10 Myrtle Beach Restaurants Serving Up Seafood Worth the Trip

Myrtle Beach draws millions of visitors each year, and its amazing seafood restaurants are a big reason why. Fresh catches from the Atlantic Ocean make their way to local kitchens daily, creating unforgettable dining experiences. Whether you crave buttery lobster, crispy fried shrimp, or tender crab legs, this coastal paradise has something special waiting for you. Get ready to discover the tastiest seafood spots that will make your beach vacation absolutely delicious.

1. Hook & Barrel

Upscale dining meets coastal charm at this waterfront gem that transforms fresh catches into culinary masterpieces. Executive chefs craft innovative dishes using locally sourced ingredients, creating flavors that dance on your taste buds.

Their signature lobster mac and cheese has become legendary among locals and tourists alike. The restaurant’s elegant atmosphere features stunning ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Reservations fill up quickly during peak season, so booking ahead ensures you won’t miss out on this extraordinary dining adventure.

2. Captain Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood Buffet

Endless rows of golden fried seafood stretch as far as the eye can see at this beloved buffet paradise. Families have been creating memories here for decades, bonding over heaping plates of calabash-style preparations.

More than 170 items fill the buffet tables, including fresh oysters, steamed crab legs, and their famous hush puppies. Kids love the soft-serve ice cream station, while adults appreciate the reasonable prices.

Weekend crowds can be overwhelming, so arriving early helps you beat the rush and enjoy a more relaxed dining experience.

3. Lobster House Seafood Restaurant

Generations of fishermen have supplied this family-owned establishment with the finest catches from local waters. The restaurant’s commitment to freshness shows in every perfectly prepared dish that graces their tables.

Their whole steamed lobsters arrive bright red and bursting with sweet, tender meat that melts in your mouth. The casual atmosphere encourages diners to get messy with bibs and crackers while enjoying their feast.

Local fishing boats often dock nearby, allowing you to watch tomorrow’s dinner being unloaded while you enjoy today’s catch.

4. Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant

Virginia Beach’s most famous seafood buffet expanded to Myrtle Beach, bringing their legendary all-you-can-eat concept to the Grand Strand. The massive dining room buzzes with excitement as guests discover table after table of oceanic treasures.

Snow crab legs pile high in warming trays, while fresh shrimp cocktail disappears almost as quickly as it’s replenished. Their dessert bar features key lime pie and bread pudding that perfectly caps off any seafood feast.

The restaurant opens at 4 PM daily, and arriving right at opening time guarantees the freshest selections and shortest wait times.

5. Mr. Fish Seafood Market & Grill

Part market, part restaurant, this unique establishment lets you select your seafood from ice-filled display cases before having it prepared to order. The concept bridges the gap between grocery shopping and fine dining in the most delicious way possible.

Fresh grouper, flounder, and mahi-mahi arrive daily from local fishing boats, ensuring peak quality and flavor. You can choose your cooking method, from blackened to grilled to fried in their light, crispy batter.

The market side sells fresh seafood to take home, making it perfect for vacation rental guests who want to cook their own coastal feast.

6. Crabby George’s Calabash Seafood Buffet

Southern hospitality meets oceanic abundance at this cheerful buffet where servers treat every guest like family. The calabash cooking style originated in nearby Calabash, North Carolina, and this restaurant honors that tradition beautifully.

Lightly breaded and perfectly seasoned seafood emerges from the kitchen in constant waves, ensuring everything stays hot and fresh. Their creamy coleslaw and buttery corn on the cob provide perfect accompaniments to the main attractions.

The friendly staff remembers regular customers by name, creating a warm community atmosphere that keeps families returning year after year for their beach vacations.

7. Pier 14 Seafood Restaurant

Perched directly over the Atlantic Ocean, this restaurant offers dining experiences where crashing waves provide the soundtrack to your meal. The pier location creates an authentic connection between your plate and the sea below.

Their she-crab soup has won multiple local awards, featuring rich, creamy broth studded with sweet crabmeat and a hint of sherry. The outdoor deck seating allows you to feel ocean breezes while watching dolphins play in the surf.

Sunset dinners here become magical experiences as the sky transforms into brilliant oranges and pinks reflected on the water’s surface.

8. Noizy Oysters Bar & Grill

Raw bars don’t get much better than this lively spot where expert shuckers work their magic behind gleaming displays of fresh bivalves. The energetic atmosphere encourages conversation and laughter among friends sharing platters of oceanic delights.

Their oyster selection changes daily based on availability, featuring varieties from both local waters and distant coastal regions. Knowledgeable staff guide newcomers through flavor profiles, helping them discover new favorites.

Happy hour specials make this an affordable way to sample premium oysters, and the full bar creates perfect pairings with craft cocktails and ice-cold beer.

9. Seafood World Calabash Seafood And Steak Buffet

Carnivores and seafood lovers unite at this expansive buffet that satisfies every craving under one roof. The massive dining space accommodates large groups and special celebrations with ease and comfort.

Beyond traditional seafood offerings, their steak station features made-to-order cuts cooked to your exact specifications. The combination creates perfect solutions for families with different dietary preferences and tastes.

Their weekend brunch buffet adds breakfast favorites to the mix, including eggs benedict topped with crabmeat and fresh fruit displays that balance out the heavier options beautifully.

10. Bubba’s Fish Camp & Smokehouse

Rustic charm meets serious flavor at this down-home establishment where smoking techniques transform fresh catches into extraordinary culinary experiences. The casual, no-frills atmosphere lets the food speak for itself without pretension.

Their smoked salmon develops complex flavors through hours of careful preparation, while blackened catfish arrives with perfectly balanced spices that enhance rather than mask the fish’s natural taste. Generous portions ensure nobody leaves hungry.

The restaurant’s commitment to traditional Southern cooking methods creates authentic flavors that transport diners to simpler times when meals brought communities together around shared tables.