Absolutely phenomenal seafood! We got takeout two nights in a row while in Wilmington because it was so good. Their fried shrimp is Calabash style and delicious! The hushpuppies were sweet and had a nice crunch to the exterior. Fries were seasoned nicely with salt, pepper, and some herbs. The risotto cakes were rich, cheesy, and outstanding. Overall, it was some of the best seafood I’ve ever had.
Overview
When you're in the mood for fresh seafood in Wilmington, North Carolina, look no further than Cape Fear Seafood Company. Located at 5226 College Rd #5, this vibrant eatery brings the flavors of the coast to the heart of the city, offering a variety of delectable dishes that are sure to satisfy seafood lovers. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor, this restaurant is a must-try destination for an unforgettable dining experience.
Cape Fear Seafood Company specializes in serving a wide range of seafood options that showcase the best of the region’s fresh catch. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by a laid-back, coastal atmosphere that instantly sets the tone for your meal. The menu offers something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood for a light starter or a hearty entrée. One of the standout features of this restaurant is its dedication to using the freshest ingredients, sourced locally whenever possible, ensuring that every dish is bursting with flavor.
A popular choice among regulars is the shrimp and grits. This dish, a Southern classic, is prepared with perfectly seasoned shrimp and creamy, flavorful grits that complement each other beautifully. The seafood chowder is another must-try, packed with a generous amount of fish, shellfish, and vegetables in a rich, savory broth. For those who prefer lighter fare, the grilled fish tacos offer a flavorful, yet refreshing option, with fresh, grilled fish topped with zesty slaw and tangy salsa.
If you're a fan of oysters, Cape Fear Seafood Company offers them on the half shell, straight from the local waters. You can choose from a variety of sauces and toppings to enhance the natural briny flavor of the oysters, making for a truly custom experience. Additionally, their crab cakes are a crowd favorite, featuring a generous amount of lump crab meat held together with just the right amount of seasoning.
The restaurant doesn’t just excel in seafood, but also in its selection of sides and accompaniments. The collard greens and fried green tomatoes are the perfect complement to any entrée, offering a true taste of Southern comfort food. Their homemade hushpuppies are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a perfect starter to share with friends and family.
What makes Cape Fear Seafood Company stand out is not just the food, but the attention to detail in every aspect of the dining experience. The service is always friendly and attentive, creating a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Many visitors rave about the staff’s knowledge of the menu, and they’re happy to offer recommendations based on your preferences, ensuring that each visit is tailored to your tastes.
The location itself is also ideal, situated in a convenient spot in Wilmington. Whether you're in the area for business, visiting family, or just exploring the sights, Cape Fear Seafood Company is easily accessible, making it a great stop for lunch or dinner. The cozy, relaxed setting is perfect for casual dining, but it also has an upscale feel for those looking for a more refined experience.
In addition to their regular menu, Cape Fear Seafood Company also offers a variety of daily specials that change depending on what’s fresh that day. This is a great opportunity to try something new, with dishes that showcase seasonal ingredients and local seafood varieties. These specials are often created with a twist on traditional favorites, giving guests a chance to experience the culinary creativity of the chefs.
For dessert, the key lime pie is a local favorite, with a perfectly tangy and sweet filling that offers a refreshing end to a flavorful meal. If you’re not in the mood for pie, the chocolate lava cake is a rich and indulgent option that’s perfect for sharing with your dining companions.
All in all, Cape Fear Seafood Company offers a fantastic dining experience that’s hard to beat in Wilmington. Whether you’re craving classic Southern seafood dishes, want to try something new, or simply enjoy a great meal with friends and family, this restaurant has something for everyone. Its commitment to quality ingredients, excellent service, and a warm, inviting atmosphere makes it a standout in the local restaurant scene. Don't forget to check out their drink menu as well, which features a variety of local craft beers and cocktails to pair perfectly with your meal.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great tea selection ✓ Great wine list ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Healthy options ✓ Private dining room ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ WineDining options
✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Quiet ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservations ✓ Usually a waitPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 2966 reviews
Cape Fear Seafood Company easily deserves 5 stars. Jason was a fantastic server—friendly, attentive, and really added to the experience. The scallops were incredible, perfectly cooked, and full of flavor. Overall, a great meal and a place worth going back to.
I recently dined at Cape Fear Seafood Company in Wilmington, and it was an absolute standout meal—hands down one of the best seafood experiences I've had in the area! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was welcoming and relaxed, with that perfect coastal vibe that makes you feel right at home. The service was top-notch; our server was attentive, knowledgeable about the menu, and made great recommendations without being overbearing. They truly elevated the whole experience. Now, onto the food, wow! We started with the Shrimp and Grits, and let me tell you, it was awesome. Creamy, flavorful grits loaded with perfectly seasoned shrimp in a rich, savory sauce,it's no wonder this spot was recognized by Our State Magazine as one of North Carolina's must-try for this classic dish. Every bite was pure comfort with a gourmet twist. I also had the Mahi-Mahi special, which was really good: fresh, flaky, and grilled to perfection with a light herb seasoning that let the fish shine. Paired with some simple sides, it was fresh, balanced, and just what I needed after a day exploring the Cape Fear coast. Overall, the portions were generous, the prices were fair for the quality and everything felt fresh and locally sourced, which is exactly what you want from a spot like this. If you're in Wilmington and craving seafood done right, Cape Fear Seafood Company is a must-visit. I'll definitely be back, highly recommend!
All of these stars are low 5's. Each individual aspect was good enough to call good, but nothing single-handedly deserved a "Wow!" besides dessert and scallops. That being said, altogether the restaurant would be a 5/5. I believe overall, I could recommend this restaurant, but not highly or to everyone.
Highly recommend for good seafood flavors! I got the shrimp scampi and my husband got the swordfish. My son got the fried fish sticks and fried. Server was great as well.
The service was good and the mahi mahi was very good. The creme burle was very good too. What i did not like was that the menu was sticky and old and looks neglected. This was at location closed to 421 on junction. A little price for location look, tjey may need to update a little bit. Restrooms were clean. Thanks