Location: Emerald Isle
Top Restaurants in Emerald Isle
Top Things to do in Emerald Isle
Most Popular Restaurants in Emerald Isle
Located about a 2 ½-hours drive from the state capital of Raleigh, this welcoming strand of coastline is the perfect blend of solitude and activities. Emerald Island is by no means desolate. There are plenty of funky shops that sell traditional beach trinkets, including T-shirts, toys and water toys for the entire family. If it’s outdoor activities you want, you will find plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, sailing and more. Kids love flying kites along these sandy white beaches. You can also enjoy a plethora of sightseeing, shopping, golf and other fun activities.
Things to do in Emerald Isle
1. Sweet Spot
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 225 reviews
Reviewed By Kathy6554 - Greensboro, North Carolina
Stopped here for dessert. Everyone was very pleased with their choice of flavors. Soooo many flavors to choose from! Great service.
2. Caribsea
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 226 reviews
Upscale seafood restaurant utilizing modern cooking techniques, practicing safe sustainable seafood and farm to table produce. Catering events & weddings.
Reviewed By bluewaterdiva - New England
My husband and I ate here just beforeChristmas. The atmosphere is lovely and upscale. The service was attentive but not obtrusive. Our waitress made some excellent suggestions for drinks and food. We shared a maki appetizer and a salad. My husband had the fish of the day and I had the crab cake which was one of the best ever. The food was beautifully presented and full of flavor. It was warm enough for us to enjoy the rooftop lounge for an after-dinner drink and some good music. We are planning one more visit before we end our month in Emerald Isle.
3. Big Oak Drive In & BBQ
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 272 reviews
Reviewed By hjpoole - Holly Springs, North Carolina
Everything tasted the same and it was a bit confusing when trying to get everyone's order in. Many people would like this place and I figure earlier in the day it might taste better but I am not one of those.
If you like fried seafood prepared fast food like this is definitely a place to visit. A quick bite to eat and one that meets many people's like for soft crabshell sandwiches or shrimp on a bun.
4. Flip Flops Doughnut Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By Ginger9708 - Roselle Park, New Jersey
I came here twice during our stay. I would highly recommend the chocolate angel donuts. It's similar to a donut shop we have at home but so much better. My daughter had the bacon bar and liked it also. If we were going straight home the next day would have put an order in for these and put in freezer to have them. I wish I had a chocolate angel right now.
5. Stir It Up News Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By Scott S
Great little coffee shop. Service was fast and we'll done. Not as expensive as that national chain. Our drinks were delicious.
6. Happycakes Cupcakery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 221 reviews
Reviewed By wblawson54
The cupcakes are delicious, moist, always fresh, and the most unique flavors and decorative toppings you can imagine. They deserve to be winners of the Cupcake Wars. But beyond the cupcakes, the place is just large enough for some small tables, a place to sit and enjoy the treats and a cold drink. It's a neat little place to visit for awhile, or take home a box....or one!...special cupcake and say, "You are special and loved." It's like a little birthday anyday you wish!
7. Kathryn's Bistro and Martini Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 288 reviews
Reviewed By XLsDADDY
This was one of the best dinners we had in North Carolina our entire 3 week vacation. We were greeted with smiles and hellos when we entered the busy restuarant. We were immediately seated and.brought waters. Within minutes we knew the specials features of the evening and had our drink orders taken. We were pretty impressed already just from what we saw and how the staff carroed themsleves. We decided to try the lamb lollipops for an appitizer. They were so tender and delicious. A must order item...
My wife orderd the special featured filet mignon on top of asparagus and a garlic mashed potato, topped with fresh gargonzola cheese and a demi glaze. I orderd the special featured fresh catch of the day snapper that was pesto panko crusted on top of crab meat with Jasmine flavored rice and fresh vegitables. We both were in food heaven. Everything was hot and cooked properly. Very impressed! My wife enjoyed her special martini from the bar. Then we finished the night with a molten chocolate lava cake paired with ice cream for our sweet tooth craving. Mmmmm.
Anytime we come back to this area we will be eating here! Food is on the higher priced side, but you get what you pay for here.
8. The Crab Shack
Overall Ratings
4 based on 574 reviews
The Crab Shack Restaurant is a family owned business serving patrons for the past 40 years. Our menu consists of all types of seafood including fish, shrimp, homemade crab cakes and of course... CRABS! We also have the best steaks on the island! Sandwiches include hamburgers, cheeseburgers, shrimp burgers, etc. and our "just like mama's" grilled cheese sandwich. We offer daily lunch specials, including your choice of an entree, 2 veggies and sweet or unsweet tea, available 7 days a week. We pride ourselves on fast, courteous service where you're treated like one of the family. Our kid-friendly atmosphere keeps our annual vacationers coming back year after year. The main dining room overlooks beautiful Bogue Sound. (We don't even charge extra for the view!) Our shrimp boats parked out back, add a beautiful back drop to your dining experience. So if you're looking for fresh seafood, land-lubbers delights and a fun time for you and the family, give us a try... you won't be sorry!
Reviewed By 122Hanovergirl - Radford, Virginia
We were heading back to our hotel and saw this restaurant still open about 8:30 p.m. so we stopped in. Very fast service! Excellent crab cakes - no filler. Will stop here again. Everything was wonderful and the staff was so friendly - made us...MoreThank you we appreciate your business and your wonderful review
9. Frank's Pizza and Subs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By Sharron L - Cedar Point, North Carolina
We have been to Frank's 3 times in the last few months and had pizza. It was excellent the first two times but a few days ago it was not good at all. We learned it was a new cook.
10. 4J's Cafe and Bake Shop
Overall Ratings
4 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By seeingallthesights - Bowie, Maryland
We were excited to grab bagels and coffee for our family while on the island for vacation, but 4 J's threw us for a loop. This bagel/bakery shop has you pick our your food from bins and walk it up to the register to check out then if you want cream cheese it is 75¢ for one of those small Philadelphia samplers and $3.99 for a tub of Philadelphia (might as well walk across the street to the grocery store to buy your cream cheese) in addition, you toast your own bagel at one of the two, 2 slot toasters in the cafe. As your checking out it's almost impossible to hear the staff over the sound of the blender making smoothies. Over all the layout and experience inside the cafe was poor but honestly, the bagels and coffee were very delicious and the staff was very kind. Really mixed about this one, check it out for your self!
