Top Seafood Restaurants in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is the crown jewel of the Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of sunny, sandy beaches
The Atlantic Ocean inlets and saltwater marshes offer up a banquet of seafood. Fishermen haul in shellfish, grouper, flounder, yellowfin tuna and a host of other fresh fish daily. If you love seafood, this South Carolina destination is the place to dig in. Gather around a table with your family and friends and a bib around your neck to enjoy your next meal at these top seafood restaurants in Myrtle Beach.
1. Happy Days Diner Rocks Mealtime
Captain John’s Seafood Grill (1401 29th Ave N., Myrtle Beach) provides a laid-back, casual dining experience on Pawleys Island. Relax in this small, quaint restaurant, where the walls are lined with fishing mementos and the stories are plentiful. You’ll often find owner John Venuti on hand to regale you with stories or recommend his favorites, and you’ll typically find yourself seated amongst locals. Diners rave over the haddock sandwich, whole belly clams and Maine lobster rolls. This restaurant is busy, especially during high-season weekends, when you can expect a line—but the extra wait is well worth it.
2. Captain Dave’s Dockside
Captain Dave’s (4037 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC ) has been a local institution since 1974, and the menu is a testament to decades of experience in preparing delicious seafood. You’ll find this charming restaurant right next to the dock at Murrells Inlet and whatever you find on your plate most likely came straight from the boat that morning. In addition to the super-fresh fare, you’ll enjoy a stunning view of the sunset or of wildlife in the saltwater tidal inlet below. Expect a meal that’s humble, authentic and appetizing. Start with their artisan flatbread, the Portobello mushroom or house made chorizo are local favorites. Of course, you don't want to miss out on the shrimp and grits—a specialty here.
3. Flying Fish Public Market & Grill
Prepare for a unique, interactive dining experience at the Flying Fish Public Market & Grill (4744 Highway 17 South, North Myrtle Beach), which is located at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach. Here, you select your own fresh fish and have it cooked up especially for you. Choose from Cajun-style, fire-grilled, hooked (topped with shrimp) or cornmeal-coated and sautéed. Then add your choice of toppings, like fresh herb cream, honey lime butter,mango salsa, Asian sesame glaze or habanero orange chutney. Flying Fish serves lunch and dinner; the $6 lunch specials are a real bargain.
4. Bonefish Grill
You’ll smell the wood-grilled goodness at Bonefish Grill (7401 N. Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach) from the parking lot. Bonefish offers friendly, casual dining and daily fresh fish specials. Service is friendly, so ask for a recommendation if you’re not sure what to order. Don’t miss out on the restaurant’s most famous offering—Bang Bang shrimp. Get ‘em on a skewer or in a street taco. Bonefish is a local hotspot, so get there early for dinner, especially during weekends or holidays. While you wait, sip on an infused cocktail at their Big City Bar, the Bonefish Pomegranate Martini is a local favorite.
5. Frank’s
If you’re looking for a romantic dinner, Frank’s (10434 Ocean Hwy., Pawleys Island) on Pawleys Island is the place. Dress to impress and dine either inside or on the lush covered patio. Can’t miss appetizers include the charred octopus with baby arugula and the chilled lobster pesto pasta. Ready for the main course? Frank’s entrees are innovative and infused with bold flavors, like the pan-fried cornmeal and black pepper encrusted grouper. It's served with shrimp over fried Johnsonville grits in creamy Dijon three-peppercorn sauce. Reservations are recommended.
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