. I like that you can have a conversation with someone and you can’t hear the people next to you because it’s generously proportioned distance and not write up on people. The restaurant was nice and tidy!By Suzie Jackson (6 months ago)Very good establishment.
Customer service was very good and the prices are good as well.
Food came out excellent.
Ribs are very tasty along with the loaded baked potatoe.
Atmosphere is good . Great vibes.
Was told it does get crowded weekend nights so reservations is prolly necessary.Drinks were good.
Overall I’d say this place is above average. They offer a lot of food choices and a wide range of items on the menu .I’d definitely come back to try other items.
By B Ho. (2 months ago)I honestly think this place is overrated. I give it a 6.5/10. The atmosphere was nice and chill. So we ordered Lobster Spinach dip 8/10, Shrimp with Cajun Butter 5/10. The Shrimp was over cooked. A blind man could see that. I never chewed shrimp for so long. Lol but the flavor was decent! Mashed potatoes were light and buttery 9/10. My Sirloin Steak was ordered medium well. It was okay and more like well done. Not the worst steak I’ve ever had but certainly not to best. 6/10. The Philly egg rolls were absolutely delicious! 9.5/10!!!By Tiera Green (8 months ago)Food was okay. Steak was a little dry. The mashed potatoes were my favorite though. Really good selection of drinks and different cocktails. But our server just seemed off. Looked at me like I had 4 heads when I asked kindly for some more water. Seemed more interested in other tables with larger parties. Had high hopes from looking on the outside and left with a just meh experience. I would like to go back and hopefully get a better experience especially when you’re paying 100 bucks for a meal.By Maggie Stiles (11 months ago)
Pancho Villa’s Mexican & Seafood Restaurant
- Address: 799 S Stratford Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (1655)
Arigato Japanese Steak & Seafood House
- Address: 2995 Bethesda Pl, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.2 (1633)
Crazy Crab Seafood & Grill
- Address: 1375 Peters Creek Pkwy, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.3 (1493)
Bleu Restaurant and Bar
- Address: 3425 Frontis St, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.3 (1082)
Ryan’s Restaurant
- Address: 719 Coliseum Dr NW, Winston-Salem, NC 27106, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (1067)
Full Moon Oyster Bar – Clemmons
- Address: 1473 River Ridge Dr, Clemmons, NC 27012, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (904)
Milner’s American Southern Restaurant And Catering
- Address: 630 S Stratford Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (894)

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