8 of The Best Restaurants in North Carolina for Crab Cakes

Carolina's Finest: A Guide to North Carolina's 8 Best Crab Cakes

Here's a guide to eight of the best places to find a top-tier crab cake in the Tar Heel State.

1. Blue Moon Beach Grill (Nags Head, Outer Banks)

• The Crab Cake: Consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants in the Outer Banks, Blue Moon Beach Grill serves a highly acclaimed crab cake. It's known for being packed with jumbo lump crab meat and just enough binder to hold it together, broiled to a perfect golden brown.
• The Vibe: A fun, quirky, and always busy spot with a creative menu and a laid-back beach atmosphere. Expect a wait, but it's well worth it.
• Location: 4104 S Virginia Dare Trl, Nags Head, NC 27959

2. Basnight's Lone Cedar Cafe (Nags Head, Outer Banks)

• The Crab Cake: An Outer Banks institution, Basnight's Lone Cedar Cafe offers stunning sound-side views and a commitment to fresh, local North Carolina seafood. Their crab cakes are a traditional and delicious representation of coastal Carolina cooking.
• The Vibe: An upscale-casual restaurant with a beautiful waterfront setting, perfect for watching the sunset while enjoying a fantastic seafood dinner.
• Location: 7623 S Virginia Dare Trl, Nags Head, NC 27959

3. 42nd St Oyster Bar & Seafood Grill (Raleigh)

• The Crab Cake: A landmark in the state's capital city since 1931, 42nd St Oyster Bar is a historic seafood institution. Their crab cake is a classic, high-quality offering that has been satisfying diners for decades.
• The Vibe: An old-school, upscale surf-and-turf restaurant with a classic, wood-paneled atmosphere.
• Location: 508 W Jones St, Raleigh, NC 27603

4. Provision Company (Southport & Holden Beach)

• The Vibe: For a super casual, quintessentially coastal experience, Provision Company is a beloved local favorite. You order at the window and find a seat on the porch overlooking the water.
• The Crab Cake: While the menu is simple, their crab cake sandwich is a standout – a delicious, no-frills cake served on a soft bun. It's the perfect meal to enjoy with a cold beer and a waterfront view.
• Location (Southport): 130 Yacht Basin Dr, Southport, NC 28461

5. Cape Fear Seafood Company (Multiple Locations)

• The Crab Cake: With several locations in the Wilmington area and beyond, Cape Fear Seafood Company has built a reputation for high-quality, fresh seafood. Their signature broiled crab cake is a top seller, packed with lump crab meat and minimal filler.
• The Vibe: A polished, comfortable, and family-friendly restaurant with a modern coastal feel.
• Location Example: 5226 S College Rd Suite 5, Wilmington, NC 28412

6. Saltbox Seafood Joint (Durham)

• The Crab Cake: Helmed by James Beard Award-winning Chef Ricky Moore, Saltbox Seafood Joint is a celebrated spot that showcases North Carolina seafood with integrity and incredible flavor. When crab cakes are on the seasonally rotating menu, they are guaranteed to be exceptional and expertly prepared.
• The Vibe: A casual, walk-up "fish shack" style eatery where the focus is entirely on the quality of the fresh, local seafood.
• Location: 2637 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, Durham, NC 27707

7. Parker's Barbecue (Wilson)

• The Crab Cake: While world-famous for its Eastern North Carolina whole-hog barbecue, Parker's Barbecue also serves as a classic Southern family restaurant. Many patrons round out their BBQ feast with a side of their traditional, Southern-style fried crab cakes.
• The Vibe: A large, bustling, and historic Southern diner experience that has been serving the community since 1946.
• Location: 2514 US-301, Wilson, NC 27893

8. The Crab's Claw Oceanfront Caribbean Restaurant (Atlantic Beach)

• The Crab Cake: This popular oceanfront restaurant on the Crystal Coast offers a delicious crab cake with a unique twist.
• The Vibe: A laid-back beach restaurant with a Caribbean flair. Enjoy your crab cake while taking in the ocean views from their deck.
• Location: 201 W Atlantic Blvd, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512