Author: 
Topsail Island is a 26-mile barrier island off the North Carolina coastline just north of Wilmington. The island varies in width between 500 feet and 1500 feet and protects dozens of marine and wildlife refuges.
At the island’s northernmost tip, you will find North Topsail Beach. Midway on the island is Surf City, and locals refer to the southernmost tip as Topsail Beach. With so many great vacation rentals along the coast, it’s no wonder this is such a popular North Carolina beach destination.
When visiting Topsail Island, North Carolina, things are pure beach and fun in the sun, and there are plenty of local places to eat, drink and relax. Topsail Island restaurants offer an impressive variety of dining options, from oyster bars to hot dog stands. Not surprisingly, seafood is king, but there is something for every taste.
Inexpensive Restaurants on Topsail Island ($)
The Daily Grind
114 N Topsail Dr, Surf City, NC 28445. 910-541-0471.
Beach mornings are never complete without a visit to The Daily Grind. Grab a strong pour and a homemade donut or bagel for a quick start to the day.
The Daily Grind isn’t just about coffee, though. They offer smoothies, fresh lunch, and dinner too. Choose from a selection of wines and listen to live music on the outdoor patio as you wind down after sunset.
Beach Bums Pizza, Bar & Grill
4021 Island Dr. North Topsail Beach, NC 28460. 910-328-1044.
Located off of Island Drive just feet from the water, Beach Bum’s daily live entertainment complements frozen concoctions such as the Frozen Pineapple Bumarita or the Orange Crush.
Colorfully decorated, Beach Bum’s Pizza, Bar, and Grill is an unassuming island favorite and an excellent choice for appetizers, beer, or an Italian sub-sandwich. Grab a seat at the Beach Bum bar, or pack your hot dog for an impromptu picnic on the beach.
Seaview Pier Restaurant
124 Fishing Pier Ln, North Topsail Beach, NC. 28460. 910-328-3172.
Seaview Pier Restaurant is an unpretentious countertop restaurant with some of the best burgers on the island. The fries are crispy and served in generous portions, and the Carolina coke (cole) slaw is a must. Grab a drink and find a place on the weathered wooden deck, where the views are unforgettable.
Island Delights
316 N New River Dr, Surf City, NC 28445. 910-328-1868.
Island Delights is a throwback diner and ice cream shop located in the heart of Surf City. They serve banana splits, sundaes, and milkshakes using your choice from over two dozen ice cream flavors. Before dessert, grab a burger and fries if you need a quick bit.
Island Delights closes for the winter season but opens again in the spring — to everyone’s delight.
Shaka Taco
107B North Shore Dr, Surf City, NC 28445. 910-616-3118.
You can’t go wrong with Shaka Taco. Order lunch or dinner from the side window, then relax on the patio. Shaka Taco is focused on freshness and uses North Carolina sourced food and spices to enhance Shaka Taco’s wings, quesadillas, taco bowls, and, of course, tacos.
Try an absolute local favorite – the shrimp tacos with a side of coconut rice. Another popular dish is the Acai Bowl, a super-powered fruit salad.
Max’s Pizza
602 Roland Avenue, Surf City, NC 28445. 910-328-2158.
Max’s Pizza is great food at affordable prices and remains a beach vacation tradition. This Topsail restaurant is famous for its homemade dough and a unique blend of cheeses.
Max’s menu is simple, offering pizza, Italian pasta, subs, and salads. They will also make gluten-free pizzas upon request.
New York Corner Deli
206 N Topsail Dr, Surf City, NC
The New York Corner Deli is one of the best restaurants on Topsail Island. The sandwiches are overstuffed for breakfast or lunch, and the soups are homemade. Don’t forget to leave room for a satisfying slice of NY Cheesecake or a sample of Italian gelato — a refreshing finale?
Sears Landing
806 Roland Ave, Surf City, NC 28445
Located above the Surf City Highrise Bridge on the mainland, Sears Landing overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway. The Sears Landing Grill accommodates boaters and walk-ups for its Southern seafood menu. Intimate indoor dining complements ample outdoor seating on the expansive covered wooden deck.
Moderately Priced Restaurants on Topsail Island ($$)
Splash by the Sea
790 New River Inlet Road North Topsail Beach, NC 28460. 910-328-3044.
Splash by the Sea is one of Topsail Island’s trendiest fine dining restaurants. Located just north of North Topsail Beach, Splash by the Sea does not make reservations, but a relaxing drink in the bar will help the wait time pass at this popular island eatery.
Plates are shareable. Local menu favorites include a Splash 4 x 4 Pizza or the Splash Steam Pot with lobster, crab, shrimp, and potatoes. Splash by the Sea’s famous Shrimp and Grits are some of the best on the island. And Chef Chris makes the dessert decision all but impossible, offering both a Decadent Martini Mousse and Key Lime Pie.
Topsail Steamer
302 S Topsail Dr, Surf City, NC 28445. 910-328-2645.
Topsail Steamer is a bit of a twist on island take-out restaurants but worth mentioning. If you have had a long day at the beach and want to relax, then grab a Seafood Steam Pot, perfectly prepared, to take home and enjoy. Order one of their 7 Bay Buckets online – or create-your-own bucket, then follow the easy instructions to prepare the pot. They even deliver.
One of two locations in North Carolina, this creative dining process makes it easy for families to enjoy a fresh meal while staying in a beach vacation rental.
The Beach Shop & Grill
701 S Anderson Blvd, Topsail Beach, NC 28445. 910-328-6501.
The Beach Shop & Grill is a locally sourced, upscale island bistro that includes lunch options such as fried chicken sandwiches, fish tacos, and bowls, and dinner options like salads, crab cakes, and tuna. For dessert, the preferred choice is the Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding.
Don’t forget that the Beach Shop & Grill is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan your visit accordingly. You wouldn’t want to miss the house specialty, the light, and refreshing “AirMail,” – made with white rum, honey, lime, and sparkling rose.
Breezeway Restaurant
634 Channel Blvd, Topsail Beach, NC 28445. 910-328-4302.
The Breezeway is a seasonal waterfront seafood restaurant on Topsail Beach that offers breathtaking views of Topsail Sound and the Atlantic Ocean.
Connected to the Breezeway Motel, The Breezeway restaurant is considered an island institution, first opening in 1949 to serve nearby Camp Davis. The restaurant is famous for fried seafood and hush puppies. But you will have to plan a visit during the spring, summer, or fall, as they close for the winter.
Upscale Restaurants on Topsail Island ($$$)
Coastal Wing and Spirits
108 Triton Lane, Surf City, North Carolina 28445. 910-803-0324.
The Coastal Wing and Spirits restaurant is next to the Salty Turtle Beer Company in Surf City. These two restaurants combine for a perfect day or night out.
Coastal’s wings are outstanding, but what sets them apart is the range of wing sauce flavors, from Alabama White Sauce and BBQ sauce to Spicy Pub sauce. Not to be outdone, the CWS Angus Burgers may be the best burger in the area. And right next door, the craft brewery, the Salty Turtle Beer Company, offers globally inspired brews such as the Barnacle Bill’s Brown Ale or Swingbridge Breakfast Stout.
Daddy Mac’s Beach Grille
108 N Shore Dr, Surf City, NC 28445. 910-328-5577.
Open all year long, Daddy Mac’s Beach Grille is a local favorite all day long. House specialties include Eggs Benedict Chesapeake with local seafood crab cakes, Stuffed Portobello Burgers, or fresh seafood tacos. Combine delicious food with spectacular beachside views of the Atlantic Ocean, and you’ve found your perfect dining experience.
Beauchaine’s 211
211 S Topsail Dr, Surf City, NC 28445. 910-328-1888.
Beauchaine’s 211 is a casual, upscale Riverview eatery with an American Atlantic flair. Sit and sip a house specialty drink while waiting for your Brown Butter Shrimp and Grits entree made from local seafood. Or, for a vegan choice, the Eggplant Parmesan Stack in coconut broth is famous.
Located on the inner sound side of Topsail Island, Beauchaine’s has an expansive outdoor deck.
With that, you have it. A full list of the best places to eat on Topsail Island that you won’t want to miss out on. Organized by price, there’s something for everyone’s tastes and budget.
