Location: Bald Head Island
Top Restaurants in Bald Head Island
Top Things to do in Bald Head Island
- 1. Bald Head Island Lighthouse
- 2. Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
- 3. Carolina Beach State Park
- 4. Brunswick Town and Fort Anderson State Historic Site
- 5. Oak Island Beaches
- 6. Holden Beach
- 7. Cape Fear National at Brunswick Forest
- 8. Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry
- 9. Oak Island Lighthouse
- 10. Kure Beach Pier
Where to Eat in Bald Head Island: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Bald Head Island, historically Smith Island, is a village located on the east side of the Cape Fear River in Brunswick County, North Carolina, United States. Compared to the city of Wilmington to the north, the village of Bald Head Island is small and somewhat remote. It is only accessible by ferry from the nearby town of Southport. There are few cars on the island; instead, residents drive modified electric golf carts. Bald Head Island is nationally recognized for its sea turtle nesting activity.
Things to do in Bald Head Island
1. Burneys Bakery & Ice Cream
Overall Ratings
5 based on 224 reviews
Reviewed By Judi S - Santee, California
I admit that I have a sweet tooth and have to stop in different places when I travel. This place is fantastic, you walk in the the smell alone is to die for. They have 15 layer cakes ready to go, and almost anything else you can think of.
We had the stuffed croissants the first day and had to go back the rest of the week!
2. Britt's Donut Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Apryl J - Charlotte, North Carolina
I was at the Boardwalk and I visited Britt's on Sunday 4/1 at 5pm. The donuts are delicious, reminded me of KK but what I appreciate about Britt's is that their donuts are hand-made not made by a machine. I wish that I would have know that I could've taken a seat at the counter and ordered my donuts instead of waiting in line for 30 minutes, but it was totally worth it! Will visit again!! Oh yeah- cash only!
3. Mr. P's Bistro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 536 reviews
A longtime Southport institution, one of the top dining spots in town. Low Country-leaning menu. Good wine list
Reviewed By Paul B - Old Fort, North Carolina
From the moment you walk into this establishment you will understand why the locals covet this place. It has a down home feel with a classy refined touch. The bar did wonderful work with cocktails that we ordered, the apps that we had were excellent and the main entrees were spot on. Well prepared and generously portioned. Finish off with dessert and coffee and I promise you will have convinced yourself to return every chance you can. I cant say enough about this restaurant, its that good!!!
4. Freddie's Restaurante
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 398 reviews
Reviewed By Alyssa B - JAMESTOWN
First time trying it out. Hubby got the ribeye and it was really good! Very tender and juicy with a great flavor. Comes with garlic mashed potatoes, broccoli or another choice I forgot! I had the special which was chicken scampi. Served with linguini. They bring a delicious bread to the table and have a nice house salad with their own dressing. Not a cheap place to eat but a nice, quiet meal in a great atmosphere. (Next time we’re trying the chops!)
5. Bob's Dogs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 180 reviews
Reviewed By Bbqman3341 - Gainesville, Georgia
it was delightful, nice quality frankfurter, fresh bun, crisp cold onions just a hand full of paradise. then, upon further reflection there on the menu is a hot dog with pimento cheese. not just your average off the shelf grocery pimento cheese but an upper class, not for sale at any price, well maybe, home made pimento cheese loaded with pimento and a bright orange cheese color that predated clemson and had originated with the royal houses of continental europe. your daddy didn't have to be king to get pimento cheese this good, but to get it this fresh you had to know somebody. i'm still mad about it though. had it not been for that pimento cheese i could have had a 2nd chili dog. after all that's what got us into the parking lot. friendly staff greeted us warmly. place was clean, food was delicious but there was no mater de and reservations are not required. it was magic, as we we're leaving i felt as if i had been awakened from a dream it was so good.
6. Surf House Oyster Bar & Surf Camp
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 311 reviews
Online menu through review websites may not reflect current menu. Please visit official restaurant website to see up to date menus.
Reviewed By 24gaylord - Virginia Beach, Virginia
Excellent choice of farm-to-table vegetables and seafood. The wait staff is attentive and well-informed, happy to answer questions and to make sure the diner is comfortable and pleased. Nice wines accompany the food, as well as draft beers. Children are welcome and have their own choices.
7. Wake N Bake Donuts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 450 reviews
Wake N Bake Donuts serves an assortment of fun, creative, and gourmet donuts. Choose from our various unique specialty donuts like the Wake N Bacon, Loopy Morning, or Carolina Sand or choose a unique donut that fits your style!
Reviewed By Keke_KC - Merritt Island, Fl
Make this a stop when you are in Wilmington. We had glazed, Boston cream and the maple bacon. Donuts are big and that maple bacon is so good, I am craving it as I write this review.Thanks so much for the support and feedback! See you next time!
8. Joseph's Italian Bistro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 485 reviews
Reviewed By EndlessSummerCaptain - Southport, North Carolina
Regrettably, Joseph's had a fire (looked like a kitchen fire) early morning of January 1. Recommend calling ahead to learn the status of the repairs.
9. Ida Thai Cuisine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 267 reviews
Reviewed By Pembabec - Isla Bastimentos, Panama
I seriously do not know what I love more about this gem; the food or the wonderful family who runs the whole kitchen kaboodle! I like everything on their menu. Made as you order, fresh lovely ingredients, the best customer service. I usually call ahead on my way home from work and order my fav, Spicy Basil Noodles. I have not once been disappointed. Eat in or take out the quality is the same, the prices are great. Well done!
10. The Barbeque House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 428 reviews
Reviewed By NYSkeptic - Albany, New York
The Barbeque House is what it says on the label - barbeque and pretty much nothing but. We had a short wait to clear a booth big enough for six. I noticed the smell of smoke but nearly as much as I would have expected. And I think that sums up my impressions of the Barbeque House - just not as much as I expected - other than the food portions which were more than abundant.
We all had two meat platters with assorted sides (the Big Daddy plate - two meats, two sides, plus puppies - a bargain a the price). I found the pulled pork to be flavorful but surprisingly dry. The brisket was moist but could have used more smoke. The baby backs were sweet, juicy, and tender as expected, and came with a sweet barbecue sauce as the only option and I am the spicy sauce type. The chicken wings had just a hint of smoke (which was enough in this case) and a hot sauce with chunks of crushed chilis swimming in it. Very nice.
There was a nice selection of 5 or 6 different sauces to add including sweet, spicy, mustard, vinegar, and a Tennessee (?) tomato and vinegar. They should cover every palate. The list of sides was lengthy - the sweet potato fries, baked beans, and red slaw our favorites. The side salad was big enough and quite fresh, though just "normal" and limited to standard toppings. The hushpuppies were bland and dry. Fortunately, the came with a nice cinnamon butter which helped them out.
Didn't have dessert because we couldn't. There was simply too much food to leave any room at all and we all took boxes out with us. Service was very good - attentive and friendly. Would I go back again? Absolutely. But would this be one of the must-visit restaurants on the island? No. It's barbecue, and I've had better.
